𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐀 ||The Girl Behind The Act||

Chapter 3

Ariana

"Move, move, move," Shay and Joanna commanded, pushing people aside as the three of us strolled down the halls toward the rows of lockers.

Honestly, I can't understand why they're so eager to recreate that scene from that Disney movie, Cinderella, the one Hilary Duff starred in. Shelby the mean girl and her two friends did it, and now Shay and Joanna are all about it.

It wasn't my idea, though. They've been obsessed with doing it ever since we watched that Cinderella movie last Friday night.

We paused at my locker. I punched in the code, yanked it open, and stuffed my textbooks inside.

I'm pretty excited about the cheerleader tryouts after school today. There's something about it that just pumps me up when I watch freshmen audition for the squad.

"Shay, what was the name of that new perfume again?" Joanna asked aloud, checking herself in the mirror attached to my locker.

"I don't remember. It's something French, like fatigue, Fatima...or was it fart?" I couldn't help but giggle at the last suggestion. A group of guys walked by and glanced at us.

I smiled at them, and they blushed before hurrying away. Classic sophomores.

"Whoa, who's the good-looking Filipino guy?" Joanna inquired, glancing over her mirror towards the end of the hallway.

I pulled out my tube of lip gloss from my makeup bag and followed her gaze.

At the end of the hallway, Josh Park was standing next to a new guy. That guy was undeniably attractive. Something about him drew everyone's attention, whether it was his handsome face or the fit body visible beneath his thin black T-shirt. He seemed to have all the girls, including me, stealing glances at him.

"How do you know he's Filipino?" Shay wondered, examining the guy.

"Come on, it's obvious. Only hot Filipino guys have that look. He's either half or fully Filipino." Joanna explained, and I took a closer look at his features. I couldn't quite figure it out, but she might be onto something.

That guy definitely had the allure of those delicious Asian gods.

I applied my lip gloss, eyes fixed on the new guy. With a loud 'bang', I closed my locker and hooked my arms around my girls as we headed to our next class.

Tristan

"She's the class president. Those three." Josh continued while pointing towards the three cheerleaders standing nearby. "Are the three top cheerleaders in school. Shay Anderson, Joanna Michaelson, and their hot captain, Ariana Blake."

I followed Josh's gaze as he Sept staring at the three girls. They paused as the one in the middle, Ariana, stopped at her locker.

So her name is Ariana, and my assumptions were spot on. She's the popular girl here, and just by observing her, I can tell every guy here would kill for a moment of her attention.

Sensing their gaze, I quickly struck up a conversation with Josh to divert our attention.

"Shit, they're coming this way. Act normal." Josh whispered, then burst into sudden laughter, pretending we hadn't been checking them out just seconds ago.

I let out a quiet chuckle. Out of the corner of my eye, the three girls were approaching us.

Once I could tell they'd passed by, a sweet fragrance filled the air. It was a mix of something sweet and strong, a scent that lingered, unmistakably belonging to Ariana Blake.

"Hey, Josh, who's your new friend?" Almost choking on his laughter, Josh's friend Joanna asked the question.

"Oh, hey Jo. This is my step-brother Tristan. He's new here." Her eyes widened, and she offered me a friendly smile, which I returned.

With a swift move, Ariana positioned herself in front of Joanna. She smiled at me, a bold move that caught me off guard.

"Hi, you're cute. I'm Ariana, but you can call me Ari. If you need a tour around school, just let me know. I'd be more than happy to show you around." Her voice held a sweet tone, and I frowned.

She wasn't at all what I expected. But who am I kidding? She's just like the rest.

"Josh will give you my number. Hit me up if you're looking for some fun." She continued, just as the bell rang. She winked at me before walking away with her friends.

I scoffed and turned to find Josh, who was practically bouncing with excitement.

"Look at you, it's only been your first day and the most hottest girl in school already wants to hang out with you. You're a lucky guy, and probably a dead one if other guys find out. Ariana never makes the first move. It's always been the other way around, till today."

Seriously? He's excited about that? It's so irritating and bizarre.

"Yeah, whatever," I muttered before heading to class, Josh rushing to catch up.

"Oh c'mon, don't act like you're not attracted to her or anything. It's your chance with a hot girl. And we're talking about Ariana Blake here. She's popular, gorgeous, head cheerleader, and rumor has it she's great in bed. She's the whole package, man. Why aren't you a bit excited?"

I raised my hands mockingly and shrugged before walking into class.

I don't see what's so special about Ariana Blake. There's no way I'm getting involved with the school's most popular girl that every guy also wants a piece of.

I won't be just another guy she hooks up with for a few days before tossing aside. After Abby, I'm not looking to jump into another relationship.

Besides, she's not my type. I prefer girls who are humble and intelligent, not the attention-seeking type who chase after you.

Josh scoffed. "You're so boring, man. You're passing up an opportunity with a hot girl. Abby is ancient history. Get yourself one of the Miami babes now."

I waved him off and rolled my eyes.

"Believe what you want. I'm not interested in going after someone like Ariana Blake. Girls like her have a reputation for a reason – they sleep around and are spoiled rich girls."

No way am I wasting my time on anyone like that, especially someone named Ariana Blake.

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