Prologue

"Allison! Allison!! Allison!!!" Nellie called, snapping me out of my reverie.

"Huh? Sorry, what were you saying? I kinda got distracted," I answered, glancing at her.

Rolling her eyes, she said "No kidding. Do you know how many times I called you? What were you even-" she paused as she turned to look behind her and shook her head.

"Now I get it! Pretty Boy just walked in," she teased.

"Nellie! I've told you to quit calling him that," I reprimanded with mock horror.

"Well he is pretty and you of all people know it," she answered laughing while I simply shook my head at her good-naturedly.

My eyes darted to the figure who stood only a few metres away from Nellie and I, surrounded by a flock of girls as usual. Watching as one of the girls seductively placed her hand on his arm, I could feel a twinge in my chest.

Derris Fox or Pretty Boy as Nellie called him was the golden boy here at Ridgeway Academy. Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he'd gained instant fame as well after getting a role on the hit TV series, ‘Back From Juvie’ when he was six.

Now eighteen and incredibly hot, he'd found his place in the entertainment industry (and in the heart of every girl, young and old) as an actor, model and musician.

Needless to say, Derris was awesome. And then there was me.

I've had a crush on Derris since the day I first saw him and overtime, my feelings progressed into love. When I was twelve, I was lucky enough to be admitted into Ridgeway Academy after passing the scholarship exams. Coincidentally, it was also the school Derris attended.

I've been Derris’ classmate for almost six years now and he's never once noticed me. Not like I'd blame him though. He always has girls hanging around him and I'm definitely not his type.

Seventeen, five foot four with my long red hair being my only distinctive feature, I've managed to attract the attention of literally nobody. So it's really not Derris’ fault.

He has the heart of literally every girl in school and me? I'm just your totally normal average high school geek, with no outstanding features whatsoever, who has a mega crush on America's golden boy.

You see, nothing special there. Besides, Derris only hangs out with rich tall beautiful leggy blondes and unfortunately, I'm neither of those things. Still, a girl can dream right?

"Allie, you zoned off again!" Nellie groaned and I sheepishly glanced back at her.

"Sorry, Nel," I answered with a pout.

"Whatever!" she rolled her eyes as she leaned against her locker.

"You know, you should totally go talk to him."

"Yeah right. Why would I do that?"

"Um, let's see. One, you've had a crush on him…for like forever. Two, he's standing right there. And three, I'm totally sick of this."

"Sick of what exactly?" I arched my eyebrow at her.

"This, you. You're always putting yourself down. No matter I tell you how beautiful you are, you don't believe me. You think you're ugly because you don't look like them," she pointed towards the girls flocking around Derris. "Allison, listen to me. You're beautiful just the way you are. Now, you need to talk to him."

"I can't do that.

"Why not?"

"I can't do it, Nellie. I mean, look at him and look at me. He'll probably make fun of me. I-I can't!"

Nellie sighed. "Whatever you say, Allie. I should probably get going. Mrs. Randall said she wanted to talk to me before class started."

"Okay. See you."

"Later, Allie," she said with a wave before heading in the direction of the Art class.

As Iwatched her go, I shook my head and sighed. Nellie would probably never understand how I felt. Then again, how would she? She was much taller than me, had the most beautiful strawberry blonde hair and had parents who were well off. She had everything it took to be popular in Ridgeway but still chose to hang out with me, a poor lonely nerd.

She was the best friend that I could ever ask for but there were some things that even she could never understand.

I sighed again before turning my attention back to Derris who was still talking to the girls.

If only he would just look at me, just once...

Oh well, not all wishes come true I guess.

I grabbed what I needed for my next class from my locker and closed it. Noticing that my shoelaces had come loose, I bent to tie them when the bell suddenly rang startling me.

Uh oh! I have History next and the teacher, Mr. Jones is very strict.

Taking a glance at my shoelaces and back at my wrist watch, I decided my shoes could wait. I couldn't risk getting detention.

I rose to my feet and started walking quickly in the direction of the History class. In my haste, I accidentally tripped on one of my loose shoelaces and soon found myself falling.

Closing my eyes as I waited for the pain I was about to feel, I found myself opening them when I felt someone's hands grip my waist. My cheeks instantly reddened.

Twirling around to see who saved me and possibly thank them, I let out a gasp as I realized that my saviour was none other than DERRIS FOX!!!