Cover made by @Zane26 :) Isn't it gorgeous!?!? Hope you all like this chapter, but, fair warning, you might be mad at me by the end. We'll see.
***
Sierra's POV
The next day, I happily joined Ruby in her trek to the fully stocked cafeteria in search of breakfast.
"Just so you know, I got your little performance from last night on video," Ruby stated innocently, adjusting her backpack straps with a smirk my way.
"What?!" I spluttered, my hands starting to feel clammy. Although many people had come over to our table last night at one time or another to let me know how good of a singer I was, I still felt doubtful. It was just hard for me to accept that there was something I was good at. I was used to living in the shadows of others and rarely felt like I shined in any particular activity.
Yeah, my childhood hadn't been the best.
But, that's the reason I'm at NCIFA - to forget my past. And I am a very determined person.
"Oh, don't act so humble! As soon as you sang those first few words, you had the whole audience captivated. I don't think I saw a single person take their eyes off you! Except for me, of course, because I was the one looking for people who took their eyes off of you. But that's beside the point!" Ruby rambled happily. I gulped and tugged on a belt loop on my tight white jeans. I sent a prayer to God that the video never got out.
Upon making it to the cafeteria, I was greeted by Mark, James, Juliet, Cat, and Daniel. I gave Cat a smile as I slid into a seat across from James. Ruby sat down next to me and immediately struck up a conversation with Jules about last night.
The cafeteria was buzzing with the sound of overlapping conversations. I placed my chin on one hand as I took in my peers and surroundings. The place was vast and open, with lots of long, rectangular tables with a few circular ones in the mix. The walls were a light blue and all other furniture was a dark grey, which were our school colors.
I looked contently around my growing group of friends. I was glad Cat joined us today and hoped she would be with us more often. The boys had seemed to just accept her presence and recognize her as one of their own.
My eyes were soon drawn to a loud bang towards the front of mess hall, where Jackie sauntered in through open doors. The doors had slammed into the wall, drawing attention to her, as she had most likely intended. Two other girls followed her, and I swear the scene was something straight from the movie Mean Girls. Everyone was looking at Jackie and her whoresome friends.
Even Daniel, who had previously been flirting with a tall, gorgeous dark skinned girl, looked at Jackie for a moment. I noticed a look like disgust flash across his face as he recognized Jackie. Hmm. Wonder what that was about.
Jackie and her illuminati followers were strutting towards the line for breakfast, and I had the overwhelming sense to put my head down as she walked by, as if I shouldn't feel worthy enough to be in her presence.
Yes, that's the feeling she radiates.
As soon as they had walked away, our table let out a sigh of relief in unison.
"So, I'm guessing they're on the top of the social ladder, then?" I mused, looking at James, since he was sitting right across from me.
"Yeah. The populars. Their type is at every school. The slutty, rich bitches. Unavaiodable," James informed me with a snort.
"How high are you and the other guys on the social ladder? What's your 'type'?" I questioned, using air quotes when I said the word 'type'.
"Uhhhh..." James scratched his neck uncomfortably.
"He's the manwhore type," Ruby supplied for him, resulting in James' face turning a deep red.
"Not true! I'm a virgin!" James argued feebly, knowing he'd lost.
"Okay, suuuuure," Ruby said and rolled her eyes.
"Hey, you wanna get some food?" I asked her, standing, and breaking up the awkward conversation.
"Yeah. We'll be right back," Ruby informed the group. We received a mumble of consent from James as we walked towards the line.
"So what's your type?" I asked her, grabbing a faded blue plastic tray.
"Um... I don't know, I think I'm in the average class. Like, the normal people. There's the jocks, players, nerds, weirdos, goths, blah blah blah, but then there's just... regualr people. That's me!" I rolled my eyes at that.
"Yeah, I wouldn't exactly call you normal, Ruby."
She huffed at my comment, playfully nudging me forward in the line.
***
As soon as the bell rang, I was already up and out of my seat. English wasn't bad at all, and I had Cat in my class, but I was feeling anxious about my next class.
We said our goodbyes and headed in separate directions to our next classes. Unfortunately, mine was math, affectionately renamed 'the devil's creation' by yours truly.
"Hey, Sodapop! I haven't seen you all day!" Daniel came up behind me and shouted loudly, slinging an arm around my shoulders with enthusiasm. He sped up my pace and steered me down the hallway as I comprehended the situation. He had his arm around my shoulders.
