Chapter 1 High School Sucks!

💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞 Series Order: Book 1- Loathing Logan Book 2- Still In Love With You Book 3- Loving Your Imperfections ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ Sophie (Last day of school- junior year) I felt a cold shiver down my spine as the ice-cold of Amber's drink poured down my shirt. I gasped as I tried to catch my breath. Everyone in the cafeteria laughed. Including the person, I hated the most, Logan Spencer, I could see his smirk by my side. To the other girls, popular or not, he was the school's heartthrob. Sure, he was great-looking. I won't deny that! With his beautiful smile, brown hair, and captivating green eyes! But he was the biggest asshole when it came to me. He, along with his dumb football squad and model-like girlfriend, Amber Devoroux, ruled this school, and they made sure everyone else stayed faithful to worshipping the aisles they walked upon on our school. Everyone loved them, no matter how cruel they could be. So why do 'they' hate me so much? Well, you see, when Logan and I were about 12 years old and entering sixth grade, I was invited to a party to celebrate McKenzie's birthday. McKenzie is Amber's best friend by the way, and ironically is also my best friend, Alexa's cousin. I was surprised when she invited me, but I was still relentless to go. Or more like, I refused. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ Flashback "Come on honey, it'll be fun. You rarely get to go out. Plus, these girls seem nice, don't you think so?" My mom was the one who obligated me to go, and so, I was stuck at the party. Mom dropped me off and warned me not to walk home, for she'd come to get me in a few hours. I was stuck there. She pulled up to their house and dropped me off. It was a pretty small town, so everyone pretty much knew each other. "I'll see you in a few hours, ok?" She said as she drove off. Everyone was oddly nice to me, despite the fact we had rarely spoken before. That's when I met my second best friend, Troy Michaelson. He was a timid boy with beautiful features. He had dark black hair and blue eyes. Soft light skin a girl would kill for. Needless to say, things were going to turn from bad to worse for both of us. Troy and I were both loners. We both had no friends, other than my best friend, Alexa Garlik who ideally, was very unique. No one understood why she was friends with me, knowing that the popular kids actually talked to her. "Hi," I said shyly. "Hi." He responded annoyed, his hands crossed over his chest and he sighed as he took a seat next to me on the couch. "So, you're Sophie, right? I've seen you before. You're in Mrs. Richard's class." He asked as he turned his body towards me, and leaned his head on his hand prompt on top of the couch. "Umm, yeah. How do you know me? I've never seen you before. Are you new here?" I crossed my hands over my chest and narrowed my eyebrows. He smiled and leaned his head down. "Yup! I'm new here. You were absent the day I came. I sit all the way in the back next to McKenzie. That's why she invited me, I think. She keeps asking if I want to hang out." He leans closer in my ear so no one else can hear. "But, can I be honest with you?" He whispers. He pulls away slowly to see my response. I nod in agreement, "She is not really my type. Actually, I hate all the girls she hangs out with." He squints his eyes in disgust and folds his hands over his chest. "Why is that?" I tilt my head to a side and wrinkle my nose, making him chuckle. He nods his head and comes closer to me, our shoulders touching. "I see how rude they are to the other girls. I don't like people that bully other kids. So, she got herself on my bad people list." He shrugs his shoulders and smiles. We kept talking together until my best friend Alexa arrived at the party and joined us, sitting on the couch. The three of us hit it off right away, and I was glad I had met him. I just knew he was going to be an important person in my life from that moment onwards. I was so glad to have Alexa at the party. But since she and McKenzie are actually cousins, it was obvious she'd be here. It made it one positive point in my favor as I was forced to attend this ridiculous party. When all was going well and calm, the adults decided to go upstairs, leaving us in the fully lit basement to give us space; that was when things took a turn from bad to worse for us. It was then, that they told us to gather around and play seven minutes in heaven. I really didn't want to. I knew things were gonna go bad! But Troy insisted I played, so they wouldn't pick on us more than what they already were doing. "I hate this game too, Sophie! But if you don't play, they're just going to pick on you more. I'll tell you what... if I get picked to go, I'll make sure I chose you to go with me. That way, no one will mess with you, and I don't have to kiss any of those dumb girls either. We can just hang out in there until the time is up." He shrugged his shoulders. He had a point. If I didn't play, they would just pick on me. And if he chose me or I chose him, we avoided kissing someone we didn't want to. So, the game began. The first ones to go were amusing, since they came out either pale or looking awkward, with their hair all messed up and everything. I knew Alexa had a crush on Carter, so it made me sad when McKenzie chose him to go inside the closet with her. "Hey, Lexie? are you ok?" Her eyes were a bit watery and her head was hung low. "I'm fine, Soph! I knew it was never gonna be anything between him and me anyway." She got up and brushed her dress down. "I'm gonna go home. I'll see you tomorrow at school, ok?" She spoke in a soft voice. "Ok. Call me if you need to talk, ok?" I assured her she wasn't alone, she smiled and hugged me. "You're the best Soph. I'll see you! And nice to meet you, Troy!" She waved at him and turned on her heels skipping quickly up the ladder. When McKenzie and Carter came out, McKenzie couldn't take her eyes off of Troy. It's almost as if she had done it on purpose to try and make him jealous. "Ok! Who's next." She called out breathless, and a big smile on her face. Amber jumped up quickly and grabbed Logan from his wrist. "My turn! I chose, Logan." She smiled. Logan looked puzzled. He hadn't been paying attention to what was going on this whole time. He and two friends, Steven and Sam, had been cornered up by a wall, talking about the last football game they were going to have this upcoming week. "Wait, what?" He looked at her and walked at a fast pace as Amber pulled him inside the closet. I rolled my eyes annoyed. I hate this game! The game went on with a few more kids taking turns, and I was glad no one had noticed Troy and I hadn't gone. We thought we had gone undetected by staying on the far end of the room. That is...until Amber pointed it out. All eyes fell on us as she pointed out that we had to go as well. "You have to participate too. This is McKenzie's birthday party. You don't want to ruin her party, do you?" She looked at both of us. My face felt hot, and I was shaking from how nervous I was. Logan for once stopped talking about football and had joined all of them in their dumb staring contest. "Enough Amber! She doesn't have to do it, if she doesn't want to." I was surprised that he'd say that. He had rarely ever talked to me. He smiled and turned back to Amber. "Not all girls want their first kiss inside a dark and dirty closet, Amber." He said to her making her angry. "Well I didn't exactly hear you complain in there a few minutes ago, did you?" She spat at him in anger. He smiled tilting his head down. "Amber, any guy would take advantage of the situation, if the girl is willing.""Whatever Logan! Are you gonna go, or not Sophie? Because if not then you can-" She was beginning to get furious. "Oh for God's sake! Come on Sophie, let's get it over with." Troy grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the closet. Logan suddenly stepped in front of him blocking our way. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" He spat at Troy, getting close to his face, making me get more nervous than I already was. "What does it look like, lover boy? I'm going in the closet, with Sophie!""The hell you are! Do you not see that she doesn't want to go?" Logan responds angrier. "Well, Sophie? Do you want to go in the closet with me? Or would you rather go in with someone else? Either way, these girls are not gonna let it go, until you take a turn." Troy pointed out. I remembered what he said, we can just go in together and hang out until our time was over. But, if I was forced to go in with someone else, they would want to kiss me. I didn't want my first kiss toge stolen in a dirty closet. "It's fine, I'll go with Troy," I said as I walked a few steps. Troy smiled and turned towards the closet walking inside. "Sophie?" Logan looked angry and he held my arm. "It's fine, Logan, I'll go.""You gotta be kidding me. Seriously? you're going in there? With him?" He pointed to the closet and then towards Troy. "Yeah, he's my friend, Logan. I trust him.""But why him, Sophie?" He got closer to me, making me nervous. We both suddenly realized everyone was quiet, and looking at us. "Why not? I told you. He's my friend.""Yeah, but-""Oh for crying out loud. Logan, let her go already. You act like you're her damn brother!" Amber pulled him back and looked at me as if I disgusted her. "Hurry up, nerd girl! We don't have all day!" She spat. I