Bound To Fall In Love

Chapter 9

Stella's POV

As Zander settles into his seat, heads turn to look at him. His dark hair is artfully messy like he just rolled out of bed and his dark eyes staring straight at me, the world feels like it's just us for a second before his friends come and join him, friends might be a bit of a stretch, it's more of a mixture of fans and groupies with a sprinkle of opportunists, but I can't judge them, he's magnetic, anyone with eyes can see that he's destined for greatness. He's like the sun and as the sun we all bask in his attention and warmth. Someone engages him in conversation and we break eye contact, I try hard to focus on what Damien is saying.

"...I know it might be a stretch but I think we can pull off a break dance battle version of Cesar" I choked on the water I was drinking.

"What?!?" A startled laugh comes out of me

" You know, like a dance" he sounds completely serious but I can see a twinkle in his eye that lets me know he's joking.

"You're insane," I say still laughing before he joins in.

" It's a brilliant idea" he returns and while I could see such a thing happening it just didn't include me and break dancing

"No, never in a million years. I can't even dance" I say

"I can teach you," he says and I give him a stare that makes him laugh again

"Okay, okay but have you got any better ideas?" I think on it for a second and decide I don't but I'm still not break dancing.

"No, but I'll think of one"

"Congratulations on your prefectship by the way"

"Oh, thanks'' I smiled. We continued talking after that throughout breakfast and it was surprisingly nice, he was really easy to talk to and funny.

I found out that has two younger siblings and a husky he named Frosty as a kid and regrets it. It's not like I don't have any friends just not a lot, with studying and Zander and all my other extracurricular activities I find it hard to make time for other people but I have a feeling Damien is going to be fast friends especially since we'll be meeting every week to discuss our project.

I'm so happy I got a good partner though I kind of hoped I would be paired with Zander. As breakfast is about to end, I glance at him to see he's talking to Leilah, a hot rush of jealousy runs through me before I stamp it down because I know they used to hook up, she's completely gorgeous with tan skin, and shiny black hair with a body to die for.

They look perfect together and when they first started hooking up I thought he might start dating her, they were good friends and worked well together but I'm grateful she's dating someone else now. He meets my eye and I send a small smile over which he returns, Leila follows the direction of his eyes and raises a brow at me, I pretend like I didn't see her and leave the cafeteria after getting a bagel and some coffee for my roommate.

~~

All sporting activities are encouraged, so almost everyone is engaged in one physical activity or another, whether it's swimming, soccer, or football. I joined cheerleading when I did gymnastics when I was younger and enjoyed it.

It's a lot more work than I initially thought but it's fun and unlike how the movies portray the other cheerleaders were nice and smart. It's a team sport and we all have to work and trust each other so I've gotten close to a lot of the girls. I was still shocked when I was elected vice-captain though.

We're hoping to win Nationals this year so the practice has been intense.

I'm wearing basic work clothes, a crop top, and biker shorts and a lot of the other girls are wearing similar outfits. Our captain, Kelly, is strict but cool. She's dark-skinned with the fullest afro I've ever seen, she's an amazing dancer and does cheerleading for fun but she takes it very seriously.

"Okay girls and guys, our first competition is in a month and we have to nail this routine before then. We will nail this routine even if some of you drop dead on the way."

My whole body aches cheer practice was absolutely brutal. Thankfully the debate meeting was just about recruiting new members and was blissfully short, I skipped revision studies and chose to study privately in my room instead.

Time passed by quickly and it was already time for the prefect's meeting.

I pulled on my boyfriend's jeans and a cute green crop top that had 'next world leader' on it before stepping out. I had to wait for Naseera to get ready and we left together. She was wearing a long, purple bodycon dress and a cardigan on top, her hair covered with a black scarf, as always she looked ready to step out on a runway. We were meeting in zander's cottage which was a short walk, for longer distances the school provided shuttles and public bicycles for anyone that wanted.

When we finally got there I noticed most people whether already there. This was my first time entering his cottage even though he's been to mine. I know he didn't share it with anyone but it seemed like everyone else has been here before, they all seemed so casual sitting on the sofas talking. A bitter taste settles in my mouth at the thought of all of them being here with him without me but I know he would never actively single me out, they must have come to visit him on different occasions or something.

I sometimes wish to be a part of every aspect of his life but he's way more social than me and I often feel distanced from him when he's with other people. I'm just glad I have his attention and never have to fight for it, I fear I would lose compared to all his other friends.