Anastasia's POV

I got home around five to find Justin missing and Trina making out with her boyfriend in the living room. Two boys and two girls were hanging out by the pool, so I headed to my bedroom to watch TV. I texted Brandon:

Me: Hi Brandy, I had fun this evening; your sister is adorable.

Brandy: I know! She likes you. Maybe we can go for ice cream together sometime.

Me: Sure, just tell me when.

Brandy: Bre says goodnight.

Me: Tell her sweet dreams.

Brandy: Where did I ever find a friend like you?

Me: Maybe fate brought us together.

Brandy: Well, as they say, opposites attract.

Me: True. See you tomorrow at school.

Brandy: Sure, bye Ana.

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

I was jolted awake by loud banging on my bedroom door at 6:00 AM. Who wakes someone up at this hour?

I shouted, "It's only 6! Leave me alone!"

The voice replied, "I'm starving, and Trina is sleeping." I ignored them and buried my head under my pillow. The banging continued, so I decided to escape.

Thankfully, my car was in the driveway. I packed a high-waisted dress, shoes, a brush, toothbrush, towel, phone, and keys into my bag, then changed into sweatpants and a baggy shirt. I texted Justin:

Me: I'm coming to get dressed at your house. Please make breakfast.

Jerk: Sure, no problem. My dad's at work, and Mom is still sleeping.

The banging resumed every few minutes, so I opened my bedroom window. The roof was nearby, so I climbed through. I could see the pool below, climbed down, sneaked through the sliding door, tiptoed to the front door, and quietly slipped outside. I unlocked my car, got in, and drove off.

I arrived at Justin's at 6:20 AM, yawning. He opened the door, and I said, "Thanks! That guy was really annoying banging on my door at 6 AM." Justin chuckled; he was in his boxers, and his eyes looked a bit swollen.

7:20 AM

We left his house in our cars. I picked up Brandon since he lived nearby. When I pulled up to his house, he was waiting outside.

He opened the car door, got in, kissed me on the cheek, and said, "Morning, Ana."

I replied, "Morning, Brandy," and he chuckled.

*******

At school, I saw the boys waiting for me. Brandon and I got out of the car, and the girls gasped.

He said, "See you at lunchtime," before heading to his friends. I walked to the boys.

Justin said, "Looking good, Anne."

I replied, "Thanks! You're not looking bad yourself," and he smiled.

We walked into school; people were used to seeing us together. I went to my locker to grab my book for class.

Stephanie approached me and said, "Hi Ana, there's a party at my friend's house tonight. You should come if you're up for it."

I asked, "Sounds good! What's the address?"

She gave me the address, and I gasped. "That's my house! Trina is having a party tonight?"

I said, "I'll tell the boys," and she nodded. As she left, Arlene approached me.

She said, "She's up to something. Don't you think it's strange she's inviting you to a party?"

I replied, "Yeah, but the best part is that it's at my house. My cousin is hosting it, and I can't wait to see her face."

Arlene laughed and said, "Let's go to class now." I closed my locker just as the bell rang.

We walked to algebra, and I saw Luke, Justin, and Kyle enter the classroom. I took my usual seat while Arlene sat next to Kyle.

Justin whispered, "Heard there's a party at your house tonight."

I groaned, "Yeah, and Stephanie invited me. She's in for a shocking surprise tonight."

Luke suggested, "You can stay at my house if you want."

I replied, "I'd rather go to Justin's. I can't stand Chelsea. I'm glad Dad stopped seeing her."

Luke chuckled, "Me too. She was practically using him, but he can't fire her."

I said, "Yeah, but he's out of the country, so he doesn't have to deal with her." Just then, our teacher walked in, and I zoned out. Brandon texted me:

Brandy: Hi Ana, history is boring.

Me: Well, you shouldn't have chosen it.

Brandy: Good point. I'll keep that in mind for college.

Me: Yeah, you heard about the party?

Brandy: Hell yeah! It's a college chick who's hosting it.

Me: That freshman college chick? She's my cousin, Trina. The party is at my house—or should I say mansion?

Brandy: If you're not attending, we can hang out at a food place or something.

Me: Oh, I'm attending! I live there, and someone has to keep an eye on the house. Some things are very valuable; my dad would kill Trina (though I would love to see that happen).

Brandy: You're evil; I like that. My teacher is giving me the dead glare; I gotta go.

Me: See you soon, Brandy.

I looked up from my phone just as the teacher finished erasing the board. I mumbled, "Shit." I glanced over at Justin, who was texting instead of taking notes.

I asked Luke, who had finished and was now texting, "Can I get your notes? I was distracted and didn't write anything down."

He chuckled, "Shouldn't I be the one asking that?"

I rolled my eyes as he handed me his book. The teacher announced, "There will be a quiz next week on this topic. Be prepared." The whole class groaned, including me, and some shot me shocked glances.

Justin whispered, "Way to ruin my weekend."

A guy behind him added, "Tell me about it. I was planning on getting girls in bed with me and winning my bet."

Justin laughed, and I asked, "Since when do you guys study for quizzes?"

Justin replied, "Since the day we became seniors. I want to get into a good college, you know."