The slim, blue-eyed blonde sighed loudly and twisted onto her back, squinting under the sunlight. She raised her hand to cover her face and smiled wryly as she recalled the moments she spent with her ex-boyfriend there. Although a year had passed since their breakup, the teenager could not forget him. Everything, every place, reminded her of the happiness that filled her heart when he was close to her. He was her first love — her first and only love, as no one else appeared in her life after the relationship ended. She didn't pay special attention to men because she compared each one with her ex. She believed that no one could match him. Even if Felix was a finished bastard, an asshole who left her without a word of explanation, a moron who wrote a short "it's over" message and then changed his phone number. She hasn't seen him once since, even though a year has passed. The boy has vanished into thin air. He cruelly abandoned Clare. He left her with a broken heart.
If only I had met you, she thought. She pressed her lips together in anger and nervously chased away an intrusive fly that was flying at her face. Finally, she couldn't stand it and raised herself to a sitting position. With longing eyes, she looked around the flowery meadow and lowered her shoulders with resignation.
She kept telling herself that if the opportunity arose, and she met Felix again, she would undoubtedly teach him a lesson, but the more she thought about it, the more she doubted it.
- I should hate this place because we spent many moments here together, but why can't I? Why do I keep coming here? - she whispered under her breath, looking around the meadow. The clearing was surrounded by a forest behind which was a district of rich people. Not everyone had access to this place, so Clare liked to stay here. It was quiet, so she could often gather her thoughts here.
The blonde curled her knees and rested her chin on them. She wanted so badly to know what happened that day that Felix decided to leave her without a word of explanation. Why had he acted so selfishly when they were fine together? Was it because he couldn't stand the pressure from Clare's entourage? She understood the boy hated her parents and friends, who looked down on him. He hated them because they were haughty.
She was born into a wealthy family while he led a hard life. He only paid attention to Clare because she acted like an ordinary girl. She didn't show that she was from a rich family, she didn't hover with pride.
- If only I knew why you left...
She was pulled from her musings by the sound of a text message. She lifted her head and pulled her phone from her pocket. The sender of the message was a friend of hers. They had definitely become closer recently, so she could call him a friend. He was the only peer who, living in the same neighborhood as her, behaved on a level. There was no falsity beating from his eyes, which could be seen in the other classmates.
He asked where she was, so she wrote him back that he should join her. She didn't wait long because several minutes later she saw him heading in her direction. With a quick step, he headed across the clearing, and she smiled as she watched with what clumsiness he tried to jump over the flowers so as not to trample them. Paul was a medium height blond man with green eyes, a well-mannered, gentlemanly boy — the ideal of many a girl. He had success, especially with mature women, which amused Clare. She reproached him for approaching a wealthy thirty-something - rebelling against his parents, who would have a panic attack if he brought home an older woman.
- Clare. - He nodded to her when he was close enough. The girl reciprocated the gesture and made room on the blanket. The boy sat down next to her and presented snow-white teeth in a smile. - And what do you think?
- You had white by nature, so now they look like pearls. Another idea of your parents? - She asked, wrinkling her nose. Paul was so polite that he obeyed every command, which sometimes made the girl laugh. She felt that for once he should rebel.
- Exactly. My mother said that a beautiful smile attracts the best women. She wants me to find a princess. Preferably from a fairy tale - he muttered brokenly, which amused the blonde. With compassion, she patted him on the shoulder.
- It's worse at my place. - She looked at Paul, who was clearly interested in her words. - They have chosen you. They are delighted with your attitude. They think you are the perfect candidate for a husband - she replied, and the boy blinked his eyelids. - You are handsome, well-mannered, your future is assured - she began to enumerate, and a happy smile appeared on Paul's face. - They are delighted that we spend time with each other so often. They would love to force us to marry, even now.
- But just a moment - he announced, suddenly wrinkling his eyebrows. - What did you mean when you said you have it worse? Do you think I'm unfit?
- I meant that I completely have no chance with you - she stressed, which caused surprise on his face. - Your parents only accept me because of what family I come from. There is no way they would consider me a daughter-in-law.
- Ah. - That's all he was able to croak out of himself.
- But I don't blame your parents. They are entitled to dislike me. After all, I have bleached hair in which I look vulgar. Surely, they think so, don't they? - She asked just to be certain, so the restrained boy nodded. - Well, that's right. Besides, I have a nasty character, as everyone in our district probably knows.
- It's not that they don't accept you. They have nothing against you, but.... - At this point he broke off and uncertainly glanced at the girl.
- I don't need to know that. After all, we are not planning to get married - she stated with amusement in her voice. - We're just friends, and if they don't mind, that's the most important thing.
- You're right - he nodded, turning his gaze in the other direction. He felt slightly disappointed by her words.
- Any plans for today? I don't think we will spend the whole day in the clearing. Vacation has just started, so we have to use it - she announced, patting the boy on the back. Paul frowned slightly because she used too much force.
- Today there is a party on the beach. All the friends are going there.
- Why don't I know about anything? Do they not wish my company? - She asked indignantly, crossing her arms on her chest.
