In Love With My Evil Stepbrother

Chapter Twelve The clouds are dense and opaque on the first day of my senior year, which kind of mirrors the state of my feelings. In my entire lifetime, I’ve never detested going to school so badly.

Mr. Ramirez kindly offered to drive me to school in his Rolls, which I can’t say no to, since he had made it clear that he wants to send me off on my first day. Looks like the secret of me being the Ramirez’s freeloader won’t be kept for long.

During the drive, Mr. Ramirez tried his best to easy off my nerve, but I kept tailing off from our conversation. As we approach the front gate of school, my symptom of nausea is getting worse.

The parking area is already packed with fancy cars when we get there. In my old school, everyone had limited budget for cars, and as a result it was common to see dingy second handed Honda and Pirus everywhere on campus. But things clearly work different here. Mercedes and Porsche would still be considered as normal. I just saw a flashy sport car with doors opened like wings pull into the student lot.

But our Rolls stands out, nevertheless. I feel people’s eyes flickered to me the moment I open my passenger door.

The attention is just unnerving.

Mr. Ramirez wishes me “good luck”, which I mumble a vague “yes” in return and jump off the car. As I start heading towards the front office, I let my hair fall off my shoulder, blocking all curious looks from the outside.

There’s already a long line in the front office when I walk in. It’s shocking to see how many students are transferring into this school each semester. Mom told me that this is the most prestigious schools in the city, so whenever there’s an open seat, everyone wants in.

I scan the room and try to talk to the student in front of me, “Umm, excuse me?”

He turns around with a smile, “yeah?”

“Hey. Is this the line for new transfers?”

“Yes. We are supposed to pick up our schedule and map here,” he seems to be glad for having someone to talk to. “My name is Eddie. Are you a new student as well?” He looks friendly, so I take the initiative to offer my hand. “Yes, nice to meet you. And I’m Natalia Moore by the way.” But his expression changes all of a sudden. He stares at me in shock, as if he just witnessed a ghost popping up from the thin air. “Natalia?” he repeats, “THE Natalia Moore?”

I felt a surge of bewilderment. “Yeah… I guess so?”

another word and leaves

hell

mood. Either this Eddie boy is insane, or there’s something going on without me knowing. As I raise my head to look around, people are quick to avoid any eye contacts with me, even though

something is

finds out about who I am. But can rumors spread this

about this as the line moves on quickly. Finally it’s my turn. “Your name, please?” the red-haired lady behind the reception desk

I

light of awareness in her eyes. And that’s when I can’t hold it back anymore.

doubt you will fit right into our school. So, here’s your schedule and the campus map.

me good luck. Her reaction seems normal enough, but I can sense something is hidden from me

not so hard to find following the map. As I start walking down the corridor and approach the classroom, my heart starts thumbing crazy.

calm, and walk up to the teacher to explain my situation. Fortunately, my literature teacher doesn’t give me that weird look upon hearing my name. She hands me a reading

meet with some curious eyes-let’s just say that their looks are not exactly

the classroom; one guy even bumped into my shoulder while passing by, even though it’s an empty hallway. Quiet whispers of my names follow me wherever I go, but as soon as I turn around to look for the speaker, the

frustrating! Embarrassing even. Here I am, haven’t done anything wrong, and I’m already the school freak. Worst part is I don’t even

in groups. That Eddie boy I met at the Front Office is sitting with his

is nothing against newcomers. Just me. I hold my tray and walk to a table with empty seats. But a ginger-haired girl at the same table instantly stops me, “this seat is taken.” I felt a flush of embarrassment, but quickly gather my courage to stand up to her. “I’ll scootch over when your friends get here.” She gawks at me with a bizarre look, “there’s plenty seats here. Just find

her and take my seat

must have shocked her. She glares at me with rage-filled eyes, but it’s gonna take more than staring to scare me

hear someone calling my name. I turn around and

to the back, seeming both stylish and casual. She has a very beautiful and angular face, which is accentuated even more by a light apply of