Highschool Day s

Ashley checked herself in the mirror one last time, adjusting her cap and taking a deep breath. Tonight was the party marking the start of their final year at Raven High-a celebration thrown by one of the wealthy kids in her class. But unlike her classmates, Ashley wouldn't be attending as a guest. She was here to work, wearing a crisp white shirt and black jeans, not as a choice but as a necessity. Derek had offered her the waitressing job with a snide smile, clearly meant as a jab, but she accepted without hesitation. The pay would help keep her family afloat for a week.

She stepped outside, the evening breeze catching her jet-black hair, blowing it back to reveal a pair of deep brown eyes and a set of finely shaped lips. Her face, once radiant, now bore the marks of hardship-stretch marks and dark circles that hinted at sleepless nights. She flagged down a cab, mentally preparing herself for whatever the evening held. This wasn't just another shift; it was a test of endurance.

Arriving at the sprawling mansion, she stepped out of the cab and paid the fare, feeling the familiar pang of being an outsider in a world of opulence. She walked into the house, only to be met with a pointed glare from Emily, one of the school's popular girls, standing by the door with her friend Luna, who smirked at Ashley's arrival.

"What are you wearing? Surely, you're not here for the party," Emily sneered, her voice dripping with disdain.

Ashley shook her head, unwilling to rise to the bait. Emily's eyes narrowed, her smirk widening. "Oh, that's right-you're one of the waitresses." She laughed, joined by Luna and even Derek, who had insisted on hiring Ashley to "help out."

"Just ignore her," Derek managed between chuckles as he led her toward the kitchen. "We need you to prep before everyone arrives."

Ashley followed him, feeling every gaze on her as she entered the kitchen. A few other staff members were already there, preparing for the night ahead. The head caterer handed her a plain, black uniform.

"Here's your dress. Change quickly and get to work," he instructed with a no-nonsense tone. Ashley took the uniform, her fingers tightening around the fabric. This job was her choice, but moments like this made her question why life seemed determined to keep her in the shadows.

---

Outside, a sleek Lexus sports car pulled up, its engine purring as it came to a stop. Fred stepped out, his presence causing a ripple of excitement among the guests. He rarely attended school events, preferring to keep his distance from his classmates. His quiet aloofness had earned him a mixture of respect and fascination from the girls and a grudging animosity from the guys.

As Fred walked inside, people turned to stare, whispering about his striking looks and elusive charm. Emily, spotting him from across the room, felt her heart flutter. She grabbed Luna's arm, her eyes locked on him. This was her chance.

They approached him, Emily grinning, already planning her opening line. But as she drew closer, Fred's gaze drifted past her, zeroing in on someone in the background.

"Hi," he greeted, glancing at Emily for a brief second before his eyes moved beyond her. "Could I get your name?"

Emily, flustered but thrilled, responded eagerly, "I'm Emily. And this is my friend-"