Chapter1

PROLOGUE

It took everything in me not to kiss him back. His lips moved against mine in a perfect rhythm.

I shivered as I felt his tongue tracing my bottom lip. My legs turned into jelly, I gripped his shirt for my support. Suddenly I felt his hands leaving mine and gripping my waist and simultaneously crushing my body to him.

I could feel the heat emanating from his body. His heart beating fast under my hands. I took my hand back and pushed him hard with all my strength.

"Soaf...please" He said, his blue eyes gazing mine.

"I-I have to go," I replied, shocked.

Somehow, I got out of his grip took the file which fell on the floor when he pinned my hands on the wall and ran out of the classroom.

"Soaf...Soaf" His voice faded as I ran out of the classroom.

With shallow breath, shivering hands and heart thudding hard against my rib cage. I made my way towards the benches placed at the corner of the hallway. I tried to calm myself. My hand caught the metal beneath me in a tight grip. The cold metal pressed against my skin made me shiver even more. I traced my bottom lip with my tongue, and I could taste the flavour of his lips. I still couldn't get over the fact that he kissed me.

What had just happened? What the hell is wrong with him? He kissed me. Raymond Reynolds-the most popular boy of the school just kissed me. He didn't even know my name two weeks ago.

I couldn't sleep the whole night. Thoughts in my mind didn't let me. The whole scenario kept replaying in my head. My mind kept calculating all the possibilities behind his actions.

Was it a bet?

Another one of his games?

Trying to make me fall for him?

But one possibility, no matter how much my brain told me it's a suspended reality, it made me feel different. One possibility made my heart flutter with excitement. I could feel the butterflies in my stomach. I could feel something, a feeling which was alien to me.

Maybe, just maybe he likes me.

Fuck.

I was late for school. Last night I was completing my chemistry project and so I slept late, around 3:00 a.m.

I changed my clothes as fast as I could and rushed out of my home. Mom probably went for a walk otherwise she would have woken me up.  Which means Lavy is still asleep. Lavy is younger than me by two years. Dad left us five years after Lavy was born, I am not aware of any particular reason behind mom and dad's divorce, but every time I ask mom she just shrugs it off by saying "Things weren't working between us." and I chose not to inquest any further.

Dad never really comes around, not even to check how we are putting up without him. Initially, it hurt, more to mom than us but with time we have grown accustomed to it. I always thought that Dad loved us. He was a scientist, a renowned scientist, but he had always been so engrossed in his research that he never had time for his family. We used to meet him in months, after all his conferences, research works and, theses when he finally got time, he used to pay a visit at home.

It was really difficult for Mom to keep up with this lifestyle. She worked at a consultancy firm, and it became hard for Mom to manage two children without a husband because Dad, practically speaking, was never home. 

Believe me or not but now that I look back, It seems inevitable. Mom tried for things to work, she did her best, but sometimes things don't work for everyone and some people aren't meant to be. Relationships needs a lot of nurturing, time and above all trust.

Dad, still used to come around and spend some play-time with us, but gradually as we grew up his appearances in the house became bleak, and it has been three years since I last met him on my birthday.

We've tried to contact him a few times but he never responded back.

Growing up Lavy always used to question "Why always mom takes us to the Zoo and not dad?"  It became so intricate for us to answer her.

I went downstairs to Lavy's room to wake her up. After approximately fifteen minutes we were running four blocks down, heading towards our school.

I could feel sweat droplets rolling down between the valley on my bust. First period and I am already stinking. Taking a few deep breaths to counter my pants I entered the classroom. I knew I was already late for my Physics class but since it was the first and hopefully the last time, I was hoping Mr. Smuldres wouldn't mind. Holding the cold metal in my hand I twisted the door knob and suddenly was pushed into the classroom. Stumbling, I somehow managed not to fall and used the first desk to bolster my weight as I leaned a little on the desk.

I looked turned around to look for the person who pushed me and saw a guy in grey hoodie already sprinting towards the last bench.

Mr. Smulders, who initially had his back towards the class now turned around and glanced at me, my panting wasn't dead yet and my facial expressions weren't hiding the fact that I was scared.

Scared because I was probably about to get my first detention.

  I couldn't decipher Mr. Smulders' expression. He was stern.

Just staring. So I stood there fiddling with my fingers and looking at nothing in particular.

