ELLA'S POV
"What the hell!"I groaned in pain as I hit the cold floor, my knees stinging so hard from the impact.Slowly lifting my face up, I hoped to see a concerned face but instead my eyes was met with the smirking face of Trent, my enemy with his messy dark hair and green eyes.His tall and muscular frame towered over me, making me feel even smaller and insignificant."Fucking watch where you are going, loser!" Trent scoffed, blowing his hair out of his face." Or are you busy daydreaming about your next sex with your pathetic little boyfriend."I shot him a death glare and rose to my feet, brushing off the dirts off my jeans. He always know how to push my buttons.Just because I'm dating the all popular Damien doesn't mean I'm fucking him. He can't just assume things in my relationship."For your information, my personal life is none of your business. Maybe you should focus on your failures instead of trying to pry into my sweet life. A life you will never have." I blurted out, the word "failure" slipping out of my mouth before I could stop it.He stared at me, his green eyes narrowed through me. I immediately regretted my outburst realising I crossed a line. But it was too late to take back my words."You think you've figured it all out, don't you?" His voice grew cold as he responded. "Well, let me tell you something. No matter how hard you try, you will always be a fool, you are just a fucking nobody."Nobody? Damn, that hit me so hard. It took me all the strength not to burst out crying. I took a deep breath trying to keep my composure"And you will always be a coward, Trent." I shot back, my voice breaking. "Too afraid to face your own shortcomings, so you resort to belittling others. It's pathetic really."His face immediately turned red with fury, as he opened his mouth to respond, I cut him off sharply."Save it!" I said firmly. "I've wasted enough time and energy on you already. And you are not worth it, now if you will excuse me."With that, I brushed past his shoulders and walked away. I could feel his gaze bore holes at my back. It was as if he wanted to continue, to have his last word, but I won't give him that satisfaction. Trent and I have an history that goes way back to our childhood. We were once best of friends and inseparable. I even had a crush on him, but everything swept away during sophomore year.We were assigned a project that could earn me a scholarship, a turning point for me. I had put in countless hours of research and he constantly belittled them, dismissing them as insignificant.The breakpoint came during the crucial presentation. He decided to present the project as solely his creation, leaving out my contributions.The project received accolades at the science fair. I was expecting shared recognition but was shocked to see him take all the credit. I confronted him but he downplayed me and claimed the idea was his.Ever since then we hated each other, even our parents who were close had a fallout cause of this incident.Our long friendship was all shattered, my crush for him for him turned into resentment. I couldn't understand why someone I trusted and admired could betray me like that.A sudden tap on my shoulder jolted me out of my thoughts."What again," I snapped whirling around. But it wasn't Trent standing there- it was my bestfriend, Susan. My anger immediately dissolved as I took in her wide hazel eyes and the cheek bones standing out in her oval face. Her way blonde hair which fell over her face crackled with energy, looking awesome with her warm brown skin.Basically, Susan was a masterpiece."Whoa, Just me," Susan said, throwing her hands up in defence."Oh, Sorry Susan," I sighed. "I thought you were.......... Never mind.""What happened?" Susan asked. "You seem upset?And don't try to tell me 'nothing'. I can tell when something's bothering you."Susan could always read me like a book. Even if I tried to brush it off, she saw right through me."It's Trent." I explained. "He bumped into me without even apologizing, the useless lump.""Why that little.... I ought to give that meathead a piece of my mind." Susan fumed."No, don't," I said quickly. "I ripped him a new one verbally. Pretty sure calling out his try brain felt worse than this scrape. Let's just forget about him."Susan is the best, always ready to stand up for me without hesitation.The shrill ringing of the bell signified English class. Mrs kings was not yet at her desk as we entered the classroom and took our usual seats by the windows.Trent's usual seat was empty, no surprise there. Golden boy jock was always traipsing in late, drawing all eyes to his so called "dramatic entrance" as he put it.About 10 minutes after the bell, Mrs kings bustled in stacking a pile of papers on her desk. I liked Mrs kings. She was tough but fair and didn't tolerate any nonsense, which was why she couldn't stand Trent, the cockiest guy in our grade.Speak of the devil, the classroom door banged open."Well nice of you to Join us, Mr Donovan." Mrs king said sharply, peering over her glasses. "Care to share why you are late.""Hey teach, no need to get all worked up." He replied with a trademark smirk. "I was just offering some female advice to a few cute sophomores about where to hang this weekend. Can't rush quality time, if you know what I mean."He threw in a wink as the girls giggled and blushed, except for Susan and me . We just groaned at his lame attempt to be a ladies Man. Still the rest of the girls ate it up, practically fawning over Trent as he high fived his buddy, Liam on his way to his seat. But suddenly he turned and swaggered over to the empty seat right behind me. I stretched straight ahead, as he made himself comfortable.Stretching out his long legs, his legs kept brushing against mine and I can feel my skin crawling at the touch.Why does he have to seat so close? Can't he just leave me alone? I discreetly scooted my chair farther away but could practically feel him smirking at my back.I tried to ignore him and focus on Mrs king beginning his lecture."So today, we are going to analyse the use of metaphor in this Edgar Allan Poe poem..............."I felt something bounce off my shoulder. I glanced down to see a crumbled ball of paper on the floor. I looked back to see Trent pretending to stretch while whispering loud enough for me to hear."Psst........ Hey Ella, looking Sexy."I whipped my head to the front, cheeks burning. The nerve of him! I hate the way Trent acts like nothing ever happened between us. One minute we argue, the next he's back to his Playboy ways hitting me in class.It's so frustrating how he can just turn his Jerkish behaviour on and off like a switch.A few minutes later, another paper landed on my desk. With an irritated huff, I crumbled it to see a messily scribbled note.Don't think you won, just be careful so you don't trip again :)I glanced at the words again, confused by what he meant. Don't trip again? Wait.... was be planning another accident? No, he couldn't be that much of a Jerk.I whipped around to glare furiously at him. He just raised his eyebrow twice, that stupid smirk plastered on his face like always."Mr Donovan," Mrs king's voice rang out. "Since you seem more interested in distracting Ella than paying attention. Why don't you explain the metaphor poe used in the fifth Stanza?"I subtly glanced back to see his smirk falter for a second before he leaned back farther in his chair."C'mon we all know English isn't really my Subject." He flexed his biceps as the girls tittered. "I'm more of a hands-on dude."I fought not to gag."Well perhaps when you take your education seriously, your grades will reflect that," Mrs kings replied crisply. "Anyone else care to shed some light."My hands instantly shot up and I quoted, "He used the metaphor of the sobbing Violin to represent the sound of the grieving lost soul.""Exactly Ella, maybe you should tutor Trent after class seems he seems to be struggling." Mrs Kings said pointedly and the whole class laughed, even the girls who dawned over him were gaggling. I glanced back to see Trent scowl, reddening as he slumped lower in his seat.Gotcha! I thought unable to keep a smug smile from my face as I turned back around. I settled into my seat with deep satisfaction, glad to see him taken down a peg.Suddenly, I felt a sharp kick to my chair."Looks like you underestimated me,"Trent smirked, before I could react my chair legs spun wildly in mid air sending me tumbling backwards towards the ground.ELLA’S POV“Ow! What was that for?” I yelled, rubbing the back of my head where it had cracked against the linoleum floor. The whole classroom laughed except Susan of course who was fuming as I struggled to detangle myself from the upended chair. “Quiet down class, quiet.” Mrs kings yelled, her voice almost breaking. “There’s been more than enough excitement already.”The laughter died down as she turned to face trent who was failing miserably to look innocent with that insufferable smile on his face.“Trent, did you just trip Ella out of her seat?” I could tell Mrs kings was already tired of his nonsense – she only addressed him by his first name when she was fed up. I looked up at trent from my spot on the floor and I knew he would never admit it.Trent leaned back casually in his seat, running a hand through his hair. “Of course not, Ella just had a little accident.” He flashed an annoying grin. “Or maybe she’s just falling for me.”A few snickers arose from the back row where h
TRENT'S POVThe lunch bell finally rang and I jumped up more than ready to get out of class. My phone buzzed and I glanced down to see a text from Lucinda, my sort - of - girlfriend, if you could even call her that.More like a convenient hookup when I'm in the mood.Heyy Sexy, meet me at 5 in the equipment room. I want that hard body of yours pressed against mine:)I rolled my eyes, but felt myself getting hard. Lucinda may be clingy annoyance most of the time, but she's smoking hot and always down to fool around.Sure thing baby, can't wait to get my hands on you:) I quickly texted back.After that little scene with Ella earlier where I didn't get as much of a reaction as I'd hoped, I was definitely in the mood to blow off some steam. I hated how that mousy girl always acted so superior, not to mention she dating my nemesis, Damien. We'll see how high and mighty she feels with my hands up her skirt. Just thinking about messing with her gets me fired up.I stepped into the dark room
Trent's PovI barely had time to react before Damien's fist collided with my Jaw in a powerful right hook. The force of the blow knocked me back a few steps, pain exploding across my face. I tasted blood in my mouth from where my teeth had cut the inside of my cheek"You asked for it, Jerk!" Damien growled, spitting towards me. I touched my throbbing cheek and glanced around the cafeteria. Everyone wore sorry looks clearly thinking Damien had won. But I'll be damned if I let him make me look like a fool in front of the whole school!As Damien turned back ready to leave, I darted forward, spun him around and slammed my shoulder into his gut. He doubled over with a grunt.I brought my knee up hard, catching him under the chin. Damien wobbled but stayed on his feet. As he reared back to throw another wild punch, fury sharpened my reflexes and I dodged it easily. I tackled him around the waist, driving him into a nearby table. He crashed into the plates and food scattered everywhere."
