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'Don't ever let anyone find out that you're adopted.'

I made sure no one found out. Not even my best friends know. That's just how careful I've been. I was adopted after the age of 5 from the outskirts. I always wondered why my parents travelled that far from the city to adopt me. They needed a child who'd willingly do whatever they said without complaining.

I made my way downstairs after getting ready for school only to stop in my tracks as I looked at the three of them, looking more like a family. Mum and Dad always dote on their darling Ruby. I still don't get why they adopted me when they already had Ruby.

"I'm off to school."

I announced as I made my way out to the car parked in front of our house.

"Good morning, miss."

"Morning."

Quint started the car. I can feel a headache coming. I don't want to go to school. It's gonna be my first day as a senior back at Elitecrest High. Ugh, I hate school.

I looked down at my phone to see strings of texts from my two best friends, Hazel and Gina, being all excited that we're now seniors. It seems everyone's excited, but me.

"We're here."

I sighed as I carried my bag with me out of the car.

"Kaia!"

I turned to look at my two best friends approaching me. They both looped arms with me on both sides as we walked into the school premises.

"You look tired."

Gina always notices the little things.

"Yeah. I guess I didn't sleep too well."

"That sucks."

Hazel added.

"Anyways, how do you feel that you'll be crowned valedictorian this year when we graduate?"

Hazel pretends her hand is a mic.

"Guys, it's too soon to tell. Besides, there are a lot of capable students, y'know."

"Downplaying yourself isn't cute."

Gina scolds me.

"Fine. I'm actually excited! You happy now?"

Just thinking about it brings a smile to my face.

"Look at that. She's finally smiling."

"I know. Valedictorian is yours, baby girl."

"Thank you, guys."

I side hug both of them.

The bell chimes, signalling our first class of the day. Everyone settles down to their seats as Ms. Hillary, our homeroom teacher, warmly welcomes us back.

"That'll be all for today."

Ms. Hillary stops in her tracks on her way out of our class.

"... and who might you be?"

"She's the new student joining us today."

The principal makes his entrance in front of the class.

This is my first time seeing the principal escorting a new student to her class. Are they related, by chance?

"Alright. We're happy to have you. Kindly introduce yourself."

The new student takes a few steps in front of her. She stands confidently as she scans the classroom before speaking.

"My name is Nadia Banks. I hope we get along."

Well, that was rather short.

"Okay. You can sit over there, Nadia."

Ms. Hillary directs her to the empty seat behind me.

The principal and Ms. Hillary make their exit. That's when a bunch of my classmates flocked to her desk to ask the new kid this and that.

"You're so pretty!"

"Girl, what perfume do you use? You smell so freaking good!"

"Will you be my friend?"

"Do you have a boyfriend?"

"Where were you learning before coming here?"

"O.M.G! She has a dimple?! You're so adorable!"

"Enough!" All that noise is just too annoying. "Everyone, get back to your seats. Now."

Although they didn't want to, they just had to get back to their seats. After all, I'm the class president, and what I say goes around here. Fortunately, Mr. Hingman was already here for the first class.