Raven High where luxury breathes in every corner, from the polished marble floors to the lush green fields, a school carved out for excellence. It's a realm mostly reserved for the wealthy, where the children of affluent families roam, brimming with confidence and clad in designer labels. But, in the shadows of privilege, there are also students like Ashley James students whose presence is a rare anomaly, only there because of scholarships or parents who sacrifice nearly everything for a taste of quality education.
Ashley, isn't like most of her classmates. Her mother works multiple jobs, hardly resting, just to keep Ashley's tuition paid. Her father, on the other hand, dreams of winning it big in gambling, wasting what little they have. Often, it's left to Ashley or her mom to pay off the debts he carelessly racks up.
As she steps into the grand entrance of Raven High, she immediately notices whispers trailing her. Students lean into each other, murmuring as their eyes follow her through the hall. Normally, Ashley fades into the background; she's the "quiet girl" whose presence rarely stirs a ripple. But today feels different, as though she's unknowingly walked onto a stage under a spotlight.
"She actually got Fred's attention!" a girl hisses to her friend, casting a side glance at Ashley.
Her friend lets out a frustrated sigh. "Why? Of all people… she's cute, I guess, but…" She trails off, clearly annoyed.
Ashley catches snatches of the conversation as she walks past, barely able to believe what she's hearing. Cute? Me? It's a strange thought, one she quickly dismisses as she moves deeper into the halls, hoping to disappear into the crowd.
Just then, the sleek sound of a luxury car engine draws everyone's attention. Fred Thompson steps out, closely followed by another car—Emily's, the queen of the popular crowd, with her signature golden-brown hair cascading in perfect waves and her uniform skirt just short enough to catch eyes without breaking rules. Students' heads turn, murmurs hush, and suddenly all eyes are on them.
Ashley tries not to look, focusing instead on her plan for the day. It's her senior year, her final shot to keep her grades up and snag a college scholarship, and she's determined to keep her head down and avoid any unnecessary drama. But she knows that with Emily around, keeping a low profile might be impossible.
Ashley watches from the corner of her eye as Fred enters the classroom. He strides past her with the ease of someone used to attention, making his way to the back, where his seat is directly behind hers. She can feel his presence, but he doesn't say a word, instead taking his seat quietly. Despite her better instincts, she wonders if he's avoiding her deliberately.
Focus, Ashley, she reminds herself, pushing the thought away as the teacher begins the lesson.
Emily walks in moments later, her gaze sweeping the room with a self-satisfied smile. Her eyes flick over Ashley, as if to ensure she's "put in her place." Satisfied, she saunters to her seat, reveling in the adoration she draws from her classmates. It's clear to everyone that Emily has a stake in Fred's attention, and she isn't willing to share it.
****
As soon as the final bell rings, Ashley hurries to the library. The library has always been her refuge, a quiet place where she can study in peace, far from the exhausting whispers and stares. But today, it's also her escape from the inevitable confrontation with Emily. She's not ready to deal with it, not when her future is hanging by a thread.
"Hey, Ash!" a voice calls from the next aisle. Luna, Ashley's closest friend, makes her way over, her brown eyes twinkling with excitement. Luna is shorter, with a warm, expressive face that makes her look older than her age.
"I heard what happened at the party," Luna says, slipping into the chair beside Ashley. "I still can't believe a 'Red Hair' talked to you!"
The "Red Hairs"—Fred and his family—are as iconic as they are wealthy. Known for their striking red hair and nearly mythic influence in town, they're practically royalty. Fred's father is a famous business tycoon, and his mother, though not a redhead herself, is a striking beauty who could easily be mistaken for someone in her early thirties despite being nearly fifty.
Ashley sighs. "I should've listened to you. Going to that party was a nightmare," she admits. "I went because I thought I'd finally get paid by Derek, but now… this whole thing with Fred…"
Luna raises an eyebrow, smirking. "At least you got Fred's attention! That's more than any of those other girls can say."
"Fred was just being kind," Ashley insists, though a part of her questions it. He hadn't said a word to her all day, so maybe he was just trying to be polite last night.
Luna grins knowingly. "If you say so, Ash. Just wait and see." She leans back, pulling out her notebook, and they settle into their routine of studying. Despite the chaos swirling around her, Ashley feels a sense of relief, thankful to have Luna by her side.
Walking Home
Hours later, as the sun starts to sink, Ashley finally leaves the library, weighed down with textbooks and a mind full of formulas. The walk home is long and hot, the pavement radiating heat in the late afternoon sun. She has half a mind to detour and ask Derek for her payment from the party money her family could really use. But deep down, she knows he probably won't pay.
With each step, the weight of the day sinks deeper into her bones, the burden of expectations, struggles, and the uncertain future feeling almost too much to bear.