Chapter 1: Pursuit Begins

"Emily! Time to get up. You'll be late for school!"

"Okay..." I groaned. School, I like. Getting out of bed, not so much.

It's the first day, of my last year, in high school. Pushing away the cat that had slept on my head, I hauled my butt into the bathroom for the usual morning ritual.

That's me in the mirror. Emily Carter. Seventeen. I have dark brown hair, green eyes, and straight teeth. By most standards, I'd probably be considered pretty. (Not trying to be narcissistic.)

Opening my wardrobe, I choose from my wide range of jeans, t-shirts, and sweaters. Yes. I like to be comfortable. I'm not what you'd call a fashionista. Blue jeans and a black hoodie today, I think. After tripping over the cat, I head downstairs, grab a slice of toast, and head down to the bus stop. If I run, I should just make it in time.

As I arrive just in time to see the bus leaving. Damn it all to hell. Well, guess I'm walking now.

"Emily! Need a ride?"

"No thanks, Ryan." I give him awkward smile, then continue on the path I've chosen.

Ryan Mitchell. Tall. Muscular. Handsome. None of which hold an interest for me. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against him personally. It's just that no-one holds any interest for me. I'm more content with my books, and studying.

I have no time for romance.

For some reason, that isn't really clear to me, Ryan has shown an interest in me since last year. Maybe it's because of some bet with the other jocks? See if he can get into the pants of the school nerd? Who knows? But, more importantly, who really cares.

For the last five minutes, Ryan has been keeping pace with me. Okay, now it's getting annoying.

"What Ryan? What do you want?" I said, getting increasingly frustrated.

"I'm just worried about you walking all alone. So, I'm here to protect you," Ryan giving me his best smile. That probably works with most of the girls. Me personally? Could. Not. Give. A. Shit.

"I said I'm fine. Can you go now? Please? It's getting embarrassing." I say, picking up the pace. I really need to wake up earlier... Starting tomorrow.

Figuring I'm not going to give in. Ryan drives off. "Finally..." I'm not really comfortable with confrontation.

By the time I get to the school gates, I only have about 3 minutes left before I'm officially late.

Waiting for me is a short girl with wavy brown hair. Who else but my best friend would risk getting detention to wait for me. That's Sarah. My best friend since we were little. I run up to her, now out of breath.

"Missed the bus again?" says Sarah knowingly. I can only nod my head.

"Come on, we're going to be late"

As fast as we can, we head to the first class of the day. Sprinting down the corridor, we come skidding through the door just as the teacher is about to close it.

The bell rings to signify the start of the day. Made it!

There are only two seats left. Both at the front. Guess this is our punishment for leaving it till the last minute. As I unload my books from my bag, the teacher is giving me the death stare. All I can do is bow my head and give him an apologetic smile.

Great, now he hates me...

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