Third Person POV

“Hey, Sunny! Sunny!”

Sunny turned from her locker to the source of the source of the voice calling out her name. In the wave of students she spots the short-haired brunette that’s making her way towards her location. Sunny got her things out and closed the locker. Turning to the smaller girl, she smiled.

“What? You look excited. What is it Ari?” Sunny inquired as she slightly giggled at her reaction.

Ari is younger than Sunny by a year but they are both seniors and in the lead of their own clubs. Mitchelle Kim aka Sunny is the female lead vocalist in their school band. She has the beauty, talent and confidence. But most of all, she’s hardworking. She is in-charge of keeping the group together by having both cordial and professional relationships with the members and she is respected for that.

On the other hand, Maria Han or popularly known as Ari is the school cheerleader. Beautiful in her own way, brave and oh, her body and curves. And she could definitely dance but she focused herself on cheerleading. She is not your typical beauty but that’s what makes her stand out.

Two popular and influential women in school. Definitely, they match each other’s strong personalities and became best friends. As the saying goes, birds of the same feather, flock together. No surprise in there.

It was already a week after the opening of classes. They have already adjusted back to the school life. And hopefully they’ll graduate soon.

“Liam is having a big party at his house and he personally invited me! Liam. The Liam. He also said I could take my friends. He said he wanted to know me more and you know, hang out together soon.” Ari blurted out with a wide smile, gushing on about how she was invited by her crush.

Liam is the school’s basketball captain which makes him popular with girls but he is rumored to have a big crush on Ari that’s why he is still single. It seems that Ari is the only one who haven’t heard of it yet that every time Sunny insist Liam like her also Ari counters the other by saying that Sunny is only bringing her hopes up.

Finally made his move. Sunny thought.

“Well, that’s great! And I told you so, he likes you. Definitely we will be going. Since school has just started, there’s not much to do anyways. School clubs aren’t being demanded yet.”

“Yeah. Oh, and for lunch later, why don’t we go out this time? Cafeteria food is kinda boring. The feeling gets old. Right?” The younger one asked.

“Ohhh, I see you’re getting that senior vibe, wanting to eat out huh? Hold it though, cause I still have to talk to Jack about that. But I guess he’ll like it anyway as long as I’m there. Hehe.”

Jackson is walking to his class when he spotted his girlfriend and Ari laughing as they chat. He made his way over to them.

“Mind letting me join in your little nasty secrets?” He whispered on her girlfriend’s ear, acting like they’re sharing some unspeakable secret.

He wrapped his arms around Sunny’s waist as he hug her from behind.

“Oh! Speak of the devil. Or not. You’re an angel.” Sunny sweetly smiled. “We were just planning about lunch babe and this party that some heartthrob invited Ari to attend.” She continued while nudging the giggling cheerleader.

“Oh, of course we should go. Who’s the lucky guy, Ari?” Jackson teased.

“It’s Liam. I was just saying to Sunny that we should eat out for lunch then go to the party after school…”

“Well, that sounds great. Even if I feel like I’m just being invited because I’ll be the chauffeur or chaperone, still it’ll be fun. Also, I’m missing my pals so I’m up for it.” Jackson responded to Ari but still looking and admiring his girlfriend’s face.

“Hey! I did not invite you guys just for that and I’ve been third-wheeling with you two for like four years now, I deserve your support in this. No, I demand it. I’ve been single for so long.” Ari complained.

“I’m not complaining though. So I guess it is settled then.”

---

Selena Kang was on her way to her class as she passed by the corridor where Mitchelle, Maria and Jackson are. She decided to ignore them as she wasn’t really that close to the three aside from that she and Ari are in the cheerleading team. She wasn’t really interested to becoming close with them considering they are the most popular ones in school. Joining their circle would have to mean you have what they have. Selena just didn’t she does have what it takes to be one. Not that she’s ugly or untalented or not popular. She just lacks the confidence. Most people tell her she is better than most but was never told she is the best.

