my prized possession

CHAPTER 1

Nowadays, s*x is on the lips of every teenager in my high school; being a virgin is like being the least cool kid in school. That was me, the less cool kid. My name is Vanessa Parker, and I am a virgin keyword, virgin.

I grew up with a single mom, Lucy. she dedicated her youth to being a public toilet to men, when something can out of it, or someone, that’s me, I didn’t know my dad, and anytime I ask my mom, she is always confused, so I decided not to ask again.

After some few years, she decided to compensate me by giving me a stepdad, Billy. He was a good father to me, he really filled the space of my actual father whom I don’t know about. My mom and stepdad gave us younger siblings, which I don’t like. Chris and Christina were like little evildoers, always out to get someone, and that someone is me.

Their social lives are 100% full. The whole school knows them, wants to talk to them, and hang out with them. Meanwhile, my social life? It's at 0%—or maybe even in the negatives. I'm probably owing social points at this rate.

Maybe I was just built differently. I don’t know how to communicate without somehow turning myself into a walking joke. And let’s be honest, my school is the worst place to have zero social life.

I’m a senior at Oakland High School in Pennsylvania. The place is packed with jerks and entitled girls who don’t have much going on in their heads. But there’s one good thing that’s come out of this school—Annabella. My best friend. My lifeline.

Our personalities are completely different—so different that sometimes I wonder how we even became friends. I was never like Annabella, and she was nothing like me. But I guess it’s true what they say: opposites attract.

Honestly, I’m grateful for this friendship. It’s one of the best things that’s happened to me in a long time.

A fun fact about Annabella? She’s not weird like me. She has this natural aura—her presence commands attention. I was shocked the day she sat with me at lunch. She chose to sit at my table. I actually thought it was a prank. I even looked around for hidden cameras. She laughed at my reaction and said, “I’m not pranking you.”

Still, I was skeptical. But then she reached out, held my hand, and said, “I just love your company. I think it would be nice to hang out with someone real—not fake.” She glanced over at the girls sitting across the room who were busy throwing judgmental looks our way. She smiled, then looked back at me.

I smiled too and said, “Fine, I’ll accept your friendship. You’re kind of weird—and I like weird.” We both laughed.

Ever since that day, we’ve been inseparable.

I stood in front of the school, still questioning why I even bothered showing up today. Then he walked past me—Jackson. My forever crush. Of course, he didn’t notice me. He never does. The only time he ever looks my way is when I’m standing next to Annabella. They’ve become pretty good friends, and honestly, I’m grateful for that. At least it means Jackson is close to me, even if it’s just for a second.

I was busy drooling over him, lost in my own little fantasy, when someone just had to interrupt my moment.

“Hello, can you stop eye r****g Jackson?” Annabella said smiling,

I was already a red tomato, “Why would she tell something like that?” I thought shyly, I playfully pushed her, “how could you eye r****g him? And why will I r**e someone like Jackson”, I question her while tugging her arm,

“I know he won’t mind, you are hot as hell”, Annabel tease me

I laughed while hiding my blush, I was hot I admit, but not hotter like Annabel, every guy in school want a taste of her, which she didn’t complain, she loves the attention, but it haven’t gotten between our friendship, i loves Annabel for that, she never make me feel less of myself.

Some people even placed bets on our friendship, thinking it wouldn’t last through senior year. But I just laughed at them—they didn’t really know Annabella like I do. Annabella and I have very different personalities. She’s outspoken, very beautiful, and has a little bit of sass. Me? I’m the opposite—reserved, shy, beautiful too, but easily pushed around.

The one thing we had in common was that we were both still virgins. Shocking, right? That’s exactly how I felt a few months ago when she broke the news to me. Annabella and “virgin” didn’t seem like they belonged together, but she wasn’t embarrassed—she embraced it. She always told me she wanted her first time to be special, with someone she actually loved, not just some horny high school boys.

Honestly, I envied how she carried her virginity like a prize. Me? I also wanted it to be with someone special—someone like Jackson.

The bell rang, signaling homeroom with Mrs. Janet. She didn’t tolerate lateness, so I quickly pecked Annabella and told her I’d see her in class. I ran down the hall, not wanting to be late, especially when Mrs. Janet was in charge.

When I got to the classroom, I took my usual seat. Beside me was Jackson, who was busy typing on his phone. He didn’t even notice me sit down. He smiled at whatever was on his screen. Probably chatting with one of his hoes, I thought, jealousy bubbling inside me. I decided to just let him be.

