Enemies To Endgame

CHAPTER ONE RILEY I clutched tightly to my acceptance and scholarship letter, staring at the gates of Oxnard high school. My body shivered at the thoughts of being in a school which was mostly filled with rich kids. Although the social ladder didn't bother me. I had to do this for my mother. She toiled day and night, and this was the least I could do to help her, especially since she's desperately saving for any college funds, in hopes that I get into a good college some day. This was everything. The beginning of my four year journey And I was going to make it with it all through. Mustering enough courage, I stepped into the building. The giant building staring right in front of me, the marbled floor: dark, sleek and exquisite. Intimidation started to set in. My palms began feeling sweaty. Still, I laid low and walked into my classroom using the direction of the school Mao I had gotten hold off before resuming. My stomach tightened upon realization that class had started. Out of instinct, I checked my watch and embarrassment engulfed me once I realised I was five minutes late. How could I have been so careless? The teacher cleared his throat, interrupting my voice. “Are you looking for someone?” He asked, diverting the entire class's attention to me. I felt a lump in my throat, wishing the ground could open up and swallow me whole. I nodded slowly. “Yes, my name's Riley Ashford.” I handed him the acceptance letter. He paused, reading through it. I counted the time passed. Minutes? Second? I couldn't quite tell. He stroked his non-existent beard and nodded slightly. “I see. You're the new scholarship student,” he put the letter back in place. The entire class erupted into laughter that echoed through the hallway. “Scholarship student?” One girl snorted. “No wonder her shoes look like the ones from the dollar store; and I'm sure they are.” My stomach tightened, and my body suddenly felt limp. I glanced at the girl and didn't fail to notice the aura she carried. Just one look at her and I could tell she was from a wealthy family. Her gorgeous long blonde hair, clear skin, her school uniform that looked like she changed them daily. They were so white, I wondered if it was the same as mine. “Sophia!” The teacher scolded. “You do not say things like that to a fellow student. And Riley here is an excellent student so I expect everyone to treat her equally.” They grumbled a yes. The teacher turned to me and told me to take a seat. The only seat available was beside Sophia, but judging by those hatred filled eyes, I knew not to mess with her even though I was desperately aching too. This scholarship was so important and I couldn't afford to lose it. Another girl waved her hands towards me. “Come sit with me,” she whispered–yelled. I smiled and sat right next to her. She extended her hands towards me, “My name is Milly. How about you?” “Riley,” I introduced and we shook hands. After what felt like forever, I was finally done with four classes and could leave for break. Milly led me to the cafeteria, chirping about stuff I didn't understand but it was nice to hear her chatter. We took our seats with no one next to us, because everyone has a rank here—ridiculous. I was halfway through my meal when the bitchy blonde girl walked in. She was with her minions this time—How terrific. She tapped Milly's shoulder. “Get up, loser. I need this table,” she ordered. Milly simply nodded, but I stopped her. “You can't tell us what to do. Who do you think you are?” I challenged her, my voice steady and confident. She smirked, a glint of amusement in her eyes. “I would give you one last chance to do as you're told or I promise you're going to regret it.” Milly tugged on my sleeves, but I just ignored her. “Do your worst, psycho,” I dared her. She laughed loudly. By this time, the entire cafeteria's attention was on us and everyone was pulling out their phones. Sophie took the chocolate milk lying on her friend's tray and dumped it on Milly's head. The entire cafeteria gasped. Chocolate milk was dripping from Milly’s hair, down her face, soaking her shirt. The poor girl looked like she was about to cry but couldn’t even move. Something inside me just… broke. I didn’t even think. My legs were already moving. Next thing I knew I was climbing on top of our table, almost slipping on the spilled tray. My heart was beating so loud I swear everyone could hear it. Every single phone was out now. Recording. Waiting for blood. Over at the royal table, Dylan Sinclair was just sitting there like he owned the whole school—which he basically did. I did my research too and knew all about him. One eyebrow up, that annoying little smirk on his face, waiting to see what would happen next. That's why I looked at their table. They were known for bullying so this message was directed at them. Sophie stood there with her arms crossed, looking at me like I was trash. “Sit your broke ass down,” she said loud enough for everyone to hear. I ignored her. Looked straight at Dylan. “You’re not kings and queens,” I said. My voice was shaking at first but then it got stronger. “You’re just rich bullies who think money makes you better than everyone else. That’s it.” The whole place went dead quiet. Like someone pressed mute on the world. Dylan didn’t move for a few seconds. Then he stood up real slow, pushed his chair back, took off those stupid sunglasses he wears inside like a celebrity. He looked at me like he was trying to figure out if I was crazy or just stupid. “Don’t get too full of yourself, scholarship girl,” he said, voice smooth but scary. “You’re nothing here. Literally nothing.” That made me so mad. “At least I’m not some spoiled brat who gets happy making people feel small!” A few people gasped. Someone whispered “oh my god she actually said that.” Dylan just smiled bigger, like a shark. “I like bold ones.” He stepped closer, hands in his pockets. “What’s your name again?” “Riley Ashford,” I said, trying not to let my voice shake. He said it slowly, like he was tasting it. “Riley Ashford.” Then that smile got even sharper. “Congrats, Riley Ashford. You just made it to the top of my list.” I lifted my chin even though my legs felt like jelly. “Good. Put me number one.” A couple people actually laughed. Dylan’s eyes got a little darker. He wasn’t used to people talking back, especially not someone like me. I jumped down from the table, almost fell, grabbed my bag and Milly’s hand (she was still dripping milk) and dragged her out. The second we left, the cafeteria went crazy. Screaming, laughing, phones still recording. By the time I got to my locker, my phone was blowing up. The video was already posted. Title: “scholarship girl just ended dylan oxnard in front of everyone (HE IS MAD)” 47k views already. Comments going wild. - she’s actually dead tomorrow - dylan’s gonna destroy her - lowkey iconic tho?? I slammed my locker shut, hands shaking bad. That’s when I saw him. Dylan was just leaning against the wall beside my locker. Alone. Arms crossed. Staring at me like I was already dead. He pushed off the wall and walked right up to me, got so close I could smell his stupid expensive cologne. “Enjoy your little moment,” he said, voice super low and scary quiet. “Starting tomorrow, you’re gonna wish you never opened your mouth.” Then he just walked away like nothing happened. I stood there, heart beating in my throat. Tomorrow was gonna be hell. And I was ready for it.