We finally arrived at Silver High College after what felt like an hour. The ride wasn't exactly bearable—Rina kept asking, "Are we there yet?" like an eager child on her first trip to Disneyland.
"Thank you for the ride, Daddy," I said gratefully, giving him a peck on the cheek.
Rina, on the other hand, hastily got out—eager to flaunt herself in front of the supposedly "lowly" students, or at least that's how she saw them.
"I didn't know you wore glasses. Is something wrong with your eyesight?" Dad asked, eyeing me with concern.
"Oh no, Dad—this is just my... style," I chuckled nervously, pushing the glasses up.
"You girls and your styles. That's too bad—it hides your beautiful eyes," he said, smiling. "See you later, Mijá."
"See you later, Dad," I replied, and they drove off.
As soon as we stepped out, the patrolling students couldn't stop staring and whispering among themselves. Rina seemed to bask in the attention—then, suddenly, she screamed at the top of her lungs, making me jump.
She had just spotted her friends. They were all squealing like fangirls. Rina rushed to them, embracing them with excitement, leaving me standing alone—like a loner, unsure of what to do next.
I looked up at the school's main building and was instantly in awe of the meticulously landscaped gardens.
Silver High was an elite institution nestled within a sprawling 50-acre campus, surrounded by the natural beauty of towering oak trees. I walked through the crowd, clutching my backpack tightly out of nervousness.
The main building was a stunning blend of modern and classical architecture. Large glass facades reflected the sunlight, creating an inviting atmosphere for both students and faculty. With its high ceilings and open spaces, the interior featured a grand atrium adorned with rotating exhibitions of contemporary art.
I was certain—anyone who got in here either had a scholarship or serious connections.
Just as I reached the entrance, I bumped into someone. Books went flying, and I crouched down immediately to help.
"I'm so sorry—I'm so clumsy," I said.
"It's okay," the person replied, and I froze. That voice... it was familiar.
"Rhea? OMG!"
"Ava?" I gasped. It was her—my best friend since grade school. Technically, my only friend. I had forgotten she always dreamed of coming here but used to complain about not getting financial aid.
"Rhea—I can't believe it's you, girl!" she squealed, hugging me so tightly I could barely breathe.
I was so glad to see her. At least I wasn't completely alone here.
Ava Wilson—18 years old, bold, and kind-hearted. Back then, I was awful at making friends, but she was the first to approach me. She was persistent, talkative, and never liked Rina.
"I'm so happy you're here—I missed you so much!" I said.
"I know, I missed you too! I'm sorry I haven't been in touch. I kinda lost my socials—and your contact," she replied with another tight hug.
"You made it to your dream school. That's impressive!"
"Yeah, I got a scholarship. I can stay as long as I remain in the top five in class," she said with a proud smile.
"Whoa. That's... intense."
"Yeah, a little exhausting—but you know me," she winked. Her optimism was one of the things I loved most about her—she always found the bright side.
"Come on, I'll show you around! Since when do you wear dork glasses?" she teased, clinging to my arm. "And what happened to your arm? Why the cast?"
"My sister gave me the glasses as a gift," I smiled.
"Ugh. No wonder they're so ugly. Let me guess—she gave you the sprained arm too?" she joked, laughing. She didn't know how close she was to the truth.
"Wait—one more thing!" She pulled out a pen. "I have to sign your cast."
"Ava..." I groaned.
"It'll only take a second... Heart A.V. All done! Let's go."
---
RINA'S POV
"You look so pretty, Rina! Did you get your boobs done? They look so... perfectly perky," Natasha said, eyeing me with admiration.
"Nope, Natasha. All natural," I replied with a proud smile.
"Well, I did mine," she said, tucking her hair behind her ears and pushing her chest forward.
"That's why they're so big," I said, poking her playfully.
"We missed you, girl!" Cassie beamed.
"I missed you all too, Cassie."
"How's your uglier twin? You know, the lesser version of you?"
"You mean dorkier, haha."
I pointed behind me, and we all burst out laughing—probably because of how she looked in those nerdy glasses I gave her.
"Speak of the lone wolf," Chloe smirked.
"I know, right? She's like an unfashionable, nerdy version of me," I said, running my fingers through my hair.
"Come on, let's show you around," Cassie said, and we all squealed again with excitement.
Silver High was exactly how I imagined it—stunning and classy, with its lush gardens and majestic oak trees. Students strolled about—some in groups, some alone, and others, like Natasha, Chloe, and Cassie, giggling over their phones and reels.
"Argh! Watch where you're going, you dickless dirtbag!" Chloe snapped at a guy who bumped into her. The guy just smiled, eyeing her behind and licking his lip as we walked past. Honestly? It was hilarious.
We were some of the hottest and richest girls in Silver High—and now that I was here, I wasn't just going to be part of the crowd.
I was going to be Queen Bee. Hashtag: #1 Bad Bh*.
"It's Stacy Ross," Chloe suddenly said, halting mid-step. Natasha and Cassie leaned over her phone.
"She gets hotter every time we see her. It's so annoying."
"I'm so damn jealous."
"Who's Stacy Ross?" I asked, peeking at Cassie's phone.
The girl on the screen was stunning—raven-black hair, killer body, tube top and leggings in a mirror selfie. Her followers? Massive.
"Only Silver High's most influential Queen Bee—and student body president."
"She's got the highest follower count in the entire school. Rich, hot, and gorgeous."
"Gorgeous is an understatement," Cassie added.
It was clear—Silver High already had a reigning queen.
But... not for long.
"Not for long, girls. You know why?"
"Why?" they asked in unison.
"Because Rina Valorie St. Clair is now in the picture—and about to turn this school into her own personal domain."
"Whoa, go girl!"
"You can totally do it—she's only like two thousand followers ahead of you," Cassie said.
I shot her a glare. "Exactly. Watch me."
"The Queen is in the building! I repeat, the Queen is in the building!" the girls cheered.
I sashayed forward, hips swinging, soaking in the stares and whispers.
Anyone who saw me at that moment would know—
I wasn't here to play.
---