slowly made my way towards the closet, closing the door behind me. I don't think I was in there more than a minute talking in whispers with Troy when the door burst open. Before I knew it, Logan and Troy were on the floor hitting each other. Logan hovered over him, hitting him with his fist wherever he could. The boys managed to pull them apart. But sadly, the next day...was the beginning of my long endless journey. Logan took it upon himself to bully me, prank me, and be as cruel as he ever could be. End of Flashback ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ Last day of high school Junior year Troy walked into the cafeteria seeing the scene before him. The football guys were laughing, along with Amber's squad as she poured the cold icy soda on top of me. He dropped his backpack and ran towards me. "What the hell is your problem?" He yells at Amber, and like always! Logan steps in to defend her ugly deeds. "Who the hell do you think you are? Don't fucking talk to my girl like that, asshole!" Logan pushes Troy on his chest, making him take a step back. Troy hadn't had it easy this year himself, so I knew any day now, he was going to blow off. I ran in front of him with my arms pressed against his chest. "Troy, please! It's not worth it, ok! Just. . . . Take me home, please?" I hung my head, unwilling to see anyone as I felt the shivers from the ice that was still lingering inside my shirt. "Yeah Troy, listen to nerd girl. Go on and run along like a little bitch." Logan said making me look back, clenching my jaw. Troy stepped forward, ready to throw a punch at him. But I pulled my hands forward, placing my hands on both of his arms. "Troy! Please? Let it go! It's not worth it." My voice broke and I tried to fight back the tears from my eyes from the anger I was feeling inside. Troy hated to see me cry, and he knew how hard I tried to not cry in front of them. His eyes softened and pulled me into a hug. Logan's hands fisted and I could hear the clenching of his jaw. But the last I wanted was to keep standing here and begin arguing with him like we always did. "Please take me home!" I whispered. "Ok baby girl! Let's go." He grabbed my bag and his, as he pulled me by my hand out of the school. We could still hear the others laughing. I looked back, though I hated doing so, because I knew it was probably going to make me cry from anger. Logan still looked pretty mad, and Amber, along with everyone else was laughing in amusement. She waves at me as she sees me look back. "Have a nice summer nerd girl!" She yells as I turn back and continue walking with Troy. Alexa had already left a few days ago on her vacation. Troy and I had gotten tickets to fly out to Quintana Roo this weekend. We got to his hummer and he slowly opened the door. I felt the warmth of his body as he pulled me in for a hug. "Just forget them, Soph! Tomorrow we'll be on our way to your parent's beach house. Alexa will join us in a few weeks, and we will have the time of our lives. Believe me! This summer is going to be the beginning of a new life for the both of us.""How so? You're finally going to allow yourself to be happy too, by telling your parents the truth?" I smiled and hugged him by his waist. "Soph! You know my situation, but. . . I don't know if I'm ready to tell my parents that I'm. . .you know!""Gay? Troy, seriously! Your parents love you. They'll understand." I tightened my grip on his waist as I looked him in his eyes. He kissed the top of my head and sighed. "I- I don't know Soph! What if they hate me? I rarely talk to them as it is. When they're not on one of their many vacations they're on business trips, I can't even remember when was the last time I saw them, which I can careless, I have you and grandma, what more do I need?" I punched him lightly on his arm. "Shut up! No one can hate you, Troy! 'You are lovable, and you're right... You have grandma and me.., and Lexie." He smiles and hugs me, placing his chin on top of my head, since he was much taller than me. "Look, we have this whole summer to make changes for the best! If I have to come out of the closet, then you need to make drastic changes too. Let's make a deal!" He pulls me away and brings out his pinky. "By the end of this summer, if I see my pare, I will tell my parents the truth. And you have to come back to school as a new and improved Sophie! You will no longer be known as Sophie, the nerd girl, but 'Sophie' the strong, smart, and beautiful girl you hide behind those glasses. Deal?" I looked at him from behind my glasses and slowly gripped his pinky with mine. Scared put of my mind? Yes... But he was right. I had to do this...for me. "Deal!" 💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞

Chapter 2 New Boy, New Friends

💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞 (Third Person POV ---Sophie and Troy had spent all summer long in her parent's summer house, down in Quintana Roo. Binge-watching Spanish soap operas they rarely understood what they said, but nonetheless, loved every minute of it. Embracing their freedom of no parents around, and going shopping any chance they could. ) Sophie (Late July in Mexico, Quintana Roo) It wasn't until the middle of summer when the third person of our trio came to join us. Our best friend, Alexa Garlik. She looked stunning like always, flaunting a Grecian tan to match her beautiful curves and making her blue eyes sparkle. She had to spend her first weeks in Greece visiting her maternal grandparents. She told us about her adventures, and the handsome boy she'd meet while visiting her grandparents. She was very outspoken and very outgoing, but even then, she could not get Troy and me to budge on going out to the numerous clubs around the town we were staying in. Both, Troy and I were far too responsible for our age, or so my parents say. Which was why our parents had allowed us to go on this trip alone. I had no intentions  in breaking that trust my parents and Troy's grandmother had placed on us. We made a pact the last day we were there....To make the best of our last year of high school, regardless of what happens. We'd stick together and protect each other like we always do, and embrace the end of school by bidding each other good luck when it was time to leave for college. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ Present Day, late August, just a day before school starts. I lay on my bed. My mind wanders off, reminiscing of the awesome summer nights I spent with my two best friends. Meanwhile, Alexa and Troy try to talk me into having a little fun and going out to a party one of the football guys is throwing. Oddly enough of him to invite us, don't you think? This definitely has prankster-Logan written all over it. But, Troy takes it as a sign that things might just be changing for the good. Huh, maybe not T. I'm not falling for it. I can't understand how everything between the two of us got this bad, but he doesn't care, so why should I? The arguing and pranking gets worse and crueler each year. But does it matter? All I know is that neither one of us can stand each other any more than the other. I can't stand the sight of him, and he can't stand how annoying and nerdy I could be, I know...he's said before. The worst punishment for him, is having to spend hours sitting down in the same classrooms as me. And being that we are both A.P. Students, we get stuck in similar classes all the time. He told me that he hoped this year would be different, he would avoid falling into one of my dumb pranks and stupid comebacks, as if he was any different? I was getting better and sneakier at my comebacks though, and for all the same reasons he thought of every single way possible to make my life a living hell this new year coming up, I know it, I can just feel it. He's probably going to give me hell, and give me little, to no chances to find ways to make my comeback. 'Just a few more hours to go between the end of summer and the start of a new year.' I think  to myself. He has the perfect event to go to, to celebrate his new twisted plots and incredible ideas to make the life of 'Sophie Patterson' the worst in all of Lakeview Academy's history. ( third-person pov: meanwhile, in a different house- Logan gets ready, dressing in a black t-shirt, with dark blue jeans, and his converse high tops. He grabs his keys and runs down the stairs of his house, slamming the door behind him. He'd always forget to lock the door, but for all the good reasons, his sister, Ashley would always keep an eye out to secure the house when he'd leave. He quickly got into his car, driving away to Sam's house for the last summer party, before their first day of class tomorrow morning.) ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ 💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨ Sophie "I can't believe I let you guys talk me into coming here tonight. Do you have any idea what tomorrow is? The last I need is to show up to school tomorrow, late or worse! With a huge hangover! That's it, I'm staying in here and waiting for you two to come back, and you two better not talk me out of it." I stood in the passenger's seat inside Troy's car with my arms crossed. I puffed my cheeks and pulled down on the hem of my dress. I hated wearing short dresses. But it was part of the deal I made with Troy and Alexa. To dress to impress, along with the new makeover they gave me a few weeks ago. I said goodbye to my glasses, getting fit for new contacts I had been wearing for the past two weeks now so that I could get used to them. Though from time to time, my doctor told me to wear my glasses so my eyesight wouldn't get too tired. I underwent a torturous three hours getting a facial, hair cut, and Mani-Pedi a few nights before leaving Quintana Roo, inside a beautiful salon full of gorgeous massagers who pampered me with a wonderful massage. It left me feeling like I was floating in mid-air. Though any other girl would have loved every second there, it made me feel a tad frustrated, in my eyes, beauty is in the mind and soul, and not in the physical appearance, I didn't want to change. But, I promised my friends, and I always keep my word. "Sophie we had a deal! And you promised not to chicken out, remember? Now, this... is part of your new persona! So get your ass out there, and flaunt those gorgeous legs honey, because you look smocken' hot!" Troy moved his fingers up and down, gesturing towards my body. I grunted in protest, making Alexa giggle as she sat in the back seat. She clicked away on her phone, tossing her hair back. "Wow, Troy!...if I didn't know you were gay, I'd think you were hitting on Sophie!" The three of us chuckled and got off the car unanimously. Alexa and I stood side by side and waited for Troy to come around the car to join us, while he grabbed his jacket off the back seat. "You ready Soph?" Alexa looked at me with a gleam in her eyes, but...was I really ready to show all these stuck-up preps who the new Sophie Patterson was? I gulped down hard and nodded my head unsure of myself. "No, not really! I think I need to throw up." I grabbed my stomach and puffed my cheeks. "Oh no, you don't...You're just nervous, baby girl. Don't worry, after tonight, everyone will want to be your friend. You'll get so many invitations to parties, you'll be entering these things like a pro by the end of the year." Alexa giggled and looped her arm around my arm. I roll my eyes and chuckle, "Oh, she speaks with words of knowledge and wisdom now, darling! The pro that gets invited to every party and doesn't dare to hang out with her two best friends on movie night, because popularity in high school is so important. Right, Miss Lexie? God forbid you get stuck all senior year with your two Geek friends!" Troy raises an eyebrow at Alexa making her turn red and squint her eyes. "How many times am I going to apologize to you guys over this subject? I invite you guys to every party you know? But you two always turn me down. We only live once Troy! I want to be able to enjoy and make the best of life. This is why you two need to start doing the same, as of NOW. So come on, let's get in there and PARTY." She grabs Troy, looping her other arm around his and pulling us towards the house. Many girls are in the front yard giggling and watching some of the football guys messing around in a friendly game, tackling each other and throwing the football to one another. Troy's eyes are caught on a new guy who we hadn't seen before. He stands by Steven holding a solo cup. His golden hair tossed back and to one side. His jawline looked sharp, and even with his black hoodie, we can tell he is very well fit and very VERY attractive. "Wow, who's the new hottie? Do you guys see him? He is hot! I wonder if he's gay?" Troy whispers, making Alexa chuckle, and I roll my eyes. "Troy, you wish every hot guy was gay. But if that was the case, then what would be left for us? Selfish Troy, selfish!" Alexa hits his arm softly making Troy chuckle, catching the attention of that particular person he has his eyes on. The guy clenches his jaw and quickly looks away. Troy brushes it off, maybe Alexa is right. Wishful thinking of him to hope the hot new guy would be gay, though, I hope he finds someone soon. We enter the house and just as quickly, Alexa disappears towards the kitchen Island grabbing a beer and two Jack Daniel's coolers for us. Troy pops open each drink, handing the southern peach flavor to me and the fruit punch to Alexa. We click the bottles together before taking our first sip. In the far end, where everyone grinds and dances together, Logan dances away with McKenzie. I bet the liquor has already intoxicated him, probably trying to forget the fact he came back this summer just to find Amber in Carter's arms. He was now a free man, and all he wanted was to have a good time and forget the rest. Especially now that it's their last year before going off to embrace adulthood. It's a small town, by the way, word spreads quickly here. He has plans to go to NYU with a full college football scholarship, and study law. Amber will be heading out to USC to study out there, saying goodbye to this boring old town and her mother, who she despises with every inch of her. I'm not sure what their relationship is like, but I do know that she hates her mom, and can't stand her. The music played extremely loud and the house is so crowded, that it's hard for the three of us to stand in one single spot without being pushed or bumped into. Troy grabs my hand, I quickly give my drink to a girl near me and grip Alexa's hand, and pull her in the direction Troy is guiding me. I almost lose Alexa in the crowd, but she manages to retake my hand and doesn't let go until we are safely outside in front of the pool. "Hey there's an empty table over there with plenty of chairs, let's go take a seat." Troy gestures to us and we follow right behind. Soon as we sit, the new hot guy comes over, taking a chair and turning it around with the backrest to his chest as he takes a seat. "Hey, mind if I sit here with you guys?" He smiles and reveals his beautiful blue eyes and deep dimples matching Troy's. Troy sits in shock, with his lips slightly parted, and Alexa quickly clicks his chin to close his mouth making me giggle. "Promise you won't bite?" I say chuckling and wink my left eye. He chuckles and throws his head back slightly. "No, of course not. Not unless you ask!" He looks at me, softly biting his lower lip. I widen my eyes and look straight at Troy nervously. "I'm kidding. I won't bite. My name is Dylan. I'm new in town. I just got here a few days ago, my dad is a sergeant in the military nearby." He says smiling and glancing between each of us. He stops his gaze on Troy who is particularly overprotective of me, due to the constant bullying the cheerleaders and football guys do to me, because of Amber and Logan. Troy gives him a stern look, narrowing his eyebrows and clenching his jaw. Dylan clears his throat and looks away towards Alexa. "So, what's good around here? What do you guys like to do for fun? I mean, besides partying of course." Alexa and I chuckle, but Troy stays serious and crosses his hands over his chest. "Um, well, to be honest, we don't get out much. At least not Troy and me. Lexie is another story, she's the wild one in this group." I say chuckling, getting  a soft slap on my arm from Alexa. "Hey! That's not. . . . .completely true!" She begs to differ, but Troy and I laugh, making Dylan smile. A few minutes later, Dylan has hit it off perfectly with the three of us. Dylan and Troy take turns fetching drinks for the four of us. But when one of  the guys realizes who is sitting with Dylan, he smiles and gestures to another guy to look over. "Hey, you're the new guy who's going to join our football team this year right?" He says as the other guy pours him the four cups. "Um, yeah. That's me!""Cool man! Good luck this year. Here you go." He hands him the cups, and though Dylan finds his behavior oddly suspicious, he dismisses the thought. He walks back, but he can't shake off the feeling something is off about those boys. He slowly sets the cups down and looks at Troy, who sends him a confused look as well. Slowly, Lexie reaches out for a cup but he stops her. I sigh in relief, since I wasn't sure we should drink then either. "Wait!" He demands. We both get startled and he reaches into his back pocket. He brings out a small bag he has inside with thin paper strips. Unzips the bag and brings out one of the little strips, gripping one of the cups in his hand. We stared at him dumbfounded and lean forward. "Dylan, what in the world are you doing?" Alexa questions him. He raises his hand to his lips asking her to remain quiet. Looking at Troy and gesturing him to look at the boys who are laughing and whispering amongst themselves. "Wait! Do you think they did something to our drinks?" Troy asks as he sits forward. Both Alexa and I gasped in shock. I knew it, I cross my hands and grunt in frustration. Dylan clenches his jaw and closes his eyes. "I don't know. Maybe! There's one way to tell." He lifts the drink, smelling it. "It smells oddly familiar. And you see the small bubbling? This drink shouldn't bubble in just one spot continuously. It should fizz evenly in all directions if it was beer. Now, if I'm right, then my strip will turn into a bright pink color." He holds up the strip and dips it into one of the drinks. He brings it out and places it in the middle of the table. All four of us glue our eyes to the strip, slowly changing to a faint pink, slowly turning darker and darker. Dylan's jaw clenches and narrows his eyebrows in fury, matching the anger that builds up inside of Troy. Both Alexa and I stare at each other, and before we knew it, the boys each take two of the drinks and walk towards the guys who gave them the drinks. "Oh-no." Lexie and I look at each other with eyes opened wide. 💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞

Chapter 3 Take A Dive!

💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞 Sophie Dylan and Troy walk angrily, tossing the drinks at the feet of the boys who are laughing away, careless of who is looking at them. Lexie and I run behind them to prevent a fight. "What the hell is your problem man? Why the hell did you pour GHB inside our drinks you fucking morons?" Dylan glares at them grabbing one of the guys by his shirt, evident he has taken some of the drug himself by the way he carelessly laughs away. "Yeah, why the hell did you. . .wait! What? What the hell is GHB?" Troy squints his eyes in confusion as he holds the other chuckling idiot by his shirt. Dylan's hand held the guys shirt tightly, his other hand held high in a fist by the guy stumbling over. "GHB, it's gamma. . . .-hydroxybutyric acid. It's a generic substance, used on people with deep depression. But it causes them to suffer hallucinations and can even make a person fall unconscious. These assholes were probably thinking of having the chance to get into Sophie or Alexa's pants, weren't you?" He pulls the guy close to his face, but he just giggles and battles with his own body to stay upright. Both guys chuckle away, but just as Dylan is ready to punch him in the face Logan steps in front of him stopping his punch in mid-air. "Enough! Either all of you behave or leave. This is my friend's party, I don't want to see any of this childish bullshit." He glares angrily between Dylan and Troy. Dylan harshly pulls his hand away and lets go of the guy, making him fall to the ground. "Whatever, I'm out." Dylan turns clenching his jaw and walks a few feet away towards me. Dylan’s intention was for Logan to let the situation go, but seeing me by Dylan's side makes his blood boil. I know he is probably pissed off that I'm here. He walks towards us and looks furious at me, making me become startled to see him here completely intoxicated. "I should have known these idiots were with you, Soph! You are nothing but trouble you know that? Why the hell did you come here? Came to ruin my night before the beginning of school tomorrow?" He raises his hands to the sides taking one step back. "Whatever you say, Logan! I didn't even know you were going to be here, ok. But don't worry, we were just leaving." I look uto the side and see Amber making out with a guy on the balcony. I chuckle, nodding my head and folding my hands over my chest. I should of known, unbelievable. "Yeah, like I'll believe you didn't know I was here Sophie! I go to every freaking party. You, on the other hand, are a loner. Never get invited to a single party. So it's easy to say that the one surprised here is me. So now, why don't you and your friends get-""Enough Logan. As Sophie said, we were leaving. Now, why don't you be a good boy...and let it go, ok?" Troy steps in front of him, clenching his jaw and fisting his hands. I hold Troy's arm and slowly pull him back, seeing that both boys stand face to face. "Troy, let it go. Let's just leave, ok?""Yeah Troy, listen to your little pet and leave." Logan's veins engorge, the anger inside of him increasing with each second. But Troy doesn't budge. "Troy, man, we should go. We can take the girls to get something good to eat. Maybe take a walk down by the lake! What do you say?" Dylan suggests. Troy holds his ground, but even though he hates to admit it, he's already becoming soft-hearted with Dylan and raises his head and steps away. "Mark my words pretty boy, Sophie is not alone. She has me to look after her, and now. . ." He wraps an arm over my shoulders and another over Dylan. "Now she has Dylan too. Right, Dylan?" Dylan smiles and grabs my hand and pulls me towards him, making me gasp and stumble a little, making me raise my hands and placing them on Dylan's chest. "Definitely! Sophie, you can definitely count on me." He tells me, giving me a tight squeeze and kissing the top of my head. "Oh please! You all make it sound like she's the fucking victim all the time. She's just as bad, and she's an evil prankster. But you know what? Do whatever you want with your new toy, Sophie. He'll probably dump you before you know it." He says as he begins to walk away, my eyes fill with a treacherous tear, making me look away. Troy quickly grabs Logan by his shoulder turning him around and punching him right on his jaw. Just as quickly, both boys begin to exchange punches again. In the midst of all the commotion, somehow I end up being pushed inside the pool. The water at this time is ice cold and though I am an avid swimmer, I get an awful cramp on my leg and submerge underwater, unable to swim up. Before I can reason, Logan launches himself inside the water and swims underneath. Swimming towards me as the pain keeps me under. He comes in front of me and holds me tight against his chest, ordering me to look at him with his free hand. When I stop squirming around, he quickly pushes off with his feet and brings me to the surface. We both gasp for air as the cold wind hits our face. I cough and he holds me steady with his hand looking at me with concern, examining me as we both sit by the steps on the inside of the pool. "Sophie, look at me? look at me Soph, Are you ok?" He asks me frantically, holding my face with both of his hands as I gasp for air and cough. I nod but continue to cough, my body shivers from the cold breeze hitting me. "Sophie! Fuck, I am so sorry Soph! This is all my fault. I should have listened to you and walked away. You almost drowned in there, baby girl!" Troy and Alexa quickly pull me out, while I continue to cough, limping from one foot as the pain of my leg cramp is still lingering on the back of my foot. "And you!" Alexa glares furiously at Logan. "None of this would have happened if you weren't such a jerk to her all the time anyway. And just because you pulled her out, does not mean you are on good terms with us Logan. You're still an asshole, and honestly, it should of been you drowning in that water instead of Sophie." She pushes him on his chest making him step back. He lowers his head and stares at me. "Sophie, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for it to go this far. I know I pick on you all the time, but, it doesn't mean I hate you, honest. I'm. . . .I'm sorry, Soph!""Sophie? Maybe we should just go now," Dylan says softly to me as he takes off his hoodie making me put it on. "It's fine, Logan. Just, forget it, ok!" Though I'm thankful he rescued me, I can't truly believe in any of his apologies, nor bear to forgive him for all the nasty pranks he's done to me. At least, not yet anyway. 💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞

Chapter 4 Stuck With You

💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨ (Third Person POV- After they had left the party, they drove off in Troy's car, leaving Dylan's bike parked outside, by Steven's house. Deciding on having fun at the lake for a few good hours, and leading them to make a stop at Maggie's Diner before they headed to Sophie's house. They had been so tired by the time they got there, that the boys fell asleep in her living room. While Sophie tried to sleep, Alexa ranted away singing, talking on the phone with a boy she had met in Greece, and reading on one of her story apps on her phone.) ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ Sophie "Lexie! Lexie! come on wake up. My mom's done making breakfast. Get up so you can get ready for school before coming down to meet with the boys." Alexa protests with a grunt, making me chuckle. Luckily, the boys were awake and ready to leave, and I had long ago gotten myself ready as well. Leaving only Lexie, who refused to leave the comfort of the bed. Knock knock The door opens and my mom comes in slowly. "Hi, sweetheart! Breakfast is ready. You girls need to come down before the boys finish all the pancakes I made. Never mind the bacon! It's probably gone by now. Dylan seems to have taken a liking to my turkey bacon, he seems like a nice kid." She syas giggling. At the mentioning of turkey bacon and Dylan devouring it, Lexie jolts up and runs out the door, careless of the fact she's still wearing pajamas. I look at my mom rolling my eyes and getting up from the bed. My mom laughs and nods her head. "Yup! Should have gone with the bacon! Why didn't I mention it from the start? I could have saved myself a good fifteen minutes trying to wake her up." My mom chuckles and kisses me on me cheek. "Come on sweetheart. I think you should get down there as well, before you are left with nothing but scraps." She chuckles, making me snort in laughter, walking down the stairs. "Yeah! They probably already inhaled everything down there by now." She chuckles as she hears Lexie yelling at the boys to let go of the last strip of bacon. We finish breakfast and still have plenty of time to drive to the military base and wait for Dylan to go to his house quickly and change, and grabs his backpack along with extra clothes for school, since the first day meant he had to go into school wearing his football uniform. By the time we come around to park at school, there's plenty of action already going around. Students are driving in with their cars; some are walking to school; others arriving on buses, and some, being dropped off by friends or parents. As usual, the first day is hectic, with a big welcome back rally that includes cheerleaders, music from a Dj, and the school band in full blast; the football team is presented on stage first, and the other sports teams taking their turn on the stage as well, right after they announce the football team. Soon as we park, and realize we still have plenty of time to spare, we walk with Dylan towards the stage in the middle of the school campus so he can join the other football players. "Don't leave, ok? Soon as we are off stage, I'll come join you guys and we'll go get our schedules together." He points to us and Lexie smiles. She had seen how cute he was last night, but with a fresh bath and all his hair tousled back nicely; his ocean blue eyes gleaming with excitement, she was practically drooling over him "Ok, we'll wait for you over here by the entrance to the science building," Troy yells by his ear over the loud music, pointing towards the direction we will be waiting for him. He hands his backpack to Troy and grips his helmet. "Hey, Williams! Get your butt up here boy." Coach Mitchell calls out to Dylan and he waves quickly back at us while making his way up the stage. Alexa couldn't help but stare at his butt as he runs up on stage wearing his football uniform. But, I