New York City buzzed with its usual energy, but right at the heart of it stood Genius Blockers High - a school that was anything but ordinary.
Melissa Damion was sixteen, light-skinned, tall, and beautiful with a figure that made heads turn. Her dark hair framed her face perfectly, and even though she tried to act like she didn't notice, everyone around her did. She had a little big butt with cute dimples, and she carried herself with a quiet confidence.
Life at Genius Blockers High wasn't a walk in the park. Every day felt like a mission, full of chaos, challenges, and the unexpected. Melissa often thought, "If you don't run for your life, you'll trip over someone else's." It was just that kind of place.
Melissa paused and gave a little smirk as she narrated to herself, "I'm Melissa Damion, a white New Yorker, which is totally not cool. I mean, I really wish I was dark, but unfortunately, both my parents are white. They did their thing, and boom, here I am. Born white. Not that I'm complaining. I mean, look at me — I'm beautiful."
She giggled to herself. "Okay, I'm not bragging… much. That's all. And if you don't believe me… well, that's your problem."
Melody appeared, walking up with a light bounce in her step. She was also sixteen, tall, with long, curly yellow hair that shimmered in the sunlight. Her beauty was effortless.
"What are you doing here?" Melody asked with a raised brow.
Melissa shrugged casually. "Nothing. Just feeling the breeze, that's all. Oh, and by the way, have you seen Marion?"
"Nope. I don't think she's in school today."
"I wonder what's up with her," Melissa said, her tone mixed with concern and curiosity.
"Me too," Melody replied.
"Anyway, how was your French class?" Melissa asked.
"Splendid," Melody answered with a proud smile.
Melissa chuckled softly just as the school bell rang.
Drrriiinnnggg.
"Oh my God, it's time for class!" Melody said.
"Yeah, be right back," Melissa replied.
"Where are you heading to?"
"Just to grab a few of my textbooks from my locker."
"Okay. Don't be late," Melody called after her.
Melissa gave a quick wave and turned toward the row of lockers.
She reached her locker, opened it, and grabbed a couple of textbooks. Just as she shut the door and turned around, she bumped into someone.
Books scattered across the floor.
"Oh—sorry!" the guy said, bending down to help.
Melissa bent too, their hands brushing briefly as they both reached for the same book.
"I'm so sorry," he said again, his voice sincere.
"It's okay," Melissa replied, smiling.
He was tall, light-skinned, with a kind smile and a confident presence. There was something "swagish" about him, the way he dressed, the way he moved. He had dark hair and looked around seventeen.
Wow, Melissa thought. I haven't seen this face before.
"Yeah," he said as if reading her mind. "I'm new here."
"I thought as much. I'm Melissa Damion."
"And I'm Jace Strings."
"Nice meeting you, Jace," she said, flashing a bright smile.