I was strolling outside the school during break—trying to look busy but really just judging everyone's rich, shiny, over-the-top lives.
You know. The usual.
Some kids were gossiping about expensive jewelry like it was a new snack. Others were bragging about their latest fancy projects. And a few were attempting skateboard tricks around people—which, in my opinion, is still chaos.
Honestly, this school is like the world's most expensive zoo.
And I'm just here trying not to get trampled.
Eventually I found my favorite spot: a bench under a long shady tree. It's basically the school's only piece of real nature that doesn't involve a plastic plant.
I pulled out my sketchbook, popped my earbuds in, and started listening to my playlist while I doodled.
Yeah.
I can draw.
Don't judge.
I was completely lost in my own little world when suddenly—
Four shadows blocked the sunlight.
Regina.
Minna.
Ava.
And Isla.
The Four Horsewomen of Annoyance.
Regina stood in front like the queen of the group. Annoyingly pretty, the richest girl in school, and—of course—the biggest mean girl.
Her long ginger hair looked so silky it probably had its own Instagram account.
She was wearing her cheerleader uniform like it was armor.
She crossed her arms and sneered.
"Hey, pauper."
I didn't respond.
Not because I was ignoring her.
But because I literally couldn't hear her.
Music.
Earbuds.
Drawing.
Vibes.
Regina's eye twitched.
Clearly not used to being ignored.
So she grabbed my earbuds and yanked them out, tossing them aside like they were trash.
Bruh.
Did she just do that?
My blood boiled instantly.
I stood up from the bench and puffed up my chest—which probably looked more like a deflated balloon than intimidation.
"What's your problem, man?" I snapped, trying to sound tough.
She smirked and looked down at my sketchbook like it was her next victim.
Then she waved her hand lazily.
"Isla."
Isla quickly snatched the sketchbook from my hands and gave it to Regina like she was presenting a royal crown.
My heart dropped.
"Give it back, Regina," I said, jumping slightly to grab it.
Unfortunately for me, Regina had the height advantage.
She held it up high like she was teasing a cat with a laser pointer.
Everyone around us started giggling.
I kept jumping, trying to grab it.
Which probably looked ridiculous.
Then suddenly—
A hand reached over Regina's shoulder and took the sketchbook.
Everyone froze.
Mark.
He adjusted his glasses and looked at Regina calmly.
"No tutor for you for a whole week."
Regina gasped like someone had just cancelled Christmas.
"Whaaat?! Mark! No! I want my tutor!" she whined dramatically.
She stomped her foot like a toddler denied candy before storming off with her crew following behind.
Peace at last.
Mark turned and handed my sketchbook back.
I grabbed it quickly and held it close.
"Thanks… I guess," I muttered.
He smiled slightly and pushed his glasses up.
"I didn't know you draw."
I scratched the back of my neck awkwardly.
"Yeah… sometimes."
He glanced down at the sketches.
"They're really good."
My brain froze.
No one had ever complimented my drawings before.
Then he asked casually,
"So… can you draw anything?"
I shook my head quickly.
"Not really."
He raised an eyebrow.
"What do you mean?"
"I can't draw human beings," I admitted.
For a second he just stared at me.
Then he chuckled softly.
"Yeah… I didn't expect that."
I crossed my arms defensively.
"People are complicated."
He smiled again.
"You should still keep drawing."
My heart skipped a beat.
Or two.
I nodded awkwardly.
"Yeah… sure."
Then I walked away before things got even more awkward.
Behind me, Mark watched me leave and chuckled quietly.
Later That Night
Back at home, I had just finished washing my hair.
Blonde.
Shiny.
Perfect.
Like I just stepped out of a shampoo commercial.
I brushed my teeth, dried my hair, and changed into my cute blue silk pajamas.
Shorts.
Top.
Fashion icon in my own mind.
I stood in front of the mirror, humming while blow-drying my hair.
Peaceful.
Quiet.
Perfect.
Then suddenly—
BAM!
A loud crash exploded through the house.
Followed by loud music.
And laughter.
Very loud laughter.
I slowly placed the hairdryer down and put on my glasses like a detective about to solve a crime.
"What… is this?"
I stepped outside my room.
And my jaw dropped.
My living room had turned into a full-blown party.
People dancing.
Music blasting.
Someone literally dancing on the table.
And then—
A boy jumped off the table and landed face-first on the floor like he was auditioning for a stunt show.
No one even reacted.
Like this was normal.
Meanwhile my annoying brother Jake spotted me.
Of course he did.
"Ayana! Over here!"
I walked over, arms crossed, already annoyed.
"What are you doing, Jake?"
He shrugged casually.
"What? I'm having fun."
"Where's Mom?"
"At work," he said, sipping his drink. "She told me to have fun."
He paused.
"Oh, and you have to clean everything later."
My eye twitched.
Just as I was about to launch myself at him, three of his friends walked over.
Liam smirked the moment he saw me.
"Hey, Ayana. Nice outfit for a party."
His eyes scanned me from head to toe.
I looked down.
Blue silk pajamas.
Fantastic.
"It's nightwear," I said awkwardly.
Liam burst into laughter.
Then suddenly another voice spoke behind him.
"Ayana. We meet again."
Mark.
My soul left my body.
My brain replayed the school scene instantly.
I pointed at Jake.
"Tell everyone to get out of my house," I said firmly. "You know I don't like crowded places."
Jake just shrugged and walked to the kitchen.
Completely ignoring me.
Of course.
My eyes scanned the room and landed on Ethan.
He looked at me with a sharp, unreadable expression.
Not cold.
Not warm.
Just distant.
Then he simply walked away.
Like I wasn't even there.
Great.
Perfect.
Wonderful.
Meanwhile Liam was busy trying to kiss some girl.
Disgusting.
Yeah.
I had enough.
I turned around, marched back to my room, and slammed the door shut like I was escaping a hostage situation.