have a feeling he's far from wanting to make a move on her. "Do you think he'll have to wear that uniform all day today?...Because I don't mind the view of him in it. . . .nope! Not one bit." She says making Troy roll his eyes and nudges her on her shoulder with his arm. "Hormones girl! Calm your hormones." She giggles and turns towards me. I find myself averting my eyes in all directions. As planned, we wait for Dylan and get our schedules together. Dylan had a few shared classes with each of our friends, but me. He was thankful he got most classes with Troy since he didn't know many guys and had little time to meet the football players during the summer. Having a military dad and no mom meant just one thing, wherever dad went, Dylan went. Which meant they moved around, A LOT! Making it difficult for him to make long-time friends and attach himself to anyone. Since his dad had recently been assigned to the Marine military base inside Lakeview Town, he had to enroll himself in Lakeview high school. He was used to doing things on his own, since his dad was always busy. But since he was new in town and didn't know anyone, he had been stuck inside the house the military assigned them for the rest of the summer, besides the afternoons, when he'd go for football practices. I look over my schedule and sighs. "What's wrong, Soph?" Troy asks. I lift my head and show them my schedule. "I have Mrs. McGee for English Literature, first period. I've heard she's really hard! I just hope she doesn't fail me, I need to do my best this year so I can get into NYU." Troy laughs and takes my schedule in his hands. "Soph! What are you talking about? One, you are always top of your class! Well, most of the time because Emily Mitchell is freaking smart too. Second, you have impeccable grades, NYU will be crazy not to take you! And third, Mrs. McGee is awesome. I had her last year, don't worry, you'll be fine...." I sigh closing my eyes. " Yeah, I guess! Maybe you're right. Anyway, I should get going. See you guy later, ok?" I grip the straps of my backpack and toss my hair back getting ready to leave. This new wardrobe change still made me feel a bit uncomfortable. It would take me time to get used to no glasses and a more fashionable wardrobe that Troy and Alexa had gotten for me. Dylan chuckles bringing his arm around me and squeezing me tightly. Troy purses his lips and brings an arm resting on my shoulder."I'm sure it won't be so bad, Soph. Oh but, heads up! She likes punctuality, and interaction, the more you participate, the more she likes you, and picks less on you. She will give you a pop quiz every week on what you've read so far. First thing, she will give you a list of books you have to read. She'll say you have until the end of the semester, but she'll give you until Thanksgiving break, maybe earlier, depends on her mood. Oh, and attendance counts against 25% of your grade, so don't be late too often, attend every day, if you are going to miss a day, send her an email or she will be very mad." He chuckles and gives me a toss on my hair with his fingers. "Wow! I thought you said she'd be easy?" I widen my eyes and gawk my mouth open. "No, I said she was nice! If you do all your work neatly, abide by her rules, and you're on time. She won't tolerate late work either." Troy chuckles and gives me back my schedule. "Come on guys. Let's get to class before all the good seats are gone." He nudges Dylan with his elbow and leans close to him. "Thankfully, most teachers don't give assigned seats here. So if we're lucky, we can get seats up front and don't get stuck in the back with all the popular kids, who will probably give you a hard time in class all year round." Troy says, Dylan smiles at him and nods his head. "I'm sure that won't be a problem for you anymore. I'll make sure you guys don't get picked on." Dylan smirks and squints an eye at Troy, leaving him flushed as he walks away and says bye to them. "Holy bells! The more I know this boy, the more I pray he's gay! Sorry Lexie, but I saw him first." Lexie chuckles and punches him lightly on his shoulder. "Fair enough, T! I got my greek god waiting for me back across the oceans." She giggles and they hug before saying goodbye and we leave for our classes. I walk into my English class and unfortunately see that all upfront seats are taken. As expected, Emily and her friends are seated up front. Emily is not just an extremely smart girl, but unlike me, she is very sociable and loved by everyone around here. Especially since her dad is the football coach, and her mom volunteers at the administration office all the time. My teacher smiles at me as I take a desk in the third row, on the very far side of the room by the windows. I take a seat next to a window, out looking at the football field. I quickly place my backpack down and unzips the top, taking out a book with a girl dressed in a long white gown and a white rose tainted with blood in the front cover to pass time faster, the title reads 'White Rose' by Grace Angel. I open the page where I had left off, and forget the world exists as I read away. I'm at the part where Chase is visiting Jennie's grave, and he is still so hurt over her death that he yells. Screaming at the grave, he tells Jennie he hates her for leaving him. Unable to comprehend why she had died. Just when I'm ready to turn the page, my book is snatched away by Amber, making me look at her, confused. "Ah, hey? That's my book!. . . . Oh, Amber! What do you want?" I cross my arms and close my eyes with frustration. Amber and her friends giggle as they flip through the pages and scuff at my book. "What the hell are you reading? This thing doesn't even have pictures in it?" She gives the book to Mackenzie who begins to read the back of the book silently. "Amber, this is high school remember? Not elementary. I'm allowed to read books without pictures, you do know that, right?" I know I'm pushing my limits by mocking her, Amber glares at me furious. Just when she is ready to answer me back with a sneer, the bell rings and Mrs. McGee orders the girls to take a seat. "Sorry teacher, but this actually, is not our class," Amber replies to Mrs. McGee who is unamused with her smart reply. "Then kindly leave my room, before I send you to the principal's office for disrupting my class and bothering my students." Amber and the girls widen their eyes and leave promptly. Mrs. McGee snatches the book away from Mackenzie as she passes by and gives it back to me. All four girls exit the room and allow the door to shut harshly behind them. The teacher begins by introducing herself like every year and writes the rules down on the board, along with an outline of what books we will begin to read for the first quarter of the year. She continues to write away on her board, and just when she is ready to turn while still giving orders, the door jolts open. Logan and Steven walk in, gasping for air as they make their way inside, stopping in front of the teacher. Oh, God, no....why? "Hi! Sorry, we're late. We had to stay and help coach Mitchell with a few things in the locker. It won't happen again, Mrs. McGee." The teacher looks from above the rim of her glasses and reaches out for the boys' schedule and permission note signed by their coach "Hm, Logan Spencer and Steven Jameson. Take a seat, I'll let it go this time, being it's the first day of school. But don't make it a habit, and let Jacob know I will not tolerate my students missing any minute of lecture." She gestures towards the seats and Logan smiles, "Will do, Ma'am!" His face turns to an evil grin on his face as he sees me look at him, and an empty chair right behind me. He nudges Steven to take the seat beside him, and they both quickly make their way to sit. I can feel my face gone pale and my heart racing to a million per second. The last I wanted, was to have my worst nightmare around a class where I feel I'm great at. I close my eyes and look down to the top of my desk as he passes by and sits behind me. "Great! As if this day couldn't get any worse." I whisper making him chuckle as he places his backpack down right behind the foot of my seat. As the teacher looks towards the board and continues to write, he swoops my hair slowly to a side and leans to my ear. "I can help you with that, If you're up for the challenge, Patterson? I am more than willing to make your day a bit more...or less cloudy. It's all up to you!" I shiver, feeling his warm breath by my neck as he whispers. I narrow my eyebrows and look back at him. "Back off satan! Not in the mood to deal with your shenanigans this early." I turn back and he chuckles, biting down on his lower lip. "As you wish your highness! But can't guarantee I'll behave all year long if you give me motive!" He whispers making me roll my eyes as I write down the notes Mrs. McGee is writing on the whiteboard. All through class, Logan plays with the strands of my hair and kicks my seat to annoy me. The more I ignore him, the more he does it. I grip hard on my pencil each time I feel the kick to the back of my chair and pull myself away each time I feel his fingers through my hair. "Quit it, Logan!" I whisper time and time again. But he continues to smile and do as he likes. As the time comes close to the end of the class, our teacher has had enough. Though she had tried to be patient, being it was the first day of class, she begs to differ now. "Mr. Spencer?" The teacher calls out to him seeing he is distracted. He clears his throat and sits straight in his seat. "Yes ma'am!" He calmly answers her. "I like to do a little game called guess the quotes of famous philosophers. Since you and Miss Patterson like to converse so much in an argument. I figured you two would be the perfect candidates... for our first quiz, so I'm making it an oral exam. You can either partake in the exam along with Sophie, or you can both sit here after school in detention to continue your playful discussion. You can start by using the quotes written on my board." He and I turn red in embarrassment, but nonetheless, he turns to me and wimnks an eye with a bright smile." I giggle, glancing at the quotes and sure of who wrote them. I silently turn my body to see him. The smile on my face making him turn red as he averts his sight between me and the teacher. He clears his throat and runs his hands against the side of his pants. "Ahem! Of course." He sighs and stands straight to read out loud. "No matter what happens, enjoy life because you only get one and it doesn't last long. . . . .