I'm finally off my suspension and heading back to school today. I wake up at 6:45 am to find my clothes and do my hair.

I choose to wear leather and ride my motorbike to school. After a soak in the tub, I put on my leather jeans, a black sleeveless top, my leather jacket, and high black boots. I blow-dry my hair and leave it down before grabbing my things and heading out.

Stacy is still home since Dad had an important meeting at 8:00 am. She says, "Morning, Anastasia! Eat up, and I can drop you off at school." Does she think I'm 15? I decline, saying, "No thanks, I'm driving myself; I've been doing it for two years now." She nods, and ten minutes later, I leave on my motorbike.

When I arrive at school, I see familiar faces. Some jocks stare as I take off my helmet. One says, "Hi, that's the girl from TV; I didn't know she went here." Another replies, "You idiot, she's in our algebra class; that's the nerd who hangs out with Jordan and is Brandon's ex-girlfriend." Great, thanks for reminding me.

Stephanie and her two minions approach. I brace myself, crossing my arms. Stephanie says, "Hi nerd, welcome back; I really missed you." I roll my eyes. Nikki chimes in, "Yeah, and I'm so happy with Brandon. I told you to watch your back, but you didn't listen." I clench my fists to stay calm. Suddenly, Nikki gasps and falls to the ground, groaning and holding her nose.

Stephanie yells, "You bitch, you're going to pay for that!" I dash into the school, relieved to find Jordan and Carlos talking.

"Hi guys," I say, catching my breath. Jordan replies, "Whoa, slow down, Anne; you're early." I explain, "I know, but the cheerleaders are after me; please protect me." Justin, behind me, says, "With my life." I turn to see him smiling. "Don't worry; I saw what happened. Nikki looks terrible, and the best part is Brandon saw it and didn't help her." I giggle.

Stephanie passes by, glaring at me. I say, "Hi, you know it's rude to stare at your own gender, right?" She dismisses me and walks off with Jackie, but no Nikki.

Lunchtime rolls around, and news has spread. Arlene says, "Rumor has it the nerd punched Nikki in the face, and her 'boyfriend' just stood there," quoting 'boyfriend.' I confirm, "Well, this rumor is completely true," and she laughs.

The cheerleaders glare at me. Jacob tells me, "Ignore them; they're just jealous they can't be awesome like you." I laugh and playfully push him. Justin is glued to his phone, Luke is texting Gabriella, Jordan is flirting with a cheerleader, Carlos is looking for trouble, and Kyle is making out with Arlene.

I turn to Jacob, "Teach me how to skate; I have a skateboard but don't know what to do." He suggests Justin as the best teacher. I sigh, and Justin boasts, "Yeah, I'm the best teacher ever." I whisper to Carlos, "Who says I'll survive my first lesson? Be ready to visit me in the hospital in five hours." He laughs while Justin frowns.

Stephanie approaches our table, asking Justin, "Are you running for prom king this year?" He shakes his head, saying, "No, I won three years in a row; this year is Jordan's turn," nodding toward Jordan, who is still with the cheerleader. She replies, "Too bad; looks like I'll have to dance with him if he wins."

I frown, "Who said you're going to win?" She snaps back, "What did you just say, nerd?" I retort, "Sorry, I wasn't born twice, so I won't repeat myself." The boys smirk. She insists, "Whatever, I'm totally winning just like every year." I mumble, "I wouldn't bet on it," and she storms off.

Justin says, "I swear, every time she's near me, I want to puke." I laugh. Gregory is sitting with his friends, watching us. I get up and walk over to him.

"Hi, Greg," I say, sitting next to him, surprising his friends. He smiles, "Hi, Anne. Glad you're back. Rumor has it you kicked Nikki's butt; is it bad if I say she totally deserved it?" I laugh and shake my head. "Not at all; I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks so."

One of Greg's friends says, "Greg, I didn't know you were friends with the rich man's daughter?" He puts his arm around my chair, introducing himself as Austin. "I heard you're single; you should go out with me," he winks. I laugh and glance at my table, where Justin looks really annoyed.

I say loudly enough for him to hear, "Ha, not a chance, Austin." Greg smirks as Austin frowns. Another guy introduces himself as Ian. I shake his hand and say, "Anastasia, but everyone calls me Anne or Ana."

Austin says, "So the nerd is rich and bad? I doubted you." I shrug, "Well, never judge a book by its cover." Austin looks confused. Greg rolls his eyes, "Dude, you seriously need to take English class more seriously."

Justin is back on his phone but keeps glancing our way to ensure Austin doesn't try anything funny. Brandon, Blake, and Jack are stuffing their faces with food, oblivious to everything. I chuckle, thinking I'll miss this chaos when I graduate—everyone talking and laughing in the cafeteria.

I take out my camera and snap some photos, planning to title it 'My Classmates at Lunch and Not Causing Trouble,' just as it should be.

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