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By the time lunch rolled around, I was physically and mentally exhausted. Luckily, everyone seemed to buy the fact that I was Isabella Elizabeth, and not Isabella Ace. Even the teachers was under the impression that I was a new student. The only person that really knew my identity—beside Amanda, was the principal. He knew my circumstances and wanted nothing but smooth sailing for me so he made sure my family name was kept a secret.

Dialing in my locker combination, I exchanged my morning textbooks for my afternoon ones. Just as I was about to close my locker, I heard a scream and then felt the weight of another body on top of mine. Seeing a curtain of black hair I knew it had to be none other than my best friend.

"Ready for lunch, Isabella?" she asked.

"Yes, I'm starving for some real food!" After a year of dieting and controlling the amount I ate, I can finally treat myself to something unhealthy for once without being frown upon. And I couldn't wait for it.

"Well, you're in for a surprise," Amanda said, jumping off of me. "Our school finally hired some new chefs, and they have your favorite! Chinese food."

My mouth started watering just thinking about egg rolls and general tso's chicken. "What are we waiting for? Let's go before I starve to death," I exclaimed, shutting my locker with a kick of my foot.

She agreed as we both raced towards the cafeteria, bypassing the sea of students heading to lunch as well. Ignoring the glances thrown my way, we jumped in line before it got overly long.

Glancing around, the cafeteria was exactly like how I'd remembered it to be. Being a prep school and all, every single social group imaginable was sectioned off in their own little area, and the 'popular' students were in the middle like always. How cliché right?

After waiting in line for what felt like hours, even though it was probably only ten minutes or so, I started following Amanda to her table. We were talking about our day, until Thomas appeared out of nowhere. He smiled at me like a freaking idiot, while he continued to ignore Amanda.

"Hey Izzy, why don't you sit with us?" Thomas asked, motioning his hand towards the table full of egotistical jocks and stuck-up barbies, aka the group that made my life miserable.

I rolled my eyes. "I told you no, remember?"

"Of course I remembered," he replied. "But I was sort of hoping you had a change of heart . . ."

"Sorry to burst your bubble, but I'm sitting with my friend today." When his eyes moved towards Amanda for a split second, I took that opportunity to leave. I didn't even had a chance to take another step forward when a hand circled around my wrist, pulling me back. I glared at the offending hand.

"Please?" I almost stop at the pleading tone in his voice. I shook my head, not letting his little act affect me so much.

"No." I narrowed my eyes. "Let go," I demanded.

"But—"

"Amanda." I turned to her. "Can you please bring my lunch to the table and save me a seat? I'll be right there."

"Sure." She nodded and balanced her tray in one hand, taking mine in the other. I let out a small laugh, when I saw the heated glare she shot Thomas. Seeing Thomas flinching back, I knew he clearly remembered what Amanda did to him last year.

I waited until she was out of earshot and turned back to Thomas. He was still holding onto my wrist. "Let go, or else."

"Or else what?" he asked, challenging me.

"This." I smiled sweetly. I swung my leg up, and kneed him in the stomach. Hearing a loud groan, he doubled over, clutching his body.

"What was that for?"

I shrugged. "You had it coming and you know it."

After giving me a look I couldn't decipher, he gave out a loud sigh and stood upwards, still holding his stomach. "Fine. You're right." I blinked at his response. I was right? Thomas Reed actually admitted I was right? Wow, did hell freeze over? "But," he added on, causing the smile on my face to vanish. Of course, there's always a but. "Sit with me tomorrow. I'm really not that bad of a guy, you know."

"Sure." I rolled my eyes. He was the definition of an asshole.

I turned away from him, and bolted towards Amanda's table, not letting him say anything more. When she saw me coming, a proud smile was on her face.

"High five." She waited until I had my hand up and slapped it. "I can't believe you kneed him in the stomach! I taught you well."

I laughed, taking the seat across from her. "Me either. But, a year away from him, and he'd gotten so much more annoying."

