Chapter 1: Quarterbacks Are Jerks

Aurora's POV

As I made my way downstairs, the familiar sound of my dad's voice greeted me. "Good morning, my beautiful princess!

Are you ready for your first day of junior high?" he asked, ruffling my hair in that affectionate way he always does.

“Dad, you’re gonna mess my hair up again,” I retorted with a playful fake pout, earning a chuckle from him.

"Sorry, kiddo. It's a habit. I'll try to stop just for you," he promised, though we both knew he'd never really stop. It was just part of who he was, and to be honest, I wouldn't have it any other way.

I rolled my eyes, laughing. "No worries, Dad. I'm ready! Just two more years, and I'll be out of there for good."

“Sweetie, you say that like it’s a good thing!” he responded, teasingly dramatic. “You’re already 15 years old. Stop growing up so fast on me! Where's the little girl who used to follow me everywhere?”

My cheeks flushed a deep red at my dad's wistful words, just as Mom stepped in to rescue me from further embarrassment.

“Christian, stop teasing our girl. You're embarrassing her," she chided good-naturedly, then turned to me.

“Good morning, Aurora, baby girl. What are you wearing? It’s 90° outside, and there you are in that old, baggy hoodie again.

Why not wear something to show off those gorgeous curves and that beautiful face?”

I barely had time to squirm before Dad jumped to my defense. "Ana, she's beautiful in whatever she wears.

Plus, if it keeps those boys away, that's a bonus," he mumbled, drawing a laugh from Mom and an eye-roll from me.

Thank heaven for Dad! I really didn’t want to change. Some may call me crazy for wearing a giant hoodie during a heatwave, but for me, it was all about comfort and not calling unwanted attention my way.

Glancing at the clock, my heart skipped a beat. The first day of school, and I was perilously close to being late!

Scrambling for my book bag and grabbing all my essentials, I dashed to give both Mom and Dad a quick peck on the cheek before heading out the door.

As I reached the threshold, Dad's voice caught me. "Are you sure you don’t want a ride today, Aurora? It's supposed to storm. I wouldn’t want my girl getting wet," he offered with genuine concern.

“No, Dad, I'm fine! You know I prefer walking, rain or shine. I promise I'll be all right. Don't worry," I replied with a reassuring smile. Just before stepping out, I turned back one last time, "I love you, Dad."

I hit the pavement, the excitement and nervousness of the day ahead dancing in my chest. The first day of junior high was here.

Now, as I make my way through the bustling corridors of Pine Ridge High School, I throw my hood up over my head hoping, almost desperately, that I don't cross paths with Zander Blake.

He's the infamous bad boy of our school, with a reputation that sends shivers down the spines of even the bravest seniors. Not to mention he’s the quarterback of your school football team.

He has every girl's head, turning in his direction, falling over themselves for him. They act like a bunch of bimbos that are starved of affection.

I don’t know what they see in him because to me he’s just an asshole, but to each their own.

To me, he's not just the greatest football player we ever had or a handsome face in the crowd, he's my personal nightmare, an ever-present shadow of torment. Better known as my bully.

Whenever he's around, I can't help but feel the oppressive weight of his unkind words and menacing presence. He hates me and I have no clue why.

Zander, of course, never roams the halls alone. Right behind him, like a pack of loyal yet misguided dogs, are his dedicated followers who go by the not-so-intimidating name, "The Shadow Fangs."

They've been a thorn in my ass since we were barely more than children in the sixth grade. What began this senseless rivalry?

Frankly, I haven't a clue. But for reasons beyond my understanding, they seem to have made it their life's mission to make my school years as miserable as possible.

It's baffling and frustrating, this feud I never asked for, with people whose motivations I can't begin to comprehend. All I know is I hate them all, but I especially hate Zander Blake.

I just hold onto the fragile hope that this year might be different—that today I might remain unnoticed by Zander and his band of lost puppies.

Making it to my locker in record time I want to pat myself on the back because I made it here without running into Zander or his goons.

Putting in the combination and attempting to open my locker of course it doesn’t work. I’ve had the same damn thing since ninth grade and it’s still broken.

Putting my head next to my locker I mumble to myself please. Would you just open once for me before I graduate? Then suddenly a hand slammed right next to my head. And my locker flies open.

“Well well well what do we have here guys?” I know that voice all too well and it sends a shiver up my spot, but not in all the kinds of ways you would like.

The snickering soon follows, and I have no choice, but to turn my head and his direction.

“Well hello there kitten, did you miss me because I’ve missed you.” I groan and imagine, rolling my eyes in my head knowing damn well I would never do it in front of him because that would just make my life even worse.

Take, for example, last year when I rolled my eyes at him for the first time my locker definitely opened because within seconds, I was shoved inside of it. Since then, I’ve never done it again.

I just stare at him, refusing to talk. Sometimes it’s better off just to listen to him in my case. “ Al.. I mean Zander asked you a question, Aurora, you ugly nerd.”

Making everyone in the hallway start to laugh. I attempted to ignore her because.. that my friend was the school's Queen bee, Lily. But sometimes she makes it impossible.

But when she said that I swore I saw a flicker of sympathy shown in Zander’s green emerald eyes, but it was gone as quick as it came.

I can’t look away from them because they are so beautiful. He’s wearing his football jersey too. He can make anything look hot.

Snap out of it you idiot why are you fascinating over your bullies eyes and looks. I shake my head rather quickly. Eww gross I think to myself.

Zander snaps his fingers in front of my face. “ Earth to kitten, where are you? You’re admiring my looks aren’t you and I asked you a question.”

Looking at him with wide eyes did he catch me staring at him. “No Zander, I'm not thinking about you. I don’t even like you, you bully me constantly for what..”

I tried to sidestep him, but Xavier stepped in my way this time saying with a chuckle “ no can do Aurora. I believe Zander asked you a question, didn't he?”

I go to put my hands on him and that’s when I hear Lily growl. Did she really just growl at me? I wonder to myself. Then I see Zander step closer to me.

I attempt to step back but before anything else can happen Ember, my best friend and her boyfriend Liam are by my side in a matter of seconds.

She, speak up in my defense.“ Why don’t you guys pick on somebody your own size for once this is getting old why do you continue to do this every day every year since the fifth grade? I’m ashamed to call you my brother Zander.”

“Aurora Zander's sister may have saved you this time bitch, but she won’t always be here to rescue you. I can guarantee you that sweetheart.”

With one final look from Zander he gives me a smirk and says “See you soon Kitten.”

Then he turns around and walks down the hall to god knows where with his gang of shadow fangs close behind. I finally released a breath that I didn’t realize I was holding.