torn between hearts

chapter 2

Andria's pov

At lunchtime, I confided in Mona "Hey,can we eat at the bleachers today? I need to avoid Kyle and Sienna."

Mona's expression turned sympathetic. "Aw, Andria, I'm so sorry. What happened?"

I took a deep breath. "I saw them making out in the locker room. I can't believe he'd do that to me."

Mona's eyes narrowed. "That jerk! He doesn't deserve you, Andria. Let's get through the rest of the day, and then we'll grab ice cream at Scoops and Smiles. My treat!"

I nodded, grateful for Mona's support. "Yeah, that sounds good."

The rest of the day dragged on, but finally, the bell rang, signaling the end of school. Mona and I headed to Scoops and Smiles, eager for a sweet escape from the drama.

As we walked in, I spotted Xander, my twin brother, and his friends, including Kyle, already there. My heart sank.

"Hey, sis!" Xander exclaimed, snatching a scoop of my ice cream. "What's with the long face?"

I playfully rolled my eyes. "Xander, stop! That's mine"

But Kyle's gaze made me feel uncomfortable. He was trying to catch my eye, but I wasn't having it. Not after what I saw earlier.

"I'll be right back, Mona. I need to use the restroom," I said, trying to escape the tension.

As I walked out, Kyle followed me, his eyes locked on mine. He leaned in, attempting to kiss me, but I pushed past him, my heart still hurting from the sight of him and Sienna

"Kyle, stop. Please" I said firmly,even though I really wanted to kiss him I returned to Mona, who was busy flirting with Xander.

"Hey, let's go, Mona! We need to get out of here before Kyle comes back," I whispered urgently.

Mona nodded, and we hastily left the shop, escaping Kyle's lingering gaze.

As we walked away, I let out a sigh. "Thanks, Mona. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Mona smiled. "Anytime, Andria. You know I love you"

What else can I ask for? I have a supportive best friend.

Mona drove me home, the evening sun casting a warm glow. The house was quiet, my family still out. I took a nap, refreshing myself for dinner.

As we ate, Dad mentioned a visit to his friend's house next weekend. "His son, Ryder, is returning from a trip, and they're throwing a welcome party," he said.

Xander raised an eyebrow. "That's kinda random."

Dad smiled. "It'll be a great chance to catch up with old friends. And Ryder's a great guy, you'll love him."

Mom added, "And their family has a beautiful house, it'll be a fun day out."

After dinner, Xander and I argued about whose turn it was to do the dishes.

"I did them last night, it's your turn!" I said, grinning.

Xander feigned horror. "No way, I'm a guest in this house!"

I rolled my eyes. "You're not a guest, you're my brother!"

Xander smirked. "Well, I'm the favorite child, so I don't have to do chores."

I playfully pushed him. "You're not the favorite, Mom and Dad love us equally!"

Mom intervened, laughing. "Okay, okay, Xander, you can do the dishes tonight."

Xander sighed dramatically. "Fine, but only because I love you, Mom."

As I got ready for bed, Talia joined me, sharing her day in a soft voice. "I think I have a crush on someone, Nathaniel," she whispered, blushing.

I smiled, tucking her hair behind her ear. "That's sweet, Talia. But you're only in third grade! What do you know about crushes?"

Talia giggled. "I don't know, but he's so cute and nice. And he shares his snacks with me!"

I laughed. "Well, that's definitely a great quality in a friend. Maybe one day you'll be his girlfriend!"

Talia's eyes sparkled. "Do you think so?"

I nodded. "Why not? You're an amazing person, and I'm sure he'd be lucky to have you as his girlfriend."

As we chatted, I couldn't help but think about my own love life. When would I find my special someone?

"Goodnight, Talia," I said, hugging her tight.

"Goodnight, Andria," she replied, snuggling into her pillow.

I woke up at 6:45am, feeling energized after a good workout. After a refreshing shower, I picked out my outfit for the day and decided to tag along with Xander to school.

"Hey, Mona, no need to pick me up today. I'm riding with Xander," I texted my friend.

As Xander walked downstairs, phone in hand, he asked, "Yeah, yeah, when are you getting back from Korea?"

"This weekend? Geeze, that's close," he replied, grabbing his car keys. He totally ignored me waiting for him, earning an eye-roll from me. "Asshole!" I thought.

After a quick goodbye call, Xander asked, "Why the hell are you still at home?"

"I want you to drop me at school," I said with a sweet smile.

Xander groaned, "Geeze, you're such a girl. Why didn't you just follow your best friend?"

I shrugged, "It's my decision, and you can't say no. You're the one with a car here."

Xander relented, "Ugh, fine."

As we drove to school, I turned on the radio, and the news caught my attention. "The QB4 are back! They're done with their concert and returning to their hometown for good."

I sighed dreamily, "Really? They're back? I wish I could have a private concert just for me alone."

Xander teased, "Eww, they wouldn't even look at you."

I playfully hit him on the arm, "Hey, don't be mean! I'm sure they're really nice guys."

Xander chuckled, "Whatever, Andria. You're just obsessed with them because they're famous."

I defended them, "Hey, that's not true! I love their music, and they're so talented. I bet they're really down-to-earth too."

As we pulled into the school parking lot, Xander said, "Well, I'm sure you'll get your chance to meet them... in your dreams."

I smiled mischievously, "You never know what might happen, Xander. Stranger things have happened, right?"

