The President's Daughter by David Dower (if you liked this book txt) 📕

I looked down at my schedule and then up at the empty hall. I had no idea where I was, or how to get to room 115.

After ten minutes of walking around, I eventually did find my first period class, it was the first room when you came up by one of the staircases. I didn’t quite understand how I missed it, but I did.

I stood in front of the door for a brief second, taking in a deep breath. Slowly twisting the knob pushing open the door, I watched as students eyes one by one, settled at me- the stranger standing by the door.

"Acting is how many people are famous today. For example-“ The lady said, speaking as she slowly came to a stop, when she noticed her students eyes being directed elsewhere.

She looked to be in her mid-thirties, she looked at me with curious eyes like the secretary did earlier. "Hello there. And how may I help you?"

I smiled shyly, trying to ignore my classmate’s stares. "Hi, my names Ali Clair, and I am new." I said, fidgeting with my wristband.

"Oh, why didn't you say so, instead of standing there awkwardly? Come on in, don't be shy." She said, waving me over to her. "I am Mrs. Moore your drama teacher for the rest of the semester and I like to get to know my students before I scare them away." She said, laughing lightly. "Why don’t we start by you telling us a little bit about yourself?" She said, sitting on her chair and propping her feet on the desk.

"What do you want to know?" I asked.

Mrs. Moore shrugged, "It doesn't matter."

"Okay, hello." I said, turning towards the class, waving awkwardly. "My name is Ali Clair-"

"We already know that." I heard a guy shout from the back, causing the class to erupt in laughter.

I ignored the person’s outburst and continued. "I have one younger brother, my favorite color is purple and this is my first high school I've ever been too, due to being home schooled." I finished, not knowing what else to say.

"That's it?" Mrs. Moore questioned. I nodded my head, "You sure you don't want to add anything else?" I shook my head, "Alright, nice to meet you Ali. You can go ahead and sit beside Sarah Rose please." She said, pointing to a red head that was raising her hand.

As I was walking to the back where Sarah Rose happened to be sitting, the guy who called out during my introduction stuck his foot out, which made me trip, causing the whole class to burst out laughing once more. I looked back at Mrs. Moore who had her back turned for a brief second, not aware of the guy who just tripped me.

I felt my face get extremely hot from embarrassment. I quickly got up and took my seat next to Sarah Rose, ignoring the stares and soft snickers from people.

I turned to look at Sarah Rose. She had dyed red hair and dark brown eyes, she was scribbling some words down on a paper and kept tapping her pencil on the desk in concentration. My stare must have been noticeable because she turned to me and smiled.

I smiled back and rested my head on the desk, trying focus on what Mrs. Moore was talking to us about. But I couldn’t stay focused.

My mind just kept thinking about how Ben knew Holly’s schedule and why he was acting all weird when I asked him how he knew. My thoughts were then interrupted by the bell. As the class stood up to get to their second period class, I felt someone call me before I could make it to the door.

“Ali!” I turned around to see a blob of red hair coming towards me, “Do you want me to show you where your second period class is?” Sarah Rose asked me, a little out of breath.

I smiled at the short little red head, “I would like that.” I said, nodding my head.

She beamed at me, taking my schedule, her eyes scanning it. “Cool, we have the same second period class. Mr. Kelly is a thirty year old teacher, and he’s really chill, so you’ll like him.” She said, dragging my arm towards the staircase.

When we got there, I noticed Holly sitting on a desk, on her phone, most probably texting, while the teacher was sitting on a chair and looked to be grading some papers. I went up to him, handing him my slip informing him that I was a new student.

He looked up, and let me to tell you, he was definitely good looking for an old man, with short blonde hair and bright blue eyes. “Welcome Miss Clair, you can take a seat anywhere,” He said, giving me a smile.

I smiled, telling him thank you and walking back to where Sarah Rose was sitting. “You didn’t tell me he was cute for an old man.” I said, playfully bumping hips with her as if we’ve known each other our whole life.

She chuckled, “Oops?” She said, bumping hips with me. I waved goodbye to her as I headed over to sit next to Holly. Sarah nodded her head understandingly, as she went back to writing in her notebook, just like in first period. I felt bad that I had ditched her and made a mental note to ask her to sit with us, next time.

I plopped myself down next to Holly who was just staring at me, “What?”

“Why were you talking to Sarah Rose? She’s an outcast, and unless you want to be too, I suggest you stay away from her.”

