Amelia's POV

"And first place is awarded to... Amelia Reed!" The announcer says.

I gasp and start jumping with excitement. The announcer hands me a check for $1000, and I freeze for a quick photo. I spot my parents cheering, and I blow them a kiss.

Everyone in my division congratulates me, and I take pictures with the other winners. When I finally meet with my parents, they smush me into a hug.

"We're so proud of you Ami!" My mom whispers.

"How does it feel to be rich?" My dad asks playfully.

"Amazing! I can't wait to put it in my bank account." I say excitedly.

"Why don't we make a quick stop at the bank, and then go out for some ice cream?" He asks.

"Let's go!" I say, grabbing their hands and dragging them towards the exit.

After my dad deposits the check, we head towards the ice cream shop. While I look out the window, I randomly ask, "How come I can't take out the money in my account?"

"You'll have access to your savings account when you're 18. That way you'll have a lot of interest. What would you need all that money for at 9 years old?" My mom asks.

"Don't say candy." My dad says.

I giggle and mumble, "Candy..."

"We're here!" My mom says excitedly.

We all rush towards the entrance, and get in line to order. "What would you like Ami?" My dad asks.

"Cookies and cream please." I answer.

"Mint chocolate chip." My mom adds.

The worker scoops my ice cream and I beam with happiness. "Best day ever!" I say.

"You deserve it Ami. Your mom and I know how hard you worked on that dance routine." My dad says.

"Doesn't hurt that you guys graduated from that shippy college. I have the best coaches." I say laughing.

"Feels like decades ago." My mom sighs.

"Now you sound like an old lady." My dad teases.

My mom laughs and kisses my dad. "Gross guys! I'm eating." I say.

They laugh and I smile. "I love you guys."

"We love you too." My dad says, squeezing my arm.

"When we get home would you like to see a movie?" My mom asks.

"Of course! Family movie nights are the best." I say.

A few minutes later, we decide it's time to head back home. My dad opens the door for me, and I say with a funny accent, "Why thank you kind sir."

"You're very welcome My'lady." He answers back.

15 minutes later, we finally start to merge off the highway. I can't wait! What movie should you pick?

Before I could think, a car swerved into our lane, and crashed into our car. My eyes widen, and I scream. The car gets flipped onto its side, and I feel my head crash into the window.

All of a sudden, I feel a strong headache, and start to cry. I try to move but instead i see blood, then I become unconscious.

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*

I wake up to a bright piercing light, and automatically squeeze my eyes shut. Are we in heaven?

I hear a beeping noise, and slowly open my eyes. I glance at my body and see needles in my arm. I began to panic and heard the heart monitor speed up.

A nurse comes in and injects me with another needle. Why are there so many needles?! I start to calm down and fall back asleep.

A few hours later, I woke up feeling less groggy. This time, I try not to look down at the needles. I try to ignore the pain I feel in my head, and survey my surroundings.

I saw my dad sleeping in a chair beside me, and he looked terrible. Rude much? He has a bunch of bandages and a sling.

I force my arm to tap his hand, and he automatically wakes up. "You're awake!" He says gratefully.

He presses a button on the side of my bed. "Are you okay? Where's mom?" I rasp out.

He quickly fills up a cup with water, and brings it to my lips. "We were in a car accident." He explains.

"I fractured my shoulder when the car tipped over. I think you hit your head on the side, so they had to deal with that. You also have a concussion, but the doctor said you should recover quickly." He says.

"What about mom?" I ask.

"She's in surgery right now..." He says.

"Is she going to be okay?" I ask.

He pauses and looks away. "I....l don't know. The car rammed into the side of the car, so she was impacted the most."

I nod and try to stay positive. My mom is one of the strongest people I know. She'll pull through. She has to...

A nurse arrives with a clipboard to check on me. After she asks how I'm feeling, she hands me some pills to take. While she talks to my dad, I drink more water.

A few moments later, a doctor walks in with a sad expression. When the doctor announces that she passed away, my dad breaks down.

I start to shake my head, and feel my stomach drop. She can't be gone... She's my mom. There was so much we were supposed to do together. When I process that she won't be able to see me grow up, I start to sob.

Amelia's POV

(8 years later!)

I wake up to my annoying alarm and sigh. I reach over to my side table, and try to turn it off. But I fail when I hear my phone fall off. Great job Amelia! Shut up.

I get ready for the day, wishing I could just go back to sleep.

Then I clasp the bracelet my mom gave me. The hook is a little janky, but I usually notice if it falls off. The bracelet just spells Destined. She always made sure I knew I controlled my life. I glance at a family portrait on my desk, and hold back my emotions.