Mrs. Janet came into the classroom, as beautiful as usual. She wore black linen trousers and a pink long-sleeved top, her hair neatly tied up. She was the only Black teacher in my school, and one thing I loved about her was her discipline. She didn’t tolerate disrespect but always played fair. She never disrespected any student, which was fine by me.

she talked about the unsafe s*x, which made the class quite interested even me as well, she told us to danger of it, and how the prevent the danger that comes with it, the class was enlightening, she asked us if we had any question for her, of course, a brunch of horny teenager will have a lot of question about s*x, while question was going on, I was sitting quietly in my seat, I glances at Jackson which was already staring at me, I was shocked, how he being staring at me for a while now?, I question myself, he then smiles, which made me blush, what it the s*x talk that made him remember me?, I then smile back at him, being that, the s*x talk was over, and we were dismissed to our class.

I quickly packed up, eager to tell my best friend what just happened. I was so excited I could’ve kissed every boy in the hallway—okay, maybe I was exaggerating. I found Annabella at her locker and spun her around in a big hug.

She looked confused. “Vanessa, are you okay? What’s up with you?” she asked.

I smiled like a kid about to get a giant lollipop. “He smiled at me. Jackson smiled at me!” I told her, practically bouncing with excitement.

Annabella stared at me like I’d grown three heads, then finally she smiled. “Why are you so shocked? Don’t you know he likes you?”

At that moment, it felt like someone had just swallowed a swarm of butterflies, because the feeling inside me was completely new. I didn’t believe her at first—Annabella loved to prank me—but then she took my hand and said softly, “Don’t you think you’re beautiful enough to attract someone like Jackson? I know school’s been tough for you, and all those girls making you feel less than you are. But Vanessa, do you know why they do that?”

I shook my head, already feeling emotional.

“Because they know you’re more beautiful, intelligent, braver, stronger, and sexier than them. They feel threatened by your presence. And do you know why I chose you to be my best friend? Because you’re one in a million, and it’s an honor to be your friend.”

I was a crying mess. No one had ever made me feel that special—not even my mom. On the spot, I wrapped my arms around Annabella, tears flowing freely. She tried to soothe me, but the damage was done. How dare she say those beautiful words to me? Now I was a mess of emotions, and stopping wasn’t easy.

Annabella wiped my tears away and told me not to cry anymore. “Come on, we should head to class.”

I happily obliged.

By 3 p.m., the last bell rang, signaling the end of the school day. It was finally time to head home. I made my way to my locker to pack up. Chris and Christiana must have already left with their crew—they never wanted to hang out with me after school anyway. They always called me “lame” and “boring.” But after today, I didn’t really care. Today had gone well—my crush smiled at me, and my best friend basically told me I was awesome. What more could I ask for?

As I was packing, I noticed someone standing behind me. I turned and saw Jackson, smiling at me. I was taken aback. Why was he here? Was he looking for Annabella or me?

“Hey, what’s up?” he said, still smiling.

Okay, this was weird. Jackson hadn’t spoken to me once all my life—why start now? But then I remembered Annabella’s words, and suddenly I felt a bit courageous.

“Hey Jackson, I’m good. What’s up?” I replied.

He stepped closer, which surprised me, so I instinctively moved back a little. Then he reached out and removed something from my hair—a crumpled piece of paper.

How did that even get there? I wondered, touched by the small gesture.

“Thanks,” I said quietly.

He nodded and then said, “I’d love for you to help me with studying. You’re an A+ student, and I really want to graduate with my mate.”

The smile on my face vanished. So he wanted my brain, not me. How foolish was I to think Jackson would ever want me? I shouldn’t have let Annabella’s words get to me.

“Okay, no problem. I’ll help you,” I agreed, feeling a little stupid. Honestly, I didn’t know what was wrong with me—he just seemed to charm me every time he looked at me.

He smiled knowingly, like he’d already won.

“My house will be fine. It’s quieter and more private,” he said, then walked away, leaving me utterly shocked and questioning the whole situation.

Was this really about studying… or something else?

I shook my head, trying to push the unnecessary thoughts away. “Don’t get your hopes up, Vanessa,” I told myself.

Then my phone buzzed. It was Annabella texting—she said she wouldn’t be following me home; she had a lot to do. She apologized, but I wasn’t upset.

My mind was full of thoughts about what would happen at Jackson’s house. Was it really just studying, or something more?

I headed home, already regretting my choices when it came to Jackson.