'Ugly Duckling'

    ‘I’ve never being this anxious in my life to escape an awkward encounter, gush what a terrible morning. Not only did I bumped into my secrete crush once, but twice within a matter of hours. To say I made a complete fool of myself would be an understatement. Like any other sane girl at West-Bay Academy, my naïve little heart fluttered at his touch and mesmerizing scent…. Teenage hormones are a ticking time bomb,’ Erika concluded as she sat at her usual secluded spot to the farthest end of the classroom.

      She wasted no time in burying her face into her text book, patiently waiting for Miss Archer to begin today’s lesson, not paying too much attention to whatever unnecessary discussions drifted through the air. Only until the exciting announcement was made for the school’s internship program did she regain her sense of awareness. For those that were actually serious about making a career in the medical filed, it was truly an amazing opportunity.

      There Erika was, patiently listening to one after another name being selected; hoping and praying life wasn’t as coincidental to have her paired with a certain heartstopper. So, when Jeremy’s name was called with that flirtatious Jake Lancer, she finally heaved a low sigh of relief… well at least her roll of crashing into him was finally over, right?

    Wrong! The class was almost empty and her name was yet to be chosen. A sudden premonition occurred to her, what if she was the last person left without a partner and no one wanted her on their team? cause lets face even as a nerd she was still considered invisible, no one even knew she existed. And just like a case of outspoken curse, it happened.

  “Now let me see, there seems to be one last person in here…” Miss Archer said reaching for the final piece of paper then called out… “Miss Stevens?” As if not quite sure who she was looking for. Though the familiar name was highly respectable among the wealthy class, almost no one remembered there being a young woman from that particular family present at their school.

    Except for the principal, a few board members and of course the guidance counselor ‘Miss Joy’, others assumed she was just another dime in a dozen genius awarded with a free scholarship, even the class teachers paid her little to no attention since with her flawless record in both academics and keeping herself trouble free, they were really no reason for her to be monitored frequently.

   Hearing the surname many became doubtful, quickly scanning the room with loud bickering trying to figure out who it could possible be. Left with no choice Miss Archer prompted the girl to come forth under the curious rants.

   “Ummm, Miss Stevens can you please come up to the front of the classroom so we can decide which group you will be joining?”

     ‘Crap! What is wrong with me today? Haven’t I been through enough? Shit! I shouldn’t jinx it.’ Erika grumbled under her breath, adjusting her glasses from the bridge of her nose while keeping her head hanging low, trying her best to ignore the mocking taunts as she took slow steps forward.

    “Ha! Look at who we have here… surely not from the same Stevens family.”

     “I think Richard Stevens should sue her parents for stealing and shaming their dignified title.”

      “Look at her baggie jeans, my maid dresses better than her.”

     “She probably got them from good-will, see they’re actually branded but worn-out and oversized.”

      “Yeah, she probably got them after my grandma donated it…”

        “Alright! That’s enough, stop the nonsense! Even if she’s no related to the powerful Richard Stevens of West-Bay, she is still a human being, so please show some respect. Now who would like her to join their group?” Miss Archer interrupted the rumble and asked hastily, feeling embarrassed on Erika’s behalf as the seemingly innocent girl took her place beside her, awkwardly focusing on the floor beneath her feet.

         After a few minutes no one spoke, just the occasional giggle, low mutter of sarcasm and obvious display of mockery from the reproachful whisperers. Erika felt grateful to have long ago known the true colors of status prejudice, so their comments were like drips of water dropping in the vast open ocean… it simply made no difference, she knew who she was and where she belonged. Fame and popularity weren’t her cup of tea.

         However, at almost the center of the class, someone with deep piercing black eyes, sat crossed armed slightly leaning back, staring intently at the silly girl ahead. Jeremy couldn’t understand what was going on in the crazy girl’s mind. He obviously guessed that she was indeed the daughter of the wealthy business tycoon, but she chose to silently endure the criticism. He clearly remembered the earlier scene of her being chased by the driver of an expensive Audi in their ridiculously high-priced gated community and her being addressed as Miss Stevens by the frantic chauffeur. Coincident? He didn’t believe so.

        Yet again he found himself intrigued by the so-called ugly duckling. A sly smile crept upon his handsome face, but just as quickly vanished.

         “Miss Archer.” Everyone froze at the sound of the familiar voice, instantly shifting their position with questioning eyes as Jeremy continued, “If it’s okay, I would like to have her on my team.” Although the entire class was baffled, including Erika herself, not a soul dared to give a sleezy remark. Jake however, did protest briefly saying… “no way dude! I’m in your group, that chick…. Wait she’s not even a chick… that… that… raggedy girl can’t be on our team; she’ll ruin my rep.”

        “Mr. Lancer! That’s enough from all of you, Mr. Adams have already volunteered, the decision is final, Miss Stevens will join you two.”

         Clenching her fingers into a fist, Erika nervously asked, “can’t I work alone?”

         “No, I’m sorry but those are the rules, either work with a partner or you’ll lose your chance to qualify for the internship.” After replying the teacher motioned her to return to her seat then began explaining the details of the upcoming group projects and assignments.

          The girls among the class no doubt scuffed in envy at the thought of the nobody working alongside the hottie football captain, while the guys wondered if Jeremy had lost his mind.

           Jeremy on the other hand was growing with interest in the newly discovered crazy girl that kept popping up into his day. Whereas the said teenage girl was having a silent internal battle, ‘what the heck am I going to do? I won’t survive a minute around him without making a complete idiot of myself and that walking testosterone ‘Jake’, is a disgusting pervert.’

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