HE THOUGHT I WAS OBSESSED

“ROSETTA!” Evelyn Vance shouted as she came rushing down the staircase, clutching a white envelope tightly in her hand. Rosetta Stone, who was sitting on the sofa in the parlor while scrolling through her phone, nearly jumped out of her seat. “Evelyn?” Rosetta asked worriedly, quickly placing her phone on the sofa. “What happened?” she asked as Evelyn stopped in front of her, breathing heavily. For a moment, she couldn't even speak. Then she raised the envelope above her head. “I GOT IT!” Evelyn shouted excitedly, her face glowing with happiness. Rosetta stared at her in confusion. “Got what?” she asked curiously, tilting her head. “The scholarship!” Evelyn replied happily, waving the envelope in the air while Rosetta's eyes widened in shock. “No way!” she exclaimed doubtfully, immediately getting to her feet. “Yes way!” Evelyn replied excitedly, jumping up and down. Rosetta rushed toward her. “You actually got it?” she asked in disbelief, grabbing Evelyn's shoulders. “I actually got it!” Evelyn answered happily, laughing. Rosetta screamed happily. “You're going to West Bridge High School!” she exclaimed excitedly. “I'M GOING TO WEST BRIDGE!” Evelyn shouted happily. The two girls grabbed each other and began jumping around the parlor. “I can't believe it!” Rosetta exclaimed, laughing as she hugged Evelyn tightly. “I told you I could do it!” Evelyn replied proudly, hugging her friend back. After several seconds, they finally pulled apart. Rosetta placed both hands on Evelyn's shoulders and looked at her proudly. “You deserve this,” she said warmly. “You've worked so hard for it,” she added as Evelyn's smile softened. “Thank you,” she replied quietly, her eyes becoming slightly emotional. For Evelyn, this wasn't just another school. It was an opportunity she had fought hard for. After losing her parents, life had never been easy. She had learned how to survive without the people who were supposed to guide her through life. Rosetta had been there for her through the worst of it. They had grown up together, and when Evelyn had nowhere else to go, Rosetta's family had opened their home to her. Now, after months of studying and working harder than she had ever worked before, Evelyn finally had something to be proud of. Rosetta suddenly raised one finger. “But I need you to promise me something,” she said seriously. Evelyn raised an eyebrow. “What?” she asked curiously. “Don't let those rich kids make you feel like you don't belong there,” Rosetta warned, folding her arms. Evelyn rolled her eyes playfully. “I won't,” she replied confidently. “Promise?” Rosetta asked suspiciously. “I promise,” Evelyn replied firmly as Rosetta nodded. “Good,” she said, still smiling. She returned to the sofa and picked up her phone, but before she could unlock it, she noticed something. Evelyn was still standing there with a huge smile on her face. Rosetta slowly narrowed her eyes. “Wait,” she said suspiciously. Evelyn blinked. “What?” Evelyn asked innocently. “Why are you smiling like that?” Rosetta asked, pointing at her face. Evelyn immediately looked away. “I'm not smiling,” she replied quickly, and Rosetta scoffed. “You are,” she said knowingly. “No, I'm not,” Evelyn argued, trying to hide her smile. “Evelyn,” Rosetta said slowly, staring at her. “What?” Evelyn asked, turning toward her. Rosetta folded her arms. “Why are you really excited about West Bridge?” she asked suspiciously. Evelyn stared at her for a moment. “I already told you,” she replied casually. “It's a perfect school,” she added, still smiling. Rosetta raised an eyebrow, “Hmm,” she murmured doubtfully. Evelyn tried to walk away, but Rosetta suddenly snapped her fingers, “Wait!” she said sharply. Evelyn stopped, “What?” she asked nervously. “Adrian Hayes!” Rosetta exclaimed, pointing at Evelyn with a knowing grin. Evelyn's cheeks immediately turned pink. “Don't start,” Evelyn warned, looking away. Rosetta's mouth fell open. “Oh my God!” Rosetta exclaimed, laughing. “It really is about Adrian!” she added. “It is not!” Evelyn protested, crossing her arms. “You've been talking about that boy for months!” Rosetta replied, laughing. “I haven't!” Evelyn argued defensively “You have!” Rosetta insisted. Evelyn rolled her eyes. “Okay, maybe a little,” she admitted reluctantly, while Rosetta laughed. “A little?” she repeated sarcastically. “Evelyn, you've watched almost every interview he's ever done!” Rosetta said. “That's called research,” Evelyn replied confidently, trying to defend herself as Rosetta shook her head. “You have all his songs on your phone,” she continued, counting on her fingers. “I like music,” Evelyn replied casually. “You have pictures of him saved on your phone,” she added as Evelyn suddenly went quiet. Rosetta pointed at her. “Aha!” she exclaimed triumphantly. Evelyn covered her face with both hands. “Okay! Fine!” she admitted, laughing nervously, making Rosetta burst out laughing. “I knew it!” Rosetta exclaimed happily. Evelyn lowered her hands and sighed, But it's not because he's famous,” she explained seriously. Rosetta tilted her head. “Then why do you like him?” she asked curiously. Evelyn stared at her as though the answer was obvious. “Have you seen his face?” she asked seriously. Rosetta stared at her. “ Is this your reason?” she asked, surprised. “Yes!” Evelyn replied confidently. Rosetta burst out laughing. “You're unbelievable!” she exclaimed, shaking her head as Evelyn smiled at her. “I don't care that he's famous,” Evelyn explained, waving her hand dismissively. “I don't care that he's rich either,” she added as she picked up the scholarship letter from the table and looked at it proudly. “I just think he's insanely handsome,” Evelyn admitted dreamily while Rosetta rolled her eyes. “You haven't even met him,” she reminded her. “Not yet,” Evelyn replied excitedly. Rosetta stared at her suspiciously. “Please don't embarrass yourself when you meet him,” she warned. “I won't,” Evelyn replied confidently. “Evelyn,” Rosetta said warningly. “What?” Evelyn asked innocently. “I know you,” Rosetta said as Evelyn laughed. “You don't know me that well,” Evelyn replied. Then Rosetta shook her head. “I know enough to know you're going to do something ridiculous,” Rosetta said. “I am not!” Evelyn replied. “You are,” Rosetta said, not ready to give up. “I am not!” Evelyn said shyly. “You'll see,” Rosetta replied confidently, picking up her phone again. Evelyn ignored her and looked down at the scholarship letter in her hands. West Bridge High School. Adrian Hayes' school. Tomorrow, she would finally step through those gates. Tomorrow, she would finally see the boy whose face had occupied far too many of her thoughts. She knew Adrian was famous. She knew thousands of girls screamed whenever he appeared on stage. She knew his name was everywhere. But none of that mattered to Evelyn. She wasn't interested in his money. She wasn't interested in his fame. She simply thought he was incredibly handsome. And tomorrow, she was going to see him in person. Evelyn smiled dreamily. “Tomorrow,” she whispered excitedly, holding the scholarship letter against her chest. She had no idea that her first day at West Bridge High School would be the beginning of something that would change her life. She also had no idea that Adrian Hayes wouldn't find her charming. He wouldn't find her cute. He wouldn't find her interesting. He would find her... annoying. And this would be the beginning of their story.