365 DAYS WITH THE LANCASTER BOYS

CHAPTER THREE

PEARL'S POV

The sun peeped over the horizon scattering it's rays into the room. I walked toward the window and dragged the curtains shut, as if shutting it would ease the heaviness in my heart.

"Are you ready." Mia's voice echoed through the room.

I picked up the brush, slowly combing my hair. The room wasn't spotless but at least it no longer looked like a dump site.

" Pearl?" Mia called, drawing me back to the question she had asked.

" Almost." I whispered. My gaze shifted to the mirror. The uniform fitted perfectly, hugging my body in the right places, but it felt strange, like I was stepping into a role I couldn't play. I dabbed a little powder on my face and forced myself to breathe.

" I can't wait to see the Lancaster boys." Mia said, her lips curling into a grin, her face heavy with makeup.

My stomach sank. She never spoke ill of them, but the way people treated those boys, like they were royalty inside this academy walls, only made my chest tightened.

" Let's take a picture." Mia bubbled, already raising her phone.

I leaned in,forcing a smile, but my face dropped as my eyes caught the date on her screen.

"Yesterday...."

How could I have forgotten? Ice shot down my spine. I pulled back, curling into a corner, as my breath turned thin and sharp.

" What's wrong?" Mia turned, her expression puzzled.

Yesterday I was supposed to send the song. The one tied to my anonymous contract. The only proof that maybe, just maybe, I wasn't wasting my time with music.And I'd missed it.

Because my phone wasn't with me. It was with that Green eyes Lancaster.

Heat waves pooled in my chest. That phone held everything: drafts, voice records, and messages with the one person who believed in me even without knowing who I was. If Liam opened any of it,(I pray he doesn't), if he even peeked, my secrets would unravel.

" Pearl," Mia's voice snatched my thoughts, "why do you look like you have seen a ghost."

I drew my knees to my chest, staring at the floor. No one knew about the contract. Not even Mia. It was the only part I kept hidden. The one dream I nurtured in silence.

Mia was still staring at me, her brows pinched together. I forced myself to straighten, and forced a smile.

" I'm fine." I lied.

But I wasn't. The thought of losing the contract made my throat tightened. My last encounter with Liam didn't end well. If anything, I doubted he wanted to see my face again. But what choice did I have?

If I wanted my phone back, I'd have to swallow my pride, find him at school today and apologize. Maybe if I looked sincere enough, he'd give it back without questions.

" Let's go." I said, slinging my bag over my shoulder. As we stepped out of the room, only one prayer pressed on my lips. Please, let Liam be decent to give it back and I promised never to be involved with the Lancasters.

******

The sharp ring of the bell jolted me back to reality. Students moved in groups, laughing and holding hands. Mia snapped photos at every step, beaming as though it were the best days of her life.

Meanwhile,I counted the minutes and Liam still hadn't arrived.

" Ouch." Mia's yelped, rubbing her shoulder. My head snapped toward her.

"So rude." She muttered, stamping her foot, and glaring at the girl who had bumped into her.

" Don't let it get to you." I said, trying to calm her down, "She is not worth it."

Before Mia could respond, a group of students rushed past us. Phones were raised, and their faces reeked of anticipation. Something or someone was clearly happening out there.

Mia's scowl disappeared, curiousity sparking in her eyes. I turned too, unable to ignore the growing commotion. She tugged at my hand, pulling me along to see what the fuss was about.

A sleek black car glided to a stop. Squeals broke out, one louder than the other as the crowds began singing what sounded like a fan chant.

UN! Deux! Tres! Quattro!

LAN-CAN-STER, let's go!

Ryker! Liam! Torr! Collin!

Forever Lancaster! Always with you!

" Oh my goodness!" Mia squealed, bouncing on her toes.

I rose on mine, straining to see over the sea of heads. Note to self: Short people really do deserve higher shoes.

The car swung open. A tall figure stepped out and the crowd erupted into gasps. Camera flashes turned the air metallic. He stood confident and magnetic. His presence alone was enough to cause a stampede.

" He is so handsome." Someone shrieked.

" Ryker is really cool." Another swooned.

But my gaze wasn't on him.My eyes narrowed, searching the car. Where was Liam? Why hadn't he stepped out yet? Frustration bit back under my skin- sharp and impatient.

Another door clicked open, and another figure emerged. His smile was easy, and he posed like he was born for the spotlight. The chant rose higher as he waved.

" That's Collin." Mia said as if I had asked for a introduction.

" Torr!" Mia screamed along with the crowd. Torr followed cool, and unbothered, slipping on his glasses as if the screaming crowd was nothing but a background noise. He looked like a book freak.

Collin looked at a girl beside me, and she shrieked nearly shoving her phone into my face.

I rolled my eyes. What was all this madness? Why are people here treating them like mini-gods. I ran my fingers through my hair, glancing at my wristwatch. Shouldn't Liam be out by now?

The final door opened and Liam stepped out. The atmosphere shifted instantly, the energy of the students pulled tight like a bowstring. Unlike the rest, he didn't wave. He simply stood there composed and unreadable.

Liam gaze swept over the faces of the crowd almost like he was looking for someone. For a moment, I could swear his eyes found mine. My breath caught,chest tightened as if the world only spun around us.

Then with the faintest smirk on his lips, he winked. A shiver ran down my spine, heat flooded my cheeks before I could stop it.

Mia clutched my hand so hard that it hurts." "Did you see that? He winked! Oh my gosh, he actually winked at us!"

But I knew better. He hadn't winked at us. He had winked at me.

The boys began moving toward the class area.Liam slipped his hands into his pockets, eyes not leaving mine and pulled out something familiar.

My eyes widened. My phone. He smiled and flipped it casually between his fingers. I wanted to move but Mia's hand were still tightly wrapped around mine.

A slow smile crept on his lips as he mouthed....

"Welcome to Lancaster."

My world tilted as the words registered in my brain. And I hated the way my heart leaped at his words.