It was pitch dark outside, and the only sound that could be heard was the slow, shallow breathing of someone still deep in sleep. Suddenly, the voice of Stacy Jane blasted through Allison's phone at full volume.
"We can shine bright like a star on a summer night, bursting throughout the sky."
Allison, being Allison, hopped out of bed, immediately joining in and singing along. If she could meet any musical artist, Stacy Jane would be her first choice—no question. After belting out the rest of Stacy Jane's hit single, Shine Bright, Allison set her phone down and began getting ready for the day ahead.
Today marked the first day of her senior year.
As the organized girl she was, Allison slipped off her queen-sized mattress, made her bed, and rushed to the bathroom to take care of her morning routine. Afterward, she dashed back into her beautifully decorated room and sprang over to her oversized walk-in closet, rummaging through her collection of clothes.
She finally settled on an adorable long-sleeve gray and pink Ashley Stripe Flounce dress, paired with her black explorer mini faux leather crossbody. A heart-shaped ring, sparkling square earrings, and a necklace with a heart-shaped key hanging from it completed the look. For shoes, she chose light brown ankle boots and added a bit of natural-looking makeup with a swipe of her favorite "Secret" sparkle gloss.
It was no secret that the Hayze family was extremely wealthy, but Allison never liked to flaunt it. Still, she enjoyed putting her stylish wardrobe to good use.
As the finishing touch, she glanced at the time on her phone. It was only 6:45.
"Great, fifteen minutes to kill," she sighed, rolling her eyes.
Allison wasn't one to sit idly by. She briefly considered pestering her mom, but she knew better. Her father had left for work hours ago, and her mother and the house staff were usually busy getting Olivia ready. Allison had always been the one to manage herself. Deciding not to disturb anyone, she scrolled through her contacts, wondering who might be awake at this hour.
After ruling out several friends, she landed on Eliza Gingers—her best friend and practically a sister.
Allison quickly dialed Eliza's number. The phone rang and rang, and just when Allison was about to hang up, a familiar voice chimed in.
"You didn't really think I'd leave you hanging, did you?"
"Eliza!" Allison practically shouted.
"Glad to know I was missed," Eliza replied, laughter evident in her tone.
"Sorry!" Allison apologized, stifling a giggle.
"Nah, you're fine. What's up?"
"Not much. Just getting ready for the first day of senior year. Can you believe it's finally here?"
A moment later, Allison heard a shrill squeal through the phone.
"Eliza? Are you okay?" Allison asked, startled.
"Oh yeah, sorry Apple. I'm just so excited!"
Since they were toddlers, Eliza had called Allison "Apple," a nickname she'd concocted when she was two. It had stuck ever since.
"Hey, Eliza, I gotta go. I'll see you at school."
"Okay, Apple. Bye!" Eliza chirped.
Allison glanced at the clock again—6:59. She heard her mother call from downstairs.
"Allison, come on!"
"Coming!" Allison responded as she calmly made her way down the stairs, just in time for her sister, Olivia, to zoom past her.
YOU ARE READING
Until We Meet Again
RomanceShe was beautiful, wealthy, intelligent, responsible, and kind-a rare combination that's difficult to find. To the outside world, her life appeared perfect, almost flawless. But beneath the surface, it was a different story. Allison Hayze's senior y...
