Struggles of a Teenager #1: Hurleigh

Chapter 3

Hurleigh's POV

Things aren't going as I expected. Why on hell is Willie here? Especially with his horrible girlfriend, and his horrible habit of cheating on his actual partner. I hate him.

Drama class is about to start. It seems to be anything but boring. I hope the teacher is interesting, as well.

- Good morning, class. Welcome. My name is Kelley Hareton. I will be your guide this year. If you need anything, ask me. You don't need to panic, because I will always help you, if necessary.

OK. I like this teacher. She is so cool. I don't think she is someone who likes shouting.

- Ok. You will be paired up. Boys with boys and girls with girls. Alleyn and Katherine, April and Laney, Reagen and Heather, Trenna and Carolyne, Molli and Clarie...

Oh no? Who am I gonna be paired with?

- Hurleigh and Jenna.

Hey. Hold on.

What the fuck is going on?

I've never heard of a Jenna girl.
Calm down, Hurleigh. Calm down. It's just the first day.

My thoughts are interrupted by a very tall girl with very long dark hair and a cap. She says: - You must be Harleigh, aren't you?

- It's Hurleigh.

- Sorry. Anyway, I am Jenna.

- Nice to meet you.

- Thanks. So, how is high school? I think it's not bad after all. New friends, new challenges...

- You're right. But, for me, this is the very first time I had real friend. When I met Kati in the corridors, I realized she actually could be my friends...

- Kati? Do you mean Kati Cullen?

- Yes.

- That Kati Cullen?

I nod.

- You are kidding. Kati would never blend with a girl like you.

- What?

- She's just a fucking ordinary girl. You are special.

- And what about the others?

- Kati's friends?

I nod again.

- Mmm... they don't convince me...

- I think you're wrong.

- Why?

- Just have lunch with us today. If you think they still don't convince you, I'll leave you alone...

- Otherwise...

- You'll have to stand them.

- OK. Deal.

As we finish this conversation, the real class starts. Ms Hareton gives us instructions.

- Hurleigh and Jenna, you are a mother and a daughter and you are having a row, OK?

We start acting without saying a word.

I: - Janine! Your room is a mess!

Jenna: - Who cares?

- Who cares? I care! Go and tidy it. Right now (I point the finger at Jenna, like Mom does with me)

- But Mom...

- NOW!

- OK...

(Later)

Jenna: - Mom, can I go to a party?

I: - What party? (suspiciously)

- It's Hazel's party, and I've been invited.

- Have you even got a present for her?

- Yes. I made it by myself.

- Mmm... I don't know... No, you can't.

- Why?

- You have school tomorrow.

- Tomorrow is Saturday!

- Doesn't matter. You can't go.

- You are unfair! (Jenna turns her back and "leaves")

The teacher compliments us. - Congratulations! You both nailed it!

- What? - protests someone. It's Manon. - She has no fucking talent!

- Manon, this isn't about talent. It's about skills. Something Hurleigh has, but you haven't. You have to work hard, if you want to reach her level!

As soon as class finishes, though, Manon keeps complaining. - How dare she compare me to that bitch? She has no talent!

- But... Manon... - replies Laney - you know she is talented.

- Shut the fuck up!

Laney leaves in tears. - You don't understand!

Meanwhile, Molli and Reagen leave. They must have dates.

Willie's POV

While Bonni is pouting in the girls' toilet, I am in the café with April.

- Tell me. How was Drama class?

- It was interesting. Even though I was paired up with Laney Dobson.

- She is Manon's pet, isn't she?

- Yes. I still don't understand why. She is clever, and fashioned, and is very good at drawing, I have to admit it.

- But why doesn't she convince you?

- Because of Manon Connolly, obviously!

- I noticed. Is that just all?

- Yes.

- Do you want to skip classes?

- What's next?

- P.E. class. It's just after lunch.

- I never skipped classes.

- It'll be fun, unless you want to do P.E....

- I hate P.E.!

- OK. Let's go and skip classes.

In the end, April leaves. Meanwhile, Bonni comes out of the toilet and says: - Did you miss me?

- Obviously - It's a lie.

- I am going home after lunch. I have an important guest tonight. Are you willing to come?

- Why not? But I have to ask my parents...

- Right. Let's go. I want to spend my time with you, darling...

- OK.

I need a plan. Something that lets me wreck Bonni's heart. I don't like her. I became her boyfriend only because she begged me. She is even worse than Hurleigh. But, speaking of Hurleigh, her happiness is going to end soon...