I looked up at him and his messy brown hair and deep eyes, my heart fluttering.
"Um, you saw me at lunch."
Danny shrugged.
"What's with the arm thing?" I asked cautiously, nodding my head towards his arm.
"Danny, I've been looking all over - oh. Didn't know I was interrupting you two." I was surprised to see Jackie as she emerged from the endless looking crowd of students in front of me.
When she had seen Danny with his arm around me, I swear the temperature went down a few degrees around us. Her face had turned stone cold, and then Jackie had stormed away with an angered hmph.
As soon as she was gone, I gave Daniel a look. "So that's why you were pretending to flirt with me," I said, unimpressed.
"Yeah, sorry about that. I panicked when I saw that chick coming. One hook up, and now she thinks we're getting married or something," Daniel told me, warily eying the crowd and watching for signs of Jackie.
"Ew, too much information! Ruby was right when she said you were a manwhore," I laughed and shoved his arm off of me.
"That really hurt, Sierra." Daniel stuck out his lower lip and clutched his heart, which resulted in an adorable puppy face. I stared at his face, memorized. Hey, don't blame me, I couldn't help it! The guy was cute, and the puppy face added to the adorablessness.
"Jesus, I know I'm sexy, but you're making me uncomfortable, Si. Stop looking at me like a fat kid looks at cake," Daniel said cockily, smirking at me.
"I'm so not! Shut up!" I folded my arms over my chest and looked away before he could see the blush rise to my cheeks.
"Sure. Whatever," he taunted, then went silent. I was still avoiding eye contact when we made it into the classroom. I was genuinely startled when Danny followed me into my math class. I was in advanced math (yeah, I didn't like it, but that didn't mean I wasn't good at it), and I didn't see Daniel as the studius type.
"What are you doing?" I questioned as I wrinkled my nose in confusion when he plopped down in the seat next to me.
"Learning, obviously. Stop looking like you're surprised. I'm smart."
I laughed very loudly at that.
"Are you joking? Is this some type of prank?"
"Hey, that's racist."
"Me calling you stupid is in no way racist."
"You know what I meant."
"No, I don't speak dumbass, so I didn't."
"For the love of God, are you always this annoying?"
"Are you always this ugly?" I asked innocently and gave him a sugary smile. Mrs. Jakers cleared her throat at the front of the room, and I immediately turned my attention to her and tuned out Daniel's obnoxious pencil tapping as best I could.
"Alright class, today we have a new student. Sierra, would you like to stand up?" Seriously? Stand up? That moment could not have been more embarrassing.
I obliged to her request and stood up in front of my piers. All of their heads turned towards me in unison, and I instantly spotted Walker's gorgeous face. He smiled at me, and I gave him a small wave. My heart did a flip flop in my chest.
Jesus, all these hot boys were going to give me a heart attack!
Eventually, Mrs. Jakers decided I had enough embarrassment to last a lifetime and called the class back to the front.
When I sat down, I noticed a sour look on Daniel's face.
"What?" I demanded defensively at his gaze.
"How do you know Walker?" Danny spit out his name like he was talking about some crazy axe murderer.
"We met outside of school. Why? Jealous?" I said, wiggling my eyebrows playfully. Daniel said nothing and turned away from me. Okay, whatever.
"Everyone take out a piece of paper for notes; we're going to review some statistics lessons."
A collective groan erupted from the class, but it was quickly silenced by Mrs. Jakers' death glare.
I tentively raised my hand, getting the impression she was a no-nonsense kind of person.
"Yes, Miss Williams?" Mrs. Jakers asked, peering at me over the wire rims of her glasses.
"I, um, was wondering if you had a collection of this year's notes? I'd like to know where your class is so I'm not lost," I said in the most polite and respectful voice I could muster.
"Very well. Mr. Grates, please lend Miss Williams your notes." I didn't know who Mr. Grates was until I saw Walker stand up. He grabbed his binder and gracefully slid into the seat on my left. I felt Daniel's eyes boring holes into the back of my head from his position on my right.
"If you need help with a topic, feel free to ask me about it," Walker said with a charming smile. I smiled back and took the binder into my outstretched hands.
"Thanks," I said lightly, staring at his face. I couldn't help it, the kid was gorgeous. I really liked how this school offered so many hot guys.