ELLA'S POVI stood frozen, unable to tear my eyes away from the scene before me. Damien and Amelia, their bodies angled toward each other as she gently stroked his injured cheek.The same cheek he had shoved my hand away from earlier when I tried to tend to his bruises.This isn't fair.Why does she get to touch him so freely when he practically bit my head off for showing concern.My throat tightened as I watched Amelia Lean in close to whisper something in his ear. Something that made Damien grin that cocky, flirtatious smile that gives me butterflies.That's when Damien seemed to finally notice me standing there. His grin faded slightly as his eyes met mine. Then Amelia turned to follow his gaze, eyes landing on me with surprise, then cool assertment.Damien's jaw tightened. Then without a word,he stood up straight and walked away. Amelia cast a last glance in my direction and smiled before strolling off right behind him.I couldn't tear my eyes away as I watched them disappear, st
ELLA'S POVI finally got home after the long day. All I wanted was to go to my room and collapse on my bed. But when I entered the house, I was surprised to see Mom sitting on the couch, flipping through a magazine."Mom? What are you doing home so early?" "What, I can't come home to my own house now?" She replied with a small chuckle.I laughed lightly. "No, of course you can. I just figured you'd still be at the salon." "I decided to close up early for once. With so few customers , it wasn't worth staying open. Figured I'd come home and relax a bit."I nodded, though I felt a bit worried. Business at the salon had been slow lately. It was our main source of income, since Dad left. I tried not to stress too much about it though. Mom always seemed bright, even when money was tight."Rough day?" she asked, patting the couch cushion next to her. I sank down with a sigh, letting my heavy backpack slide to the floor."Just long," I said, not wanting to get into the whole story. "Aw, my
ELLA'S POV"Ella...Ella!" I could hear Susan's voice calling my name as I slowly regained consciousness. My eyes fluttered open and then quickly squeezed shut again at the harsh lights. "Oh thank god, you're awake!" Susan cried out.I forced my eyes open again, squinting against the brightness. Susan's worried face came into focus above me. I was lying on the cold tile floor. What happened? Then it all came crashing back - walking in on Damien with Amelia. The image flashed before my eyes and I groaned. Please let it have been a nightmare...But one glance to my right dashed that hope. There was Amelia, using her small crop top to cover her boobs.I shakily got to my feet, glaring daggers at her. Damien immediately stepped toward me looking concerned. "Thank god, you're awake!" Damien said in relief, moving toward me. I recoiled from him in disgust"You caused all this Ella, I fucking told you to come by at 7!"His audacity to be upset with me made my blood boil even hotter. I wa
ELLA'S POV"What did you just say?"Trent just smiled lazily. "You heard correctly, princess. Come on, it'll be fun!"I stared at him in disbelief. "If I really heard your silly suggestion right, then you must have lost your mind!""Why not? We'd look damn good together and you know it," Trent wagged his eyebrows up and down.My eyes narrowed, irritation rising. The audacity of this guy, suggesting something so ridiculous! I should shut him down right now."Seems like you have nothing intelligent left to add to this conversation. I'm leaving!"I declared, spinning sharply on my heel. But I only made it a few feet before Trent's amused voice followed me."You'll be back in no time, Ella! And I'll be waiting right here."I paused mid-step, hands clenching. "Let's make a little wager on that, shall we?" Trent called out.I set my jaw and strode off without looking back. The nerve of him! As if I would ever come crawling back to him for help.I made my way to the bus stop, still fuming.
ELLA'S POV"Trent seriously, you have to take me somewhere else! Anywhere my mom won't show up!""Oh stop your worrying, what are the odds she'll walk in right as we're there?" Trent scoffed. I scowled at him. "You don't know my mom's eating habits. Dinner rush is her favorite time to dine out!" To my immense frustration, Trent remained unmoved. "Sorry princess, but I'm hungry now and this is where I want to eat. You'll just have to risk it."Before I could object further, Trent swung sharply into the parking lot. I sank down in my seat, peering toward the salon, praying my mom wouldn't look out the window and spot me getting out of Trent's flashy vehicle. Luck seemed to be on my side as Trent found a spot in the back, far from view of the salon entrance. After cutting the engine, he turned to me with a wolfish grin. "Ready for our secret date?" "This is not a date!" I hissed. "This is a hostage situation!"Trent threw back his head with a loud laugh. "You say potato, I say hos