As she continued walking, she then noticed a familiar face. Clad in white shirt, ripped jeans and black jacket. Her bag strap across her body.

“Alex?”

“Sel.”

“What are you doing here?”

Selena is surprised and amused at the same time. She never expected to come across here, especially in school. In her school.

“Uhh… maybe you could help me, Selena.” The person asked, shyly scratching the back of her head.

“How? What do you need me to do?”

“I need to find my class, can you help me?”

“You study here?” Selena incredulously inquired.

“Yeah, I just transferred.”

---

The ringing of the bell signaled that they should be in class already.

Sunny and Ari are in the same class while Jackson and Selena are both classmates in a different class.

After the tardy bell rang, the teacher entered the room.

“Okay, good morning class. I know I’m a bit late. It’s because I had some things to sort. Also, I would like to introduce to you a new classmate. Come on in.’ He gestured towards the door.

Everybody’s attention including Ari and Sunny was on the doorway and the girl standing there. She confidently stride towards the front and stopped. The teacher gestured her to go on and introduce herself.

“Hi, I’m Alex Song, I’ll be studying here from now on and I hope to get along with everyone.”

She then smiled that signature lop-sided smile. There were hoots and whistles heard among with some murmurs from the class.

This will be interesting. Alex thought.

Breana's POV

“Hi, I’m Alex Song, I’ll be studying here from now on and I hope to get along with everyone.”

Hmmn…now that sounds familiar.

Like some distant memory buried within one’s consciousness but a certain sight, smell, taste or feeling might unearth despite how deep it was. For me it was a name I heard.

What are they talking about again?

I diverted my attention from the window, cutting my peaceful reverie, angling myself towards the people in front.

“Well, I guess I know you have tons of questions to her considering your reactions but save it for later because we’re running out of time to finish our topic for today. Miss Song, You can sit beside Breana there, the one who is seated by the window.”

The teacher gestured towards the vacant seat beside me.

“Okay sir.” The figure answered and slowly stride towards the empty seat.

In my peripheral vision, I observe how most of my classmates are checking her out. Boys have that knowing smirk plastered on their faces while girls are mostly intrigued, including me. I squinted my eyes to really see her, more like to verify it is her.

Hell, it has been four years. I don’t know anymore.

When she finally reached her destination, she removed her bag hanging across her body and put it at the back of the chair. Then she proceeded to sit and face he teacher as if this is just a normal encounter. Just a normal transferee.

She is everything but that, at least to me.

“Okay, attention here. Not at the back…” The teacher reprimanded. “Where were we again..” He continued blabbering about literature which I mostly blacked out from hearing. All my attention was on the person beside me.

She’s still gorgeous and fit like a model. She kept her black hair long and she still has that perfect comma bangs on one side. Her lashes curl up, giving emphasis on her eyes that sometimes look like it’s going to pierce right through you. Her pointe nose that scrunch up whenever she smiles or is confused is just pure perfection. That jawline which becomes evident when she flexes her jaw muscles, almost like it’s smoothly chiseled at times but hers normally looks soft, curving her face into that V-shape. Her lips, so small and thin like it is pink satin. And of course, those Indian dimples just below her eyes. I’m sure I saw it as she faced and smiled at me. It’s as if all are still the same after all those years, but better. Oh, so much better.

How could she glow up like that?

To call her pretty before is understandable but now, it would be an understatement.

“Hello Bree, long time no see.” She gave a small wave.

She called me Bree. Just like before.

“You remember me?” I asked, just to be sure.

“Of course, how could I forget? We were good friends…” She stalled.

Yes. We WERE. And I couldn’t have forget about it ether. It molded me into the person I am now.

But how? How could she act like this?

“You’ve been staring at me weirdly for a looong time. I know I’m that drop-dead gorgeous and sexy as hell but you better pay attention to the teacher or we might be called y’know. We’ll catch up later.” She amusingly smiled.

She's definitely still smug.

I tried focusing on the lesson as much as I could but it was in vain. I have so many questions running in my mind now.

