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.

Chapter Five.

Fake Dating.

She woke up the next morning feeling so much better.

The thought that Michael would be acting as her boyfriend made her heart skip a bit.

Her stomach fluttered with excitement as she twirled around her room, unable to hide the joy bubbling inside.

She stopped in front of her wardrobe, determined to look beautiful if she was going to be seen beside a rugby star.

Clothes flew everywhere as she tossed aside outfit after outfit, nothing felt good enough anymore. She needed something new.

Thankfully, she had managed to save some money from her monthly allowance. It was time to break open the piggyvest.

She slipped into a dark red bodycon dress, modest but figure-hugging, paired with white sneakers to keep it casual. Her hair was straightened to perfection.

She checked her reflection twice, and her lips curled into a satisfied smile.

Would Michael even notice? She wondered, her heart skipping rapidly at the thought of it.

She might only be his fake girlfriend, but she wanted everyone to believe it was real.

And for a moment, even she almost did.

Her mom froze in the doorway, blinking as if she needed a second look. Lydia’s heart fluttered, that one look said more than words ever could.

“You look… different today,” she said slowly.

There was pride in her tone, but also the faint ache of realising she wasn't a little girl anymore.

Her mom raised an eyebrow. “Mhm. Just don’t let that boy distract you from your studies.”

Lydia grabbed her backpack, pretending not to hear the last part.

“Bye mom”.

She headed to meet her dad. He was already in the living room waiting to drive her to school.

When he saw her walk out of the room. For a moment, he said nothing. He just stared at her his eyes soft with surprise.

“My little girl isn't so little anymore”. Her dad exclaimed.

She blushed.

“It's just a dress, dad”.

He chuckled.

“Let's go”. She announced.

He stood up and walked to the door. She followed him and entered the front seat of the car.

In less than an hour he arrived at Sherman Oaks Center. When the car came to a halt. He advised. “I want you to remember who you are. Don't let any boy decide that for you”.

“Thanks dad”. She nodded, as she got down.

When Lydia entered the classroom, the air shifted. Heads turned one by one. Michael's lips curled into a slow grin when Lydia entered. He nearly dropped his phone in awe.

“She looks different”. He murmured.

Jude raised his head to stare at her.

“In a good way”. He confessed.

Lydia barely had time to adjust the strap of her bag before Eleanor appeared beside her.

“You changed Lydia, why did you straighten your hair?”. She asked.

“I hope it looks good on me, so I decided to try something new”. She answered.

“You look so ravishingly beautiful, didn't you see the way he was staring at you”.

Lydia smiled deeply pleased. “I didn't notice”. She responded, unable to contain her excitement.

“Why would he be interested in me?. When everyone seemed to either want to be friends with him, date him or simply be him”. She asked in a barely audible voice.

Eleanor chuckled. “Everyone except me?”.

“You are weird, you know right?”.

She spotted Michael heading in their direction. “I guess I need to go, he is coming over here to talk to you”. She said packing her books and leaving.

He didn’t say a word at first, just reached out and gently took her hand. He leaned close enough for her to hear.

Her heart skipped. This is part of the act, she reminded herself, but his hand was warm, firm, steady in a way that made it hard to breathe.

He cleared his throat sitting straight.

“I haven't heard anything concerning the science project”. He said coldly.

“Yeah, I am still working on it. I need a little more time to finalise my work”. She swallowed hard.

“Maybe you could use the time you wasted in making sure you have been noticed to good use, Mr. Liam deadline is this week and you are still working on it”. He snapped.

“I am sorry if I offended you”, she whispered

Her fingers trembled as she fidgeted with her bag strap.

“You better hurry up”, he murmured, his tone casual but his thumb brushing against her knuckles. A shiver ran down her spin.

Whispers follow them like a soft trail in the classroom.

“Why is Michael sitting close to Lydia, are they a couple now” Maya whispered.

“No way that’s Lydia and Michael!” another gasped.

“That's impossible”.

He ignored the voices. “Don't mess with me Lydia, I don't mind telling the whole school that you asked me to be your fake boyfriend for the whole sophomore year”.

Lydia froze in disbelief evident in her face. “You dare not”.

“Watch me!!”. He said standing up and leaving the class.