This guy, Fred, still wasn't looking at me. Did he even know who I was? I mean-hello-I'm Arthur Wills' daughter. Lola Wills' daughter. But this foreign boy beside me wasn't praising me, wasn't drooling, wasn't even trying.
Oh, hell no. I felt like punching him right in the face.
---
"Greetings, class!" Mrs. Whites, our chemistry teacher, sang out.
"Morning, Mrs. Whites," we chorused back.
"Remember my rules: no distractions," she reminded, turning to the whiteboard.
And so began another round of chemistry torture. All I heard was: exothermic reactions, H₂O, NaCl. Blah blah blah. Sometimes I wondered how this woman even understood the subject herself. My bestie should've been here-at least then I wouldn't be dying of boredom.
"Zikora, give us the definition of oxidation," Mrs. Whites suddenly called, cutting through my thoughts.
Excuse me? Me? Out of everyone in this class?
"Yes?" I blinked, standing up with confidence™ radiating from me, even though my brain was empty.
"Definition of oxidation?" she repeated, smiling.
"Oxidation is when... uh... a process where oxygen combines with..." I trailed off.
That's when I felt it. A gentle tap on my lap. My eyes flicked down, and there it was-a folded note pushed toward me. From him. Green forest eyes. Fred.
I glanced at the tiny scrawl. Definition: oxidation is a reaction in which oxygen combines with another substance.
"You're taking longer than expected," Mrs. Whites pressed.
"Oxidation is a reaction in which oxygen combines with another substance," I recited quickly.
"Good! Give her an applause," Mrs. Whites clapped.
The class cheered. I sat down, staring at Fred. He didn't even look at me. Just kept his eyes on the teacher, calm as stone. His squared jaw, sharp brows, and damn snub nose weren't helping.
"Thanks," I muttered-me. Saying thanks. Who even was I?
"For what?" he asked, still not sparing me a glance.
"For helping me out," I snapped, surprised at the lack of sarcasm in my own voice.
"Oh, that? Was nothing."
Was nothing? Excuse me? I turned back to my notes, fuming. This boy was a problem. A competitor. And if I was going to stay perfect in this school, I couldn't afford problems.
That's the curse of being a celebrity's daughter: the whole world expects perfection. One mistake, and you're viral for the wrong reasons. Sometimes, I wished I wasn't famous. Other times, I wouldn't trade it for the world.
---
"Fred, we need to leave!"
A girl's voice rang through the class, almost splitting my eardrums. She was tugging at his jumper like she owned him. Dirty blonde waves, dull green eyes, thick brows. For a second, I hated her. Then realized-oh, maybe she was his sister. Hate paused. Jealousy? Denied.
"School's over! Can we go home now?" she whined, slamming her palm on my special imported desk.
"Watch it, girl! This desk costs a fortune. Don't damage it," I warned, biting back my natural rudeness-because she was his sister. Strange. I never considered people's feelings.
Her eyes went wide. "Wait-are you serious?! Zizi Kora, right in front of me? Pinch me, Fred! Please, can I get a picture? An autograph?"
Puppy eyes. I caved. "Alright. Three photos."
Snap. Snap. Snap.
"Thank you! I love you! I'm your number one fan. Fred knows-you're everywhere in my room! I even wish I was a guy so I could date you," she gushed.
The class went wild, filming everything. My face burned-but not with shyness. With rage. Fred was still expressionless, stacking textbooks into his bag like he wasn't part of my show.
"You gonna read all that?" I sneered.
"So?" he replied without looking up.
"Meanie," I spat, glaring.
"I just don't like you, Miss Arrogant. Don't force yourself on me," he whispered, his breath tickling my cheek.
WHAT.
"You-"
"Zara, let's leave," he cut me off, dragging his sister with him.
And just like that, he walked out. On me. The me. While the whole class recorded. I was humiliated. Fred was officially on my bad list.
---
"That was embarrassing!"
"He did her dirty!"
"Who is that guy?"
"He's hot-I'd get with him."
Oh, hell no.
"Shut up and get out! Go home before I break some teeth!" I roared. The room emptied in seconds-except for one idiot.
"I just wanted to talk," he stammered.
"What?" I snapped.
"Hang out with me! Please!"
"No."
"Please, you'll love it!"
"No."
"I'll take you anywhere you want."
"Anywhere?" I smirked. Evil thoughts brewing.
"Anywhere, baby," he winked.
Fine. "Pick me up at 4 p.m. tomorrow."
"Really?"
"No. Of course not," I said sweetly.
"I'm sorry-okay, you won't regret it!" He grinned, showing off dimples.
"Don't be late," I barked, sliding into my Zenvo TSR-S.
"Bye!" he called.
---
Author's Note 💌
Can we talk about Fred embarrassing Zizi like that? He really said "Miss Arrogant" to her face. Bold move. Do we think Zizi's lowkey crushing or just plotting his downfall? 👀
How y'all doing? Drop a "good n u?" in the comments so I know you're breathing. And don't forget-tap that orange star ⭐ or risk Zizi's wrath.
Love y'all 😘
Your favorite teen authoress 🔰📑
Oziomajasmine 💝💝