Questions I thought I accepted to have no answers before. Only for them to come stirring my peace of mind once again.

Eventually it was time. When I turned to the side I was surprised to find most of my classmates swarmed on the seat beside me.

“So, do you have a boyfriend?” One of our classmates asked her, rather straightforward.

“Or maybe a girlfriend? Well, if not I could volunteer.” A classmate seductively suggested pulling her full-watt smile while twisting the tendrils of her hair with a finger.

Someone's gaydar is working or maybe they're just shameless.

“You wanna hangout after class?”

“Can I get your number?”

Here comes the tirade of questions.

She still has that effect on others. Charming and captivating as ever. Before I could hear her answers I got up and found my way out to the cafeteria. I’ll leave the catching up part on her if she really wanted to. I’m not up for confrontations right now.

After eating my snacks I went to the bathroom to freshen up. Or maybe to verify I wasn’t asleep and dreaming all this.

Looking at the mirror I studied my face.

What would she have said about how I look right now?

How would I look 4 years ago?

Deciding to stop where my thoughts would lead me, I closed my eyes and sighed deeply. When I opened them, that’s when I saw her reflection in the mirror, staring back at me.

“You could have helped me back there, Bree.” Then she sighed. “They’re so persistent that I have to hide in here and finally by some luck here you are.

“I…I…” I am stuttering in front of her. Damn, how embarassing. I internally face-palmed myself.

She might have sensed my struggle so she started again the conversation.

“How have you been? I know we’ve been apart for years but yeah, I had no choice but to follow my parents and now here I am. I mean, uh, I am just happy you’re here too and I was hoping you could help me out since I don’t know anyone aside from you in our class and we know each other since we were kids…

…but if this is awkward to you, it’s okay. I understand that too. Just letting you know I’m cool with you.”

Yes, we’ve known each other since we were kids. Our parents are actually friends which made us friends too. But after grade school she just seemed to slowly drift away and then awful things happened. Back in the days she used to be beside me always, protecting me from bullies. She was my rock and I was hers. I used to be her crying shoulder whenever things got ugly in their house. I can always comfort her every time she comes to me. Until always turned to rarely and eventually it never came again. I didn’t know why I didn’t bother to ask for when she started to drift away. I guess we were too young to face the world on our own.

Six years ago, we were too young. So how about now?

“No, it’s fine Alex. You’ve always treated me nicely before. I guess I can do the same for you now.” I finally said though I’m not sure if I meant it.

“Thank you Bree baby! You’re a lifesaver.” She smiled, making her Indian dimples so visible that I did the same.

I smiled at her, showing her I was happy to see her but didn’t show how confused I am about many things right now.

“So, where to after class?” She put her arm around my shoulder as we went to our next class.

“You know I don’t really go out after classes. I just go home and study or watch or play with Maggie.” I reminded her.

Maggie is my Scottish Fold cat. She can be moody but she lets me pet her and she can be effortlessly adorable.

“Well now that I’m back I guess you might as well consider yourself open for business. We’re gonna have so much fun to make up for all those years. I missed you Bree.” And with that she lightly pinched both my cheeks.

“Hey!...” I swatted her hands away.

“…it’s your first day and you’re acting chummy with me already.”

She laughs. She is really something when she laughs. It’s so convincing that I could even fool myself with it that everything is right. Everything is good as it was before. Nothing had changed.

“Sorry my bad. I just missed your cheeekss. I used to smush it all the time. Don’t worry, I’ll make it up for the lost times.” She promised.

Now, I’ve been hearing the words ‘miss’ and ‘you/your’ pretty often.

“No, you don’t have to do that, I just wanted to know why…”

Before I could finish my question it was already time for the next class and by some inexplicable reason, the teacher decided for us to do an activity outside the room.

Another time maybe.

Mitchelle's POV

We have science class for our last subject in the morning thus we are sent in the laboratory. There are rows of long tables with sink and other apparatus laid out. I’m guessing we will be having an activity for today. As usual I sat beside Ari on the 2nd row.

