Luckily, the first few periods went fast and were all good. Ariana, Mason and I had different timetables so we couldn't see each other much. Thankfully we're in the same homeroom. Right now we're heading to the cafeteria.

"I don't know why teachers can't go a single day without giving homework." Ariana whines.

"It was expected though. How about we do it together maybe at Mason's house." I suggest.

Mason looks at me with a disapproving face. "Why does it have to be my house?"

"Because you just came back and we want to visit. Also, it will be a good opportunity for us to see your family again." I reply.

"Yeah you're back and you know that we will be shuffling between our houses for various reasons. At least let us know where you stay." Ariana says as Mason sighs.

"But you know where I stay. Fine, you both are welcome to visit and do homework." Mason says smiling.

According to the books I've read, lunch time is a very important time of the day. Apparently people get judged by the kind of table they are on, which sucks.

Freshmen can't get judged yet because the try-outs for various clubs and extra-curricular activities isn't until the end of the week or probably next week. Until then, I can't afford to worry about anything.

"Do you think we'll get a good table?" I ask as we enter the cafeteria.

"We should, since we're here on time." Mason replies as we queue up for lunch.

_____________________________________________________

"This table is actually pretty good. We are not at the centre of the school, not near the trashbins or even the door." Ariana say as she munches on her fries.

Eventually, all good things come to an end. It was always bound to happen.

"Yeah, but things might change."

From the corner of my eyes, I catch Mason slouching a bit and looking intently at me. "Bree, what are you going on about now?" He questions.

"By the end of this week, the both of you won't be able to sit and have lunch with me. Mason you will be part of the school's team and have to sit with them. And you Ariana, will be in the squad which means you obviously won't be able to eat with me."

"What if we don't get accepted?" Ariana asks with a smile.

"You can't be serious." I reply.

"Well, if one of the criteria for joining the school team is not being able to eat with you guys, I don't think I'm interested anymore." Mason says with his eyes fixated on me.

"Don't say that." I say shaking my head in disapproval.

"That's the plan Bree, we're not changing anything." Ariana replies.

This is too good to be true. They are too good to be true. We'll just have to see how it goes.

Ariana takes a brief look at me and then smiles. "Aren't you going to join a club or something.

"I might if I find one that I'm interested in, as of now I don't know." I reply with a shrug.

____________________________________________________

Not gonna lie, walking is making me hungry all over again. I really can't wait for this day to end.

"I'll see you guys after school. I have to get my books for class." Ariana says stopping by my locker.

"Yeah I'll come with." Mason replies.

"Alright, bye guys." I say waving to them.

What class is next? First impression matters.

"Aubrey!!!" Someone shouts from across the hall. Now who can that be? I turn around to see one of my old classmates Tania Monroe as she launches on me. Well there goes me wanting to live a straightforward life.

"Hey." I say trying to give my best smile.

"Look at you, looking all nice. Anything new?" She questions. Of course that's the first question she asks, I'm nothing but new to Tania's tricks. A lot of people don't get why I don't keep Tania as a close friend. But from experience, I've learnt a lot.

Tania isn't any mean girl or jerk, she's just a basic gossip always looking for news to spread and secrets to hear. She's actually pretty good and really nice, but struggles with a real problem. I'm definitely not going to get close to her this time cause I'm not interested in anyone prying in my life.

"No, nothing new." I respond after being snapped back to reality.

"You sure? I just saw you and Ariana with that good looking guy." She says wiggling her brows.

I didn't think she had any other talent except for gossiping. Life is really full of surprises.

"Why? You interested?" I ask as the color drains from her face.

"Of course not I-I'm just asking."

Sure.

The bell just had to go off right now. "I'll get going now." Tania says sprinting off.

Looks like I have Algebra. I really can't wait, but where did I keep that textbook?

"You haven't told me how today has been." Cameron says leaning on the lockers beside me.

Oh great my older brother is concerned. "It's been alright." I say furiously shutting my locker.

"Tell me why you're mad." Cameron says standing up right.

"I'm alright." Is all I can say as I try to walk pass him, only to be held by my left arm. Suddenly he appears in front of me.

"You look really pretty today." He says with a smile.

What does this guy want?!

"You too." I say mentally cringing as a huge grin appears on his face.

"I haven't seen my brother yet and he didn't pick my calls earlier, Have you seen him yet?" I say thankfully changing the topic.

"Oh yeah, he's all good. Came a little late, had a frown throughout, but he's alright." He says as I nod approvingly.

"But this isn't about him." He continues.

Wait what?

I don't understand where this is getting to and honestly, I'm not willing to. I then notice that we are the only ones left in the hallway. I really need to get to class.

"Okay then, but I really need to get to class now." I say in a hurry attempting to walk past him.

"I don't take you as a sister." He blurts out as I stop in my tracks.

"I take you as something more." He continues and walks off to his class.

I'm so late!

This is definitely the most challenging chapter I had ever written but I hope y'all enjoyed it. For all those who aren't fans of algebra, if I can do it, so can you. Keep fighting. I'm curious to know how many Tania Monroe you guys have in your life cause mine is a lot. They just keep coming. Vote if you want to, and enjoy the next chapter. ❤❤