Revenge by Rita Cain Page A

only reason that Gabriella was friends with Wesley was because they were neighbors and grew up together.

    Gabriella walked the halls of Richmond Academy almost as if she were in shame. She was careful not to make eye contact with others by lowering her eyes to the ground and letting her jet black hair cover her face. She walked like this because she liked having a wall away from everyone. If she went unnoticed, no one would try and hurt her. There would be no drama from her to deal with because she was invisible.
    Gabriella tried to go on unnoticed to her Chemistry class when an arm grabbed her. Gabriella gasped.

    Laughing, Wesley said, “What? Did I scare you?!”

    Gabriella slowly looked up, “Yes, yes you did,” she replied quietly.

    “Gab, you got to ease up around here! You’re so amazing! Why don’t you let anyone else see that?” Wesley said.

    “I’m not,” she stuttered. “I’m not amazing at all! I’m just some lonely girl with books as her friends.”

    “It doesn’t have to be that way! You could show the real you!”

    “No one would like it. No one. I’m not even sure if I like it!”

    “But Gab, you never know unless you try!”

    “And who are you to talk anyway? Do you see how you dress? You’re wearing glasses and you have perfect vision! That doesn’t make any sense!”

    “They’re hip, Gabriella!”

    “I have to go...”

    “But Gabs, wait! Wait!”

    She ignored him. She hurried herself to Chemistry class because that’s what’s important. Her grades. Wesley could wait; he was being stupid anyway. Gabriella believed that no one would like the real and boring her. She wasn’t even sure if she liked herself.

Chapter 3: Parties = Boys

    Ally stepped out of a stretch limo with Jessica and Christina by her side. It was extremely important that her crew hung close to her after her break up with Brett. Break-ups were devastating and Ally needed support from her girls.

    Earlier in the day, the girls had gone dress shopping to find the perfect outfit for tonight’s occasion. It was decided that Ally should get this strapless white dress with gold trim they found. The dress glistened in the light and showed off Ally’s natural highlights. For Jessica, they found a one-sleeved dress in aquamarine. It was silk and complimented Jessica’s shape while providing an acceptable contrast to her dirty-blond hair. Christina’s dress was an irresistible emerald green that drew attention to her green eyes. This being said, they were ready to party because they looked fabulous.

    Ally led her crew into the mansion, saying “hi!” and “you look adorable!” to people along the way. Naturally, she didn’t care and no one looked as good as her anyway. However, Ally was a firm believer in keeping up appearances, which meant compliments were a must.

    Ally scanned the party for a while looking for a hot new beau. She was getting discouraged when Christina pointed out a boy in a far corner. It was Wesley Foreman. He was wearing black dress pants, a teal buttoned-down dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, shades and black suspenders.

    “Hmm,” Ally said critiquing him carefully, ‘he’s cute in an odd sort of way. He’s a bowler and plays lacrosse. You can’t really count bowling as a sport but lacrosse is good. Huh, he’s in some honor classes. I like this idea.”

    “I thought you would,” Christina gushed.

    “He’s a good pick!,” Jessica urged.

    “Girls, we’ll have to see if he’s as promising as he sounds. In the meantime, challenge accepted. Wesley Foreman, you will be mine,” Ally said. “If you guys would please excuse me, I have a new boy to catch.” She winked.

    Ally walked over to the corner that Wesley was chilling in. Her head was held high and filled with her overwhelming belief that the conversation she was about to start would be a total success.

    “Hi! I’m Ally,” she said to Wesley.

    He looked up slowly from his phone, “um,