Settled love: A high school romance

Grade 12 was the senior class at White High School. Just like its name, the entire building was painted white. The students in Grade 12 were in their final year, preparing for their next big step,college.

Richard Collins, a 17-year-old guy, had just transferred to White High School. The moment he stepped into Grade 12 science class, all the girls went crazy. He was tall, handsome, and charming,exactly what every girl dreamed of.

But there was one girl who didn't care. To her, Richard was just like every other boy. She had learned the hard way not to trust guys.

Her name was Ella Spencer, a 16-year-old girl with long hair and glowing skin. She was one of the prettiest and smartest girls in the class. Her best friend, Emily Williams, was just as beautiful and brilliant.

Then there was Rayson Bills, Richard's new best friend. He was just as attractive as Richard, making him another favorite among the girls.

And finally, the TEM'S squad-Tiana Elliot, Elizabeth Chase, and Mia Jason. They were tall, gorgeous, and known for their love of gossip. But they weren't just pretty; they were also the biggest bullies in the class.

*White High*

It was early morning at White High School, one of the best schools in New York. After the usual morning assembly, students headed to their classrooms.

The bell rang for the first period-Mathematics. The Grade 12 students settled in as their class teacher, Mrs. Willington, walked in with a new student.

A tall, good-looking guy.

The girls whispered excitedly, staring at him.

"Introduce yourself, please," Mrs. Willington said.

"Good day, everyone. My name is Richard Collins," he said with a smile.

The girls giggled and exchanged looks.

"Alright, students, welcome Richard. Show him around during lunch break," Mrs. Willington instructed.

"Where should I sit, ma?" Richard asked.

"Here!" Tiana shouted, eager to have him beside her.

Mrs. Willington pointed to Tiana's seat. "Go sit there."

Tiana glanced at her squad, smiling in victory.

Richard sat down beside her.

"Hey, Richard," Tiana greeted, flashing her best smile. But he didn't respond.

"I'm Tiana, and these are my friends, Elizabeth and Mia. It's nice having you here... as my new seat partner."

"Thanks," Richard said, focusing on the teacher.

Tiana scoffed. How dare he ignore her?

*Lunch Break*

Students rushed to the cafeteria. Ella and Emily sat at a table, enjoying biscuits and soft drinks.

"Ella, did you see the new boy?" Emily asked, munching her biscuit.

"Yeah, Richard, right?" Ella responded, sipping her orange juice.

"Yes! I heard he and Rayson are already best friends. Rayson is showing him around."

"That's nice," Ella said, taking a bite of her biscuit.

"Look, they're coming this way," Emily whispered.

"Hey, girls," Rayson greeted with a smile.

"Hi, Rayson," they replied.

"Richard, meet Emily and Ella, best friends," Rayson introduced.

"Nice to meet you both," Richard said, winking at Ella.

Emily gasped. "Ella! Did you see that?! Richard just winked at you!"

"I saw it," Ella said, rolling her eyes. "What was that for?"

"C'mon, you know he's cute. You should be happy," Emily teased, twirling her hair.

"Handsome, my foot," Ella scoffed.

Emily winked playfully. "You're in denial."

They finished their snacks, and Emily leaned in. "By the way, I have some juicy gist about the TEM'S squad."

"Spill!" Ella said, eager.

Emily laughed. "Remember when Richard was looking for a seat? I saw Tiana signaling to Eliza and Mia before she let him sit next to her."

"That's suspicious," Ella said. "I wonder what she's planning."

"We'll find out soon," Emily said, standing up. "Let's get back to class. The bell's about to ring."

Right on cue, the bell rang.

"See? I'm a soothsayer," Ella joked.

Emily laughed. "Lucky me to have a soothsayer as a best friend."

They linked arms and headed back to class.

*An Empty Classroom*

"Hey, babes," Tiana greeted as she entered with Eliza and Mia.

"Hey, girl. What's up?" Eliza asked.

"I'm happy and annoyed at the same time," Tiana huffed.

"Why happy?" Mia asked.

"Richard is sitting next to me! But he's ignoring me. Am I not beautiful enough?" Tiana pouted.

"Of course, you are," Eliza reassured.

"Don't worry. I'll keep talking to him. He will be mine," Tiana said confidently.

"We got your back," Mia said.

"Thanks, babes," Tiana smirked as they walked into class.

*Grade 12 Class*

"Good afternoon, sir," the students chorused as Mr. John, their Chemistry teacher, walked in.

"Afternoon. Sit down," he instructed.

"Let's continue from our last lesson. Who remembers where we stopped?"

A few hands went up.

"Yes, Emily?"

"We stopped at the laboratory preparation of oxygen," Emily answered.

"Good job. A round of applause for Emily," Mr. John said, and the class clapped.

He continued the lesson. "Oxygen can be prepared in the lab by oxidizing hydrogen peroxide,decomposing,potassium trioxochlorate(V), and so on..."

*After School*

It was time to go home. Emily and Ella left together.

"I'll see you tomorrow. I can't come over today," Emily pouted.

"Till tomorrow, bestie," Ella said, hugging her.

They waved goodbye.

*After School Drama*

"Hey, Richard!"

He turned to see Tiana running up to him.

"Hi," he said, sounding uninterested.

"I... uh... I like you, Richard. Can we be friends?" she asked, smiling sweetly.

"We're already friends. Excuse me," Richard replied and walked away.

Tiana smirked. "Richard, you will like me. Just wait and see."

*A Sudden Collision*

Ella put on her earphones, swaying to the music as she walked toward the school gate.

Then,bam! She bumped into someone.

"Watch where you're going!" she snapped, looking up.

It was Richard.