-Epicurus." He smirks and squints his eye at me, making me roll my eyes and turn to face him. "Sophie, your turn. You can both take turns doing one each." I stand and begin to read out loud. "It is impossible to live a pleasant life without living wisely and well and justly, and it is impossible to live wisely and well and justly without living a pleasant life. . . - Epicurus" I clear my throat and look at Logan giving him a cheeky smile. I nod, waiting on his next guess. Mrs. McGee clears her throat and stands in front of the whiteboard with arms crossed. "Very well, Logan? Go ahead." He turns back to me with a smile. "Socrates- The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less." Before I can answer, he continues to the next quote. "John Stuart Mill- I have learned to seek my happiness by limiting my desires, rather than in attempting to satisfy them." He nudges his head to the side and smirks. I sigh, tossing my hair back. The class remains surprisingly attentive and Mrs. McGee jots down in her board while we continue to guess. "Henry David Thoreau- Happiness is like a butterfly; the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulders." I tilt my head to the side lifting an eyebrow. Logan presses his lips in a pucker and gives me a smirk. He parts his lips ready to continue the next guess, but Mrs. McGee holds her hand up while she continues to write on her board. "Very well! Miss Patterson and Mr. Spencer, I can see you two are quite knowledgeable about your philosophy. Thank you very much. You both may be seated." She turns and points to the board. "Thanks to Logan and Sophie, the rest of you are free of today's pop quiz." They all cheer and she holds her hand to silence them. She turns back to the board and walks pacing back and forth. "This is a list of books I expect you to read by the end of this semester. I will assign you a partner and expect a 10 thousand word report on all the books in this list. Now, you will have until the week before Christmas break to turn in your report. That's far more time than I have ever given before. But! Come the start of the second quarter, I will need a rough draft of at least half of this list." She grabs the stack of papers on her desk and begins to pass them out one student at a time. "Now, this is a simple outline of things I will be expecting in your report for each book, along with questions you need to answer in paragraph form." She comes back up to the front of her desk and places the extra forms on top, grabbing her attendance chart. "So, before the bell rings I will call out your name and who you will be partnered off to. Pay attention, for I will only say it once. Amanda, you will partner off with Jason. Samantha with Abigail." She continues to name the students pointing towards them and asking them to sit next to each other. I shrug my shoulders and close my eyes hoping to get partnered off with Emily who I know for a fact is an extraordinary student and takes her studies very seriously. "Emily, you will be partnered off with Chloe since I know you two always work perfectly together." She smiles and squints an eye. Then she looks at Logan and me, taking a long sigh. "Sophie!" She looks at me and nods her head. "You will be partners with Logan." The bell rings and Mrs. McGee places her board down on her desk and turns to the students. "Very well. I'll see you all tomorrow for another day. If I did not call your name, stay after class so I can assign someone to you. The rest of you, you are dismissed." I sit there, unbelieved of what the teacher just did to me. How can she partnered me off with Logan? Doesn't she know that we can't stand each other? All this is going to do is cause more arguments and misunderstandings between us! I stand not waiting for another second and walk towards the teacher. "Mrs. McGee, isn't there anyone else you can partner me off with? You saw yourself, Logan, and I are not compatible with this assignment. We don't get along! Please, I'm begging you." Mrs. McGee smiles and looks back at Logan who stands behind me, with a mischievous smile on his face. "For all the better reasons, Miss Patterson. You and Logan will have to learn to communicate and work together IF you want to pass this class. This project will be worth half of your grade. I expect you two to work together and give me your best. Besides, this may help the two of you to come to better terms. Who knows? Maybe you'll learn to like him by the end of the year." She looks between the two of us, making me groan. "Oh come on now Sophie! You don't want to fail this class, do you? I'm not that bad to work with, you know?" He runs a hand over my shoulder and squeezes me hard, making me tumble against his chest. "Ugg! Fine! I can't believe I'm stuck with you!" I close my eyes and slap off his hand, Mrs. McGee chuckles and nods her head. "You two will be just fine. Now get out of my class and make room for my next students. And in the future, don't interrupt my class. Unless you want extra time together in detention." 💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨💞✨

Chapter 5 Her Smile

"Regardless of what Logan says, I'm not falling for his stupid pranks this year. He better start acting mature already or so help me God I am not holding back this year. I will retaliate, and he will be so-""Ahem!" Sophie's eyes widen as she sits on her side of the bench in the cafeteria and is interrupted by the very own Logan Spencer. She had been furious the whole day. Just when she'd start forgetting about the incident that morning, someone had to mention his name. The butterflies in her stomach would begin to whirl again, and she'd roll her eyes. Annoyed and frustrated, all she wanted to do was sit with her friends at lunch and get her frustration out by talking to them about what was bothering her. Why did she have to get stuck with him for this project? To top it off, she still had two more classes to go, and was hoping she did not get stuck in another class with him. She widens her eyes, and the vertigo in her stomach plummets her into a whirl as if she was going down on a roller coaster at full speed. She turns, with eyes wide in shock and he stands behind her; arms crossed over his chest, and his foot tapping away on the floor. "What, Logan? Bothering me in Mrs. McGee's class and getting stuck with you on an assignment wasn't enough torture for you? What do you want?" She tilts her head to the side, rolling her eyes and crossing her hands. She tries to ignore the fact all her friends are giggling in the back, murmuring among themselves behind him, Amber glaring at her, throwing daggers with her stare, and fuming angrily. "One, I have no intentions to prank you. At least not today!" He squints his eyes, shrugging his shoulders. "Two, Mrs. McGee sent an email, she wants an outline of our paper by this Friday. So we have no choice than to start working on the report soon as possible.""Ok! And?" She nods her head, shrugging her shoulders and narrowing her eyebrows. "And! It means we should start working on it today. We can meet either in my house or I can go to yours, whatever you want." He shrugs his shoulder allowing her to choose. "Well I can't today. I have plans already. Troy and I are going out to the movies." She turns, giving him a view of her back, making him clench his jaw in frustration. "Well can't you just postpone it for another day? You saw how she got upset earlier, I don't want to get a ba-" 'Soph! I think you should go with Logan. Besides, I was hoping to get some other things done. I really need to get home to my grandma. My parents are coming down from New York to see me for a few days. I was hoping to spend sometime with them." Troy purses his lips. Hoping she doesn't become upset. Though she dreads the idea of spending time with her worst enemy, she knows how important it is for Troy to spend the little time his parents spend with him. Both living in New York due to their work, and rarely come by to see him. He has no choice but to stay with his grandma the time they are away. Although he can't complaint, his grandma loves him like a son. She sighs, closing her eyes and turning back to Logan. "Fine! We can meet in your house. I definitely do not want you to know where I live. Who knows if you'd end up teepeeing my house or something in the middle of the night." She narrows an eyebrow, and looks him up and down. He chuckles and undoes his hands, bringing his left hand over his chin. "Not a bad idea Patterson! Not a bad idea. But I'm not that evil you know? My war is with you, not your parents. By the way," He leans down and looks her straight in her eyes. "It's a small town Patterson. Everyone knows where you live." Her face turns red with embarrassment. "Ok, whatever Logan. I can take an uber over to your house after school." She digs into her backpack trying to avoid seeing him. He chuckles, pushing back the pen and notebook in her hand. "You're not taking an uber! You're crazy. Look, I have football practice for a few hours after school. How about you wait for me and I can give you a lift?" "Hah!" She snorts, chuckling to his suggestion. He narrows his eyebrows, pinching the curve of his nose. "What Sophie? I'm not gonna murder you! I'm just asking you to wait for me and I'll give you a ride. You are going to my house anyway, you know?" He looks at her, frustrated and annoyed. She glances towards her friends, and sees that they all shrug their shoulders. She lifts her hands and sighs, " Fine! Whatever. I'll wait for you. Happy?" She gets up, grabbing her backpack and throwing it over her shoulder. Logan chuckles and nods his head. "You're fucking stubborn you know that? Wait for me by the stairs on the Northside. I'll be quick about leaving after practice. I guess, I'll see you then?" He tilts his head allowing her to walk past him. "Whatever!" She yells over her shoulder as she walks past him and Steven. Steven chuckles and punches Logan on his right hand. "Man, I feel for you bro! She's a feisty one! Good luck with that assignment. As for me? I gotta go meet up with our geek boy Russ, he's got one heck of a mind too man. I for sure got an A on this assignment." They both walk away from the group and part ways to go to their next class as their lunch break comes near to an end. He can't help feel content as he walks past the other football guys and goes directly towards his next class. "Logan?" Amber yells after him, making him close his eyes and clench his jaw as he comes to a stop and turns on his heel to face