I leave my shed and walk over to the house. When I step inside, I start to make breakfast for Esmeralda my step mom, and Cassy my step sister.

I'm basically their maid, which is a little funny. Not really. Sometimes I feel like Cinderella, but instead of me getting a prince, I get chores. At least I got the dead parents part right. That's not funny.

After I leave the food on the table, I grab a granola bar. I head back to my shitty room and eat my breakfast. I turn on the tv, and sit at my desk.

While I wait for the weather, I notice they're interviewing Sylvester Black.

"Sylvester, why are you taking a break from your singing?" The interviewer asks."

Sylvester responds with, "I think it's time I go back to my hometown. Spend some time with my family, and finish school at an actual high school." In the middle of the school year...?

After the weather is shown, I grab my backpack and walk to school. When I get inside, I walk towards my locker.

My best friend Lily Johnson arrives, and she gives me a quick hug. "Hey." I say, closing my locker.

"Omg, did you know we're getting a few new students?" Lily asks.

"They chose to move to this small boring town, and go to this school?" I ask confused.

"I wonder who they are." She says excitedly. I just nod and continue walking, to kill time.

Someone runs past us, and shouts "Sylvester Black is here!"

I turn to Lily and ask, "Did she say Sylvester-" but before I could finish, she already dashed away. Along with a bunch of other students...I turn to Lilac and ask,"

I just turn around and keep walking. So Sylvester used to live here? Which means he's going to be staying here... Yay more annoying snobby people... A little judgmental, but probably right.

I'm about to enter the classroom, when I realize I forgot my water bottle. "Dammit." I mutter to myself. I turn around and head back to my locker.

I see everyone coming back into the building and sigh. The day hasn't even started and you're tired already? Yes.

I grab my water bottle, and see Lily walking back to my locker. I glare at her and say, "Seriously? You just left me there."

"I'll buy you ice cream. You know I can't help witnessing drama." She says laughing.

I hold in a smile and say, "True. The bell's gonna ring in a minute, is your class in that direction?"

"No." She says shaking her head.

The bell rings and I step back from my locker. Someone bumps into my side, making me drop my belongings.

"Sorry..." I automatically say, hunching down to grab my books.

"I should be the one sorry. I wasn't paying attention." I hear the guy answer.

I look up to see who bumped into me, and see Sylvester Black... What a cliche moment. Always the shy protagonist bumping in to the popular bad boy. I can already tell this story will suck. What?

He hands me my books and sheepishly says, "Sorry about that..."

Before I can thank him, he's yanked away. Tiffany smirks at me, and tries to show off that she's single and ready for a new boyfriend of the week. Okay then..

"Let's get to class..." Lily says, pulling me away from them.

"Of course he's Tiffany's first target." Lily says.

"Aren't you walking the wrong way?" I ask.

"Well it would be more awkward if I just left you there. You're lucky you have an amazing best friend." She says with a grin.

I roll my eyes and say, "Sure."

"How does it feel meeting a famous person? Has the fame gotten to your head already?" She asks dramatically.

I laugh and lightly shove her. "Get to class loser."

"*****." She says, turning around.

I meet Lily in the cafeteria, and we pick a empty table. Once we sit down, we start talking about our day. She tells me the cute new students are Sylvester Black and Jase Steinfeld

"I haven't seen the other one." I say, not adding much.

I wonder who they're sitting with... I look around the cafeteria, and spot them sitting with Cassy, Tiffany, and other popular assholes.

Cassy is popular only because she's rich. When my dad passed away, Esmeralda got money from insurance stuff. I've never liked them, and knew Esmeralda was a ***** under all that makeup.

"I can't believe January is almost over. I swear second semester started like yesterday." Lily says.

"I'm so ready to leave this shitty town." I say.

She rolls her eyes and lightly kicks my leg. "Don't forget about me when you become a famous choreographer or something."

I start the music and lift my hands up with a breath. I add in a few dramatic twirls to the dance routine, but mostly let the music flow through me.

Part of the application to get into Dance Academy is to send in a video of you dancing. But every time I try to think of a routine, it just doesn't seem like the best me.

My phone starts to ring so I stop the music, and answer with, "Hello?"

"Where the hell are you? Cassy has guests over and they need food." Esmeralda shouts, while I quickly pack up.

I roll my eyes and say, "Sorry, I had to stay after for a test."

"I didn't ask for excuses. You have 5 minutes to get here or else I will take away the electricity in your room." She says angrily. Make your own damn food or starve. I don't give a ****.

