Chapter 1

Zia's POV

I woke up to the ringing of my alarm clock. Stupid thing! I was about to roll over and fall asleep again when I remembered it was the first day of the new school year. I was now a Senior- Hip Hip Hooray. Note the lack of enthusiasm. I rolled out of bed and Stumbled to my bathroom. I got fresh and took a shower. After about 15 minutes I chose on a golden t-shirt, Zara jeans, my Hermes belt and some black belles. (see pic) I pulled my hair in a simple ponytail and grabbed my bag. I was just about to step out the front door when I got a text from my best friend, Sadie Kane.

Sads 3 : Hey Zia! Ready for the new day?

I sighed and replied : I guess so. Another year as Cultural Head. Yippey.

Sads3 : Lol! But anyways, we have lots of new transfer students. I'll meet you in the library AS SOON AS YOU REACH SCHOOL, ok?

I shook my head and walked out. Transfer students. I love being the Cultural Head- don't get me wrong. I just couldn't stand this whole Transfer thingie. Don't ask why. I drove to school in record time, with 10 minutes to spare. I went to the library, one of my favourite places. I spotted Sadie immediately. Which wasn't very difficult. She was tall, 5'7" at least, with baby blue eyes and blonde hair. But she wasn't dumb. She aced history and French. Her hair had brown streaks that kind of clashed with her blue tank top, denim shorts and Purple belles. She had a simple Heart locket on her neck- a 2nd year anniversary gift from her Boyfriend, Walt Stone. She was the school's President - and he was the Vice- Head boy. Talk about great couple. I went to greet her, tiptoeing so she wouldn't see me and get excited. I sat next to her and she smiled at me.

"Hey Zia! Hows it going? We have SO much to do!"

"Woah,Calm down. Where's Walt?"

"Walt? He went to California,remember? For his father's... business thingie."

"Ohh... so what about the transfer students?"

"Oh yeah. They came last night, we'll meet them today. In the Homeroom,probably."

"Coolie."

"That's all? Zia, these are kids from all over the world! And the best part- its opposite gender pairing!"

"Oh no..."

Sadie has been trying to get me a boyfriend for the past 2 years.. this transfer program looks like a shortcut to heaven to her. God save me.

We left after some time and went to get our schedules. We had all our classes same, expect for Chemistry and algebra. Our homeroom was with Ms. honey . We went to the Council's meeting room, which was the conference room with a round table. There were 11 members total.

Julian Grace- Head Boy. I know him since kindergarden. He;s like a brother to me. Typical California boy.

Walt Stone- Vice head boy. Sadie's boyfriend. Another brother of mine. We are actually distant cousins, twice removed. Its has cocoa coloured hair, and a good build.

Me, Zia Rashid- Cultural Head.

Sadie Kane- President of our school's ativities.

Chloe Dare-Treasurer. Shes like a cheerleader,with blonde hair,green eyes and the attitude.

Harry King- Sports captain. We aren't really close. All I know is he had,lyk, 25 girlfriends last year.

There were a couple other Juniors whom I didn't really recognize. We(the seniors) were all paired with a person who would stay with us, eat with us, travel with us, you name it. We got the list soon enough. I was with an eyptian guy- Carter Kane. I told Sadie they both had the same surname but she shrugged it off. Her partner was Billy Styles, a totally HOT guy from England. So unfair! But, I had to admit, Carter wasn't so bad looking. It couls have been worse. He had only his father, and travelled around the world a lot. He..um.. .like basketball and was one of the Country's best players. Yeha, give me the sports freak. Sadie was going on and on about accents and ..tea?

What was up with her? I mean, hes what? I felt downcast and I bet Sadie saw it. She shut up and hurried over. She saw Carter's pic before I could stop her.

1 second passed.

2.

3.

I went deaf.

Sadie screamed so loud im pretty sure I burst my ear drums.

And then she blabbered on about Zarter or something when I saw a group of kids approach our room. I punched Sadie and hissed , "Proffesssional. They have arrived."

And im pretty sure she replied, "Darn. I was deciding your wedding theme." The nerve of her!

But then Carter approached us. And the rest of the group as well. He looked around and went, "Um.. Zia Rashid?" I sighed. One thing in common. We both were idiots at first sight. I smiled. "The one and only! Come on, we have Chem first class...or.. Maybe Julian," I pointed at him, "The head boy has something planned."

He nodded and then Julian Spoke up. "OK GUYSS! You all have the rest of the day off,have fun,get to know each other,etc! Peace!"

I rolled my eyes at him. He jumped down and hugged me. "I was good,rite?"

I laughed."No way in partners waiting."

He jumped and hurried back to his partner, a pretty girl from spain. Carter laughed.

"Your boyfriend?"

Now it was my turn to laugh."No silly,my brother!"

He frowned,trying to see the connection and then he gave up. "Ok..."

I smiled. "Ill show you around!"

We got talking. He wasn't so bad, I guess. He came from Brooklyn, but travelled with his father everywhere. He had gone everywhere, eygpt, rome, Greece, etc. Man, was I jealous! He never knew his mother, and he teared up quite a bit. He said she had left when he was 1 year old, with his sister. I panicked and then my reflexs kicked in . I gave him a tissue and he wiped the tears. He sniffled a bit and suddenly stopped. "See this."

He pulled out a wallet and took out a photo. And you would not believe whom it was of.

I swear,she could have been Sadie's stunt double! I frowned and said "Where did you this pic of Sadie from?"

He also frowned. "This is my mom."

I just stared at it, until Carter broke the silence. "Whose Sadie?"s

I answered, "My best friend. She never knew her father. she looks just like this."

He was quiet. "What was her surname?"

I answered, and the single word multiplied the tension in the air by a thousand. "Kane"