MONDAY

Tomorrow is my eighteenth birthday, and Halloween is approaching.

I plan to wear a tank top with my favorite leather jacket, skinny jeans, and white Converse.

My dad will be home for the week and might visit my mom.

After showering, I get dressed, curl my hair, and apply mascara and lipstick.

I grab my bag, folder, and phone, then head downstairs.

Dad says, "I hired a butler for you since you don't like to cook or clean. He'll be here when you get back from school."

I quickly make breakfast and head to the garbage, where I find a surprise: a new motorbike and helmet. Awesome!

I rush back inside and hug my dad. "Thanks, Dad, I love you!"

He chuckles, "You're welcome. That's just your early birthday present."

I go to the garage, take out the motorbike, and put on the helmet.

Riding to school, everyone checks out my new motorbike. When I take off my helmet, people gasp—they don't realize I'm wealthy.

Jordan says, "Wow, nice motorbike! Can I ride it, Anne?"

I reply, "No way, it might get scratched. I can't trust it with anyone, especially you."

The jocks are taking pictures, and some cheerleaders are posing with their boyfriends next to it.

I snap, "This isn't a photo shoot! Get away from my ride!"

They stare at me in shock.

A jock laughs, "You? Own this motorbike? I bet it's Justin's."

Jacob says, "Actually, it's hers. Her father is very rich." Then I realize someone is missing.

I ask, "Where's Justin?"

____

Justin's POV

I stayed home today to plan a big party for Anne with Mr. Montez.

My parents are away for the week, so I'm home alone. I text Jordan my plan to keep it from Carlos, who would spill the news to Anne.

I drive to Anne's house around 9:00 am while my friends are in class.

When I arrive at her mansion, Mr. Montez is there. I ring the doorbell, and he opens it.

He says, "You look familiar. Oh, you're the boy from the pool with Anne last month!"

I nod. "I want to talk about Anne's birthday tomorrow. I'm thinking of throwing the biggest party ever." He nods and lets me in.

In the kitchen, he hands me a soda, and we start planning.

He says, "I'll call my assistant to find a party planner ASAP, but we can't have the party here."

I suggest, "Let's book a five-star hotel and decorate it. She won't suspect a thing if we all make excuses tomorrow."

Mr. Montez adds, "I'll bribe the principal to cancel school tomorrow." Now we're on the same page.

Two hours later...

We find a party planner named Julia, who knows the best hotel in the country and what to do. Anne is in for a surprise. I text my friends to start making excuses tomorrow, and Arlene is in on the plan too.

****

Anastasia's POV

"ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS, THERE WILL BE NO SCHOOL TOMORROW DUE TO A TEACHER'S EMERGENCY MEETING," the principal announces over the speaker.

Everyone cheers—no school tomorrow! I'm excited for my birthday.

In chemistry, Carlos says, "No school or teachers equals total freedom!"

I laugh.

The teacher glares at us, and we smirk. Kyle frowns while Arlene takes notes.

______

By lunch, everyone is talking about a party, probably another one of Stephanie's.

Arlene asks, "What do you want for your birthday, A?"

I shrug, unsure of what I want.

Jordan winks at me, saying, "I'll give you a kiss on the lips," earning a death glare from Brandon.

I smile at Brandon and hold his hand; he smiles back. Nikki frowns at us, ignoring a jock flirting with her, while her two friends are making out.

Gregory texts me on Snapchat while sitting with his friends, and I sneak a look at my phone under the table.

Brandon whispers, "You're so beautiful," making my face turn red.

Jordan teases, "Aww, look, our little nerd is blushing."

I groan and rest my head on the table.

Someone behind me asks, "Is she alright?"

I recognize that voice immediately.

I turn to see a concerned Gregory looking at me.

Brandon snaps, "She's fine, now get lost." Gregory pales and starts to walk away.

Jordan retorts, "Don't talk to my friend like that, Bran. Greg, stay. You, Bran, get lost."

Brandon frowns but whispers to me, "I have training anyway. I'll see you later."

I nod.

Once he leaves and Gregory sits next to me, I say, "Thanks, Jordan."

He smiles. "Don't mention it. He was getting on my nerves."