Clare's POV

As I was getting ready for school I couldn't help but realize I only have 68 days until I'm off to Ghana for my summer humanitarian project. I cant wait it is going to look so good on my college applications next years and just another thing to put me ahead in the race for valedictorian and to leave Imogen Moreno in the dust. I've worked hard my whole high school career to make sure I graduate at the top of my class and to make sure I get into the best college I possibly can.

Once I gathered all my books and homework and my laptop I headed to school. Once I reached the steps of Degrassi I waited for my friend Ali who had just pulled up in her dads SUV.

"Ok dad see you later, love you." She closed the door to the SUV and walked up to me.

"Morning Clare, how much sleep did you get last night?"

"About 5 hours give and take a few."

"Jesus Clare how do you expect to enjoy life if you're always busy."

We began walking inside.

"Ali I can enjoy my life once I've completed high school, get into a prestige college and get an amazing career, then ill enjoy my life."

"Clare, honestly you're going to regret it once you're older, trust me."

I had drowned Ali out again. She gives me this talk everyday, ever since I told her my plans for high school and every moment in between.

"I'm just saying as your best friend I am supposed to insure you have fun in your life."

"Ali I am having fun, every second I get closer to beating Imogen Moreno for valedictorian "

Once we reached our lockers I placed all my books from last night in to my locker and took out my AP English books.

"Good Morning Ali Bandhari and Clare Edwards how are we doing this morning." Said an always-cheerful Imogen Moreno.

As much as she irritated me I wasn't going to be spiteful because anger doesn't get you anywhere in life.

"Good morning Imogen how are you this morning."

"Lovely just as usual, by the way Clare have you completed you're research paper for AP Biology yet?"

"Yes I have finished it 3 days ago." I was pleased I usually don't have time to do things beforehand but I got lucky this time.

"Good for you Clare" she said patting me on my shoulder.

"Thanks how about you have you finished your yet?"

"Well you know with the whole play set design, tutoring underclassman after school and being captain of the Academic Team it can be really hard to manage all my homework."

"Oh that's un…"

"But thankfully I finished it last week so I'm all good, well tootles see you in English." She skipped off oddly as she always does.

"Uhhhhhhhhh I hate her!" Ali exclaimed.

"Me too but I have to be nice."

"Why is that?"

"Courtesy is key to success and I plan on succeeding."

"Why are you so level headed?"

"Because being level headed is the key"

"To success I know I know god ok well I have normal people classes so ill see you later love ya." And Ali was on her way to her "normal people" classes.

Truth be told I was kind of jealous of Imogen. Regardless of all her extra curricular activities and her excellent GPA she still had time for a social life unlike me. Imogen hung out with her friends, went to parties and to top it all off she had a boyfriend, a cute one at that.

The only friend I really had was Ali and I couldn't really hang out with her except in the morning and if I was lucky enough to get a day off of work I would hang out with her, well only if all my homework was done. Luckily I had today off and my homework was done so I was having an R&R day with Ali.

The school day was almost over and this day off was looking better and better as the day came to an end. Then I felt my phone buzz.

Hey Clare I need you to come in today I know its your day off but I need you to train our newest employee and since you need the money and are coming in on your day off ill pay you 9 instead of 8.50 let me know ASAP- Mike.

Mike was my boss and was really helpful when it came to scheduling. He was a nice guy and always tried to give me extra hours when they popped up. See I needed a job because I need 500$ for my Ghana trip. I've already paid the deposit, I just needed the rest of the money and I have 30 days to pay it or I have to drop out of the trip and I really don't want to do that because it will look really good on my applications for college.

But if I go into work today I'll miss my R&R day with Ali but an extra 50cents goes a long way.

Sure thing mike, ill be there and thanks for the extra hours! I get out at 3 be there by 3:15. -Clare

Sound great Clare and no problem you're a good worker –Mike

Now I had to find Ali and break the news to her.

"Oh my God sooooo ready for this girls day today was such a drag." Ali said as she walked up to our lockers.

"See Ali about that I kind of got called into work."

"Are you serious? Ughhh how do you get called in to a Jamba Juice its not like a prestige office company type thing!"

"Ali its money that I really need!"

"Ok fine go make your money I'm gonna go home and take a bath and listen to Jessie J"

"Ok ill call you after work"

"Duh!" she smiled and walked off.

I headed toward work. Luckily I didn't have to stop at home I always kept my uniform in my locker just in case extra hours popped up.

"Hey Mike " I greeted my manager as I clocked in.

"Hey Clare thanks so much for coming in on such short notice I was going to train Eli myself but Julie called off something about her cat so I have to manage the registers."

Did he just say Eli? As in Eli Goldsworthy? As in Eli Goldsworthy Imogen Moreno's boyfriend!

"Hey here is."

"Hey Eli welcome to your first day of training" mike said as he greeted Eli by shaking his hand.

"Clare's going to be training you today." He said as he motion toward me.

"Clare, Eli, Eli Clare."

"Hey Eli."

"Hey Clare"

"You to know each other."

"You could say that." Eli smirked.

"We go to the same school."

"Fantastic you two should get along fine, I'll leave you too it Clare start with clocking in and inventory." Mike disappeared.

"So" Eli said.

I was shocked what are the odds that id be working with my competitions boyfriend.

"Shall we get started?" Eli asked

"Lets." I responded and walked toward the back strangely I was excited to work with Eli but also worried because little did everyone know I've had a major crush on Eli since grade 9.