Greengate Academy

Chapter 11

The sun shining through my large windows woke me up, the rays warming my face.

I sat up and yawned, stretching. I looked to my digital alarm clock, which said it was ten after eight. I stood up and looked through my dresser for something to wear. I was so tired last night I didn't lay out an outfit like I usually did.

I rummaged through my clothes, trying to find something. My phone said it was supposed to be around sixty degrees today, with clouds.

I finally found some bleached jean shorts and a black Pusheen the Cat shirt. It was fun, perfect for a Saturday.

Maybe I'd even go riding later. I smiled to myself, thinking about all the little victories we had over the week. Cole was getting better at his leads and picking up his feet. He was getting smoother and already starting to build muscle. He was easier and more enjoyable to ride.

I made a beeline for the bathroom before Maddie could go there, because she took forever.

I peered at myself in the mirror. So far, I wasn't too worn down by everything. I've survived longer than I thought I would, so that's an achievement in of itself.

I brushed my teeth and combed my hair, the teeth of the comb catching on my endless snarls. That's what you get for having naturally wavy/curly hair.

I decided to put my hair in a high ponytail. I put on minimal makeup. Satisfied, I turned and left the bathroom.

Maddie and I are gonna meet our group at lunch. It's small compared to some of the other groups, but I like to say quality beats quantity.

Once she was ready, we left. Dew covered the grass and campus was buzzing as we walked to the cafeteria.

"Hey guys!" Peyton waved politely as we walked towards our table to drop our bags off. She and Conner said with us because apparently everyone was friends. I didn't understand who would want to be friends with Conner, but hey there's a lot of stuff i don't understand.

We walked into line. I got some scrambled eggs and rye toast and a mixed berry smoothie. I got a banana on the side as well.

When we sat down, conversation was in full swing.

"Honestly, Mr. Ruby is just being horrible to us." Zoe complained. "He assigned two essays and four book reports to be done by the end of the month."

Sadly, because all other seats were taken, I had to sit next to Conner. I mean, this was all getting pretty predictable.

I ate my breakfast silently as I stared across the cafeteria, not even paying attention to any conversation. I was occupied with staring at someone across the room.

He seemed familiar as he flashed Ashley's table a million dollar smile. His arms were toned, which gave off the impression that he was an athlete of some sort.

He spotted me and walked over. "Claire Collins, nice to see you again. Sad you didn't take me up on lunch, maybe now you can make it up to me?" He looked around the table. "I mean, you can't be missing much here."

His eyes settle on Zoe. "Oh, there's a reason why you need to leave this table."

Now I remember who he is.

"Don't even start, Ethan!" Zoe started to yell. "You cheated on me with freaking Ashley! Don't play victim when you're so bad at it!"

Ethan shook his head. "Come on." He held his tray in one hand and took one of my hands in the other.

"What? Wait, What?" I asked, absolutely dumbfounded. Everyone looked amazed as he started to pull me away.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" I pulled out of his grasp. "I'm sorry, I'm not leaving my friends." I sat back down and awaited a response.

Ethan just shrugged and pulled up a chair right in between Conner and I.

Now, not that I don't dislike Conner or anything, but I'd prefer to sit next to him in silence and ignore each other rather than sit next to this moron and be forced to socialize.

"So, you know homecoming is this week, right?" He asked. I shrugged in response as I took a bite of toast.

"Ethaaan, what are you doing over here?" Ashley asked. She had apparently walked over to our table. "I didn't know you wanted to hang out with these losers."

Ethan shrugged. "Let's just say I might like the losers." He gives me a look that makes me avert my gaze. I look over, and Peyton and Conner seem to be having a heated discussion in the midst of the drama. A.K.A. They were arguing.

Ashley scoffed and walked back to her table.

"So, homecoming..." He trailed off.

"Um, what about it?" I asked.

"Oh nothing, except I'm gonna play in the football game."

"Nice." I shrugged.

"You know the voting for royal court is tomorrow. The freshman king and queen and prince and princess will be announced on Friday at the dance."

"I'm not going." I announced.

"Um, yes you are!" Maddie interjected. I hadn't realized she was even listening in.

I shook my head. "I don't think so."

"Um, I think so. Zoe, J.J., everyone, back me up."

"What?" Asked J.J.

"Um, yes! I don't really know what's going on, but yes!" Zoe agreed.

"Then it's settled. You're going to the dance whether you like it or not." Maddie pointed a finger at me. Conner laughed out loud and smirked at me.

I guess I'm going to the dance this Friday.

A/N srry it's so short it's like midnight so I rlly gotta get to bed anyways luv y'all so much for reading and be back for the next chapter!