Clara's POV
I looked at my reflection in the mirror and smiled. Perfect. As always.
My long, silky black hair fell smoothly over my shoulders after I'd brushed it for what felt like the hundredth time. A little makeup,just a touch of blush, some eyeliner, and lip gloss was all I needed to make my already flawless face pop. I puckered my lips and blew a kiss at the mirror.
"Barbie day," I whispered to myself, giving a little twirl before slinging my pink school bag over my shoulder. My outfit was perfect for the vibe: pink crop top, white jacket, white flared skirt, and pink sneakers to match. Cute, trendy, and just enough to make every other girl at school jealous.
Mom and Dad were already gone for work, but Mom never forgot about me. She'd left breakfast on the counter,two slices of toasted bread. I grabbed one, took a small bite, then shook my head. Too many carbs. I wasn't about to ruin my figure for bread. Still, I nibbled enough so it looked like I tried, tossed the rest in the trash, and headed outside.
My car—a shiny white Mini Cooper with pink seat covers—was waiting for me in the driveway. A Mini was the perfect car for me: stylish, trendy, and not too big but still a statement.
I slid inside, checked my hair once more in the rearview mirror, and started the engine. Music blasting, I drove to school.
Being me wasn't easy. People always assumed it was simple because I was beautiful, popular, and smart. But it took work to stay perfect. I had to always be dressed in the latest styles, always post new updates for my followers, always smile at the right times. Everyone wanted a piece of me, but I couldn't possibly give everyone attention. My circle was tight, exclusive, and only the best made it in.
At least I had brains too. I topped my classes without even trying that hard. Teachers adored me. Students admired me. Sometimes I wondered what it felt like to be ordinary,then I laughed. Who would ever want that?
By the time I pulled into the parking lot, it was the perfect moment,late enough for everyone to be there, waiting. Heads turned. Phones lifted.
"Clara's here!" someone called.
I took my time getting out, swinging my bag, flipping my hair, letting them all stare.
"Clara, I love your shoes!" a girl gushed.
"Where'd you get that skirt?" another asked.
"Paris," I said casually, strutting past.
At the entrance, my girls,Joanna, Elena, and Aurora waited, all dressed like cover models.
"Finally," Joanna said, looping her arm through mine. "We were about to start without you."
"Please," I smirked. "My timing is always perfect."
Elena raised a brow. "Late, you mean."
"Fashionably late," I corrected.
Aurora laughed. "Half the school probably set alarms just to see you walk in."
"Good," I said, flipping my hair. "They should."
We strutted down the hallway together, four queens in formation. Heads turned, whispers spread, and boys stared like they couldn't breathe. Exactly as it should be.
By lunch, we were at our usual table,our table. The one no one else dared to touch. Aurora's boyfriend Jack and Elena's boyfriend Chris were already there.
"So," Joanna said, sipping her soda, "where are we going this weekend? Raven?"
"Not Raven," Aurora groaned. "The DJ there is terrible. I need Beyoncé in my life."
Jack snorted. "That's all you ever need."
Aurora kissed him. "Exactly."
"Ugh, get a room," Joanna complained, rolling her eyes as we all laughed.
"You're just jealous," Aurora teased.
"Of watching you two swap spit? Hard pass," Joanna shot back, making us laugh harder.
Everything was perfect. Until Elena leaned in, eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Clara," she whispered, "you're not going to like this… but nerd boy is staring again."
I followed her gaze. Sure enough, there he was,the new kid. Thick glasses, messy hair, and ugly looking shirt. He was sitting alone, tray untouched, eyes fixed on me.
When our eyes met, he jerked his head down so fast it was almost funny. His cheeks turned bright red.
"Ew," Elena said loudly, "is he blushing?"
The whole table cracked up.
"Looks like someone's crushing on you, Clara," Jack teased.
"Please," I said, tossing my hair. "Everyone here crushes on me. That one just doesn't know his place."
Joanna leaned closer. "Maybe he's in love with you. Like secret-admirer vibes."
"More like stalker vibes," I shot back. "The first day he sat next to me in class, he stuttered when he asked for a pen. I ignored him, obviously. And now he just stares when he thinks I'm not looking. Creepy."
Chris chuckled. "He's a complete nerd with poor fashion sense "
"Exactly," I said, wrinkling my nose. "But let me be clear,I don't do stupid nerds. Or whatever that is."
"Good," Elena said firmly. "You deserve better."
"Obviously," I grinned. "Anyway, enough about him. Let's talk about something actually important—my upcoming birthday party!"
Aurora gasped. "Finally! We've been waiting."
"It has to be iconic," Joanna said dramatically.
"Of course it will be," I replied. "I want the best DJ,
the best food, and obviously the best people. Which means—no losers invited."
"Translation: half the school won't make the list," Elena teased.
We burst into laughter, already planning outfits, themes, and who'd get cut.
That's when a shadow fell across the table.
"Miss me?"
I didn't need to look up. That voice—deep, smooth, arrogant—belonged to Mark. My ex. Captain of the basketball team. Tall, gorgeous, every girl's dream… and my biggest headache.
He slid into the seat beside me like he still owned it, brushing against my arm.
"You're sitting here now?" Joanna asked, eyebrows raised.
"Relax, Jo," Mark said, flashing his perfect grin. Then his eyes locked on mine. "Clara doesn't mind."
I lifted my chin. "Actually, we broke up. Remember?"
"Did we?" His smirk widened as he picked a fry off my plate and popped it into his mouth. "Because I don't feel like we did."
Aurora giggled. "Shameless."
"Shameless is one word for it," I muttered, though my stupid cheeks were already heating.
Mark leaned closer, voice dropping low. "You look even better today than usual."
I rolled my eyes. "Flattery won't work."
"Then why are you blushing?" he shot back, that devilish grin never fading.
My friends exchanged looks, whispering and grinning like they were watching a soap opera.