STILL WORTH IT!

My thoughts came to a screeching halt when I saw Kimberly Hart sashaying towards me, her plate balanced effortlessly in her manicured hand. I did a double take, my eyes darting back to confirm that she was indeed staring at me with an intensity that made my heart race like a Ferrari. I was pretty sure she could see right through me, witness the chaotic flip flops my heart was performing like a circus act.

I'd had a major crush on Kimberly since the day I set foot in this posh school, but she never deigned to notice me. And why would she? She was the queen bee, her piercing brown eyes that seemed to hold a secret, and a smile that could stop traffic. Not to mention her Louboutin shoes that made her look like a supermodel. And, of course, her dad's wealth and influence that made her virtually untouchable.

As she approached, I felt my heart thudding in my chest like a drumline. I was terrified that everyone around us would hear its loud protests, witness my embarrassing infatuation. But Kimberly just kept walking towards me, her eyes locked on mine with a mysterious intensity that left me breathless.

As Kimberly Hart gracefully placed her plate on the table, I literally felt my heart leap out of my chest and into my throat. I swear, I almost choked on it. "Hey!" she said, her dark brown eyes sparkling like diamonds in the cafeteria light.

"Hii..." I stuttered, my voice barely audible, my brain taking a few seconds to reboot. I was mortified by the goofy grin spreading across my face, my facial muscles betraying me like a snitch. I tried to compose myself, but my eyes kept darting back to her, drinking in the sight of her red coat and navy blue skirt.

After that, an awkward silence descended upon us like a thick fog, leaving me wondering what Kimberly Hart could possibly want from me. Why was she being so quiet, her eyes fixed on me like a laser beam? I breathed a silent thank you to the universe when Fiona burst into our uncomfortable bubble, her bubbly personality a welcome distraction.

I knew the two girls had a history of sour beef, their past disagreements palpable in the tension between them. But I was desperate for a lifeline, someone to stir the conversation and rescue me from my own awkwardness. Fiona's arrival was a godsend, her chatty nature and infectious laughter a balm to my frazzled nerves. As she launched into a story about something I wasn't even paying attention to, I felt my tension ease, grateful for the reprieve from Kimberly's intense gaze.

Most of the time, the two girls eyed each other like rival queens, their gaze a silent game of tug-of-war. It was actually pretty fascinating to watch, like a real-life soap opera. "Ches," Fiona began, "I'm having a party tonight! Coming? Well, do I even need to ask you?" She winked.

As I was about to respond with a resounding "yes", Kimberly cut me off, "Well, I was actually going to invite Chester to my party!" She placed her hand on mine, her touch sending shivers down my spine. I nearly died from the sheer proximity to my longtime crush. Like fuck! The hormones...

"So, Chester, you're coming, right?" She asked, in a seductive tone, I was thanking my lucky stars we were in public, her dark brown eyes sparkling with expectation.

I felt ashamed of myself for walking out of class, claiming I wasn't the lovey dovey type.

Fiona scowled, her face a picture of displeasure. And I was just there, frozen like a deer in headlights, my mind torn between my bestie and my lifelong infatuation with Kimberly. They both looked at me expectantly, their eyes boring into my soul. "So?" They asked in unison, their voices like a chorus of anticipation.

"Uhh..." I began, my voice barely above a whisper. "Sorry, Fiona, I'm going to have to go with Kimberly's party." I braced myself for the fallout, my heart racing like a runaway train.

"Oh Chester, you're the absolute best!" Kimberly cooed, her voice dripping with sweetness, her dark brown eyes sparkling with triumph as she gazed at Fiona. The latter's face turned beet red with anger, her eyes blazing like fireworks on a summer night.

Fiona gasped, her chair scraping against the floor as she shot up from her seat, her long hair bouncing with each step. She stormed off, leaving a trail of drama and tension in her wake, like an angered cat abandoning a hairball. "I'm sorry!" I called after her, my voice filled with guilt and regret, my eyes pleading for forgiveness. "I love you, Fiona!" I added, my words echoing off the cafeteria walls, a desperate attempt to salvage our friendship.

Kimberly's laughter tinkled like a chime, her hand reaching out to touch my arm, her touch sending shivers down my spine.

After that, we sat in the cafeteria, surrounded by the hum of conversation and the clatter of utensils on plates. I listened, entranced, as Kimberly talked about her party, her voice painting a vivid picture of the extravagant affair. Turns out, it wasn't happening that night, but after school. I felt a mix of annoyance and excitement, my mind racing with the prospect of attending a party at the infamous Hart mansion.

After school, Kimberly's driver, a stern-looking man with a crisp suit pulled up in a sleek black limousine. I quickly freshened up, changing into my not-so-stylish but clean clothes, feeling a bit out of place amidst the opulence. The driver dropped me off at the mansion, a sprawling estate that looked like it was plucked straight from a Hollywood movie set.

The mansion was enormous, with towering spires and grand archways, its facade a dazzling display of wealth and extravagance. The grounds were immaculately manicured, with lush green lawns and vibrant flowers that seemed to bloom in every color of the rainbow. A majestic fountain stood at the center of the courtyard, its waters dancing and splashing in a mesmerizing display of beauty and engineering. The sound of gentle chirping and soft music filled the air, creating an atmosphere of serenity and luxury.

As I stepped out of the limousine, the massive wooden doors swung open, revealing a grand entrance hall with a sweeping staircase and crystal chandeliers that refracted light into a kaleidoscope of colors. The interior was just as impressive as the exterior, with lavish furnishings, priceless artwork, and a small army of servants bustling about, attending to every need. I felt like a kid in a candy store, my eyes wide with wonder and my heart racing with excitement.

I was totally hoping Kimberly's party would be, like, the most epic bash ever! But noooo, it was a total snooze-fest! All they did was play this ancient piano music that sounded like a cat in heat, all off-key and cringeworthy. I mean, I was stuck there, forced to gaze at Kimberly's flawless face, her dark brown eyes sparkling like diamonds in the dim light. I swear, it was like torture, being trapped in that stuffy room with nothing but the sound of clunky piano notes and the stench of old money.

And then, to make matters worse, we had to have tea in these tiny, dainty teacups, like we were a bunch of prim and proper princesses or something! I mean, I'm a teenager, for crying out loud! I don't do tea parties! And the taste? Ugh, it was like licking a dry, wooden spoon! Where was the sweetness, the flavor, the love?! It tasted like someone had poured a bucket of silverware and dry woods into my mouth. No wonder only a handful of my classmates showed up - it was like attending a funeral, minus the mourning.

But, I guess, on the bright side (and I'm really stretching here), I got to spend time with Kimberly, gazing into her eyes, and pretending to enjoy the torture. I mean, she's still, like, the most gorgeous creature I've ever laid eyes on, even if her party was a total disaster.