Author's notes: I'm attempting to stay somewhat close to the original novel plot line... just in awkward high school fashion. I suppose this could be considered a parody.

Hertfordshire High

Disclaimer: Pride and Prejudice belongs to Jane Austen…

Chapter 1: Eyes On Me, Faye Wong

November 11, 2006

He is beautiful, tall, handsome, intelligent; he is visually everything a girl could possibly desire in a boyfriend. Basically, Will Darcy is the male embodiment of perfection… That is, until he opens his mouth…

"Miss Elizabeth, please explain to the class the purpose of the Fourth Amendment."

Lizzy snapped her head to attention and slammed her journal shut with a bit more unconscious force than she had intended. Her eyes rapidly scanned the chalkboard in hopes of finding an answer she knew she wasn't going to find.

"The Fourth Amendment was, ah, for the purpose of… well, I think it, um…"

Lizzy could swear she felt a certain pair of dark brown eyes burning into her skull from behind. She unconsciously put a hand to the back of her head, only partially as a gesture of confusion.

Mrs. de Bourgh, quite possibly the most evil history teacher in current existence, pointedly sighed and shifted her attention towards the rest of the class.

"Can anyone else answer for Miss Elizabeth? Yes, Mr. Darcy?"

"Page 94 points out that the purpose is to protect the people from searches and seizures."

As her ears took on a distinctive red tint, Lizzy scratched at a nonexistent itch at the nape of her neck. Of course he knows the right answer.

"Thank you, Will. If only all my students were as inclined to paying attention in class. Now if you will all please notice the flow chart on the next page."

Lizzy looked down at her leather journal in defeat. Why does she always have to single me out like that? Realizing she was still rubbing the back of her head, Lizzy purposefully moved the hand instead to grab a pencil and take the position of a proper-note-taking student. And why does he always have to sit behind me? For the rest of the hour, Lizzy tried her hardest to take notes, but all was in vain. Her mind was completely focused on the pair of chocolate eyes that she could feel hadn't left their previous gaze.

Eventually the torturous history lesson was over and Lizzy began packing her note-less notebook into her backpack.

"You know, Mrs. de Bourgh really captures the spirit of the American government quite eloquently. I don't know why you don't pay more attention in class. You are missing out on intricate lectures from possibly the most esteemed teacher at the school."

Lizzy looked up, much to her chagrin, to see none other than the world's biggest teacher's pet, Collin the Super Nerd. My day is seriously just getting better and better. With a half smile, Lizzy replied.

"I'm afraid not all of us possess your academic zeal."

Upon catching the understanding eye of her closest friend Charlotte, Lizzy had to struggle not to laugh.

Collin, not sure whether he had just received a compliment or otherwise, chose to ignore the comment and continue chattering to Lizzy as she made her way to the hallway. She vaguely heard his mention of a new transfer student from the nearby all-boys school. But she could not possibly pay attention to news of a George Somebody when a certain someone was still looking at her. She only partially listened as Charlotte joined the conversation to report that the new student was quite good-looking and "most certainly had to be single." Lizzy silently prayed that her cheeks lacked any pink tint and that she at least looked as though she had her composure in check. Only a few more steps to the safety of the crowded hallway.

"You can borrow my notes if you would like, since you seemed rather spacey in class."

Lizzy froze realizing exactly who was addressing her.

"Thank you, Will, but no thanks." She raised her chin an inch as she turned to face him. Good grief, he is gorgeous. "I am doing just fine in this class without your help." Ok, so that's a lie.

Will raised his eyebrows and studied her for another moment.

"Sure."

"Oh Lizzy! Did you hear what Collin was saying? Prom is going to be fantastic! We have to get dates soon though. Surely you already have a date, Will. You soccer guys always have prom dates."

Will momentarily looked down and shifted his weight uncomfortably. Way to be blunt, Charlotte.

"I'm not really one for dances. Besides, I can't think of anyone I'd even want to take."

With one more glance at Lizzy, Will excused himself and disappeared into the masses of students in the hallway.

"Well that was rude."

Lizzy turned to Charlotte with a smile. "He probably just can't get a date with that dazzling personality."

Collin had been awkwardly standing beside Charlotte waiting for his chance to join in the conversation. "You know, I've been thinking about who I would ask to Prom and…um…" He had a peculiar expression on his face as he ever so subtly inched towards Lizzy.

"Ah… I forgot! Jane is waiting for me. She's my ride home. Got to go! I'll talk to you later, Charlotte!" Lizzy felt guilty for leaving poor Charlotte alone with Collin but only slightly guilty. She didn't have the energy to deal with Collin's ever-persistent advances, especially when her mind was occupied with thoughts of a certain cool reserved soccer player. Too bad those good looks are wasted on such an annoying personality.

Lizzy soon reached the senior parking lot where her older sister was in fact waiting on her, along with her younger sister, the freshman popularity queen. From the first week of classes, Lydia had taken Hertfordshire High School by storm. Already on her third boyfriend, she never went dateless on a Friday night.

Jane smiled as Lizzy approached.

Lydia was scrutinizing her latest manicure, while listening to her iPod. Heaven forbid she be seen actually talking to her un-cool boyfriend-less older sisters.

"How was your day?" Even though she asked Lizzy every day, every day Jane was always earnestly interested in her sisters' well-being.

"Don't even get me started. As if de Bourgh wasn't enough torture, Collin was this close to asking me to Prom." Lizzy decided to not mention the attention of a particular pair of eyes. "I swear, the only decent guys at this school are taken. The rest are either creeps or they are… well… Collin."

"Oh! That reminds me. Did you hear about the new transfer from Pemberley, that all-guys-school? Maybe he won't be as bad as Hertfordshire guys."

"Let's hope so. Charlotte and Collin were talking about them earlier. Supposedly the new guy is pretty cute and single."

Lydia, upon the mention of new, cute, and single, removed her headphones to listen more closely.

A touch of pink appeared on Jane's cheeks. "We need to investigate. Maybe we shall find Prom dates after all."

"Hey Jane. Charlie's single again. Finally dumped that idiot blonde." Lydia was sure to add a slight touch of taunting to her voice.

Jane's cheeks gathered more color, but she didn't reply.

As Jane turned the ignition to the '95 Volvo, Lizzy smiled, her mind pointedly focused on the potential of a decent Prom date. She made a mental note to make an addition to her last journal entry.

I don't care if he is gorgeous. If he wants my better opinion he can start by being a little less proud and condescending. I am determined to hate him. At least… for now.

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More Author's notes: I welcome all kinds of reviews. I want to improve my writing so critique is always welcome! Thanks!