"Let's Marvin Gaye and get it on
You got the healing that I want
Just like they say it in the song
Until the dawn
Let's Marvin Gaye and get it on"
I won't lie. My friends are crazy. Brie and Vicki sang aloud to Charlie Puth's Marvin Gaye. The two held hands and screamed the song at the top of their lungs. I could see Ryan, Kim's diver wince at the front. Poor guy's going to need a painkiller once we've dropped off at school.
I could join them but I was too busy thinking about what to present at the school's annual Talent Express. It's the one day artists and innovators in my school could have their works auctioned.
New Heights High School, otherwise called N, double H, S or Notoriously Hellish Snobs Center for the rich. That's my high school. Sure, there are a couple of really snobbish kids in my school. Ninety—five of the school's population are from rich homes and cultured lineages dating back to the founding year of the Great Lilaria Empire. The remaining five population consisted of kids who were less privileged and highly talented. Kids like me.
When I'd got the scholarship, my parents were overjoyed. I swelled with pride. I had helped my parents worry less about money.
Brie was disappointed at first but managed to get her parents to get her in the school. Victoria and Kim were already attending NHHS at the beginning of Senior year. All four of us were together again.
Brie, Kim, Vickie and I have known each other for as long as I could remember. Well, Vickie was the first friend I made in Kindergarten. Her posh dad didn't really like us hanging out. Brie and Kim became our friends in the fifth grade.
We've been together ever since and now, we'll be graduating together. All four of us.
We were in our final year in high school. The school declared a short break the previous week and now we're heading back to the home of torture.
My thoughts wandered to the man of my dreams, Henry. I gripped the package box tight as I wondered if his expression when I finally confessed. Would he reject me or will we boyfriend and girlfriend? A tiny giggle escaped my lips.
My train of thoughts crashed when Brie yelled.
"What's this supposed to mean? A girl deserves to be kidnapped and raped because of the way she dresses?" She clutched her phone in an aggressive manner and furiously typed. "Those damn chauvinists!"
The rest of us knew better than to talk when Brie is angry, especially on matters that involves the female gender. Of my three best friends, Brie was more outspoken and bold. Her shirt was untucked and her short brown hair fell over her shoulders. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if she turned out to be an activist. Just mention rape to her and you will have your ears chewed off.
Vickie had picked up her fashion magazine while Kim played Candy Crush on her iPhone. The vehicle is finally quiet except for the classic music playing. We all wore our school uniform – a short blue pleated skirt, white long—sleeved shirt with long blue stripes on the arms, and finished off with red tie.
I resumed my position in leaning my head on the window. I could see Ryan smile at the peace and quiet. I chuckled and shook my head.
The majestic view of NHHS came into view. The school took on acres of land. There were fountains, hang out spots, picturesque views, football fields, and basketball courts. The laboratories were top notch from Tokyo, Korea and USA. There were several studios, halls and theatres. NHHS was founded by Queen Tania back in 1909. Most events are funded by the Royal family every year.
I quickly tucked the gift into my bag pack. My legs groaned when I stood to alight the Jeep.
"Bye Ryan," Kim waved at the middle aged blonde man.
"Have a nice day, girls" He flashed us a thumbs up. I gave a short wave and headed for the halls.
We began our ascent up the stairs. Vickie flashed out her phone and started recording herself with the adorable puppy filter.
"If you keep doing that, you're going to fall one day," A very familiar voice said. I looked away from Vickie to the person who had spoken.
Henry.
I'm not going to fan girl about how good looking he is. Yeah, he is basically that good looking guy that turns head when he walks in the room. He had a way of both commanding attention and pushing it away when necessary. His blonde hair blew with the air as his blue eyes shone.
Vickie gave him a small scowl which changed into a cute smile, "You'll be there to catch me, of course."
"In your dreams," he replied with a laugh.
In the short span of time he teased Vickie, he stood beside me, an arm around my waist. I leaned closer to him.
Vickie replied with a huff. She flipped her long blonde hair over his shoulder and stormed off.
"Morning, Henry. How was your weekend?" Kim asked.
"It was uneventful. The normal extended family stuff," he replied pushing the front door open. The hallways was a busy traffic as usual. There weren't even much students like in a public school.
"I'll see you guys later. I promised Mrs. Ashton I'd go see her first thing this morning," Brie said, disappearing into the horde of students.
"I'll see you in Chemistry," Kim said, placing a kiss on my cheek.
A gently squeeze on my shoulder had me jerking my head up. "What?"
"Let's go to homeroom."
As we entered the noisy classroom, some girls eyed us. I can not and would not say with envy. Honestly, I don't know. I do know they give me the stink eye because I'm from a poor home and a rich guy hanging out with me is so not cool.
I made myself comfortable in my seat while Henry sat behind me. While Henry was good looking, he didn't rule the school. That job has been delegated to Travis, Darrell and Drake. They are the cliché bad boys/rich boys in your everyday teen romance.
"Anna, stop thinking." He snapped his fingers in front of me. I shook my head and looked at him. He had gotten up from his seat. "Did you do your English homework?"
"What English homework?"
Henry rolled his eyes and shook his head.
"The essay on how to boost Lilaria's economic system. You didn't do it?"
Oh, that homework.
"What exactly were you doing for five days, Anna?"
"Oh I don't know. Texting you, hanging out with my friends, helping my parents with their laundry business, getting fired from my part time job. I was too busy to remember," I said while adding to myself, 'planning to confess my feelings to you.'