"Agreed, especially since he started dating queen bitch over there," Amanda said, pointing at Rachel. "I think his ego grew since then."

"He's dating Rachel?"

"Sort of," Amanda replied. "They have an open relationship since Rachel's a royal pain in the ass." We both laughed at this. "I heard Thomas only agreed to an open relationship because Rachel wouldn't stop whining about it."

"Huh, so what I'm hearing is Rachel actually likes Thomas."

"Pretty much." She nodded, shoving a huge spoonful of rice in her mouth. "Thomas probably already likes you more than her, though. I mean, look at you. You're way hotter," she said around a mouth full of food. To anyone else it probably sounded like gibberish but I'd learned over the years to understand her gibberish talk.

I laughed. "You think so?"

"Duh. Plus you're nice. If I was you, I'll totally snatch Thomas away from her."

I almost choked on my spit. "Wait. Why?"

She leaned forward, and clasped her hands together. "For revenge, duh."

"You mean . . ."

She smirked. "Yes." Her eyes burned with determination as she grasped my hands in hers. "You can finally get back at them for all the things they'd done to you. Don't tell me you haven't thought about it at least once?"

Revenge.

To be honest, it did cross my mind, but the urge to lose weight was a lot stronger than my urge for revenge. I guess after a while, I forgot all about it, since I didn't really focus on anything else besides getting healthier.

"A little," I finally admitted. "But how would I even go about that?" Even if I wanted revenge, I don't even know where to start.

She leaned back against her seat, and folded her arms across her chest. "Easy. Steal Thomas away from Rachel. Then break Thomas' heart while you're at it. It's the ultimate revenge."

"And how am I supposed to do that? Thomas isn't just going to break up with Rachel—"

"—no, but if he falls for you, he will."

I stared at her with a raised eyebrow. "You do realize Thomas isn't capable of love, right?"

"Nothing's impossible," she said, grinning widely. "Plus, he has to like you if he's following you around already." I pursed my lips. She did have point. "And," she continued on, "you managed to kick him without him doing anything. He wasn't even mad! That right there, speaks volumes. It's only a matter of time before he falls for you completely, and that's when you crush him."

I nodded. Amanda's right.

I always thought if I waited long enough, sooner or later, something bad would come their way, but speeding it up a little bit couldn't hurt, right?

Amanda's smile widened. I'd a feeling she knew exactly what I was thinking.

I returned her smile.

The plan was definitely in motion.

Once lunch ended, the rest of my classes went by in a blur. When the final bell rang, I ran towards my car before anyone could stop me. Even when school got out, they were still hyped up about me. You would think by now, everything would've died down, but it practically doubled thanks to my little stunt in the cafeteria earlier today. Everyone was clearly surprised that I decked the most popular guy on my first day here. But strangely enough, it made me even more well known and liked amongst the school—something I'll never understand.

By the time I got home, I was met by my brother John sitting cross-legged on the couch. Seeing the table scattered with food, and the TV turned on to some sport's channel, I knew he was lounging around just waiting for me to come home. Otherwise he'll be in his room. "How was your first day of school, Bell?" John asked, getting up. He walked over to me, smiling softly at me.

"Eh." I shrugged, throwing my backpack on the couch. "It was alright."

He lifted a brow at my short response. "Just alright?"

"Don't worry," I reassured him. "No one bullied me. They were just super annoying."

He laughed, throwing his head back at my comment. "Welcome to my life."

"Ha-ha—" I started to say when loud footsteps could be heard. I looked up to see Alex with three suitcases in his hands, and his coat on. "Where are you going, Alex?"

"Home."

"You're leaving already?" I thought I would have a little bit more time to say goodbye . . . I didn't think he'll leave that early.

Alex nodded.

"Can't you stay a little bit longer?" I asked. I know he was only scheduled to be here until I headed back to school, but I'd grown pretty fond of Alex and I couldn't imagine coming back home and not having him here.

