IVANA POV
I hear my mom shouting from downstairs, "Hey honey, let's get moving, you're going to be late for school!"
I roll my eyes and yell back, "I'm coming, Mom! Just give me a second!"
As I put on my makeup, I realize I've overdone it—I look like a ghost. Today's my last day in Texas because we're moving to some Sunshine State or whatever. Mom got a transfer. Just the two of us. No siblings, no father. Never knew him.
Life's been interesting, if you count my frequent detention visits. I smile at my reflection. I'll miss my home and school, even if Principal Howard—more like Coward—will be glad to see me go.
I drag my suitcase out and take a last look at my room. Time to embrace this new chapter.
Downstairs, Mom's all packed up and ready. "Hey, darling," she says, trying to reassure me. She pulls my cheeks, frowning as my makeup sticks to her hand. "How many times have I told you, you don't need makeup? You're beautiful."
No matter how stubborn I am, I can never say no to Mom. I give her a smile. "I love you too." Yeah, call me a mama's girl.
"Let's get going, darling," she says, tapping my shoulder.
So, let me reintroduce myself. I'm Ivana Mark, and my motto is I don't give a f***.
An hour later, we're driving peacefully to our new home. I'm jetlagged and there's no way I'm registering at the new school today. Mom holds my hand tightly, seeking assurance.
"Hey, Mama, smile," I say, turning my caked face to her. "I'm proud of you. Don't regret this decision. We're Marks; we don't bow."
Teary-eyed, she replies, "Hmm, Cookie, let's do this together."
I know it's been tough for her. She's strong-willed and beautiful. Many nights I've heard her cries when she thought I was asleep. No way I'm letting anyone take her for granted.
Mom squeezes my hand, waking me from my thoughts. "Cookie, welcome to our new home," she says as the car comes to a stop.
Alighting from the car, I take in the picturesque neighborhood around me. The houses are cozy, with barking dogs that seem to guard their territories while adding a touch of homeliness to the scene. Our new house, a semi-detached duplex painted a crisp white, stands out beautifully.
The driver helps us with our bags to the porch. I drag my traveling bags behind me as I make my way inside. The interior is just as impressive as the exterior. "Mom, you've really outdone yourself with this one," I praise her. The kitchen catches my eye, even though it needs a bit more work to meet my standards.
My room, painted a striking purple, feels like a sanctuary. "I love the color purple," I murmur, running my fingers along the walls. "Red is too obvious. Purple is unique, just like me."
"Cookie," Mom calls out, her voice filled with a mixture of urgency and affection, "let's drop the bags and head for your school registration. We can rest after everything is done."
I sigh, feeling the exhaustion from the journey. "Can't we do it tomorrow, Mom? I'm really tired."
"No, we can't," she insists. "Principal Blaunt just called. Registration is closing today."
I groan loudly, dragging my feet. "Well, let's get going, lazy cat," Mom says, a teasing smile playing on her lips.
"How are we going to get there? We don't have a car yet."
"Let's order a cab."
In what feels like no time at all, a cab arrives, and in 16 minutes, we pull up in front of Sunshine College.
Stepping out of the cab, memories from my last school's first day flood my mind. It was a scene straight out of a cliché high school movie: a pack of blondes, strutting with an air of superiority, zeroed in on me like vultures. Their condescending smiles and whispering sent a chill down my spine.
But I wasn't about to let them intimidate me. I flashed back to that moment when they surrounded me after class. They thought they could bully me, pointing their perfectly manicured nails at my chest, spouting insults, and making snide comments. I just stood there, blowing a bubble with my gum, waiting for the perfect moment.
Pop! The bubble burst, and with a swift move, I stuck the gum into their pristine, expensive hair. Their shrieks were music to my ears. Without missing a beat, I swung their designer bags at their butts, sending them stumbling. The hallway erupted in laughter and whispers.
That day, I earned a new nickname and a small group of followers who admired my boldness. But fame has its price, and with it came a slew of enemies.
As I walk up to Sunshine College's entrance, I steel myself for whatever challenges lie ahead. "Let them come," I think, a smirk playing on my lips. This time, I'm ready for anything.
***
Finding our way to the Administrative Building, we ended up waiting at the reception. The secretary mentioned the principal was busy with some parents. As I scanned the room, I heard a click and looked up to see a man with his daughter, her eyes red from crying. Whatever their problem was, it wasn't my concern.
They left, and the man at the door, who I assumed was Principal Blaunt, called us in. His stern expression made him look like a little fired military man. "Great," I thought, "just what I needed—a hard-ass principal."
He pointed to the chairs across from his desk, and we took our seats. Mom started talking about my registration, but I zoned out as my eyes locked onto a handsome guy sitting alone with noise-reducer pods in his ears. He looked like he had just stepped out of a designer magazine, effortlessly cool while engrossed in a book.
My daydream was interrupted when Mom tapped me. "Ivana, these are your files. You'll collect your necessary books from the secretary," she said. As I stood up, realizing we were about to leave, I blurted out, "Who's that guy over there?" before I could stop myself.
Principal Blaunt looked puzzled. "Where?"
"Over there," I said, pointing to the guy on the bench through the transparent floor-to-ceiling window.
"Ah, that's Matthew Anderson," he said. "The top genius in the school. His IQ is off the charts."
I raised an eyebrow. "With a body like that, he looks more like a basketball player."
Mom elbowed me softly, bringing me back to reality. I realized I had just voiced my thoughts out loud—in front of the principal and my mom.
But my embarrassment quickly turned to curiosity. "Matthew," I whispered to myself. "We'll meet soon."
As we walked out, my mind was racing. Sunshine College was already proving to be more interesting than I had anticipated. And if Matthew Anderson was as intriguing as he seemed, my time here was going to be anything but dull.