Chapter 1

In a small town on the outskirts of a big city lived a family. Amanda, a 17 year old girl currently in her senior high school lived in a mini bungalow with flowers adorning the sides. A huge gate that separated the house from the street stood gallantly at the entrance. Amanda was a nerd, the kind of girl who seemed to know it all. She was one of the brightest students in her school and the best, topping the charts in her class. 

Most weren't by Amanda's brilliance simply because her mother, Corinne was a renowned archeologist who worked for the New York archeological center. Amanda was not only a nerd but also a drop dead gorgeous girl. Her long jet black hair was usually packed in a loose ponytail, her cat-like eyes seemed to glimmer whenever she was excited about something which was usually a science project and her long lashes fanned her eyes. Amanda was the perfect definition of beauty and brains. 

She was currently working on a school homework to be submitted the following day when her mother walked into her room. Amanda took after her mum's features as the older woman also had jet black hair but with some grey undertones adorning the sides. She was of medium height only reaching her daughter's shoulder who took her father's height. She was currently dressed in a chiffon blouse over a knee length skirt.

 "I'll be off now darling, you be good okay?" her mother said.

"Sure mum, I'll be good. Would you be home tomorrow?" Amanda asked.

"I'm not so certain honey but I'll call if anything happens. Your breakfast is on the countertop, warm it if it gets too cold. Love you honey. "her mum said before leaving the room.

"Love you too mum." Amanda said.

After completing her assignment, Amanda decided to watch some of the movies she had missed. Her movies basically comprised of science fiction which would further brighten her knowledge on her chosen field. Some minutes into the movie, her phone beeped indicating she had a call. It was from her closest friend, Emily.

 "Hey girl." Emily screeched.

"Wow, slow down. How are you darling." Amanda said.

"I'm good, anyway I have some huge gossip." Emily said.

Emily was a drama queen and sometimes, Amanda wondered how she put up with her. Nevertheless, she liked her for one thing and that was her honesty. Emily never told a lie and even when she did, she always had a good reason.

 "Okay, gossip girl. Give me the gist." Amanda smiled into the phone.

She picked up a packet of potato chips lieing in the kitchen cupboard. As she made her way back to the living room, her favorite movie was just ending.

"There's a new guy in our school and from what I heard, he's hot." Emily screeched.

 "Uhhh sorry to burst your excitement Emily but have you forgotten that we're targets for bullies, what makes you think this boy wouldn't be one of them." Amanda said.

 "Oh no, I don't think so. Ian and his gangs are total douchebags but I have a feeling that this new guys wouldn't be like that. I just know it." Emily said.

Amanda sighed. It was in times like this that it was so difficult to convince Emily. When her friend's mind was made up, that was it. Thinking about school the next day made Amanda a bit downcast. She couldn't stand anymore of Ian and his gangs constant bullying. They were a nightmare, one that she desperately wished she could wake up from.

 "Helooo, Amanda, you there?" Emily said.

"Oh yes... Yes, I am. Sorry, I spaced out a bit." she said.

 "Darling, I know what you're thinking of. Trust me, Ian and his goons are going to pay for everything they've ever done to you. Trust me on that." Emily assured.

Amanda sighed, dabbing a lone tear that had fallen from her left eye. She switched off the t.v, needing some silence. Emily was right, Ian and his friends would surely pay for everything they had ever done to her and her friend, Leila who was also a victim of their bullying.

"Thank you. I believe so too." Amanda said, finally.

 "Oh goodness me. How could I have forgotten to tell you his name. His name is Parker and I heard he's tall, taller than the average boy in school." Emily gushed.

Amanda laughed at her friend's eagerness. She could tell that she badly wanted to meet him. For a moment, Amanda wondered how she would feel especially when she met him. From what Emily had said, it was obvious that they were in the same class.

"Oh shit! I have to go now, duty calls. My mom would have my head if I don't prepare some dinner before she gets back. See you kid, and yes I'm still a day older than you. Love ya." Emily said before cutting the call.

Amanda resumed her movie but this time another one of her favorites was airing. She had no idea what to expect from this new boy but deep down, she really hoped that he wouldn't turn out to be just like one of them, she didn't think she could handle anymore of those crooks. It was easy handling Ian and his goons and might she say, their sassy girlfriends who thought that they were the most gorgeous. She would just have to see what the following day held and hope for the best.

The following day, Amanda dressed up smartly for school. Her bright blue shirt was neatly tucked in her grey skirt. Her long jet black hair was tied into a severe ponytail. She put on her glasses as she stepped out of the house. Her mother would be arriving home later that night as she still had one or two things to finish up at the office. As she made her way to school, she couldn't help but wonder why there were few people on the streets. Soon, she got her answer. Today was a day set aside to celebrate the state workers and most of them were supposed to be at home.

When she got to school, the first person she saw was her closest friend, Leslie. Leslie was a brown haired girl which was styled in a pixie cut. Her glasses sat atop her head as she bounded down the stairs to meet Amanda whom she had already sighted from afar.

"Good morning Leslie."Amanda said.

 "Darling, Lord knows I missed you so much." Leslie said, tackling her in a big hug.

"Can't breath, can't breath. You can let me go now." Amanda gasped.

 "Sorry." Leslie smiled, sheepishly.

Amanda laughed as they climbed the steps leading to the school building. When they got to the school locker rooms, Emily joined them. Emily was an African American whose hair was admired by most of the girls in school. It was full and had a black sheen that seemed to glow whenever the sun reflected on it.

 "Gosh you need to see him. He's in the hall." Emily giggled.

"We're not so invested in him like you are  saem." Amanda said.

 "Fine. I'll be at the hall, oggling him." Emily said, leaving the duo.

Amanda smiled as she put the books she would be using for the day into her bag. She didn't care about the so called new boy all she wanted was to get over this day without those bullies but it seemed that luck wasn't on her side as Ian and his friends chose that moment to walk in.

"Who do we have here?" Ian sneered.

"What do you want?" Leslie choked.

 "Just here to say a warm welcome."  Amanda cackled.

 "Please leave us." Amanda said

"And what if I don't?" Ian sneered.

 "Then you'll have me to contend with." a tall boy said.