"I wish I could," he told me, "but I have other clients lined up to train."

I stared at the ground. "Oh."

"Aw, don't be like that," he said, lifting my chin up. "I promise to visit every now and then."

"Every month?"

"If I can, I'll visit you every weekend," he offered, giving me his charming smile. "And remember, you can text me anytime you want as well."

The corners of my mouth lifted up into a smile of my own. "Thanks, Alex." I wrapped my arms around him tightly, squeezing my eyes shut. "I'll miss you so much."

"Me too, Isabella," he said, patting my back. Feeling his soft hair tickling my face, I tried to remember his comforting voice, and sweet smelling cologne. "Me too."

"Um." John coughed loudly. Forgetting that he was still in the room, I pulled away from Alex, and glanced at my brother. He took a deep breath, and told me he needed to say something as well.

"What is it?" I asked.

"I'm heading back to college tomorrow," he announced with a scowl. By the sound of it, whatever he was avoiding back at college was still there waiting for him.

"Let me guess," I asked, laughing. "Mom's making you go back?"

He nodded. "Sadly."

"Don't worry. At least winter break is coming up soon." At the mention of break, he quickly cheered up. I smiled, and then shifted my gaze back to Alex. "Why don't I walk you out, Alex?"

"Oh no." He shook his head quickly. "You don't have to Isabella."

"I know, but I want to." I bent down and took one of his bags in my hand. "And plus I have to walk, Sweets anyways, so it's not a big deal."

"Well in that case, alright." He headed towards the door with his other suitcases. "Bye, John," he said when he had one hand on the doorknob. "It was nice meeting you. Glad you finally trusted me in the end."

"It was nice meeting you, too," he replied. Seeing the wide smile on his face I knew he was telling the truth. "I'll get Sweets in the other room for you, Bell."

"Thanks." I grinned at him. When John came back a moment later with Sweets in his arms, she automatically started wagging her tail when she saw me.

"Come on Sweets, let's walk Alex out," I softly said to her once John put her down next to me. She barked in response, heading straight for Alex. Pawing at the door, she pushed on it with her front paw.

"Alex would you mind hooking the leash that's behind you on her?" I asked, since he was near the door. He nodded, and did just that.

Once I had her leash securely wrapped around my hand, Alex twisted the doorknob, and within seconds, Sweets bolted outside.

"So, who's picking you up?" I asked once I got, Sweets under my control. She was currently sniffing the ground by my feet.

"Jenna is."

"Is she here yet?"

"She should be." When the gatekeeper saw me approaching him, he opened the gate immediately. That's when Alex walked past it, and nodded towards the direction of a four-wheeler park right on the side of the road. "That's her."

When she saw us, she jumped out quickly and ran towards Alex. She welcomed him with a quick peck on the lips.

"Hey Isabella," she said, when she turned my way. "It's nice seeing you again."

I grinned, amazed by her kindness and her overall beauty. No wonder why Alex was madly in love with her. "You too."

She walked forward when she noticed the bag in my hand. "Here, let me take that off your hands." 

I gave her a small thanks in return when she took it from me, and brought it over to her car. She tossed it in the back seat, and closed the door closest to the driver's seat. Alex did the same with the other two bags on his side. Jenna waited for him, then climbed into the front seat and buckled her seatbelt. When Alex was settled, he leaned his head out the window and waved to me.

"Bye, Isabella. I'll try to visit you soon!"

"Good luck in school as well," Jenna said, stretching her body as far as the seatbelt would let her. "You look great by the way!"

"Thanks, guys." I waved back, as I watched their car drove away. It soon turned into a spec of dust in the far distance.

When I looked down, I saw Sweets' tongue hanging out, as she started pulling on her leash. I laughed, and bent down to her level.

"You're excited aren't you?" I asked, ruffling the fur on her head. "Do you want to go on that walk now?"