"I'm on my way." I mutter, holding in my response.

I hear Cassy cough. She always does that when she needs me to serve her something. I slowly turn around and see everyone looking at me. I want to burn this house down.

I clench my jaw and look at Cassy. "Make us some strawberry smoothies." I definitely didn't notice Sylvester frowning, after she speaks.

I walk away and clench my fists. "Don't mess up like last time." I hear her shout.

That wasn't my damn fault. She's the one who was adding more sugar, and then didn't like it anymore. I try to make the smoothies as fast as I can, and pour them into glasses. I'm going to hate washing all these glasses later.

I come back with their drinks, and I know not a single one of them will thank me. It's like their parents never taught them manners.

I place them all down and hear Sylvester and Jase say, "Thank you."

I glance at them surprised and nod. Maybe he isn't so bad? I try my best not to bolt out of the room, and go to my room.

Amelia's POV

I arrive for my shift at Jessy's Cafe and step inside. On the weekends, I work to make some extra cash. Every penny counts when I go to live on my own. The sooner I get out of this town, the better.

I head towards the back, and my manager asks, "Are you going to your school's Valentine's Day dance tonight?"

"Of course. I finally got a guy to ask me to be their date." I say sarcastically.

She playfully rolls her eyes and says, "When I was your age, I would still go to dances with my friends. Nothing wrong with not having a date."

"Third wheeling isn't fun either. I'm just gonna binge watch something on Netflix." I say.

She laughs and says, "Have a good shift."

I return to the main area, and see someone waiting to be served. "Hello my name is Amelia, Can I start your day with a drink?" I ask, looking at my notepad.

"Oh hey!" I hear them say.

I take my eyes off my notepad and see it's Sylvester. "Oh uh hi." I say. Isn't there supposed to be like paparazzi? I don't know...

"I never got to apologize when I was at your house. I felt rude about our interaction, when Cassy suggested snacks. I didn't know she was gonna order you to make them." He says.

"It's fine." I say shrugging.

"Do they usually treat you like that?" He asks.

"...No. Anyways, is there something you want to order?" I ask extra cheerful.

He's quiet for a moment, and then says, "I'll have two Sprites. I'm waiting on my other friend."

"Great, I'll be right back." I say.

I fill up two cups with the soda, and place it back down on the table. I notice Jase has arrived and ask, "Are you guys ready to order, or do you still need a few minutes?"

"You ready?" Sylvester asks Jase.

He nods and asks for our beef soup and cheese sandwich. Then Sylvester orders the sandwich of the day.

"I'll be right back with your orders." I say walking away.

I wait in the back since there aren't many customers at the moment. "Is Sylvester Black really here?" The manager asks me.

I walk back out and see their orders are ready. I grab the dishes, and then walk back to their table.

They both murmur a thank you and I say,

Do you think you could ask for his autograph for me?" She asks. "My cousin is obsessed with him."

"Why can't you do it?" I ask.

"I have things to work on here." She says, pointing at a bunch of papers.

"No way. I don't want to look like a crazy fan." I say, not moving.

"If you do this, I will let you get food for free." She says, trying to convince me.

"My food is already free for working here..." I say.

"I'll make you clean the restrooms. You know I don't make you do that cause you're my favorite employee." She says grinning.

I glare at her and she smiles. "Thank you! Just have him sign this." She says, handing me a piece of paper, I take the paper and sigh. "Make sure he writes it to Nita"

"My manager was wondering if you could sign this..."

I notice Jase hide a smirk and Sylvester shrugs. "Anything for a fan." He says.

"She said her name is Nita." I mumble, wanting to leave them alone.

He hands me the piece of paper, and I say, "Thank you. Enjoy your meal."

I fast walk back to my manager and give her the paper. "You're welcome." I say.

"Hey, it's an excuse to talk to a celebrity." She says.

"I'm good... And he's not that popular." I answer.

"Is being on the radio not popular enough for you?" She asks.

I pretend to think and say, "Nope."

I serve a few other customers and they finally finish their meal. I go to collect their checks and see they tipped me $50.

"Thank you guys so much! Have a good day." I say, starting to clean the table.

"Your name's Amelia right?" He asks.

I nod and ask, "And you are?"

Jase laughs and says, "She needed to humble you."

Sylvester shoves him and rolls his eyes. "I'm Sylvester."

"I'm Jase." He says waving.

"Oh I know. My friends are obsessed with you." I say with fake excitement.

