It was the first day of her senior year, and Elena Walker was determined to keep a low profile. She wasn't looking for drama or complications—just one final year before college. She stood at her bedroom mirror, brushing her long brown hair and straightening her crisp white blouse. The uniform made everyone look the same, but Elena somehow managed to make hers stand out with her understated elegance.
"Elena, are you ready? You're going to be late!" her mom called from downstairs.
"Coming!" she yelled back, grabbing her bag and heading out.
At Lakeside High, the hallways buzzed with energy. Students hugged friends they hadn't seen all summer, and the air was filled with chatter about vacations and new relationships. Elena walked through the chaos, trying not to draw attention to herself. But as usual, she failed.
"Elena! Over here!"
Her best friend, Sophie, was waving enthusiastically by the lockers. Elena smiled and made her way over. Sophie was the kind of girl who could light up a room without even trying—bubbly, funny, and always the center of attention.
"So, spill. Did you see the new guy yet?" Sophie asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"What new guy?" Elena asked, unlocking her locker.
"Oh, honey, you're in for a treat. He's a transfer student, and he's... let's just say he's not the kind of guy your mom would want you hanging out with."
Elena rolled her eyes. "Sounds like trouble."
"Exactly. And you'll love it," Sophie teased.
Before Elena could respond, a group of boys walked past them, laughing loudly. One of them caught her eye—a tall guy with messy black hair, a leather jacket over his uniform, and an air of defiance that screamed bad boy.
"That's him," Sophie whispered.
"Elena Walker," came a voice from behind her, startling her. She turned to see Liam Bennett, the sweet, all-American boy-next-door type. They had been lab partners last year, and he was always polite, always kind.
"Hi, Liam," Elena said, smiling.
"I was hoping we'd have some classes together this year," he said, his cheeks slightly pink.
Sophie nudged Elena with her elbow, whispering, "Told you—you've got options this year."
Liam was about to say something else when the bad boy—whose name Elena later learned was Jace Carter—sauntered up to them. He leaned against the lockers, his piercing blue eyes locked on Elena.
"Walker, huh? You don't look like you belong here," he said, smirking.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Elena asked, crossing her arms.
"Too good for this place. Too good for people like me," Jace replied, his tone half-teasing, half-serious.
Elena felt a strange flutter in her chest. She wasn't sure if it was annoyance or intrigue, but something about Jace unsettled her.
"Come on, Elena, we'll be late for class," Liam said, gently pulling her away.
For the rest of the day, Elena couldn't stop thinking about the contrast between the two boys. Liam was sweet and safe, the kind of guy who'd bring her flowers and remember her birthday. Jace, on the other hand, was unpredictable and dangerous, the kind of guy who'd break her heart without a second thought.
By the time the final bell rang, Elena was exhausted. She walked out of the building, relieved to be done with the day, only to find Jace leaning against his motorcycle in the parking lot.
"Need a ride?" he asked, his smirk returning.
"I don't even know you," she said, narrowing her eyes.
"You will," he replied, revving the engine.
Elena hesitated for a moment, her heart pounding. Liam called her name from across the lot, waving at her with his car keys in hand. Two choices, two very different paths.
And somehow, she already knew which one she was more curious about.
To Be Continued...