Chapter Two.

Obsessed

“Did I say anything wrong”. She asked Eleanor

“No, you didn't, I know how you feel, and I love you, but that guy has literally never acknowledged your existence”.

“You are the only one obsessed”.

“So? Haven't you ever felt like a complete reject before?”.

“Yes, when I like someone and they seem to be so blind to see”.

“Like in third grade”.She said, laughing loudly.

“What is his name again?”.

“I don't know, come on, we got homework”. She said, dragging Lydia.

“You are changing the topic”.

Eleanor and I have been best friends ever since, and nobody could come between us.

We have always been each other's ride or die.

We have always been super into romance because we didn't have any of our own.

The school day was over, and students were spilling out of the classrooms. As they walked down to the gate, Eleanor left her while she pulled out her phone and started texting her mom.

Lydia was stunned to see the person in front of her. Michael.

“Do you need a drive home?”. He asked.

She stammered. “Yes.." No, I am sorry, my mom is coming over, thank you”.

“Okay, see you! You should come watch me at the next practice,” he called as he rode away.

"I will", she screamed.

She smiled deeply, pleased that he had asked her to come watch him. Finally, he was beginning to notice her presence.

She waited for her mom, who had already replied to her text: “I will be there in a short while.”

A few minutes later, Mrs Anaya Kapoor arrived in her car. She motioned for Lydia to get in, and Lydia obeyed, carefully adjusting her seatbelt before settling in.

The atmosphere was eerily quiet. Lydia blushed hard as she recalled the earlier incident between Michael and her.

Was he interested in her as much as she was in him? Her heart raced at the thought of seeing him on the rugby field, moving with that familiar power and confidence.”

“How was school”. her mom asked, breaking the silence.

Lydia realized she’d been lost in thought, barely hearing her mom speak while she wandered in her own imaginary world.

“Fine”. She whispered, snapping back to reality.

“Good to know”. her mom said, bringing the car to a halt at their home.

Lydia stepped down.

“I will be heading back to work, be a good girl”. She announced, steering the wheel back onto the street as she drove toward the hospital.

Lydia entered the house. She saw her dad and her face brightened seeing Mr. Leo Kapoor at home.

“Welcome Angel”. He answered.

“Thanks dad, " she said, slumping down on the couch.

“How was school?”. He asked.

“Awesome!!, I have a good feeling it is going to be the best”. She responded.

“Enough about me what's up with your job interview”. She asked.

“You are looking at the new financial account officer of Sterling silver bank Limited”.He voiced out.

Lydia’s eyes widened in shock before a burst of joy brightened up her face. She jumped into her father’s arms, wrapping him in a tight embrace, her laughter echoing as relief as happiness flooded through her.

“Congratulations dad”.

“Thank you Angel”.

“I can't wait for you to start taking me back to school”. She exclaimed.

He fixed his gaze at her.

“You shouldn't be an ungrateful child, your mom has been doing a great job”.

“Sorry dad, just that I have missed the moment with you being the one to take me to school”.

“That wouldn't be a problem once I repair my car, I will be happy to take my angel with me”.

She stood up from the couch finding her way to her room.

“I need to shower and change my dress”.

“Okay dear”.

Mr Leo sighed deeply. His mind drifted back to his former place of employment. He couldn't believe the management would accuse him of engaging in fraudulent activity he knows nothing about.

After the shower, she picked up her phone and called her friend. Eleanor answered after the first ring.

“You wouldn't believe that my plans are working already”. She reported.

A shiver ran down her spin.

“Really?”. Eleanor responded over the phone call.

“Yes, I have been specially invited to the school field by Michael”.

“Please can I come with you”. She pleaded.

After thinking for a few seconds, she agreed.

“Sure”. She added.

“I am still in awe”. She murmured.

The sound of Mrs Anaya Kapoor car pulling into the driveway made Lydia look up, realizing her mother was finally back.

“Bye, I need to go,” she said, ending the call.

Mrs. Anaya Kapoor pushed the door open quietly. The faint scent of antiseptic still clung to her clothes as she stepped inside.

Lydia came downstairs to greet her and found her parents deep in discussion.

She didn’t want to interrupt, so she headed back to her room, but a few words from their conversation made her stop and listen.

Chapter Three.

He is a jerk

Mr.Leo Kapoor smiled deeply pleased seeing his wife.

“Welcome darling!”

“Thank you”. She replied.

“How was it?”.

“I was given the job”. He said enthusiastically.

“Finally, you have decided to work and relieve me of the burden of your daughter”.

“She is also your daughter Anaya”.

“No, she hates when I correct and thinks you are the only one that has her best interest at heart”.

“You need to stop saying that”.

“I understand she is a teenager, but that doesn't give her the right to act like a kid”

“You are doing your best and I know she would recognise the fact that you have always wanted the best”.

“You need to rest after a long day”.He exclaimed.

