EX 50 vouchers
Chapter 62
My first stop between classes is the Student Activities Fair. I gaped as the main hall was turned into a chaotic sprawl of tables and club recruiters. Overloads of bright posters stacked up on their tables, some were also sharing free candy to students, trying to invite them over.
“This is where passions go to die, Tiny Bell. Look at them. The future fund managers of America, pretending to care about anime or environmental science.” Asher said, standing behind me and wrinkling his nose.
“Not everyone is as cynically delightful as you,” I retort, scanning around the tables.
“What even is your thing? Chess club? Nope, that’s too nerdy. Debate?”
“I’m not sure,” I mutter, gazing around. I squint my eyes as my attention is caught by a quieter table tucked in a corner. The banner is a simple black text on white cardstock: THE CRESTMONT CHRONICLE. Behind it sits a boy with floppy brown hair and glasses, intently reading a book whom I recognize as Liam, from my History class yesterday.
“The newspaper?” Asher scoffs tracing my gaze. “Aria, that’s where they send the kids who they think are not good enough.”
“I don’t mind,” I say, and walk over before he could stop me.
Liam looks up as I approach, a shy smile appearing on his face. “Aria. Hey.”
“Hi, Liam. So, this is your… thing?” I ask, gesturing to the table.
“It is,” he says, pushing his glasses up his nose. “I’m the editor–in–chief this year. We’re always looking for writers. Especially ones with a fresh perspective.”
“I… I like stories,” I say slowly. “Real ones.”
Liam’s smile widens. “Then you should come to our meeting today after school. Room 214. No pressure. Just see if you like it.”
“She’ll be there,” Asher says, slapping a hand on the table. “But if you make her fetch coffee or other silly stuff, I’ll have your funding cut.”
“Duly noted,” Liam says, staring at him blankly.
I sit amidst the boys at lunch, listening to their discussions about the upcoming sport competition. “Asher Morales,” I glanced up to see a brunette looking girl walk towards us with two other girls behind her, her eyes locked on me. “Aren’t you going to introduce me to the star of the hour?” She purrs
Asher looks up from his food, looking bored. “Sasha, Aria. Aria, Sasha. The star part is debatable.” Sasha ignores him, focusing her smile on me. “Aria dear, I’m the cheer captain and I’ve heard so much about
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Chapter 62
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you. I just had to come see you for myself.” She leans in, exposing a piece of her cleavage.
Nolan, who has been quietly dissecting his chicken, looks up, his expression unreadable while Kai is practically vibrating with amusement.
“Uh, thanks?” I manage.
“So, here’s the deal,” Sasha says, getting straight to the point. “I’m looking for fresh talent for the squad. Girls with spirit, with… presence. I think you have it.”
I blink. “Me? A cheerleader? I don’t see myself doing that.”
“Why not? You’re petite, you’ve got the perfect bone structure, and from what I hear, you’ve got fire. We could teach you the rest. A back handspring is easy when you’re not afraid to fall.”
“She’s not doing it, she’s not interested.” Asher says flatly.
Sasha finally turns her gaze to him. “And why is that, Asher? She did not say she’s not interested”
“Yet” he mumbled
“Worried I’ll corrupt your little sister?”
“I’m worried you will use her as a shiny new accessory to get closer to the guy you are actually trying to impress,” Asher retorts, his eyes flicking meaningfully toward Nolan.
The table became quiet as Sasha’s smile turned colder. Nolan coughs into his palm and awkwardly puts his fork down with a quiet clink.
“My motivations are my own,” Sasha says smoothly, turning back to me. “But the offer is genuine, Aria. Think about it. Practices are after school in the gym. Stop by.” She winks. “It’s fun, I promise.”
And with a swish of her ponytail, she walked off, swaying her hips with her minions walking behind her.
I sink back into my chair, my head spinning.
“Well, that was hmm,” Mason comments dryly.
“She wants to get in Nolan’s pants, and she thinks she can use you, the new fashionable key,” Kai clarifies,
“I’m right here,” Nolan says, his voice low with annoyance.
“So, what’s it gonna be, Tinker Bell?” Asher asks, raising an eyebrow.
“I’ll think about it”
I’m lost, this place is a maze of identical hallways and courtyards and no sight of room and 206, or is it 306? I round a corner, hoping to see a familiar landmark, but instead I slam right into a solid, warm chest.
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Chapter 62
Strong hands shoot out to steady me. “Whoa, easy there.”
I look up.
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“Uhh?” I gasped at the gray orbs mixed with honey brown. It’s Jammal, the boy from History class. He is even more stunning up close. His gray eyes are like smoked glass, and his woven hair looks soft and intricate. I want to touch them. And his pink lips, damn they look soft…
“You like what you see?” He smirked, snapping me out of my thoughts. His voice is a smooth, deep baritone.
“I’m so sorry,” I blurted out, my cheeks feeling hot as I stepped back quickly. “I’m… lost.”
A smile spreads across his face. “It’s fine queen Aria, I wouldn’t want your brother ruining my life if anything happens to his special sister.”
“You heard about that, huh?”
“Aria Morales? The whole school has heard about that.” He smirks. “Where are you trying to go?”
“Room 206 I think, the newspaper club.”
“Ah, that’s room 214. Let’s go.”
He starts walking, and I fall into step beside him.
“So, what club are you in?” I ask, trying to fill the uncomfortable silence.
“Same with you. I guess we have something in common.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