My eyes literally popped out of my socket when Holly said that. When did she become so harsh? “What’s your deal? She was just showing me to second and she seems like a really cool girl!” I said angrily to Holly, upset with her for even saying that.

“Listen Ali,” She said, rubbing her face with her hand. “I told you, our school is very superficial, so don’t get all mad with me. I am just stating a fact.”

“Whatever,” I mumbled to her.

Who even made all these rules anyway?

For the rest of the period, I did not say anything to Holly. I was upset with her and I knew she was annoyed by me, so it was probably best if we did not talk to each other.

The bell rang for the third time today and Holly and I made our way to lunch silently, when she finally decided to speak up. “I’m sorry I said that. It was rude and uncalled for,” She muttered to me. “I just don’t want you to be part of the rumor mill like I was in junior year.”

I gave Holly a quick hug. “Thanks for looking out for me cuz, but I’ll be just fine.” She gave me a small smile in return as we headed towards the cafeteria for lunch. I kept my eyes trained on the ground, not really looking where I was going, and when I finally looked up it was too late. I had already bumped into someone.

"Watch where you’re going nerd!" Someone said, knocking me down and sending my books flying.

I let out a sigh as I crouched down, collecting my books from the floor. Once I got up I saw that the person who had called me nerd a few seconds ago was standing in front of me, wearing a smug expression.

"What's wrong nerd? Cat got your tongue?"

I looked around the hallway, noticing that we’d drawn a crowd.

"What? Are you mute?"

I rolled my eyes as I began to walk away, only to be pulled back and slammed against the lockers. I heard a few gasps coming from our audience.

He seemed like a jerk, and judging by what he had just done, I was right. However, he was extremely good looking, I had to give him that, with dark brown hair seeming to stick out in all directions and dark brown eyes.

"Listen nerd, I don't know who you think you are, but no one walks away from me when I talk to them. Got it?" He hissed at me.

I let out a chuckle. This guy was unbelievable. "You don't own me, so I suggest you let go of me, before I do something that you will regret." I said in a bored tone.

His brown eyes narrowed at me, as he let out what seemed to be a forced laugh. "Oh, so the nerd does talk."

I heard a few people snickering as he let go of my arm. "I am going to let you go, nerd. But trust me, this isn't over." He whispered into my ear.

I watched as the boy and few other people who looked to be his friends, following him like lost dogs, walked into the cafeteria doors. I looked at Holly who looked to be in a state of shock, “Holls, what’s wrong?” I asked her, confused.

“D- Do you know who that was?” She asked, stuttering.

By now the crowd had gone back to their business. I looked back at where the boy had gone. “No. Am I supposed to know who he is?”

She nodded her head furiously. “That was Gavin Storm.” I felt my breath hitch in my throat. “And when he said, ‘trust me this isn’t over.’” She said, quoting what Gavin had just told me and looking me dead in the eye. “He meant that he will basically make your high school life hell and possibly crush you in the process too.” She finished.

My hand automatically flew to my mouth.

What have I just done? Chapter Four: Troublemaker

I stared at Holly for the longest amount of time. "You’re lying," I blurted out.

She rose her eyebrows in disbelief. "Really?" She said, crossing her arms over her chest.

I shrugged. "Well that's the only thing I could think of at a time like this."

"Okay look let's just go in there and everything will be fine, okay?" She said, trying to convince me.

I nodded. "Okay," I said linking my arms with Holly as we headed towards the doors of the cafeteria. When I suddenly stopped.

"What's the matter?"

I kept my eyes trained on my feet. "Holls, is there any way you are mistaken?"

"What do you mean?" She asked confused.

I shrugged my eyes meeting hers. "Will he really crush me? He doesn’t even know me! It was an accident, I never intended to bump into him.”

She sighed. "I am so sorry." She said, nodding her head. "But I did tell you to stay-"

I waved my hand interrupting her. "Do not say ‘I told you so’ at a time like this." I said, menacingly.

She shrugged, not bothering to say anything else.

I let out a sigh. I was really hoping for a different answer, rather than the one I had gotten.

"Well we are talking about Gavin Storm. He’s full of surprises so, good luck cuz." She said, looking quite amused.

I gave her a look. "Why do you seem amused about all of this?”

"Well for one I was right and you were wrong and two if there was anyone who could tame Gavin or even resist his player ways. It would be you." She said, seriously.

"Thanks. But I am not as strong as you think."

She shrugged. "Stop underestimating yourself Alice. Now I don't know