𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐀 ||The Girl Behind The Act||

Chapter 2

Tristan

Sterling High School – the place where I'll be spending my Junior year dealing with all the drama, troubles, and issues this school brings.

Honestly, I'm not sure why we moved to Miami instead of choosing somewhere closer to home like Singapore or Australia.

My mom and I came here because of James, Mom's new husband and now my stepdad. I actually like him; he's an awesome father figure and seeing Mom happy with him is great.

Before leaving the Philippines, our home in Manila, Mom wasn't as happy as she is now with James. I'm half Filipino; my dad was Australian. He passed away when I was 12.

The cool thing about James is he has a son named Josh. I met him when he and James visited the Philippines while Mom and he were dating.

Josh and I clicked fast. He's laid-back and carefree, and we both love football. Thankfully, Josh got me into the school football tryouts after class today. That's one of the few good things about this dramatic school.

Leaving Manila meant leaving my friends and my ex-girlfriend Abby behind. It was tough when I found out we were moving to Miami. Sadly, I had to end things with Abby, my ex for almost six months. I can still remember how hurt she looked when I told her I was moving.

For now, I'm not looking to date anyone, especially after Abby. She's the only serious girlfriend I've had, and it wouldn't be fair to move on quickly.

Josh and I pulled up at the school parking lot in his black Mercedes, surrounded by a crowd. We both got out, and I looked around with my bag slung over my shoulder.

"Welcome to Sterling High, bro," Josh greeted, giving me a friendly pat on the back. I followed him to find the school office and get my schedule.

Girls' stares as I walked by were puzzling as if I were some sort of celebrity.

"Why are they looking at me like that?" I whispered to Josh, who chuckled.

"You're new, and they clearly think you're hot. Get used to it."

I've always known I'm good-looking, thanks to plenty of compliments from girls. But none of that mattered as much as Abby's opinion. Still, I guess I'll have to adjust to being called "hot" now.

"Here you go," the lady at the counter said, handing a sheet of paper to Josh. He passed it to me. My first class was English Lit.

"See you at lunch. Good luck," Josh said, giving me a quick bro hug before heading to his own class. I sighed and set off to find class 201.

Once I found it, everyone looked up as I entered. I put on a small smile and went to a seat at the back that a girl had vacated as soon as she saw me.

Okay, then.

The bell mercifully rang. I focused on the door, silently counting for the teacher to arrive.

But when someone else entered, my heart skipped a beat and my breath caught.

She was...very pretty.

Sitting up straight, I watched her walk in, wearing a dark blue cheerleading outfit that hugged her curves in all the right places.

Judging from how the other students reacted, she's clearly the popular girl here. Everything about her reminded me of Abby.

I scoffed under my breath, pulling my gaze away as she settled two seats in front of me.

She's not like Abby. Abby is smart, kind, and definitely not as popular or revealing in her clothing. Why am I even comparing her to Abby?

Damn it, I don't even know her name.

Class began, and the teacher started the lesson. Whatever I was thinking earlier was crazy. I shouldn't be comparing my ex-girlfriend to a random girl at my new school.

Maybe she's one of those girls who tease the quiet students or make fun of the nerds. I'm not into that. Even though she's attractive, her attitude probably sucks.

But there's something about her that I can't quite figure out. Yet.