her. "What?Amber." He clenches his teeth, and gives her a forced smile. "Can we hang out tonight? You know, for old times sakes?" She smiles, coming close to him, she slowly runs her hand over his chest, and places her other hand around his neck. "Amber, I'm busy. Besides, you broke up with me last I remember? Why don't you go back to making out with one of your other play toys. You and I are history Amber, and I frankly think it should of been over a long time ago." He squints his eyes, grasping her arms and pulling himself away from her. "Oh what? You're suddenly friends with nerd girl and you're going to hang out with her after school?" She chuckles, crossing her arms over her chest and smacking her teeth. He turns on his heel, walking away and leaving her there dumbfounded, angry, without giving her a response. Walking in to his next class, his smile widens brighter as he sees Sophie sitting on the top seats by the window. Unaware of his presence as he sits behind her and places his backpack down. The whole class, he can't help but smile, as he enjoys annoying her the same way as he always does. Earning them a warning from the teacher as he continues to play and twirl his fingers on her long hair. As the class ends, she makes her way out furious. Walking quickly to her art class. Her only subject she can freely express herself and hoping not to see his face until they have to work on the damn project. She stops by a vending machine and grabs a bottle of water, and heads out to her class a little more calm. Realization hits her as she continues to walk towards the classroom and sees Logan already standing inside talking to Dylan and Scott, another of his football buddies. She sighs in annoyance and takes a seat towards the back of the class. Being that there is more room in the back of this class and she can freely move around to work, since she has chosen art as one of her elective classes each year. "Hey Sophie! It's so good to see you this year again. Oh I'm so happy, I have so many of my best and most talented kids in this class this year. We are going to have so much fun!" Mrs. Richards pats her shoulder making the boys turn. Logan clears his throat and the other two boys get up from their seat and say goodbye to Logan as they leave the class and walk towards their own class before the bell rings. Dylan quickly runs to Sophie hugging her and biding her goodbye as he leaves the class. She had hoped he was in this same class, in hopes she wouldn't get stuck with Logan again as a partner. But she suddenly remembered that Dylan had told Troy he had Spanish as his last class. He quickly stands and walks towards her. She sighs and turns away from him making him chuckle. "Wow there sweetheart! I'm not gonna bite you, you know? Care to tell me what you're doing here?" He chuckles, leaning his elbow on top of the long wooden table before her. "Well! What do you think dork? I'm in this class! What are you doing in here? Mechanics was too full and you got stuck in this class?" She sneers, squinting her nose and crossing her arms over her chest. He chuckles and bites his lower lip. "Um, no actually. This is my fourth year taking 3D art. I've been lucky to have Mrs. Richards as my teacher all four years. So. . .I guess, this is why I'm here." He looks at her, locking his sight on her. She sighs, looking towards the teacher and then towards Logan. "Well lucky me! I get to be tortured by Mr. Popularity in three classes this year! Isn't that convenient for you?" She chuckles sarcastically and places her head down on the desk, causing him to chuckle. "Oh god Sophie! Stop being so dramatic.  Besides, this is my favorite class, besides football. I'll probably be too busy drawing or creating something to remember you are even here." He states as he gets up and walks away towards his seat. His words and gestures making her roll her eyes as he walks away and sits three rows in front of her, though she can't understand why she is suddenly smiling. He turns, seeing her smiling, making him chuckle, nodding his head and turning back. He turns once more, seeing her still smiling and sees she bites her lip as she realizes he's looking directly at her; making her blush and turn her head away from him. "Ahem ok class, let's begin to create a masterpiece shall we?" the teacher claps her hands as she comes to the front of the class and smiles at Logan and the rest of the class. "Sophie hon, what are you doing all by yourself in the back where all the good stuff is at? Logan, you were my best helper in my previous classes, why don't you join Sophie in the back. This way, if I need to pass utensils or material out for the class, you can help Sophie to do so. Be a dear and take a seat next to her will you?" Sophie groans as she sees him grab his backpack and takes a seat next to her. A bright smile on his face as he crosses his arms on top of the table.

Chapter 6 Shut up, Ashley!

Sophie sits at the top of the stairs. She's bored out of her mind, but being that she made Logan a promise, she decides to stay in place, waiting for him to change his mind any second. She cancels out the loud noises of whistles, cheerleaders and the clashing of football players with her headphones by turning on her spotify list of favorite songs and reading her next chapter of ' white rose ' ** Steven looks over towards the bleachers where Sophie sits, and smiles tapping Logan on his shoulder while they huddle around the coach. "Hey man! Looks like you got a new fan up on those bleachers this year." He taunts him making the rest of the guys look over and they all begin to whistle. "Alright, alright!" Coach Mitchell calls out making them silence. "You guys leave Logan alone. Besides," he says hitting Logan lightly on his helmet. "It's about time Logan actually got a chance to date a nice girl. Right Logan?" They all whistle and chuckle murmuring across the field along with coach. Logan's face blushes to a bright red, as he looks sternly at coach and the rest. "Coach? Seriously, you too? Come on now! She's just waiting for me to work on a project together. That's all." "Ok son! Just, don't do anything I wouldn't do, ok? I actually like Sophie, so, don't mess it up." Coach winks at him and taps his notepad and warns the others to take practice serious, or he'd bench them for their first game in just two weeks. Logan sighs, his hands on his hips and head hung low, looking at Sophie from his side. "Come on prince charming, get your head in the game before coach benches you. Which, it would actually work in my benefit if you want me to replace you as captain?" Steven taunts him, making Logan punch him on his arm. "Shut up! Get your ass out there you damn receiver!" Steven chuckles and runs out to the middle of the far end of the field to line up with the rest of his team. Slowly, Logan makes his way and can't help but look back at Sophie as she reads away on the bench she sits on, and smiles nodding his head. **** Amber stops for a water break from her practice, and though Sophie made sure to sit all the way across the other side of the field from where they were practicing, Amber takes the courtesy to walk across to greet her. Sophie's phone buzzes, and she quickly grabs it, unlocking it with her finger print and sees a message from her mom. "Hey honey! Dad and I are going out to dinner tonight. We'll probably be back late. Left some left over lasagna for you in the fridge. Come home safe ok? I love you sweetheart." She quickly replies back with a smile. She has always admired the love and affection her parents have had for each other. "Working on a project with another student at their house after school. I'll come home soon after. Love you guys! Have fun and don't worry about me. I'll be safe." She pushes send and her music goes back on to the song 'circles' by Post Malone, unaware of her surroundings as she grabs her book again and begins to read the next sentence. Amber snatches the book away and glares at her frustrated. "Hey nerd girl! What are you doing here?" Though she was startled, she's nowhere near afraid or intimidated by Amber, so she crosses her arms over her chest and waits for Amber to continue her ranting. "Are you mute now, Sophia? I asked you a question." "I heard you loud and clear. I just don't have the patience or desire to argue with you, ok? Now why don't you give me back my book, and go back to your own business?" Amber squints her eyes and crosses her hands. "Don't think I haven't noticed! Now that Logan and I broke up, you hesitated no time to make a move on him. But just to let you know, I can have him back any time I want to. Got it?" Sophie narrows her eyebrows, thankful she sat on the benches facing away from the glaring sun and in a shady part of the bleachers. The sun hitting Amber where she stood, and sweat droplets merging on her skin. Sophie chuckles silently and fixes her reading glasses on her eyes with her index finger. As her doctor had told her, it would take time getting used to them. She had gone to the restroom and took them off for the rest of the day. "First! I didn't even know you and Logan were broken up. Second! I'm not interested in him. Third! I can care less if you two go back or never speak to each other ever again! That's your damn business. And fourth, and most of all, I don't care what you think of me. Ok? So whether you decide to keep dating Logan, or any, or ALL the rest of the football players that's your choice! Now, give me back my book and leave me alone." She holds her hand out and Amber is ready to snap back at her. "You heard her Amber. Give her back her book." Troy walks up the bleachers behind Amber, startling her. She smiles and glances at Troy from head to toe. "Hi Troy. You look really good in black. Did I ever tell you that?" Amber begins to flirt with Troy and both Sophie and him chuckle. "No offense Amber. But you're nowhere near my type." Troy explains as he snatches away Sophie's book and gives it back to her, giving Sophie a kiss on her cheek. "Hey baby girl!" He sits next to her placing his backpack down and unzips it grabbing a soda bottle out for him and retrieves another one for Sophie. "Oh thanks T. It was getting really hot out here." Sophie smiles opening the soda and taking big gulps from the bottle. "You're welcome sweetheart. Anything for my best friend." He looks over at Amber who's still standing before them, furious and fuming. "Oh Amber! I forgot you were still standing there. Can we help you with something else?" Troy looks over at her with one eye squinted and