She barked and rubbed her head against my hand. With a flick of her tongue, she began giving me small kisses as she stood up on her hind legs. Her wet, sloppy tongue brushed against my cheek as her tail wagged furiously, thumping against the ground with each happy beat.

"Oh, come on." I giggled, squinting my eye. "That tickles. Stop it." I laughed, as she continued her assault.

"Cute puppy," a voice said.

No. It couldn't be. But that voice. It has to be him.

Turning around slowly, I prayed to God I was just hearing things, but when I saw him, I knew I wasn't.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at him.

"I promise, I was just passing by."

"Right." I rolled my eyes at Thomas. "Now what's the real reason you're here?" I asked, picking Sweets up. Bringing her towards my chest, I hugged her close, not wanting her anywhere near him.

"That's the truth." His eyes shifted to Sweets for a second, and then gazed back at me. "I was on my way home and I saw you. Thought I'll say hi."

"So, you just randomly approached me?"

"What?" He cocked a brow at me. "Is that not allowed or something?"

"Well, don't you think it's sort of weird?" I asked. He was borderline stalking me.

"I don't think so," he answered, rolling his shoulders. "We're not exactly strangers."

"Yeah, but we're not exactly friends either."

"Why don't we fix that?" He smirked, and took a step closer towards me. "Is this where you live?" he asked.

"Yeah. What about it?"

"Would you happen to know, John Ace?" he asked, suddenly catching me off guard.

Crap. I forgot he knew my brother. Did he figure it out? Oh my gosh. What if he did? The whole freaking plan would be ruined if he knew.

Okay, Isabella. Breathe. Just play it cool. Lie, and pretend. He'll never know.

"Why do you want to know?" I asked, keeping my voice as steady as possible.

"Because that's his house," he responded, glancing over my shoulder.

"Really?" I asked, watching his face for any signs of hatred.

"Yeah, so do you?"

I breathed out a relief when his face didn't show anything but mild curiosity. "No." I shook my head, feeling Sweets pawing at my hair. "My parents bought this house a few months ago, so I don't know that John kid."

"Oh, I guessed they moved," he said, mostly whispering to himself.

Backing away slowly, I took his distraction as a chance to escape. I was only able to make it to the corner and then I heard his voice calling my name. Shoot. So close. Maybe if I walk away he'll—

"You know, I can still see you." He laughed right behind me. "Where are you going anyways?"

I sighed and ran my hand through my hair. "If you must know. I'm taking Sweets to the park." I gestured to her.

"Can I join you?"

"No," I told him immediately wiping that smile of his face.

"Oh come on, please?"

"No."

"I promise I'll be as quiet as a mouse."

"Oh my God," I shouted, grabbing at my hair. Can't this boy take a hint? "No!"

"Why? I won't bother you." He started whining, his tone getting louder and more aggravating as the seconds ticked by.

"If you shut up, fine."

He clamped his mouth shut, and nodded rapidly. He then motioned his hand for me to start walking.

"So Izzy, where exactly did you go to school before you started homeschooling?" he asked, trying to start up a conversation.

I rolled my eyes, as he broke his promise already.

"This private academy in Maine."

"Must be nice. I'd been here all my life."

"That's cool." I nodded causally. "Have you ever been to the park?" I asked. That's when I realized I was continuing this conversation myself.

He looked at me for a few good seconds, and then grinned like an idiot. "Yeah, when I was younger. What about you?"

"Not really." I shook my head. "The first time I went to the park was a few months ago." This time, it wasn't a lie.

"Really?" he asked wide-eyed. "You'd never been to the park, at all?"

"Well to tell you the truth, I don't exactly remember my childhood all that well."

"How come?" He sounded truly intrigued.

I shrugged. "Some people just don't remember things when they were little."

"True."

An awkward silence passed between us, until Thomas suddenly came to a halt and said, "Hey, isn't that Jason?"

I glanced up, and followed the direction he was pointing towards. He was right. Jason was sitting in the sandbox looking completely out of place next to the little kids that were literally half his size.

What the hell is he even doing here?

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