Last Year - First Love

Title: Last Year, First LoveCHAPTER 1Annie’s POVIf I’m being honest, high school has never been my idea of a fairytale. I’m not the girl chasing popularity or caring what anyone whispers behind my back. I’ve mastered the art of staying in my lane, avoiding drama, and focusing on one simple goal: survive senior year, graduate, and get the heck out.But of course, drama isn’t something you choose—it’s something that finds you. And in my school, drama has a name. Emelia Carter. Or, as she insists on being called, Queen Emily. She walks the halls like she owns them, chin up, crown invisible but somehow still heavy enough to make her think everyone else is beneath her. I don’t hate her hate feels like giving her too much power. But despise? Yeah. That’s the word.Then there are the popular guys, the so-called dreamboats every girl seems to melt over. Everyone except me. I honestly don’t get it—they’re walking cringe compilations in letterma

Chapter 3 The first class of the day was about to start—Maths.“I can’t wait for this class to be over,” Becky groaned, slumping over her desk dramatically like she was about to faint.Sussy and Annie exchanged a look and burst into quiet laughter.“Alright, class, settle down,” Mr. Sevelster announced as he strode into the room, his glasses sliding halfway down his nose. “We have a new student joining us today. Let’s all give him a warm welcome.”The chatter died instantly. A tall figure walked slowly to the front of the room. His presence alone shifted the energy, and the whispers started almost immediately.“Oh my gosh, he’s so fine.”“Wow, he’s tall.”“Bet he’s an athlete.”Annie, curious, turned her head—and froze. Her heart skipped a beat as recognition washed over her.No way. It couldn’t be. Why did it have to be him?Becky leaned closer, grinning like she’d just won the lottery. “Annie

Chapter 5 The cafeteria had gone back to its usual chatter, but Annie’s heart was still racing. She could still feel Damien’s eyes on her as she replayed what had just happened. He had tried to sit at their table, and she had said no. It wasn’t like she hated him—she didn’t—but with Becky and Sussy already teasing her nonstop, the last thing she needed was Damien sitting right there, giving them even more reason to push her buttons.So she pretended not to care, laughing at Becky’s silly jokes and Sussy’s stories, even though her mind kept drifting back to Damien. He had walked off without saying much, just giving her this unreadable look before sitting somewhere else. That look had followed her through the rest of lunch, into her afternoon classes, and now out the school gate.And of course, there he was—leaning casually against the fence like he had all the time in the world. Annie froze when their eyes met. He wasn’t smirking this time; he wa

Chapter 7 The night air was cooler now, brushing gently against Annie’s skin as she carried a tray of used plates to the kitchen. Her mom was humming softly, rinsing glasses at the sink, while Annie stacked the dishes beside her. The evening had gone smoother than she expected—almost too smooth. But the tension that lingered at the dining table refused to leave her mind.She could still see Damien’s eyes on her, sharp and steady, like he was reading every flicker of her expression. And then there was Adrian—his smile, his warmth, the way he had made everyone laugh with ease. Annie had to admit, the contrast between the two brothers unsettled her more than she cared to admit.“Annie, dear, could you take some juice out to the living room?” her mom asked, drying her hands. “Your dad is talking with Adrian about architecture, and Damien and his sister look bored.”Annie hesitated, then nodded. She balanced the tray of juice and glasses car

Chapter 9 The last bell rang and the schoolyard filled with noise—laughter, chatter, the clang of lockers. Annie clutched her bag and headed toward the gate, trying to ignore the weight in her chest.That was when she saw the car.Sleek, shiny, and standing out like it didn’t belong among dusty school fences. Leaning against it was Adrian, tall and effortlessly composed. But it wasn’t just him. Beside him stood a girl, pretty and polished in a way that screamed college. Her hand slipped easily into Adrian’s, their laughter melting together like a melody Annie wasn’t part of.Annie froze.Becky and Sussy, of course, noticed immediately.“Woooow,” Becky whispered. “So that’s the girlfriend.”Sussy whistled. “Explains a lot.”Annie swallowed hard, forcing herself to move. “Good for him,” she muttered, though her chest felt tight.Before she could escape, Damien appeared through the crowd of students, his