America sure knows how to produce some fine specimens.
I tried to ignore the glare Danny was giving me as I scribbled down the notes. He seemed to hate the fact that I was talking to other guys, or he hated Walker so much that he couldn't stand the fact someone was giving him attention.
Most likely the latter.
The lesson dragged on, but I didn't pay it any attention and rushed to complete the notes that Walker had accumulated so far that year. I had only come to NCIFA two weeks late, given the outrageous price the airplane tickets had been for sale on the school's opening week. I was trying my best not to be distracted by Mrs. Jakers' high pitched voice. Or Danny. Or Walker. The task wasn't an easy one.
Once I was finished, I handed Walker's blue binder back to him.
"Thanks for letting me copy the notes," I gushed as he smiled at me.
"No problem. Hey, I was wondering if you'd like to go out for dinner sometime? I know you're new around here, and I wanted to show you this awesome pizza place downtown." I was awestruck at his request and only managed a small, strangled sound of approval before he continued.
"Great! I'll text you the details...?" I giggled and nodded stupidly, then wrote my number down on some spare paper. I handed it to him, still trying to process what was happening.
My brain was on total overload. So was my heart. Only a matter of time before I did something stupid and ruined everything, given my not-so-amazing experiences around guys. Most of the time, when a guy even remotely cute approached me, I quickly (and unintentionally, of course) made a fool of myself. Whether it was through verbal diarrhea or tripping on a flat surface, fate always seemed to be pushing me away from finding a boyfriend.
At that precise moment, the lovely school bell decided to ring, signaling the end of class.
"See you around, Sierra," Walker said with a wink before heading off.
"Bye!" I blurted, still in shock from the recent events. Who would have thought that someone with such a great face would ask me out? I sure didn't.
I was not surprised in the least when Daniel turned me around to face him, placing both hands on my shoulders.
"What the hell was that?" he asked incredulously, shaking me by the shoulders.
"What? He's cute," I said defensively, removing myself from his grip and packing up. I slung my cream colored bookbag over one shoulder, then started towards the door. Daniel jogged to catch up with me, giving me a pointed look.
"That guy is trouble. Trust me. You'll regret going out with him."
"Oh yeah? You know this, how? Is there something you're not telling me?" I asked, wiggling my eyebrows suggestively.
"I'm not gay, Sodapop."
"Sure."
"Seriously."
"I think someone's jealous," I taunted in a sing-song voice as we exited the classroom. My wrist was suddenly yanked back, and I tumbled backwards into Daniel's chest. Realizing our closeness, I quickly stepped forward and turned to him.
"What the hell was that?" I asked, repeating his previous statement that had been directed at me only moments ago. I adjusted my backpack on my shoulders, one of my many nervous habits.
"Walker isn't who you think he is. He's gotten me into a lot of trouble over the past few years, and his overall reputation isn't-"
"Listen, I don't know why you're pushing me away from him, but I don't care what his past is. Yours isn't too hot either, from my understanding. But we're still friends. Thanks for the advice, but I'm going out with him," I said cooly, swiveling around on my heel and turning to leave him behind. I had a history class to get to.
***
Sitting in my room at 1:57 in the morning, trying to figure out how to find the z-score of a statistics problem was actual hell.
I bit my lip in frustration and angrily yanked out my laptop. I guess I'd have to vist good old Khan Academy to teach me what my teacher already tried to, and, unsurprisingly, failed at. I was still as clueless as I had been before the lesson.
Maybe more so, if that's even possible.
I lightly tapped my pencil on my desk, waiting for my computer to boot up. As it did, I thought of how I treated Danny that morning. I had been a bitch and I knew it, but I didn't get why he didn't want me to date Walker. What did that kid do to him to make Daniel so mad? And what did bringing up Walker's past have to do with now? Was he trying to protect me?
And if so, why?
Those thoughts and more swirled around in my head. I was sleep deprived, and my brain was on overdrive.
I cringed as my headache doubled in pain, and rubbed my temples. I needed some coffee.
Yes, yes, coffee. As soon as the idea of coffee crossed my mind, that's all I could think about. I needed coffee. The nectar of the gods. Yes, coffee.