Lydia walked quietly away and pretended like she didn't eavesdrop on her parents' conversation.

She went upstairs and checked her wardrobe to pick an outfit for tomorrow's big day. She needed to make a very good impression.

After that she laid in bed and cried herself to sleep.

The next day at school. Lydia wore her school’s blue-and-white jersey with denim shorts, while Eleanor tied her hair in a messy bun and wrapped a scarf in the team’s colors around her neck.

“I can't wait to see him”. She replied.

Eleanor followed her as they entered the school field. Michael was already set for the sport.

The whistle blew, and the players charged forward.

Lydia’s eyes followed Michael, the school’s star player, as he dodged a tackle and sprinted toward the try line.

The crowd on the pitch erupted when he slammed the ball down.

Her face beamed with deep admiration and attraction.

“He is so hot”. She said, holding Eleanor.

“We are destined to be together, I am sure he will ask me out next or should I”.

Eleanor's eyes widened in shock. “No, rule number three; never ask a guy out”.

“Maybe I should try”.

“You don't want him to see you as clingy”.

“Fine, I will wait a little”.

The match had lasted a full sixty minutes, but Lydia barely noticed how time passed.

She left Eleanor behind, her steps slow but certain as she made her way toward him.She glanced back at Eleanor, who gave her an encouraging nod.

“Michael!!”. She called, trying to catch his attention.

A few other rugby players heard her calling after their captain and laughed at her. She ignored as she skipped down the bleachers, two at a time.

But she didn't miss the flashes of them taking pictures of their phones of the scene she was creating.

Michael was the last player to leave the field, and his head turned in her direction when he heard her shouting.

His hair was covered in sweat when he heard her as it clung to his forehead. He stared at her, his ocean blue eyes unreadable.

But he blinked slowly as if he had just remembered she was there all along.

She wasn’t sure what she’d say, but she knew she couldn’t leave without talking to him.

“Thank you for letting me come”. She blurted.

“You played so exquisitely well, I was intrigued I must say”. She felt heat creep onto her cheeks, suddenly feeling a little embarrassed.

“Thank you”. He said with a small smile.

It was a dangerous smile, one that could make you want to desperately impress him.

She opened her mouth to say more but another flash of camera from the corner of her eyes had her stopping.

She clamped her mouth shut and turned away, feeling too nervous to utter another word.

She collected her things and walked in the direction of the cafeteria.

It was finally lunch time and she was starving. Besides, food could always cheer up a bad mood.

“Look who it is”. A familiar voice sneered.

It was Eleanor.

She plastered the brightest smile I have ever seen on her face. “Did you confess your love to Michael?”. She asked, holding a tray with fluffy brown rice, and a carton of milk.

She sighed deeply. “No, I didn't Eleanor”. Lydia replied as she set her lunch on the table. A grilled chicken breast, and a small cup of fresh fruit.

“I will let him know during the science project”. Lydia exclaimed.

“You need to give him a little hint, and let him work with it”.

“No, Michael would never ask me out like that. I am not as pretty as the girls he usually hangs around with”.

“Stop it, you are pretty Lydia and I want you to never second guess yourself”, Eleanor voiced out.

Lydia and Eleanor slid their tray into the return slot and grabbed their backpack.

The cafeteria buzzed with chatter as students drifted toward the hallways.

Lydia leaned against the locker, she pulled out her phone, scrolling through messages.The group chat was buzzing.

The screen in front of her face reveals a photo of her at the rugby field, desperately calling out to Michael.

Her heart sank as she realised how bad this looked on her part.

It became evident to her that one of the rugby players was behind this cruel act.

They had captured that vulnerable moment and shared it throughout the school via various group chats, ensuring everyone in school would be able to see it. Her heart skipped a bit.

Sherman Oaks high school was a hub of gossip and rumors where whispers spread quickly.

Every week there seemed to be a different story that students focused on.

As she read one of the text messages displayed on the phone, a wave of humiliation washed over her.

Each word burned in her and felt like a knife piercing deeper into her already wounded spirit.

Jude: “Girl, you seriously need to stop following him around”

Maya: “Yeah, Lydia, you’re literally turning into his number one stalker.”

Jude:”She isn't worthy of being in the same league as him”

Lydia rolled her eyes, typing quickly. “I’m not stalking him, okay?.”

“Stop replying to them, they are a waste of your precious time”. Eleanor came from behind with her soothing words.

“Just because he is so cool doesn't make me a trash, he asked me to come see him play, I wasn't expecting that he wanted to have me as a laughing stock”. She said, holding back tears.

“Michael is a jerk, always so full of himself”.She said her arms wrapped around Lydia.

They both stood still for a while barely noticing the bell ringing, signaling it was time to head to their next class.

“Let’s go, or Mr. Liam will be mad if we’re late.”

Chapter four.

Science project.

Mr. Liam walked into the class, and the room instantly fell silent.