- The girls are afraid that after drinking alcohol you will scare off all the guys, and they will have no one to pick up. They know that you still harbor a grudge against men and can't have a good time - he announced, and Clare snorted under her breath.
- They will regret those words - she said warning, clenching her fists. - Today they will see that I can still have a great time.
*
Dressed in a bathing suit and high-waisted short shorts, she got out of the car and headed for the beach. She wanted to show everyone that she could still have fun. She couldn't stand the ridicule from her friends behind her back about how she was unable to get over the loss of her poor boyfriend for so many months. Clare was annoyed by this. Even though Felix had treated her in a rude way, she still defended him. She hated people who judged others by their possessions. She never did that. The girl did not separate the poor from the rich. She treated everyone equally because everyone was human.
- Clare, what a pleasant surprise. However, you came - Violette spoke up bitingly. She was a tall brunette, with a docked hairstyle and blunt makeup on her face. The girls were not fond of each other, but their common acquaintances caused them to keep in touch. They could have been considered rivals, as there was more artificial affection than friendly conversation in their conversations.
- I didn't just come - she bit back, sending Violette a forced smile.
- So you should start walking more because, well.... - At this point she broke off and measured her figure with malice in her eyes. - You have gained weight. A little more and your parents won't find a rich husband for you - she announced with false concern in her voice.
- Really? Somehow I can't believe you because yesterday I weighed myself and lost two kilos - she replied, watching Violette put her hair behind her ear and turn her gaze the other way. - Besides, I am able to stand up to my parents, so I will choose a husband for myself. I feel sorry for you if you end up with a short, fat, ugly man. After all, you do everything your parents tell you. You don't have your opinion, it's sad.
- I just count on their word. I'm their daughter and... - She wasn't able to finish the sentence because Clare rudely walked away from her, disregarding her explanation. The brunette bit her lip in anger and clenched her fists, feeling an incoming wave of anger. If Paul hadn't appeared before her, she probably would have moved after the blonde and humiliated her in front of her friends.
- Let it go, Violette. You know perfectly well that you can't win with her. I don't want you to feel humiliated again.
- I will eventually find her weakness. I will find the reason she will lose her confidence - she said quietly, measuring the blonde with an envious look.
- She has only one weakness - Paul stated, looking at his friend's back. She stood with her back to him, laughing while talking to her friends. - But I won't tell you. It's a secret.
- Then why did you mention it? You only ignited in me a deep desire to know this secret. You're getting worse and worse, Paul. It's because you're too close to her - chuckled the brunette, piercing him with her eyes.
- Well, no. I am a good friend who will always help her. She comes first - he replied, then left Violette and headed to Clare.
The blonde looked over her shoulder, and a half-smile appeared on her face when she noticed Violette's face. Nothing satisfied her more than teasing this girl. She deserved it. Venom, until it poured from her throat.
- Clare. - Someone touched her shoulder, so she shifted her gaze to that person. Surprised, she opened her eyes wider when she spotted an old acquaintance. She was a friend of Felix's. Their mutual acquaintance.
- Nina - she mouthed, frantically looking around. - What are you doing here?
- I'm working. You know, I'm pulling several jobs. Among them the job of a waitress, that's why I'm here. They offered me a big rate to agree to deal with fussy young people - she announced, rolling her eyes. Clare noted that she wasn't happy about it, since she too wasn't fond of rich kids and, like Felix, accepted only her. - I agreed because I need the money. I recently moved in with my boyfriend, and financially we are having a hard time.
- I understand - she replied, forcing a smile. For a moment, she felt stupid because she was afraid of the next question.
- How about you? How are you living? I haven't seen you for more than a year. Do you have someone?
- No, I don't. Somehow, since I broke up with Felix, I can't trust a man, that's why I'm not interested in anyone - she replied, looking at her feet with sad eyes. She brushed her hair away from her face and tossed it back, feeling that Nina was watching her.
- I'm still wondering what happened between you two. Felix didn't tell me anything either. I was afraid to say your name in front of him because.... - At this point, she stopped when Clare raised her eyes and looked at her face curiously. - I wish I could tell you everything I know, but I can't. He would kill me. I know he left you without a word, but.... - Again she fell silent in mid-sentence because Paul interrupted them. He appeared beside the girls and put his arm around the blonde.
- Why do you have such a sad face? You look like you're about to cry - he stated, looking at his friend's face. The girl immediately adopted a fake smile and shook her head.
- I just found out that my favorite alcohol will not be here - she lied, looking at Nine with uncertain eyes. - I'm sorry - she announced to her with a movement of her lips, then grabbed Paul's hand and led him to the bar.
- But I didn't tell you the most important thing - muttered the waitress under her breath, watching the blonde's distant silhouette.
- I'm going to get decently drunk tonight - Clare declared, taking a seat at the bar. Paul took the seat next to her and shook his head with a smile on his face.
- I will not allow this to happen. A woman should not be drunk.
- I'm nineteen years old. This is the last year that I am a teenager. I have to take full advantage of it - she replied, then ordered a drink. She put a straw in it and while sipping it silently looked at her friend, who did not take his eyes off her. - Are you not drinking?
- I have to stay in my right mind to watch you.
