Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1 "I'm going to kill him!" My voice rings out so loudly that the entire neighborhood probably hears me. Someone—Jason—switched out my shampoo with the ugliest green dye I've ever seen, and I know it was him. I'm practically vibrating with rage by the time I storm over to his house, fully prepared to commit murder. And honestly? I'd be justified. School starts in two weeks, our last year, and I cannot walk into Gold Lead Academy looking like the Grinch's long-lost twin sister. Yes, unfortunately, Jason and I go to the same school. Gold Lead Academy is about as prestigious as it gets—a ridiculously expensive boarding school that I can only afford thanks to my scholarship. He, on the other hand, probably has enough money to buy the place twice over. Ever since he moved in next door, we've been inseparable, not by choice. Our moms bonded over their shared bad taste in men and have forced us to spend time together ever since. I jab the doorbell with more force than necessary, still seething. I already know he's home alone—our moms are out shopping, meaning I'm not disturbing anyone important. The door swings open, and there he is. Jason. Standing there in all his irritating glory, a smug smirk already in place. "Can I help you?" he asks, raising a perfectly arched eyebrow. "You're literally insane! Look what you did to my hair!" I gesture wildly at my waist-length locks, which are now a sickly shade of green. He barely spares them a glance. "Calm down, it's temporary," he says, rolling his eyes before stepping aside to let me in. I march straight to his room and collapse onto his bed, dramatically flinging my arms out. "I really hate you," I declare as he walks in after me. Jason just laughs, the absolute asshole. "Love you too," he shoots back with a wink. I pretend to gag. He plops down beside me, looking infuriatingly pleased with himself. "I'll get you back for this," I warn. Instead of responding, he grabs my waist and tickles me. I shriek, laughing so hard I can barely breathe. I flail, trying to push him away, but he's relentless. When he finally stops, I'm gasping for air, and my cheeks ache from smiling. I grab a pillow and smack him with it, which only makes his grin widen. Here's the truth, though—one of my best-kept secrets. I don't actually hate Jason. Not even close. He's one of my favorite people in the world. But no one at school knows that. As far as everyone else is concerned, we're rivals, constantly at each other's throats. Both of us are competing for valedictorian this year, and that only makes things even more intense. But when it's just us? When there's no audience? It's different. We've been sneaking into each other's rooms for years now. I don't even remember how we went from strangers to best friends, but I'm grateful we did. Spending time with him is my favorite part of the day. "Alright, come on," he says, standing up. "Let me help you wash it off." I perk up. "You have dye remover?" "Obviously," he smirks. "Bought it when I got the dye. But honestly? I think you should keep the green. Really brings out your inner monster." I scowl. "I look like a swamp creature." "I was thinking more... if Shrek were a teenage girl." "Fiona had red hair, dumbass." I smack him with the pillow again, but I follow him to the bathroom. I'd do anything to get rid of this hideous color. He sets up a stool in front of the sink, and I adjust until my head is under the tap. The water runs warm as he massages the dye remover into my scalp. His fingers move gently, almost soothing, and I hum contentedly, closing my eyes. "What's alternate-you doing right now?" he asks, voice low with amusement. I crack an eye open. "Probably dancing on your grave after murdering you." Jason chuckles. "Yeah, that tracks." "What about alternate-you?" "Turning in his grave, wondering where it all went wrong." I laugh, and he smiles. We've been playing this game for years—imagining what we'd be doing in alternate universes. "Your ghost wouldn't haunt me?" I tease. "Oh, definitely. You'd have to die a virgin because I'd scare off anyone who even thought about getting close to you." "You're evil." He just smirks. He thinks it's funny that I haven't had sex yet, but I have valid reasons. For one thing, I'm focused on school. If I want to beat Zander and graduate top of our class, I can't afford distractions. And for another? Boarding school is brutal. Privacy doesn't exist. If I ever hooked up with someone, it would be all over campus before I even had time to process it. I refuse to be gossip blog material. That's Jason's job. He's ridiculously popular and effortlessly charismatic. Everyone loves him. Add in the fact that he's rich, and, well—he owns the school. He's not nearly as much of a player as the rumors make him out to be, but I still get all the juicy details. Which guy sucked his dick. Which girl he's dating next. I know everything. And I love the drama. Except... sometimes, it bothers me. The jealousy is irrational, suffocating. Jason is mine, but when we're at school, he belongs to everyone. And I hate the way that makes me feel. When my hair is finally clean, Jason wraps a towel around my shoulders. "There you go, Cinderella." "Does that make you my fairy godmother?" He scoffs. "No. That makes me your Prince Charming—here to save the day." "I'm pretty sure the prince didn't actually save Cinderella from anything." "He saved her from a life of poverty and servitude to her evil stepmother." "Oh, shut up." He laughs and hands me the hairdryer. As I dry my hair, my gaze drifts around his room. The grey walls, the massive king-sized bed. This might be my favorite place in the world. An unwanted thought slithers into my mind—or maybe, my favorite place is just… next to him. I shove that thought away before it can settle.