The back row is too far and is usually for those who aren’t much interested in listening or busy with other things. First row is for the eager beavers and those who have the hots for our science teacher who is practically single. The second row is perfect, not too upfront and not too far. Being a whole-rounder student, I do pretty well in every aspect. I excel at balancing my time between acads, band practice and my social life.

The class is exceptionally noisy today probably because of the transfer student whom I heard is also in this class. Not that it matters much but what caught my attention was Breana, our band drummer and the transfer student who just entered the room together thru the front door. The transfer student has her arm draped over the other’s shoulders. I think it was not only me who noticed them as I followed with my gaze. Until, I almost turned around to see that mostly everyone else is staring at them also.

I nudged Ari on my side who is busy rummaging inside her bag that she didn’t witnessed anything.

“Ari, what was the name of the transfer student again?” I turned to her.

“Uhh…something like Ali…uh..Alex! I think that’s it. Why? You know her?” She supplied the information, looking at me curiously.

“No, she just seems close already with Breana and it hasn’t been a day. She must be really friendly.”

Ari just looked at them and nod in agreement. At the same time, the teacher entered.

“Hello everyone. Okay, I told you last time that we are going to do observations and an activity today. Also, I will be assigning your partner for the subject who will work with you in the activities and projects. Any questions? Objections? Speak now or forever hold your silence.” Miss Smith, the science teacher explained, though, the last part is seemingly exaggerated.

I raised my hand.

“Yes, Miss Kim?”

“Can’t we choose our partner? I think it would be better if we work with someone who we are comfortable with.” I suggested.

“Well, you may be right at some point but it is also good to widen your circle. Working with others, especially those you haven’t worked with will gain you diverse ideas, new companionship and of course, success, if you work it out. Won’t you like that? After all, you only have a year more that’s left before you graduate.” She reasoned.

She is also right and if I remember I have always been pairing with Ari for most of the subjects throughout the years that we have been classmates. It’s not that I’m complaining but...a little change can do no harm perhaps? And maybe I could gain new experiences and ideas this time. I looked at my best friend for approval.

“Whatever is fine Sunny. If you insist, I’ll be glad to be your loyal partner. If you prefer to have a little bit of change you know you’re still my favorite sister in the world. Besides, I might be paired with someone hot. Who knows? Hehe.” Ari jokes.

“I thought you already like Liam, but well, it’s not bad if it’s not yet serious or just a crush.” I whispered to her. “So who is our partners?” I conceded to our teacher’s plan.

Miss Smith announced the pairing after the attendance was checked. It turned out Ari and Breana are a pair and I’m paired with Alex.

“Okay, you go now to your respective tables with your partners and start doing this activity.” Miss Smith announced while going around distributing activity sheets. I went to sit beside Alex while Ari and Breana settled beside our table.

“Hi.” I smiled at her and then proceeded setting my things on the table.

“Hello! I know you probably know my name but I don’t think got yours.” She greeted me coolly and gave a lopsided smile.

I looked at her intently. It is the first time I’m seeing her up close. She’s beautiful and attractive. Not that I’m interested, but she definitely looks intriguing. She wears a black jacket over her white shirt and she has some kind of chain bracelet on her right arm. Her bangs are carefully and mostly parted on the side. She looks paler than most but her skin looks soft and smooth to touch. Her smile is beautiful but it could be better if she’d smile, for real. I realized I haven’t answered yet and had to stop staring or else I might look weird.

I cleared my throat before speaking.

“I’m Mitchelle. Kim, Mitchelle or Sunny. People usually call me that anyway. How should I call you?” I answered her.

“Mitchelle. Unique and beautiful. I like it. Your name suits you. Just Alex or Lex is fine by me. Choose to call me whichever you want.” She said without removing her gaze at me.

There is something about how my name sounded from those lips, specifically how her tongue rolls as she pronounce the 't'chelle’ on my name. I feel my cheeks heat up. To stop getting flustered I cleared my throat, for the second time.

“Erm, thank you Alex.” I feel shy to be complemented about my name.