“I am certain that each and every one of you are already working intensely on your Science project”.

“You should understand how crucial this project is. A poor grade won’t just hurt your record, it could cost you your graduation and force you to repeat the class.”

“I don't give a f***k about his class, he should get over this shift and leave us alone”. Michael remarked.

Mr. Liam continued speaking, his voice authoritative.

“You should all make sure you are actively involved in the science project,” Mr. Liam announced firmly. “At the end of the week, I’ll randomly choose one member from each group to present.”

“That's all for today. Class dismissed”.

The whole class erupted with noise and chatter.

“Mr. Liam can’t be serious,” someone muttered, disbelief spreading across the room.

“You don't have to worry dude, time to make good use of your stalker”. Jude chipped in.

“Absolutely, she is good with science, you might want to use your charm”.

“She is into you already?”.He added, a boyish grin spreading across his face.

“Are you saying I should ask her out”.

“You can, after the project is over you will break up”.

“Cool man, that's the plan”, he remarked.

Michael walked over to Lydia’s table and slipped her a note, a playful smirk flickering in his eyes as their gazes met.

She opened it and read it slowly. “Meet me after class in the locker room, I have got something important to discuss with you”.

Her heart raced as curiosity swirled in her mind. What could he possibly want to discuss in secret? Maybe this was her chance to share their first kiss.

She walked briskly toward the locker room hallway, her footsteps echoing against the floor.

Glancing around, she searched for him but saw no sign. Just as she turned to leave, a familiar figure appeared in the doorway.

“Michael”.She breathed, her heart pounding as his name escaped her lips.

He stepped closer, closing the distance between them.

A soft gasp escaped her lips as her heart pounded. Was he really going to kiss her?

“Lydia,” he said softly,

Her whole body trembled as he called out her name. His voice sent a shiver down her spine.

“Yes”. She faltered.

He steps back slightly, offering a small smile.

“I really need your help with the science project,” he admitted, his voice low. “If I don’t do well on this one, my grades will drop and I can’t afford that.”

She fixed her gaze on him. She couldn't believe her ears. He was asking her for a favour?

This was the moment to ask for what she has ever wanted? A chance to date the most influential boy in Sherman Oaks Center.

“I don't mind if you will agree to be my boyfriend”. She whispered.

This would clear her name about being a stalker.

“Just this week, right?” Michael asked, raising a brow.

Lydia shook her head quickly. “No, for the whole of my sophomore year.”

He blinked. “Wait, the whole year?”

Michael's eyes widened in shock. “Are you crazy?”.

“Do you accept the deal or not?”.

Michael scratched his head. “That's a long time”.

“You are free to decline and face the repercussions of being a returning student in Mr. Liam class”.

She glared at him. He seemed determined not to fail.

“I am doing this to keep my grades up and stay on the team”.

“Very good then”. She said, extending her hand for a handshake. “Deal”.

They parted, Michael trailing after Jude.

Jude tapped him on the chest hard. “What did she say?”.

A frown marred Michael's face. “Are you okay?”.

“I can't believe I agreed to date her for the whole of my sophomore year”.

Jude looked at him in disbelief. “Are you crazy? That would be a disaster to your social reputation”.

“Thanks to your advice man, I am stuck with her”.

He was finding it hard to believe.

“What about the school project?”.

“She isn't going to help if I don't abide by her terms”.

“I guess you are stuck with her then, you will date her secretly and find a reason to break up with her”.

Michael's face brightened. “Why didn't I think about that?”.

“Because you got me as your friend, you only have to hang out with other girls more than her for her to see the red light that you aren't in her league”.

He moved closer. “But that will be after the science project”.

Lydia was overjoyed as she hurried to meet her best friend in the classroom. She couldn't find her. She drifted straight to the school robotics team. Eleanor was the captain. She was busy chatting with members of the team.

“Eleanor”. She called her.

“I am busy”. She whispered.

“Just a sec”. Lydia pleaded.

“Fine, I won't stay long”.

“I am sorry guys. I will be back soon”. She said as she hurried over to meet Lydia.

“I can't believe it, he agreed so officially we are dating”.

Eleanor's eyes widened in disbelief. “Oh my God, you are dating the hottest guy in school, we are so cool right now”.

“I know right, but until sophomore year ends”.

“I don't understand”.

“ it's a little bit complicated”.

“He asked me to help him out with the science project and I told him I will only do that if he will agree to be my boyfriend then he said yes”.

“So nobody knows it isn't real, just the two of us”.

“I can't believe you got yourself a boyfriend already, and he is a stone-cold hotting, not a nerd from one of your AP classes, the hottest guy in Sherman Oaks high school”.

“I need to go, let me leave you to attend to your robotic team”. She announced.

Lydia smiled as she walked away. This sophomore year was becoming normal like the way she planned it. This will be an end to the identity of Lydia Kapor being a stalker.