Finally, some words escaped from his mouth, "Next time you're late Ms. Esinberg you'll be signing up yourself for detention. You can find a seat now."

Giving him a nod I sat on the first bench. No one really occupies the first bench, which is except me, obviously.

"As you all know, you have to submit a project on Application of Physics in real world. I hope you all have chosen a topic. I'm passing a sheet; please write your topics against your name."

Everyone did as told.  After everyone wrote down their topics I passed the sheet to Mr. Smulders, as I was sitting on the front desk. While handing him the sheet my gaze fell on it. Everyone had a topic except Raymond.

Raymond Reynolds. The famous "bad boy" of Acumen High.  He has everything one can think of. Loaded parents, a bunch of friends- the popular group of Acumen High, amazing body, perfect boyish smile. You know the typical clichés where girls worship the land bad boy walks on, this is exactly the case.

Okay, I admit he's good-looking. I mean he has a good pair of muscles and six-pack abs. Blue eyes. Honey gold skin. But those blue eyes hold much more than the veneer he puts on.

The blank column in front of his name left me wondering if he deliberately chose not to write any topic because he has a habit of riling teachers or he doesn't truly have a topic.

"Raymond, why haven't you written any topic?" , Mr. Smulders' resonant voice filled the classroom attracting everyone's attention towards Raymond.

I looked back too, the guy with the grey hoodie. Raymond.

He replied in the most indifferent tone anyone could use, "Because I haven't decided it yet.", he said.

"And may I know the reason why?" Mr. Smulders asked.

"Well, I have been busy lately", Raymond shrugged.

Mr. Smulders was giving him a pointed look urging him to continue.

"You know ...football practice and stuff." , finished Raymond.

"Very well", Mr. Smulders mumbled and started scanning the classroom as if trying to find something, well the hunt soon ceased as his gaze settled on me.

"Sophie, meet me after this period," he said before returning back to whatever he was doing.

Oh boy. This doesn't sound good, does it?

I gave a nod as Mr Smulders started showing the presentation for today's lecture.

****

"Sophie, I want you to do me a favour", Mr. Smulders said. I couldn't deny whatever it was, so I told him I will do it.

"I want you to work. with Raymond for this project", he said, his eyes locked with mine.

NO.

I wanted to say but couldn't. One look at Mr. Smulders face and anyone could tell how persistent he is on partnering me with Raymond.

So, I chose not to speak. At all.

"I know it might look like a battle to you Sophie but I think only you can help him", he said before continuing -" and anyway, I don't think you would like to lose your credits because of this."

What the...

Mr. Smulders is trying to blackmail me?

Can he even do that?

Ughhh. I hate my life.

I lowered my gaze in defeat. "So I thought", he said. "Thank you, Sophie. You may leave now."

How did I get myself in this situation, I had no idea. All I knew is I have been paired up with my worst nightmare.

****

Walking down the corridor, it wasn't difficult to locate Raymond and his group.

Help me god

I summoned up all my courage and started walking towards their direction.

They were laughing, giving each other high five, doing some weird handshake and on the other side, I was standing right next to their group trying to figure out how to tell Raymond about the project.

Suddenly the noise died, I looked up to Raymond and my sight was greeted by a lopsided smirk and raised eyebrows.

I think this is the point where I should mention that my social status isn't really that superfluous, in fact it is the opposite. My social life is scarce. Literally, the nearest thing to a friend that I have is my younger sister Lavy.  Even the books in the library are more familiar with my face than our school's cafeteria.

"You can stop swooning, girl," said Ellen sarcastically.

"You going to say something or just stand there?", Ellen said again.

Bunch of students who were gathered around started laughing. But Raymond didn't.

Well, meet Ellen Whitmore. Queen Bee? Right.

Ellen was a beautiful but complacent. Everyone knew her parents were rich and since she was the only girl in Raymond's group of popular kids, so I guess she was used to being callous, she didn't think twice before condescending anyone. I never understood what do the boys see in her? I mean, she acts as if she belongs from elite clique and everyone else in the school are her subordinates.

Raymond gave her a pointed look before gently grabbing my arm and nudging me to move towards the other end of the corridor.

"You fine?", Raymond asked.

"I-yeah. Yup", I replied, nodding.

