Disclaimer: For legal purposes, let's assume that I don't own anything.
Izzie slammed her locker shut causing the metal to reverberate through the hall. She was only sixteen and was already through with men. Her most recent boyfriend, no ex-boyfriend, Denny Duquette had just broken up with her in front of her entire science class. He had used her so he could get a good grade on the lab assignments. And she played right into his charming smile and smooth words.
The sound of clicking heels brought Izzie out of her thoughts. She looked up to see a beautiful blond walking down the hallway, books in her slender hands. Izzie laughed as the girl let the books fall to the ground in front of her locker, an annoyed look on her face.
"I guess I'm not the only one who had a bad day," Izzie stated as the blond began furiously shoving books into her locker.
"Nice to see you too," the girl replied sarcastically. "But I assure you that my bad day beats yours hands down."
Izzie snickered at the girl's response. "Try me," she challenged.
The teenaged girl shifted her emerald green eyes to the blond-haired beauty next to her. She smiled defiantly at the invitation to best her. "First," she began. "I got my math test back today. I failed with the lowest grade in the class. Then in English class, Miss Glowers gave us a pop quiz on the chapters I forgot to read last night. And to top it all off, Mr. Long gave us a ton of homework in history." The girl gave Theresa her million dollar smile, certain that she had topped her. "And you?"
"I didn't fail any tests today," she started calmly. "Just got dumped in front of my entire science class, that's all."
Her eyes changed from those of triumph, to those of concern. "Oh sweetie, I'm so sorry."
Izzie looked at her best friend and couldn't help but laugh. "Meredith, Don't be. Denny was getting in the way of my studies."
Meredith Grey shook her head. She didn't know how she and Izzie had become such great friends given that they were complete opposites. Her with her light blond hair and petite frame and Izzie with her platinum blond hair and curvier body had met only two and a half years before, both frightened freshman looking for a place to fit in. Meredith, the middle of six children had entered high school desperate to overcome the reputations of her older siblings. Robert, the jock, Amber, the class whore, and Michael the class president had all left indelible marks on students and teachers alike. But with her stunning good looks, loveable personality, and unflappable disposition she didn't become "his or her sister" but Meredith Grey, homecoming queen, class clown, and every guys dream.
Izzie on the other hand, the youngest of only two, began high school a virtual nobody. Her brother Mark, having left two years before she started going to high school, graduated at the middle of his class with no great achievements to his name. She came with a mission. She set her goals early, wanting to become valedictorian, class president, and club founder. And she succeeded. She was at the top of her class, president for her third year running, and founder of the club for future surgeons.
Yet on that first day of school they somehow managed to run into one another and became fast friends. They differed in looks, in family background, in academic achievement and in priorities, but they both loved life and each other. They were like sisters. And that's why Meredith knew that Izzie was putting up a front, denying how betrayed she felt by Denny.
Meredith frowned as Izzie kept insisting that she was perfectly fine. She never understood how her best friend put so much emphasis on academics, ignoring her social life. When Denny asked Izzie out, Meredith was happy for her, grateful that her friend was considering a love life. And now, three months later, following the completion of the chemistry project, Denny had just set back Izzie's love life.
"Let's go to the mall and get ice cream. We'll buy some clothes to make Denny regret ever breaking your heart."
Izzie shook her head. "Can't. I've got plans."
Meredith widened her eyes. "Plans? Do you have another way to get back at men?"
Izzie laughed. "Sorry to disappoint you Mer, but I promised Mr. Long that I'd help one of the students in his other class. I'm going to be a tutor."
Meredith clicked her tongue. She sighed. "Iz, why? You don't need the extra credit."
Izzie shook her head and smiled. She loved that her best friend only did what was necessary of her when it came to school. But Izzie didn't live that way. She couldn't. She always put in that extra effort. Most would call her an overachiever, but Izzie knew that was the only way to get out of the trailer park after high school. She wasn't rich like Meredith. She needed to do well. She needed to do more than well. She needed to shine. Otherwise, she would not be able to afford to go to college. "It looks good on college applications."
"Uh-huh. So does a social life. When are you going to pull that off?"
"Well..." Izzie put her thumb into her mouth. "we could go to the movies this weekend, but only if I go tutor right now." She looked at her watch. "Shoot, I'm going to be late. Bye Mer. I'll call you when I get done here."
Meredith rolled her eyes. "Fine, I'll talk to you later."
Izzie's shoes squeaked as she walked down the empty corridor toward room number 103. Mr. Long's history classroom. She opened the door and was greeted by many familiar sights. Posters of many historical events hung on the walls, ranging from the Civil War to World War Two. Ancient maps and important figures were also arranged on the over crowded walls. "Sorry I'm late Mr Long."
"You're not late," he said. "The boy that I want you to tutor hasn't arrived yet. I hope he hasn't backed out of this."
"Who do you want me to tutor anyway?"
"Now Izzie, you promised to tutor this student no matter what." Her teacher smiled at her. A nervous smile.
"Why won't you tell me his name?"
"Because you'll remember his reputation. And I don't want to scare you."
"Mr. Long...please don't tell me. Not that arrogant guy on the wrestling team. The one who stole the mascot from Washington Heights."
"What's a matter princess? Afraid I'll teach you something important? Like how to live life."
Izzie turned around. A tall boy stood in the doorway, his body blocking the only exit. "You."
"Yep. Me. The one and only Alex Karev."