"Calm down," he sat back down in his seat. He brought a binder out from his blue bag and gave it to me. "I helped you finish it."
My lips curved upward at the sight of the blue binder. I collected it and leaned to peck his cheek. We started working on the essay the minute school was over the previous week. I guess I'd forgotten it with him. Seriously, what would I do without this guy?
Our stern English teacher, Mr Shepard, took that moment to walk in. "Pass your assignments forward immediately after class."
I hummed Darkside by Alan Walker in my head as I scribbled random shapes on my sketchbook. My friends and I occupied the studio. Vickie might have bullied the junior students out of the room.
"So, are you going to tell me or not?"
Henry has been pestering me about what I was going to paint for the auction. I glanced at him noting the way the sunlight highlighted his blonde hair. His blue eyes grew lighter as he stared at me.
"I honestly don't know. Even Picasso can't inspire me at the moment."
"Don't stress yourself. It's going to come to you. It's still in three months," Henry soothed.
Vickie sharp squeals broke our eye contact. She jumped around the room while the rest of us watched with wonder.
"Nolan is coming home! Crown Prince Nolan is coming home," She squealed again. Vickie has a huge crush on the Crown Prince of Lilaria.
Crown Prince Nolan is a well—known person in Lilaria and beyond. He is only nineteen and managed to deal with politics while in school. While I admire his dedication, he is said to be less than nice to everyone. He would fit right in with the snobby kids of NHHS.
Why Vickie has a crush on him, I don't know. It could be because he's really good looking. Crown Prince Nolan left Lilaria a year before to study in Andorra and a diplomat for the country.
Why is he back though?
Kim voiced my thoughts. Vickie looked back at her phone, searching for more information. "Some speculate it's for a marriage to a girl. Why would he marry now? I hope it's me though."
"What if it isn't?" Brie asked.
"It will be me."
"You seem so sure," Henry commented with a frown. "Isn't he a little young to be married?"
"Definitely."
"No, he isn't," Victoria said.
"It seems like the Royal family have a girl of their choice anyway," Kim said.
"Don't ruin my mood, guys. I will be the next Queen and wife to Nolan. Just you wait."
"Oh well," I sighed.
Billie Eilish's Ocean Eyes begun to play. Henry excused himself before exiting the room to receive the call.
"Just when are you going to confess? You guys should just date already. You are like a perfect match," Kim smirked, nodding to the exit and at me.
"I know, right? Like, what are you waiting for? Someone to steal him away?"
"I am waiting for a perfect moment."
"Keep telling yourself that."
Henry walked some minutes later focusing all his attention on me. I couldn't help thinking if he felt the same way I did?
"Henry, are you free after school?"
"No. There is this family thing I have to do now. I will have to skip class," he said, sinking back into his seat.
"I just wanted to give you something."
"You can give me now."
"It is important and private."
Henry stole a quick glance at the girls before leaning towards me and whispered, "I am sorry, Anna. You can give it to me tomorrow, right?" He placed a kiss on my head and got back up. "I will see you guys tomorrow."
With a short wave, he left. And with his exit crashed my heart.
"So how was school, dear?"
My mom wrapped her arms around me, a dirty looking hand towel in hand. She smelled like detergent and her rough hands brushed my cheeks. Her curly hair hung loose on her head as she walked back to her previous position and continued ironing.
"It was uneventful. Ryan took us to school today."
"Did you have fun at Kim's?"
I gave a short 'hm' and nodded.
"Mom? Did you go through my stuff again?" The usual drag and slap of flip flops against the carpet floor brought the arrival of my little brother. I am older than him by a year. You would think he has some respect for me but no. He does not!
"What are you doing here?" He frowned at me.
"Good evening to you too, Victor."
"Yes, I went through your stuff. I needed a sheet of paper and your biro to write," my mom replied.
"Did you find anything else?"
"No. Why?"
"Perhaps he has a copy of Playboy magazine he does not want you to see," I chuckled softly. Vic does really have that disgusting magazine but made me swear to keep a secret.
"The house was peaceful when you weren't here, pig." He stalked off with a sneer.
Seriously, who taught him simile and metaphor? He's been comparing me to living and non—living things ever since he learnt them. The current word was 'pig' because according to him, I am fat.
Nonetheless, I object. I am not fat. I just happen to have a big body.
"Dear, the news is starting soon." Dad yelled. I left my mom's side and walked to the living room. My Dad appeared to have just left the kitchen. He smelled of the kitchen. "You're back."
I stepped forward to hug him. I let myself out of his arms and sat beside him on the couch. Mom plopped down on the couch on the other side of dad and placed her legs on his lap, "My legs hurt."
He sighed and massaged her legs.
"Oh, that's good, honey," She cooed lovingly. With an amused snort, I fixed my attention on the small TV set we had. It was displaying the news, and not surprisingly, it was about the crown Prince. Ugh!
"What? He's back?" Mum exclaimed and listened on. "Wonder who she would be."
"She'd be very unfortunate." Vic finally came in. Mum threw a pillow at him. He caught it and sat down next to me. "What? I heard he's cold—blooded."
"Aren't they all?" Dad said, rubbing mom's feet.
"Vic?"
"Hmm?"
"Could you please help me take that cup to the kitchen?"
"You have legs and hands, so why should I?"
I glared at him. I really wish looks could kill.
