RUMOURS {AU}

Prologue

Sweaty palms, pale faces, chattering teeth, bobbing knees. It can only mean one thing: selection day for the most particular and picky catholic secondary school in the Doncaster area, St. Joseph's Catholic College.

Carla Joney Ovane sits rigidly, hand in hand with her best, and only, friend, Louis William Tomlinson. Both young, innocent twelve-year olds, waiting not-so-patiently for the few, select names to be called out. As per previous arrangement, they yet again shake hands, sealing their pre-made deal.

'One out – all out. We both go to St. Joseph's or we both don't.' Both want to go to St. Joseph's, having heard of their amazing academic and sporting facilities and history. Their only fears are one getting accepted and the other not. They believe they are too close in friendship to be separated by a silly, picky school that is, in the long run, barely worth their money.

"The students granted the opportunity to attend St. Joseph's Catholic College for their secondary education are . . ." The principal, Mr. Jonathan Darson, says, smiling a faux smile at the young children surrounding him. He's never liked children, thus the reason he nominated himself for the principal position so he could monitor where he taught. Carla Ovane squeezes her eyes shut in nervousness and anticipation.

"Caz, it's going to be fine. We are best friends forever, remember?" Louis whispers lightly in her ear, knowing just the right way to calm Carla down. Eleven years of friendship can make you understand someone that well. Louis receives glares from multiple teachers situated around the large auditorium, all of them standing tall and stiff as boards. He smiles innocently, something he's mastered over his many years of trouble-making and class-clowning.

"Hayley Johnson, Danielle Parlo, Jackson Bird, Louis Tomlinson," Carla flashes Louis a bright smile at his acceptance. Now all she awaits is her own. "Lucas Yorke, Jessica Adams, Percy Danielson," The names pile up to the precise number of 50 students per year. Many students are starting to loose hope, Carla included. Louis gives her hand a squeeze, hoping to reassure her, or for some of his luck to brush off on her. He knows that it's futile, the decision is already made and it cannot be changed.

"And last of all, Carla Ovane." A cheer echoes through the auditorium, a cheer of both victory and loss. Mothers and fathers are congratulating children or picking up the pieces of their broken hearts.

Neither Carla nor Louis move, both sitting, frozen in place. Carla breaks the silence.

"Lou, we got in. We're both going to St. Joseph's. Together, Louis." Carla screeches, her green eyes widening and lighting up with happiness. Louis jumps up and pulls Carla into a hug. Neither of their parents are there, all four of them too busy with work, trying to earn enough to support Louis and his two younger sisters and Carla and her younger brother.

"Caz, we did it! We're into St. Joseph's, Carla!" Louis shouts, though it's barely heard over the happy and sad yells and sobs.

"I know Lou, I know!" Carla replies, a massive smile making its way onto her face. Carla wraps her arms around Louis' waist tightly and buries her face in his neck, smiling giddily. Louis returns the hug, almost squeezing the life out of Carla.

"Lou, 'can't breathe!" Carla squeaks and Louis lets her go.

"I'm sorry, I'm just so happy we both got in!" Louis grins sheepishly. Carla whacks him over the head with the back of her hand gently, still unable to wipe the smile off her face.

People start making their way out of the auditorium, so Louis and Carla follow suit. They only have to walk a short mile to get home, so they start that trek.

Little did they know that St. Joseph's Catholic College would be one of the worst things that ever happens to them, and that all kinds of challenges would appear during their six years there.

A/N: Hi, greetings, I hope you enjoy. This is for my friend Bec. This is fiction, au, disclaimer yada yada please don't steal i don't own anything in here thank you for reading and Bec I love you :)