Chapter 2

Sofia's Point of View

Ella was standing by my locker when I got there. "Hey, Sof. I was worried you wouldn't make it to class in time," Ella said

"Hey, So was I. The bus was late getting here because there was an accident," I said

"I don't know why you won't let me come and pick you up from your house," Ella said. She had been offering to pick me up and take me home since she got her license, but I lived an hour away. Also, I didn't want her to see where I lived. It wasn't the best side of town, and I didn't want her meeting my mom. I knew if she did, she would feel sorry for me, and that was something I didn't want. I didn't want someone to feel pity for me.

"Thanks, but I live too far away, Ella," I said

"I don't mind coming to get you," Ella said

"I know, but I don't mind taking the bus, and I don't want to inconvenience you," I said truthfully. I knew Ella wanted to argue, but she left it alone, making me happy. We went to our first period class, which was Calculus, and sat next to each other. Courtney and Anya were already sitting at our table when we got there. They were Ella's friends. 

"Hey, Ella. Hi, Sofia," Courtney said as we sat down. I was sure she only said hi to me because Ella told her to be nice to me. I knew Courtney and Anya didn't like me, just like everyone else in this school didn't. They were only nice to me because Ella and I were best friends. 

"Hi," I said. The bell rang, and the teacher, Mrs. Grammer, walked into the room. 

"Good morning, class," Mrs. Grammer started to speak, but she stopped talking when the door opened, and Ethan walked into the room with his arm around Jane's shoulder.  Ethan was the quarterback and the most popular guy in the school. He was also Ella's twin brother and the guy I had been in love with since I started going to Eclipse Academy in the fifth grade. He was the guy I dreamed about every morning. The one I wanted to be with, but I knew that would never happen. Not only because he was my best friend's brother or because he already had a girlfriend, but also because he hated me. 

When I first started going to Eclipse Academy, Ethan and I were friends. He was so nice, but when we got into the ninth grade, he changed. The first day of school I walked up to him and he told me to stay away from him. He said he never wanted to speak to me again and that I didn't belong there. After that, I stopped talking to him. You would think I would have been over him after the way he spoke to me, but I'm not. I hated the way I felt about him. I hated how much I wanted to be with him. 

"Go ahead and take your seats," Mrs. Grammer said and Ethan and Jane walked to there table and sat down. The teacher started her lecture, and once she was done, she told us to do some work on our Chromebooks. 

"Are you happy about your birthday? I can't believe you are about to be eighteen tomorrow," Courtney said to Ella.

"I know. I am so excited," Ella said

"I can't wait for the party tomorrow," Courtney said

"Me either. I wish I didn't have to share a party with Ethan, though. Mom and Dad should have let me have my own somewhere else," Ella said, and then she looked at me. "You should come to the party tomorrow, Ella. It is going to be so much fun," Ella said. I could see Courtney and Anya looking at each other. I could tell by their facial expressions they didn't think it was a good idea. 

"I don't know, Ella. I live too far away, and I don't think your brother would like me to come," I replied

"I don't care about what Ethan thinks. It is my birthday too, and I want you there. You are my best friend," Ella said, and I didn't say anything. "Please, Sof. I really want you there, and Mom and Dad asked if you were coming," Ella said

Ethan and Ella's parents were so nice. Ella's mom was the one that got me into the school. She owned the school and always came to see how everyone was doing. I have spoken to her a lot over the years, and she is always so nice and caring. She always told me how good of a job I was doing. I wished I had a mom like her. 

"I live too far away, Ella. I won't be able to get to your house at the weekend. The bus doesn't come out this far on the weekends," I said. I had never been to Ella's house before, but I knew I wouldn't be able to get there. 

"I will come and get you," Ella said

"I don't know," I replied

"Please," Ella said with a pout, causing me to sigh. 

"Okay, I will come," I said, and Ella squealed.

"Yay, thanks so much, Sof," Ella said as she hugged me. "Oh, this is going to be so much fun," Ella said.

I looked at Courtney and Anya and saw they were still looking at each other as if they were having a conversation with each other in their heads. I decided to ignore them and started doing the work the teacher gave me. I hoped I wasn't making a mistake going to Ella and Ethan's birthday party. I guess their parents would be there so I shouldn't worry too much. 

The first half of school went by quickly, and soon it was lunchtime. Ella and I walked into the cafeteria and headed to the line to get our food. Ethan and Jane were in line in front of us when we got there, kissing. 

"Get a room," Ella said as we got in line. 

"Hey, Ella," Jane said without looking at me. It was like I wasn't even there.  Ella rolled her eyes and didn't say anything. She didn't like Jane. 

"I can't wait for your tomorrow. I am so excited," Jane said

"If I were you, I wouldn't get too excited. You might be getting your hopes up," Ella said, confusing me. I didn't understand what she was talking about, but it seemed like Jane understood because she started to frown after Ella said that. 

"Ella," Ethan said. He also acted as if I wasn't there. 

"What? I am just being honest," Ella said. 

We got out of line and headed to our table. "I hate that bitch," Ella said as we got to the table where all of Ella's friends were sitting. 

"Hate whe?" Anya asked

"Jane," Ella said

"Well, you know she is with your brother, and you should start getting along with her. They will most likely be together forever," Anya said. I didn't understand why she said that. Ethan and Jane were young. Why would they  end up together?

"No, they won't. I am sure of it," Ella said

"You want to bet? I bet you one hundred dollars that Ethan and Jane are meant to be," Courtney asked.

"I am in," Ella replied with a smile

I just looked at them and shook my head. Everyone in Eclipse Academy were weird.