Not most people do that. They complement me mostly for my voice, my face and other things but not my name because they find it sounding like a man’s name, my full name that is.

She is a smooth talker, I see.

“So, Mitchelle. I’m wondering, what else is fun here aside from looking at slides of those morbid looking tissues of organs?”

She was saying to me as I tried to adjust the lens of the microscope and observe the slides given to us. She’s been staring at me while I’m doing most of the activity procedure. She doesn’t seem too into it, like she’s bored with what we are doing in class.

I sighed. “I could probably let you in a few secrets if you would help me in here.”

Our activity is barely answered. It is adding to my discomfort that she is not helping and the activity requires us to draw what we see, where the skills I have are comparable to little to almost none. I’m starting to regret this pairing.

“That’s the most interesting thing I’ve heard in this class. Give it to me.” She eagerly said as she pulls the microscope and slides towards her.

After a few minutes, she’s manipulating the device, switching from slide to slide, describing what she sees as I write down her observations. We continue this routine including the occasional brushing of our fingers and shoulders whenever she wants me to verify what she observes. We had to draw the view together considering neither of us is good at it so collective effort is a must.

Despite our lack of artistic touches, we finished the activity with spare time. I decided to do some small talk to occupy the silence between us. I also don’t want her to feel alienated for having transferred here the last year of her high school.

“You’re good at this.” I attempt at complimenting her.

“I might have done this a couple of times in my previous school.” She just brushed it off.

Right. She is a transfer student. Also, she's probably used to with compliments.

“Then what made you transfer? Considering what you’ve just said, your old school sound much advance and better than here. Why?”

I anticipated her answer while she looked up like she’s gathering it from the ceiling.

“Uhmm…maybe, it’s better there academically-wise but there are times that I just got tired. I wanted a break for being fed up. Also, I’ve heard there are a lot of beautiful girls here. I mean, I have one in front of me already.” She answered then looked at me while saying the last part.

I feel a blush coming up my cheeks. This is new to me. Jackson always compliments me but it’s different. I don’t know why.

“Hey! Stop being greasy.” I slightly pushed her shoulder as she just chuckled lightly.

Her laugh is more enticing. Of course, the compliment isn’t the only thing I picked up. She indirectly said she’s interested in beautiful girls.

Does she mean? Is that why she and Breana were together this morn…

“So, what is this fun thingy secret that I should know in exchange for my cooperation awhile?” she cut off my thoughts. I glanced at the table beside us and see Breana and Ari focused on their activity and not minding us at all.

“There is a party after class at Liam’s place. He’s the basketball captain and everyone is coming. You don’t actually have to be invited since it is more like a senior thing to come to a party a senior ha planned and organized as long as you are not enemies, it’s cool to come.”

Though it would actually be special if the host invited you himself, like Ari. I internally added.

They would really match, the basketball captain and the cheerleader.

Isn't that how it always is?

“Will you come?” She asks. Her smile starting to creep on her face.

“No.” I said flatly.

“Why? You said…” Her smile disappeared, she looks confused.

“I know you’ll say you’ll go only if I will or probably along the lines of that. One of your greasy antics, probably. Ha! Beat you to it.”

She smiled and held up her hands like surrendering. “Okay, okay, I was really going to go for that but for real, are you really not going?” Her pouting face is cute.

Oh, her duality. I suddenly want to pinch those but no, we are not that close. Yet.

“I’ll be there.” I assured her.

“Five minutes left. You better be wrapping it up. Those who are already done you may pack up and go after passing your papers.” Miss Smith announces.

“Then I’ll see you there.” She concluded.

“Yup.” Then I turned to the table beside and pat Ari’s arm lightly whispering that I’ll be waiting for her outside and went along with others who are turning in their papers and walking out. I glanced one last time to Alex who is still sitting in our table probably waiting on Breana. I smiled at her. She smiled back, this time, her genuine one, the kind that shows her full set of straight pearly white teeth.

Miss Smith is right. It can be good to break some routines once in a while.