"I actually wanted to tell you that Mr. Smulders asked me to pair up with you for our Physics project, apparently because you haven't decided the topic yet but that's just what I assumed he did not tell me the rea-"

"He-Hey!” Raymond’s blue eyes were looking straight into mine.

"Calm down, take a deep breath", Raymond said and I followed his instructions.

"Good, now correct me if I'm wrong. You and I are partners for the Physics project, right?" he gave me a quizzical look.

"Yeah", I replied.

"Cool. I think it is good for you, munchkin", he replied winking at me.

Why is he winking at me?

Good for me?

Hah.

Joke of the millennium.

"What?"

"Yeah, I mean you get to work with me. You must be squealing inside", Raymond said haughtily.

"In your dreams", I replied and rolled my eyes in exasperation.

"Well, I didn't know you earlier but after this-" He said pointing a finger at me and then at himself "- maybe in my dreams, princess."

What is he saying?

I scrunched up my eyebrows in confusion before shrugging.

"So give me your number and maybe I'll contact you...umm what is your name?"

We've been in the same maths and physics class for the past two years!

Idiot

"It's Sophie. Sophie Esinberg", we finally exchanged our number.

"Alright, Princess! I'll call you then", he said, winking at me again.

Did he just say, princess?

"Okay", mumbled softly as I turned around and started walking towards the library.

A voice echoed across the hallway and I although I knew the words were directed to me I scoffed at his words which said "Try not to think about me much", I ignored him and kept walking towards the library.

This guy is delusional

Egoistic nincompoop

Chapter2

I was tired as the day came to an end. I had a hectic schedule today, after classes I had to do run some simulations for Mechatronics Team, and  I had to do a lot of research regarding our physics project.

My head ached already .

It was 12:15 a.m. when I went to sleep.

As I hit the bed and was about to sleep I felt the vibrations of my phone, so I started fishing for it on the study table.

1 missed call from Raymond

1 message from Raymond

*Tap to read*

Hey princess!

Meet me in the corridor tomorrow. We need to fix a schedule for our physics project!

P.S - Goodnight. Sleep tight.

~ Raymond

I replied with

Alright, I'll see you there then!

I'm no princess.

P.S - Goodnight.

~ Sophie

My phone vibrated again.

1 message from Raymond

* Tap to read*

Good night princess. Sweet dreams and sleep well!

~Raymond

****

Next day as decided, I was going to meet him in the corridor. I was waiting for him, the bell rang and everyone went in their classes. I was still waiting for him even though I was getting late for my class.

Regardless of everything, I kept on waiting for him for next 10 minutes. I tried calling him but he wasn't picking up my calls.

Corridor was now empty, finally, I decided to drop him a message and go to my class.

After the class, I tried calling him again and searched for him in the cafeteria, I thought since most of the time his friends hang out there, he might be around. But I was wrong.

I even searched for him at the school's back door, which is usually a place where kids hide when they bunk, or smoke.

****

It has been three days since he messaged me, but he didn't show up at school for one single day. I called him a couple of times but he didn't answer any of them, neither the calls nor the messages.

Ohh god what a mess he is!

I heard a bunch of girls talking about Raymond going on a trip with Ellen and some of their friends.

Okay. Maybe he's with her. Maybe busy. Maybe fucking. I don't care.

At least he should pick up my calls or reply to the messages.

All I'm worried about is our project. Mine, in fact.

****

Next day I decided to go to Mr. Smulders for help. As I entered the room I saw a tall muscular boy standing while his back was facing me. His muscles flexed as he scratched the back of his neck.

No Sophie. This is not the time to drool after someone.

Mr. Smulders was talking with someone on the phone and gesturing the guy about something at the same time. Probably the person on the call was boy's father for some complaint, I guess. As Mr. Smulders voice became more and more clear I heard him saying

"Sophie of course...who else it could be. Sure I'll see to it, alright sir. That won't be a problem" And after that, he hung up.

"Ahh, Sophie" Mr. Smulders sighed, as I came to stand in front of him.

The boy was now standing next to me. As Mr. Smulders called out my name the boy turned to me.

I tried to act calm, and from my peripheral vision glanced at the hot g-

What?

Raymond!

What the hell is he doing here?

Well, at least I found him.

I scowled at him and tried to glare at him.

Keyword being tried.