head slightly side ways. "How can you be friends with this. . . This . . ." "Watch it Amber! She's more woman and more everything than you will ever be. Now, unless you want to be in trouble for keeping your team waiting, I suggest you get going darling." He smiles and winks at her. Amber looks back realizing her coach is glaring across the field, angry that she's taken too long to come back from her supposed water break. "Whatever! Losers hang with losers, and you Sophia! Will always be a loser." "I rather be considered a loser than a bully, thank you very much!" Sophie scrunches her nose and smiles. *** The team gathers around coach Mitchell while he gives them a final pep talk, and gives a final whistle as he calls today's practice to an end. They quickly run inside the lockers showering and changing. Sophie and Troy see them going out of the lockers one by one. Dylan comes out and waves at them. They quickly put away their belongings and Troy stands holding out his hand for Sophie. "Alright baby girl! This is where I leave you. You sure you're gonna be ok going with Spencer alone to the lion's den? You can always bail on him and come with us shopping before heading to my house to say hi to my parents?" Sophie chuckles and stands to her feet, hanging her backpack on her back. "I see what you're doing! You're trying to avoid talking to them by yourself. Troy, you got this! But if you need me to be there than I'll tell Logan we can meet up tomorrow. I want to be there for you." Sophie smiles and squeezes his arm softly. Troy looks at her with concern in his eyes and sighs deeply. Dylan coming closer towards them. He hugs her and whispers in her ear, unsure he wants Dylan to know he's gay right now. "It's ok honey. You go and have fun working on your project. You're right, I gotta do this alone! It's time I come clean to my parents. If they accept me? Good! If not? Then I guess this is why I've been so afraid to tell them all along. Either way, it's time I tell them.""Are you sure Troy? I can come with you. I don't mind, honestly!""And this is why you're my best friend! But no, I got this Soph!" He kisses her cheek and turns, giving Dylan a high five. "Hey guys!" Dylan greets them both walking past Troy after their high five, and kisses Sophie on her cheek. "Hey beautiful!" She smiles and hugs him back. "Hi Dylan." She smiles and looks at both. "Ready to go?" Dylan nudges Troy on his arm with his elbow and Troy smiles. "Yeah. Ready as I'll ever be." He smiles, his baby blues filled with excitement and a whole lot of nervousness. "Ok. We'll see you tomorrow sweetheart." Dylan calls out as they both walk down the steps and disappear turning down the steps and out the side gate. She looks past them, averting her gaze towards the lockers and sees Logan coming out with Steven and Carter, his duffle bag and backpack over his shoulder. His helmet and shoulder pads hanging on the side of the bag. They say good bye, and Sophie sighs as she makes her way down the steps. "Ready?" Logan asks her as he takes his keys out of his jean pocket and Sophie suddenly becomes a nerve wreck herself. "Mhm!" She purses her lips and nods once, looking past the rest of the guys as they all stare at them while they walk together towards his car. He presses the button, unlocking his car and turning off the alarm. His headlights going on and door locks flipping up. He presses the trunk button open, and drops his duffel bag and backpack inside with a thud. "You wanna leave your backpack back here, so you have more leg room?""Yeah, no thanks. I'll hold on to them." He chuckles and nods his head. "Soph, nothing's going to happen to your backpack if you leave it back here. And I'm not planning on stealing anything from in there while I'm driving.""I said I'll hold on to them. Now can we go?" He grabs his phone as he feels it buzz; he flips his finger across it and presses his password in to unlock it. He reads a message from Ashley: "Hey loser! Mom says to buy me some food. She's stuck in a meeting with dad at the inn. I want a rally's burger with the works, don't forget the extra pickles this time." He rolls his eyes as he finishes reading his sister's message and is ready to put his phone back in his pocket when it buzzes again. "Oh and large fries with a large Dr. Pepper. Thanks brother! I love you." He chuckles and nods his head. "Anything else your highness?" He taps a reply and sends it. He immediately gets a reply back. "Well unless you can buy me a car then no. And hurry I'm starving!" He rolls his eyes and looks at Sophie who looks at him curious. He clears his throat and opens his door. "You- getting in or what?" He says as he gets inside and closes his door. He turns on the engine to his challenger, a nice loud roar from the engine is heard and Sophie sighs, opening the door and getting inside. "Don't worry, we'll be there in a bit." He says as he backs up and starts to drive away. Sophie looks at him with fury as she buckles her seatbelt. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?" He says raising an eyebrow. "Put your damn seatbelt on Logan." She glares at him and crosses her hands over her chest. "What?" He answers in amaze. "I said put your seatbelt ON!" She says as he stops to make a turn. He chuckles and looks at her. "Yes mom!" He taunts her as he grabs the seatbelt and places it on. "Thank you." She smiles and snuggles in her seat. He drives away, and comes to a halt as he pulls in to the drive thru at rally's burgers. "Hope you don't mind. My sister's hungry and my mom is stuck in a meeting. I need to get her something to eat. You want anything?" He smiles at her as he waits for the car infront to finish placing his order. "No, I'm good." Sophie replies as her stomach grumbles. He chuckles and pulls up to the intercom. "Yeah! I can tell." He says as he rolls his window down and greets the girl in the intercom. Her face shades with bright red as the rumbling in her stomach softens. Regretting now that she didn't allow herself time to finish her lunch earlier today. He pulls forward, paying for the food with his card, and drives away after receiving his order. She jolts up the cupholder with the three soda cups inside as he makes a quick turn after pulling out of the drive thru. "Oh my god Logan, if I spill these sodas in your car I am going to throw all the left over ice down your shirt!" He chuckles as he comes to a sudden stop. He parks his car and turns off the engine in front of his house. Walking around to help Sophie out the car as he holds the bag with food. She grabs his arm and holds the cupholder with sodas steady on her other hand. "About time you loser!" Ashley comes running down the steps, tossing the door wide open. Her eyes widen and smiles as she sees Sophie next to Logan. "Sophie? Oh my god! I never thought I'd see you in my house." She smiles and hugs Sophie almost making her drop the drinks. "Hi Ashley. How are you?""Good. Did Aaron come with you?" Sophie smiles. Her younger brother Aaron and Ashley go to the same school and share numerous classes together as well. "No. Sorry Ash! He's at home. I think!? I'm not sure to be honest, he likes to go out and eat with his buddies after soccer practice." She giggles and grabs her backpack out the bottom of the seat. "Come on. We can sit together and eat while Logan takes a bath. No offense bro, but you always come home stinky after practice." Both girls giggle making Logan roll his eyes as he grabs his duffle bag out the trunk along with his backpack. "Ha ha! Shut it Ashley! Or I'll eat your burger and mine before I take off to shower first." They both chuckle and walk up the steps of his house followed by Logan. Both girls begin to eat right away while Logan showers. He comes back quickly to join them with a fresh clean v-neck white shirt, grey sweatpants, and socks. He sits across from the girls grabbing the bag and bringing out his own burger and fries to eat. "So Logan, Ashley was telling me you have various sketch pads with drawings that you're going to submit for the university you're applying for. Is that true? I thought you were going for a football scholarship?" Logan's eyes widen and he looks at Ashley with a warning glare. Ashley lowers her head, realizing this was something not even his mom and dad had known about yet. He clears his throat and gulps down on his soda. "Umm, yeah actually. I'm thinking of going for a double major. I'm signing up for arts, as well as law. I want to be a lawyer some day." He says to her, unwilling to break his stare on her. Her face blushes and grabs her drink sipping on the soda, the bubbles tickling her nose and making her sneeze. "Bless you." Both Logan and Ashley say in unison. "Thanks." Sophie smiles, a bit of awkwardness feels in the air. "You know Logan. You should show her the drawings you made of h-""Shut up, Ashley!" He warns her, kicking her from under the table. "Ouch! That hurt, asshole!""Shut it!" Logan glares at her and Sophie looks confused between the two. "Why? Why don't you wanna tell Sophie you drew her. They're your best drawings. That's why you're submitting a few for your interv-""Ashley, I said shut it!" He yells at her and stands to his feet and walks away to his room. "What was all that about? Ashley, did he really draw me? Why would he draw me?" Sophie looks at her confused. Ashley rolls her eyes and sips her soda. "Oh please Soph! My brother has had a crush on you since like forever ago! He only dated Amber because you wouldn't even talk to-""Shut up, Ashley!" Logan comes back with his books in hand and pencils to set on the table. "You shut up asshole! Why don't you want to admit it! It's not like you and Amber are still together. She dumped your ass remem-""Ashley, I mean it. Shut up or next time you can go and get your own damn food." Ashley brings her hands forward in defeat and runs her fingers across her lips as if zipping a zipper shut across her lips. "So Sophie! Are you going to be coming by more often? Because if you are, can you bring Aaron with you?" Sophie chuckles and Logan gets even more irritated by Ashley's presence. "Ashley!!" He yells out to her startling her and making her jump in place. "Ok, ok! Bye Sophie!" She gives her a hug and leaves them in peace running up the stairs to her room. The awkward silence unfolds once more as he sits back down in front of her. He sighs running his fingers through his hair. "So! Should we get started?" She cuts the silence looking at him while taking one last sip of her drink. "Um, yeah. Let's get started."