- Stop being a gentleman. Women like it, but if you are nice all the time, they will take advantage of it. You must have something of the bastard in you. They love it - she declared, patting him above the butt. The boy got confused and nervously grunted.
- Do you, too? Do you like bastards?
The blonde sipped her drink and wrinkled her nose, remembering her ex-boyfriend. This finally crossed off her list of bad boys.
- I'm an exception because now I hate them.
- So I don't have to change - he announced with a confident tone in his voice, and she looked at him surprised, not quite understanding what he meant.
- Huh?
- I'm not going to change. A woman should love me for what I am, not for a false mask. - He directed the words directly to her, but she did not sense any subtext in it.
- After all, I'm not forcing you. It's fine if you don't want to change.
- Did you see the handsome waiter who just arrived? He's mega hot. Perfect for a night out, or just to feast your eye. - Clare looked over her shoulder as she heard the excited voices of the girls.
- Why do you think so? I, for one, would never let him out of my hands. Have you seen his abs? He's gorgeous, that's why he goes shirtless and exposes it.
- But he is poor. He certainly has no money, since he works as a waiter. You can't get involved with such a boy. There is no future with him. He is of low rank, and I want to live in luxury. I'm not going to waste my life on a poor man. He is a boy suitable for fun. Nothing more.
- Hey, you. - Clare turned to the smug girl, unable to stand her stupid words any longer. She hated it when someone just talked that way about people who had no money.
The gray-haired girl looked at Clare as she stopped in front of her with undisguised anger.
- You? - she repeated.
- You think you're better because you're rich? Do you think a poor boy can't be loved? You can't start a family with him? What kind of nonsense are you talking? - she raised her voice, looking at her with piercing eyes.
- Why are you interfering? What right do you have to eavesdrop on our conversation?
- You expressed your opinion so loudly that I didn't have to eavesdrop - the blonde replied with mockery in her voice. Paul walked up to his friend and grabbed her forearm.
- Don't start an argument. Everyone has an opinion, let her go.
- No! - she shouted, pulling her arm from his grasp. - I won't let anyone speak that way about other people. Just because they have less money than these pampered ladies doesn't mean they can be judged that way.
- You are one of us, so I don't understand your outrage.
- One of you? - The blonde was dragged away by Paul, who grabbed her around the waist and covered her mouth with his other hand to keep her from screaming any longer. Clare tried to pull away from her friend, but he wasn't going to let her go. Only when they were at the water's edge did he step away from her, and she screamed as the cold wave touched her bare feet.
- Cool down a little. Occasionally, you exaggerate.
- Do I exaggerate? I just couldn't stand it. How can you talk that way about people who have less money?
- Just sit here and cool down. I'll get back to you in a minute. I'll go get something to drink. Don't move from here, understood? - The boy preferred to make sure she would be polite, and when she nodded her head in agreement, he safely moved away to the bar.
- They found themselves rich ladies. Occasionally, I regret that I belong to this environment. More and more often, I get the impression that I am adopted - she muttered under her breath.
She sat with her back to the water and, embracing her knees with her hands, looked at the participants of the party. Young people were talking to each other, drinking alcohol, fooling around. Among them, she saw Nine, who, with a displeased look on her face, was bringing them the drinks and food they had ordered. The blonde felt sorry for the girl because she realized what kind of people she was dealing with.
She opened her mouth in indignation when she noticed how Ian took a drink and then spilled the rest on the waitress' face, claiming that it was terrible tasting. The black-haired man was a tanned, tall handsome man with a good body and a too-high ego. His brown eyes attracted girls, making him act like a burly man.
Clare once again couldn't stand it. From afar, she noticed the embarrassment on her friend's face. The girl wiped her face with her hand as Ian's friends burst into loud laughter.
The girl got up from the sand and headed in that direction. She couldn't look at it. She knew how Nina felt at any given moment. It made her anger bubble up so strongly that she was unable to control it.
She took a drink from Nina's tray and, to her surprise, poured it on her friend's face. Everyone fell silent, and Ian wiped his face and looked at Clare with frantic eyes.
- What did you just do?
The blonde glanced at Nine and saw gratitude in her eyes.
- That drink looked disgusting. Exactly like your face.
The brunet grabbed Clare's hand. He did it too hard, as the girl hissed in pain. He jerked her as she was about to pull away from him.
- You dared to spill a drink on my face? Who do you think you are, huh?
- And who are you to treat a waitress like that? Don't make me laugh, you jerk - she announced to his face.
- Do you stand for the poor?
- Behind people, not monsters - she replied boldly, looking into his eyes. A dangerous smile appeared on his face. He pushed her, causing her to fall on the sand. She cut her hand as she hit a broken bottle.
Someone caught her above the waist and helped her get up. Supporting her injured hand, she looked back, confident that she would see Paul. Her surprise was so strong that for a moment, she forgot about her injured hand. She lowered her hand and looked at his face with wide-open eyes. At first, she thought she had a prediction, but when he lowered his face and looked straight into her eyes - she froze. It was him. Felix. The cruel bastard who left her a year ago without a word of explanation. The man she hated, both unable to forget him.
Felix — the love of her life.