Lina

Chapter 1

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Lina

“Get back here this instant!” My mom yelled from a distance.

I rolled my eyes as I sluggishly walked back to her.

“Lina, for goodness sake, this is your 5th time in detention this week. Do you always have to pick a fight at school?” She said, with a disappointed look.

“I wouldn't have, if only they knew how to keep their hands to themselves and stop pestering me.” I scoffed.

We always had this type of conversation at least twice a week. But I couldn't care less.

I understood her concerns because of my situation. I got into my current school based on a scholarship and she was probably worried about them terminating it. I had a list of haters right on my first day of class. They were probably pissed off that I was the top student from the entrance and decided to piss me off for the rest of my life there.

I turned around to look at her returning from the counter with a white envelope in her right hand.

“Here. This is your transfer letter, you will be starting off tomorrow at Silverpine's Academy. The principal told me, one more detention this week and you're gonna end up with a suspension which is going straight to your record. And I won't be taking any chances.” She said, exhaling lightly.

“M-Mom wait, I promise I'll try not to pick a fight again. It's just that they piss me off so bad and…ugh. Those people.” I took a deep breath and continued.

“Look, mom, I really can't transfer now. I'm finally bonding with Aya–and I have a crush, okay?” I said. This was the first time I actually wanted something.

“All you can think of right now is some guy across the street that you like? You don't even have an excuse. Start preparing ahead of tomorrow.” She said, her voice stern.

“Mom, why Silverpine?” She looked away. “It’s your best chance. Just stay out of trouble and don’t ask too many questions, alright?”

“But mom, I-”

“Save what you have for your father when he returns today!” She yelled, as all color drained my face.

“Wait. He's coming back today?” I gasped as my frustration quickly melted into fear. “That means…”

“Yes he will be back this evening, and believe me, he's not going to be happy,” She said, giving me a stern look.

I pressed my lips together while folding my arms. I didn't want him returning and prolonging this conversation into something else. He always wanted me to go to an all girls school, which I absolutely despise more than Silverpine. This would give him a perfect chance for that. I really had no choice but to go then.

“Fine.” I muttered.

“Good, and for the love of God Lina stay out of trouble. You are turning 18 tomorrow, act like one.” She said, heading back to the living room where my little brother was.

I went back to my room, shut the door, and immediately collapsed on the bed. With a hand on my face, I began thinking of the worst case scenarios for tomorrow. If at all there was someone like Clara there, she could at least be pretty or smart.

Clara always acted like she was the top of the whole school. Always bossing everyone around like we were getting paid for it. I took a few deep breaths and sat upright.

Or maybe I was just overthinking things. I thought to myself.

******

The next morning came in like a breeze and I found myself standing in front of Silverpine's Gate dressed in a pale pink cardigan over a white blouse with a tie and a blue tennis skirt. I looked up to see their huge silk banner with silver lettering being displayed above their entrance. “Shaping Future Icons, One Step At A Time."

I smacked my head lightly. I knew I was already doomed. I should have faked a sickness or something.

“Lina!” My mom yelled from the car.

“Yeah?” I said, turning to her.

“Stay out of trouble, and oh happy birthday once more sweetie.” She smiled, driving off.

I turned back to the gate, took in a few deep breaths, facing my reality. The moment I stepped through the gate, I got that same tightness in my chest – like walking into a room where everyone already hated you and you didn’t know why.

I wasn't kidding when I said my jaw were on the floor. Silverpine was huge, cold and ethereal. It looked way better than in the pictures. Well I expected nothing less from such a prestigious school. But something still didn't sit right with me.

I covered a number of steps before something drew my attention again. It was two couples kissing on the brown polished bench.

“At least get a room or something.” I rolled my eyes and kept on walking.

I finally got to the principal's office and received tons of directions from the receptionist.

I knocked softly on the door.

“Come in.” A lady answered.

The door creaked slowly as I entered.

“Hello miss, how may I help you?” She said in a thick Dominican accent.

“I'm Lina Haven, a new transfer student.” I replied.

“Ah yes, I've been expecting you,” She said with a sweet smile. I assume you're here with the letter right?

“Yes, I am.” I replied by bringing out the letter from my backpack and handing it to her.

“You are a brilliant student,” She said, going through the letter. “I hope you keep up with that here.” She readjusted her glasses.

“Yes I'll.” I gave a fake smile.

“Alright off you go, the next class starts by twelve. Welcome to Silverpine once more!”

I thanked her in the most awkward way I could, and left.

Their hallway was big and quite confusing. I was trying to locate my next class when I caught 3 sets of guys walking towards my direction. And goodness me, they were stunning. Like carefully carved porcelain dolls. Black hair with stormy grey eyes, red eyes with blonde hair, hazelnut eyes and chestnut brown hair. I couldn't lie, my eyes were blessed.

I was brought back to reality when the blondie bumped into me.

“Hey, watch it!” He said in the rudest manner I've ever heard and walked off.

“You watch it!” I snapped.

I was pissed off. He was just an asshole with an insane face.

I was startled when he slowly turned his head. He gave a blank stare, his mouth parting just enough to show how deeply uninterested he was.

“Excuse me?” He finally spoke.

“Yeah excuse you. You bumped into me first, yet you spoke rudely instead of apologising.” I rolled my eyes.

Before I could continue, hot hair skimmed against my neck,

and a hand snaked around my waist.

“Well well, what do we have here?” His voice was lazy and low, still amusing at the edges.

I turned to meet the perfect set of amber eyes and messy midnight blue hair.

Before I could shoot back, one of the guys cut in.

“Do you have to flirt with every girl you see?” It was the rude guy from earlier.

At least he had little brain cells left.

He only laughed - shamelessly and unbothered. Of course he did. He stepped around me and joined the others like nothing happened. The rest didn't say a word, instead they gave me an unreadable expression before turning their back and walking off in sync.

Something about them didn't just annoy me. It unsettled me.