I notice that Raymond was trying hard not to laugh at me.

I scrunched my nose and tried to glare at him. Again.

And this time he burst into a fit of laughter.

Pompous head.

"Sophie," said Mr. Smulders.

We both turned towards him, me with a tinge of anger on my face, while Raymond had this really cute boyish grin on his lips.

He looked adorable. He was smiling, his eyes gleaming like a little boy excited to open his Christmas present.

Wait, adorable?

He's nothing more than a spawn of Satan.

"Sophie, can you please help Raymond with his assignments. He has not submitted any of them. Also, I want you to tutor him." Mr. Smulders said in a very low and sweet voice.

No no no no no....

"I..umm...I- I, okay," I said, but truth to be told I didn't want to teach him at all.

Like ever.

Never even in my dreams.

"Good, Raymond you can talk to her about any other problem. Now you may leave" Mr. Smulders said as he gestured us to leave, without even glancing at us and started doing some works on his laptop.

As we came out of his room Raymond turned towards me.

May I add, words were full of enthusiasm.

"So let's start, princess." He said and I could sense the excitement in his voice.

"No-no-no. First you tell me where were you all these days? I had to start our project on my own. I had to work till one in the morning! " I spat.

Although, I had a lot of patience in me and I hardly get angry, but this boy knows how to get under my skin.

"I...ummm...I was busy" He replied in a plain voice while his blue eyes were looking straight into mine.

Those eyes, oh god. I don't know but something happens to me when he looks at me like that.

Butterflies started fluttering in my stomach.

Or maybe I'm hungry.

You're still mad at him. Remember?

"Raymond, I know this is a joke for you but my grades really do matter to me, a lot."

"It's Ray by the way " He deadpanned.

"What?"

"Call me Ray."

What is he saying? I am angry at him.

Ughhh god!

"Raymond, just tell me this, do you want to help or not because I am perfectly capable of finishing the project on my own." I said while anger flared into my senses.

"No."

"Wha-"

"No. I mean. I'll help." Ray said, winking at me.

Can you believe it?

Winking at me.

Has he ever been serious?

Does he have some weird eye twitching problem?

I told him to meet me in the library after the third period. Something told me that this is the best way, as soon as I finish the course with him I'd be free and not to mention away from everyone's radar. Especially Ellen because everyone knows that when it comes to Raymond, Ellen is like a hawk.

****

As we were sitting in the Library , I was helping him with his physics assignment. I started reading a book while he was trying to do the question I taught him.

"Princess, are you free on Saturday?", asked Raymond, out of nowhere. His boyish smile played on his lips.

Those lips...

Get your shit together Soaf.

I almost said "It's not like I have friends, you know?", But I did not want to bore him with my recluse stories already.

Why would he be interested in knowing anything about my life anyway ?

"Umm...Yeah" I said, still suspicious.

Why does he want to know?

"Great then, I'll pick you up at five. Be Ready?", he said. Leaning towards the table a little, yet enough close to me that I could smell his cologne. 

"What...where?", I asked.

"Just be ready. I want to show you something.", he said as he looked at my bewildered face. He then continued- "C'mon princess, relax its regarding our project. See you then? " He turned on his heels and went out of the library leaving me flabbergasted.

Chapter3

I was sitting at home reading 'To kill a Mockingbird'. I heard the doorbell and unfortunately, there was no one else in the house.

Mom had gone to the supermarket across the block and Lavy, my younger sister, went to her friend's house. So, I had to see who was on the door.

At First, I thought it could be Ray but he said he will pick me at 5 and it is only three now!

As I opened the door I saw Mike standing on the porch of my house.

Ohh damn

I completely forgot! Aunt Telsa, our neighbour, asked me to help Mike in Mathematics. Mike was her only family. Her husband left her when Mike was six, and she never married anyone else even though it's been nine years now.

"Hey! Soaf." Mike said, a lazy smile on his lips. I could see the exhaustion in his eyes.

"Hey, Mike! Come in." I said as I gestured him.

He was looking upset as he entered the dining room. We sat and I started teaching him. It looked as if he isn't listening to me. He was lost in his thoughts.

"Mike...Mike. What happened?"

"Umm...nothing" He replied, but I could definitely tell something was wrong with him.

"You know you can always tell me. Right?" I said, giving him an encouraging nod.