********************

When I got home I heard Tiffany scoffs and Cassy tries to fix her makeup. I pass by Esmeralda and she says, "Vacuum the kitchen. There's ants in that one corner." How ******* hard is it to clean up after yourself? You're a ******* adult.

"Better yet, vacuum this whole kitchen. You're obviously not allowed to go to the dance, but it's not like you had plans anyway. So really, you're welcome." She says walking out.

"I'll be back by 10:30, so the ants better be gone. I'll check on you when I get back, you know the rules." She yells, before leaving the house.

I hold in an insult and start cleaning. Only a few more months of this hell... I can do this. An hour later, I finish and decide to take a shower. My phone vibrates, telling me I got a notification.

Lily:

Hey...

What do you want?

I'm parked outside

Why?Why?

I slipped through your backyard :)

I'll call the cops on you

I hear a knock at my door and move to open it. Lily is carrying two long dress bags and I try to kick her out.

"No." I say, trying to dry my hair.

"Come on! This is our last semester of high school!" She says.

"You know why I don't care for dances." I say.

"I'm your date, now you have no excuse." She says, unzipping the dress bags.

"I never said yes." I say back. I glance at the dresses and say, "They look beautiful..."

"You'll look back on this day and regret not going to it. Even if you hate tonight, at least you went! There will always be times you can relax and watch Netflix." She says, trying to convince me.

That is true... I think we should go. I bite my lip and finally give in. "Fine." I mutter.

"We'll take a bunch of photos so I can remember this moment. Maybe you'll finally have something to post on your Instagram." She says laughing.

"Or I'll keep it at 0 posts forever." I say grinning.

She rolls her and hands me a dress. "Put this on and I'll do your makeup." She says, shoving me into the bathroom.

I step out and Lily gasps. "This dress looks perfect on you!" She says excitedly.

I smile and say, "Thank you for picking it out."

She steps into my bathroom to change, while I brush my hair. She opens the door and I'm stunned.

"Damn... You look beautiful." I say.

"I love the leg slit. Exposes just the right amount. And if it's too much, **** it. They can't kick me out." She says grinning. They technically could...

After Lily finishes my hair and makeup, we go out to take pictures. I scroll through all of our photos and say, "I think I have some pics worthy of posting..."

Lily laughs and asks, "Should we get going?" I nod and we walk towards her car.

**********************

We walk into the gym and I see there's a huge crowd in the middle. I adjust my mask and glance at the decorations. Lilly drags me to the snack table, and I laugh.

"I suggest you stay away from the drinks." I say, staring at the suspicious bowl of punch. I notice someone walking in my direction, and give them room to look at the snacks.

He walks up to me and asks, "Would you like to dance?"

I look behind me to see who he's talking to, and realize he's speaking to me. I quickly look at Lily and see she mouthed, "Go."

"Okay." I say, taking his hand. A few seconds later, the song changes and I raise my eyebrow.

He smirks and I ask, "Is this your song request?"

"I was curious to see if you could keep up with my dancing." He answers.

"Really?" I ask, starting to take control of the footing.

He chuckles and quickly dips me. Surprisingly, our steps are flowing perfectly. I quicken the pace and he follows along.

"Not bad." He says.

I laugh and say, "I was a professional dancer when I was younger."

"Impressive. I feel like we're clicking well for our first dance." He says, guiding my feet.

"I'm not sure... You seem like you're having a hard time keeping up." I say, changing directions.

"Someone's a little cocky." He says, pulling me closer. I adjust my hold, and follow his feet.

I smirk and say, "I only speak the truth."

He laughs and I smile. When the song gets louder, I lift my leg up at the last beat.

"Wanna do a spin?" He asks.

"Why not?" I ask, oddly feeling safe in his arms.

He lets me go and I smile in the spotlight. But all of a sudden, my heel got caught on one of the floor decorations. Curse these high heels! I use my hand to stop my fall, thankful I didn't twist my ankle.

I hear some people laugh, and feel grateful I have a mask on. The mystery person helps me up and says, "You were amazing."

I adjust my mask and shrug. "Not my best ending to a dance." I say frowning.

"You still looked beautiful. I didn't know someone could slip gracefully." He says, trying to make me laugh.

My lips curve upward and I say, "It's really just the makeup."

"No, inner beauty matters too." He says, taking off his mask.

"Sylvester?" I ask confused. There's no way...

Lily grabs my arm and says, "Cassy's leaving and it's almost 10:30!"

My eyes widen and I start to run. I look back at Sylvester, and notice he picked up a bracelet off the floor. I glance at my wrist and see my bracelet is gone.