I stood from my desk chair and quickly checked my appearance in my floor length mirror leaned against a bare wall. I had on some hot pink bunny slippers with grey shorts and a pink top with Miranda Sings' face on it. My thick brown hair was up in a messy bun, and I had my nerd glasses on, but I decided the outfit was fine. I would just be going down to the drink bar to get some coffee - I doubted there'd be paparazzi awaiting me in Dice's foyer.
I slipped my keys, wallet, and phone into my pockets, then left the room.
The hallway was completely empty. Most doors were shut, but some kids left them open to keep the rooms cool. Our dorms tended to get stuffy with the start of spring, and I couldn't blame them. I tried to keep quiet as I went by, not wanting to disturb anyone in their sleep. Teens could be nasty when they've been deprived of sleeping time.
I trudged to the drink bar and pulled out my wallet, squinting at the menu hanging above the stout cart.
"I'll have the hazelnut chocolate chip coffee, please," I ordered, handing a sleepy looking girl a five dollar bill. She gave me my change silently and went to work making my coffee. I stumbled over to a white high stool and watched the small group of people around me eventually thin out to three stragglers as the girl took forever to make my coffee.
Okay, so maybe it was only five minutes, but without a coffee buzzed brain, it felt like an eternity.
I stood as soon as she approached the cash register and mumbled a thank you before grabbing my cup from the counter. I barely contained myself before taking a large sip as soon as my back was to the barista.
I walked back down the hallway and entered my bedroom. I decided to leave the door open while I attempted my homework; an inspiration from my fellow classmates.
I plopped down onto my sleek white spinny chair and set the coffee down beside my Dell laptop. I was happy to see that Khan Academy had a few videos on statistics, and a couple clicks later, I was an expert.
Well, maybe not, but I at least have an idea of how to do statisticy bullshit.
I'd watched three videos, and, with the help of coffee, created a fool-proof set of steps and notes to help me get through my homework. I happily snatched my phone up from its spot next to my computer and began to play a Megan Trainor song.
Yes, yes, I know what you're thinking. First Fifth Harmony, then Ariana Grande, and now Megan Trainor? Please excuse my extreme white girl taste in music.
I turned down the volume just enough so I could hear it, but I wasn't waking up the whole dorm.
I hummed to Megan's My Selfish Heart, letting the song carry me through my worksheet. Eventually, at the chorus, I felt the unexplainable need to sing out loud with her.
"No, you deserve to find the love of your life. One day you'll marry such a lovely wife, and hopefully we'll be fine! Baby let's keep in touch, oh! 'Cause I'm not what you need, but Imma miss you so much! I'm too focused on this dream. Your kiss is a drug that pulls me back so quick, until I pull us apart, well forgive my selfish heart." I finished my solo, content with humming the rest of the song.
Then, I heard a small shuffle in my open doorway. Oops. I'd forgotten about that before singing my heart out.
I turned in embarrassment to see Daniel slumped in the frame, a surprised look on his face. The situation was so mortifying.
"Um... did I wake you up?" I managed to squeak, my cheeks a deep shade of red. I stared at his face and tried to read the thoughts going through his head. Daniel must've thought I was a horrible singer and a loser. I could tell the night wasn't going to end well.
"No, I heard you from my room, and was, just... mesmorized. I guess. Ah, I mean, I was gonna ask you what song you were singing." That time, it was his turn to be embarrassed.
Did he actually like my singing?
"Really? You're sure I didn't wake you up?" I asked him suspiciously, noting his rumpled grey t-shirt and blue flannel pants.
"Really. And I wanted to tell you something," Daniel said nervously as he tentavely sat down on my bed.
My heart was pounding in my chest. "Shoot."
"So you know how I was mad about you and Walker going out?"
"Yeah?" I prompted.
He titled his head towards the ceiling. "I'm okay with it," Daniel stated grudgingly, not looking me in the eyes.
Well, I really don't know what I expected.
"Oh. Well, thanks? I guess?" I pursed my lips and squinted at Daniel as he stood to leave.
"No problem. And Sierra?"
"Yes?"
"You have a gorgeous voice, and don't let anyone else tell you differently."
And with that, he left.
***
Omg I bet you guys thought he'd tell her he liked her. HA SURPRISE BITCHES XD
Sorry for that. But I think you'll enjoy their bonding in the next chapter :) keep commenting and voting! It makes my day to see you guys care!
Also, the song My Selfish Heart was in the story, but the only versions I found weren't good :( so it's a little squeaked (the audio is sped up), but I tried my best XD