"Soaf...I failed my test again." He said looking down and sighed.

"It's alright Mike. It was only a test c'mon we'll work hard now. Okay?" I tried to comfort him.

"No that's not the thing, Soaf. I can't do this now...mom is already working so hard so that we can afford a good school for me. You know our financial condition right? I don't want to hurt her, I'm good at nothing. No sports, no extracurricular and studies were the last hope for me. You see?

"I -I just want to help her. In any possible way, I can." He replied, tears brimming his eyes. Then, he closed his eyes to calm himself and took a deep breath.

So much for a fifteen-year-old.

"It's fine Mike. You are willing to work hard, right? So nothing can stop you and everyone has failed once or more in life anyway. Without failure, success has no meaning. These tests cannot decide who you want to be. Alright. Moreover, we will be working hard on the subject. So don't worry okay." I tried to convince him. I gave him a tight smile. I cannot let him give up easily. I know what he is capable of and he deserves so much better than the shit he gets at school.

You need to make it work, Soaf. You have to help him out of this!

"How is everything at school, huh?" I tried to change the topic so he could feel better.

"Well, everything is pretty fine." He replied, his eyes gazing at the table.

"Is Lavy still being a snob?" I asked. Since Lavy and Mike shared most of their classes together, they knew each other very well. Besides the fact that they cannot stand each other's presence. Even for a short period of time.

"You have no idea. I don't know what I did but she behaves like a bitch to me at school. Always" He said, scrunching up his nose in disguise.

"She's not like that Mike. Not at home. She's a really good person" I said.

"And beautiful too," Mike said. A small smile playing on his lips. I gazed up at him and saw him lost in his own thoughts. His eyes gleaming. All the stress on his face disappeared suddenly. His features looked relax.

"You know she has a really bitchy attitude at school but still volunteers for peer tutoring. She's a member of Students Union! Even though she's just 15! She's like the 'it girl' of freshmen year."  He finished (finally!).

Dammit 

Mike is crushing over Lavy.

"You're totally smitten," I said giving him a chuckle.

"What do you mean?" He replied. Confused.

"I mean how can you not realize that you're crushing after L-"

"NO! Don't even finish that sentence, Soaf. I'm not. Okay? NO. I told you she's a bitch anyway."

"You also told me she's beautiful. And she is the 'It girl'." I said. Emphasizing 'It girl'.

"Ughh. Everyone at school thinks that way, Soaf. It's nothing new. Besides, she has a boyfriend."  He replied, shrugging his shoulders.

What? 

How come I don't know anything about this?

"She does?" I asked.

"Yeah. It's pretty obvious. She is kind of Popular. "

****

I heard the doorbell. I stood up and asked Mike to start practicing the questions meanwhile I attend whoever is at the door.

I opened the door and came face to face with popular blockhead a.k.a Raymond.

"Hey princess! Umm...looking good." He said as his eyes roamed from head to toe.

Yeah, Thanks!

I really look great in my minion pajamas and unwashed hair.

"Nice joke" I glared at him.

"I suppose you are not ready yet. It's fine I can wait." He said shaking his head slowly.

Ohh, please. How about you wait here FOREVER?

"Ummm...no..yes...uhhh come in I'll tell you."

He entered the house and I told him about Mike. That's what I'm supposed to do, I think. I can't leave mike like this.

The weird part is Raymond asked me if he could help mike too. I went into the kitchen to get some snacks. As I came out I saw Raymond actually helping Mike in maths.

"Soaf, he is really good at explaining things. Really!" Mike said with his expressions full of excitement.

I smiled at Ray, he was smirking at me!

JERK

Mike went at seven. Raymond and I chatted for a while and then I walked up to his car with him. He had an Audi. No wonder he is rich.

"It was really fun with you princess."

He said while his gentle eyes were gazing into mine.

"Thank you Ray and I'm sorry I spoiled it all today," I replied guiltily.

"No, Soaf. Instead, you made the day. "

Oh boy that smile

His eyes were still gazing mine.  I could feel the electrifying sensations going down my spine.

"Bye Soaf." He said as while ruffling my hairs which were already a mess. I swatted his hand away glaring at him.

"Goodbye Ray." Words came out of my mouth in a whisper as I watched his car going into the darkness.