"Stop dreaming sister" Xander rolled his eyes getting out of the car.

As we walked towards our lockers.

I couldn't help but laugh at Xander's arrogance.

"Yunno you've got a really handsome brother"

"Handsome my foot!" I teased, shaking my head.

Xander grinned, "Hey, someone's got to keep the girls swooning."

I rolled my eyes, "Yeah, right. More like someone's got to keep their ego inflated."

Just then, Laura, the school's nerd, rushed up to Xander, her eyes shining with excitement. "Xander, I was wondering if you'd like to go on a date with me?"

Xander raised an eyebrow, "Date? I'd rather not."

Laura's face fell, and she looked like she was about to cry. "Oh, okay... I understand."

I elbowed Xander, "That was rude, yunno?"

Xander shrugged, "How rude? I'm just being honest. Besides, I have my eyes on someone else, and I'm trying to be a better person for her."

I raised an eyebrow, "Oh please, Alexander Nicholas Knight can never be serious with a girl."

Xander smirked, "Watch me. I'll prove you wrong, Andria."

I laughed, "I doubt it. You're just a player, Xander."

Xander chuckled, "We'll see about that. Hey, want to make a bet?"

I hesitated, "What kind of bet?"

"If I can get the girl I'm interested in to fall for me, you have to admit that I'm not a player," Xander said, his eyes gleaming with confidence.

I thought for a moment, then nodded, "Okay, deal. But if you lose, you have to admit that you're a total player."

Xander grinned, "Deal! And don't worry, I'm going to win."

We shook hands, and I couldn't help but wonder who this mystery girl was that Xander was so interested in...

I walked into math class and took a seat in the front row, hoping to avoid any awkward interactions with my classmates. As I pulled out my textbook, a girl with a bright smile and curly brown hair approached me.

"Is anybody sitting here?" she asked, gesturing to the empty seat beside me.

I shook my head, "No, you can sit here if you want."

She introduced herself as Tiffany Reynolds, but told me to call her Tiff. I smiled and said, "I'm Alexandria."

Tiff looked around the room, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. "I'm a new student here. Can I get a tour from you? This school is huge and confusing."

I agreed, and we chatted as the math teacher handed out exercises. After math, we headed to science class together.

As we walked, Tiff asked, "What's your schedule like today?"

"I have science, music, history, and geometry," I replied.

Tiff checked her schedule. "I have science, English, art, and gym. And I have no idea where any of those classrooms are."

I laughed. "Don't worry, I can show you around. We have science together, at least."

As we entered the science lab, Tiff's eyes widened. "Wow, who are those handsome guys over there?"

I followed her gaze to Xander, Kyle, Daniel, and Theodore. "They're just humans," I said playfully.

Tiff's eyes landed on Kyle, my secret crush. "I like the blonde one."

I felt a twinge of jealousy. "He's taken. He has a girlfriend."

Tiff smiled mischievously. "I don't care. I'll do everything possible to get what I want."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her confidence. "Good luck with that."

Tiff approached the group with a flirtatious smile, her eyes fixed on Kyle. "Hi, I'm Tiffany, but you can call me Tiff, or darling," she said, batting her eyelashes.

Kyle looked up from his phone, seemingly uninterested. "I'm Kyle, and these are my friends."

Tiff persisted, her voice dripping with sweetness. "Well, I'm new here, and I'd love a tour of this huge school. Would you mind showing me around, Kyle?"

I watched as Sienna stormed over to where Kyle and Tiff were chatting. Her eyes blazed with anger, and her voice was low and menacing.

"Kyle, what's going on here?" she demanded, her gaze flicking between him and Tiff.

Tiff raised an eyebrow, her smile sweet and innocent. "Just getting to know your friend, um, sorry, I didn't catch your name?"

Sienna's eyes narrowed. "My name is Sienna Thompson. And I don't want you talking to Kyle."

Tiff's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered. "Oh, Sienna, darling. I'm not afraid of you. And Kyle can talk to whoever he wants."

Sienna's face turned red with rage. "You have no idea who you're dealing with. My dad owns this school, and I can make sure you're gone in an instant."

Tiff rolled her eyes. "Oh please, Sienna. Your dad's money can't buy class. And it definitely can't buy Kyle's interest in me."

The tension between the two girls was palpable, and I wondered how Kyle would navigate this drama.

The bell for lunch rang and we all trooped out of the science lab. I went to the cafeteria and got served with chicken and chips with milkshake.

I sighted Mona sitting with Xander and the guys so I decided to join them.

As we sat down to eat our lunch, Sienna cozied up to Kyle, flirting shamelessly. Tiff walked up to our table and joined in, playfully flirting with Kyle as well.

Sienna's expression darkened, her eyes flashing with jealousy. "Hey, back off, Tiff. Kyle is mine."

Tiff raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really? I didn't know you two were dating."

Sienna's face reddened. "We are! And Kyle, tell her we're together."

Kyle hesitated, looking uncomfortable. "Uh, Sienna, we're not actually dating. We just made out once."

Sienna's eyes widened in outrage. "You're just saying that because you're embarrassed! We are dating."

Tiff chuckled. "Looks like someone's got a possessive streak!"

Sienna glared at her. "Shut up, Tiff! You don't know anything about our relationship."

Kyle sighed. "Sienna, there is no relationship. We just hooked up once, and that's it. The whole table fell silent.