Chapter 1

It’s early Tuesday morning and I get up to look outside my window. I gasp as I take note of the weather outside. 

“No, it’s raining.” I rushed out of my bedroom and down the stairs as I had left my school project outside. I find it covered with a plastic bag by the pool bench. I sigh in relief, grateful for whoever thought to do so. I open the sliding door and fetch it. 

“Morning.” My younger sister, Halsey, greets me. 

“Hey, what’s up with the big smile so early in the morning?” I ask while drying my shoes on the doormat. 

“You, wanna know?” She asks with surprised eyes. 

“Yeah. I mean, why not?” I ask, looking at her with a confused expression. She glares back at me as if not knowing what to say. 

“I’ll tell you later.” She answers as she walks away. I roll my eyes and scoff as I watch her make her way upstairs. I follow behind and head to the bathroom. 

>>>

After taking a shower, I look at the time on my phone and start to get dressed. I put on a black crop top, a high-waist jean and black boots. When I’m done, I start to pack my schoolbag when my phone chimes.

Lisa: Hey, I’m at the door waiting for you. Hurry, I don’t want to get sick.

Me: Okay, I’m on my way.

I place my phone in my bag and grab my raincoat. I head back downstairs and open the door to let Lisa in. “Hey.” I greet her. She only nods her head and takes an apple from the kitchen vase. “Halsey, we’re going to be late! Hurry up or we’re leaving you.” I shout. 

“Where are your parents?” Lisa asks before she takes a big bite of the apple in her hand. “They’re still sleeping.” I respond. 

I’m ready, jeez.” Halsey annoyedly says as she walks towards us wearing a mini red dress. 

“You are aware it’s raining outside?” I ask. 

Halsey only giggles. “Do you like it? Dean bought it for me last weekend.” I roll my eyes and lead the way to my car, the others following close behind.

>>>

After finding a parking spot, we all rush to the school entrance when we’re stopped by a teacher. “Good morning. Please go straight to the hall.” We all nod and make our way there. Once we arrive, Dean walks up to join us and hugs Halsey, lifting her off the ground, causing her dress to lift. I roll my eyes. 

“Morning ladies.” He says with a smile. Lisa waves at him. Dean looks at me, but I only smile and walk away. 

“What was that about?” Lisa asks as she walks next to me. 

“Nothing. I just don’t like him.” I respond. 

“Why? Because he’s two years older than your sister?” I look at Lisa, feeling irritated by the fact that she thinks that’s the reason. 

“No, because he’s playing her.” Lisa and I find seats and sit next to each other.

I turn my head to see Halsey and Dean admiring each other at the back of the hall. Lisa looks back too. “Halsey, come and sit please.” She hugs Dean and whispers something in his ear. Dean looks at me with a smirk and winks as Halsey walks towards us. I shake my head in disgust. 

Our H.O.D stands in front of the school podium and tells us that some of the classrooms have developed holes causing leaks and therefore classes have been cancelled. “You’re all dismissed. Enjoy your day.” 

Halsey grabs my hand with a big smile. “Can I go to the cafe by the park with Dean and his friends?” 

“Okay. But I expect you to be at home in two hours.” She runs off to Dean, waving at Lisa and I. “Well…”

>>>

After dropping off Lisa, I make my way home. I find a black Mustang parked on the driveway. I park next to it and walk to the door. Once I’m inside the house, I see Dean and my mom sitting at the kitchen counter. “Hey sweety. There’s pie in the fridge if you’re hungry.” My mom says. 

I ignore her and look at Dean. “Why are you here? And where’s my sister?” 

My mother stands up and pulls me aside. “Honey, your sister is with Dean’s friends at the cafe. Apparently she’s misbehaving and wouldn’t listen to him, so he came to find you so you can try and talk to her.” 

I look at my mother, remembering that she has no idea that he’s Halsey’s boyfriend. I nod. “I’ll go.” I walk back to the counter. “Let’s go.”