Chapter 2

  

"In the social jungle of human existence, the is no feeling of being alive without sense of identity"-Erik Erikson

         All Saints High is a great school formed in 1885. The school thought many great personalities in this city, that's why many rich people chose to teach their children here rather than in a private school. 

When me and Isa got past the threshold, I immediately felt everyone's eyes upon us but when I lifted my eyes to see them, everyone pretended to do other things. I heard hushed whispers coming from these curious kids.

“I didn't know you were famous,” whispered Isa close to my ears and that made me smile because first of all, I'm not famous at all. In the school social hierarchy, I don't even know where I stand. That's how bad my social stand is. I'm not among the popular kids, that much is obvious. I'm not so smart and won't fit into the nerds society. I'm not a fashion icon. Basically there is nothing that distinguishes me from anyone. I am one of those  people who are in the room so that the numbers are even. 

“You must know they are whispering about you, right?” I mean she must know. She is new and pretty, and most importantly making a huge statement with her clothes.

“Why can't they talk about you, you know, you don’t give yourself enough credit," she sounded offended and when I didn't reply, she stopped walking which made me also stop. Isa  made me face her and said, “You are pretty, I don't know why you still can't see that?!” I've always had insecurities since I hit puberty, but it's nice when someone tells me I'm pretty. Even though, I don't believe her at all. “If you could apply some concealer..," she seemed thoughtful when she said  that staring at the pimple in my temple, her brows were frowned, and she looked like she has seen a ghost. Before I came with a smart replay, as to why I don't apply makeup, I heard the loud and unmistakable voice of Penelope, who when our gaze came upon her, looks like a kid who found a lollipop.

“Cassi!” Penelope came running towards us and engulfed me in a huge hug, which I returned because I needed it. "You look so good,” she said, smiling widely and revealing her white straight teeth. She always says good things like that to everyone. Penelope  is a nerd, that's what comes to mind whenever I see her. She loves books - Too much. She is short 5’2, with ginger curls, freckles, green eyes, glasses, and she tops it all off with clothes that old house wives would wear. I don't think they would even wear what she wears - flower print knee length dresses.

“You look awesome too!” I replied because strangely, regardless of what she wears, she always looks nice, she is nice and her smile is beautiful.

“Thank you.” Came her reply, with a pink hue covering her pail cheeks. “Hey Isabella.” Now she turned all her attention to Isa, and I saw Samantha making her way towards us looking as bored as ever. The four of us have always been friends, since like kindergarten, but me and Isa were really close. That's why her leaving 5 years ago took a toll on me.

“My God! You look as cute as a doll.” Gushed Isa, hugging Penelope.

“Hey Sam.” I said and hugged her, even though I know she hates it. Samantha is the complete opposite of Penelope. She is the kind of girl who always wears black, has dark eyeshadow which pop out her blue eyes, and black lipstick against her pale skin. Her black hair is down, and she has several black chains around her wrists. She wanted tattoos and piercings, but her mom would flip off. Samantha gives off  ‘I don't like anyone’ vibe, but she loves everyone. She just doesn't want them to know it.

“Hey Cassi,” her replay was short, but I know she is glad to see me as I am to her. 

“Hey Sam.” Said Isabella and Sam smiled genuinely. She misses her, we all missed her.

When she went away it was like some big part of our group was ripped off. After they hugged, “I like your makeup,” commented Isa to Sam in which Sam replied with a smirk, not many people are fan of her face art, me included. And from the moment Isabella came she managed to make all feel appreciated and loved. That's Isabella  for you. Then silence descended upon us, it was awkward.

“So...Justin broke up with Georgina. How do you feel?” Asked Penelope to start a conversation, but I know she really did want to know. Penelope is romantic by heart, she thinks Justin will one day know who I am, falls for me, and we would live happily ever after.

“What is she supposed to feel?’’ Asked Samantha, and I thanked her by heart because I don't know the answer to Penelope's question. I'm still trying to process everything about the breakup.

“I really want to see this Justin guy; he must be magnificent if he swept my best friend off her feet.” Said Isa, hugging me from the side. My heart felt warm when she called me her best friend, and as if on cue Justin and his “squad” graced us with their presence. Justin looks as good as I remember; I haven't seen him the whole summer. I would have stalked him if he didn't go to Spain, Barcelona.

Beside him was Benjamin Miller. Benjamin is a kind of guy who loves girls-Too much. He has brown hair and hazel eyes which makes girls melt for him; he always has girls on his arm.

And then there is Lucas Jones; he is the muscle of the group. I have to say, he is really big and is obsessed with working out. He is the captain of the swimming team, and he only dated and is still going out with one girl, who was his childhood love.

On Justin's left was Noah, he is one of the smartest boys in school. He always has books with him. His hair and eyes are dark, like his personality. The books he read are not like Penelope's, at all. No, he reads psychological and dark books. Even though he doesn't talk, girls love him. He is one big bag of mystery, but the girls who swoon over him are not as many as Leo.

Leo Allard is the last member of their infamous group, and no one, I mean no one has more fans than him. Being the richest kid in school has nothing to do with him being this loved. He is so cute, his brown hair is in curls falling to his eyes, and his green eyes look like they shine.  He works out and has a good body but what makes him everyone's favorite is his humble nature. He respects everyone and doesn't think entitled to anything besides, he doesn't date because he is waiting for the “Right One” -Yeah, I know. He would have been my crush, if it wasn't  for Justin. Except from Noah, they greet everyone on their way like the celebrities they are. 

“They are all so handsome.” Came Isa’s voice, and the 2 of us, except for Sam, nod in agreement. As they passed us by, Benjamin gave Isa a once over and whistled, saying, “Call me.” Then they were gone.

“He likes you,” I saw Penelope as if she had grown two heads; she couldn't push Isa to this kind of thing. Everyone knows what kind of person Benjamin is.

“I know.” Said Isa, but her voice had too much sarcasm and distaste in it. I knew immediately she figured what kind of guy Benjamin is. The bell rang at the same moment, and we all had the same lunch break but didn't have the same period so we parted our ways saying we will see each other at the dining hall.