CHAPTER 1

"Happy birthday Neto" was the first thing Samara Kavich said when she called on the early morning of 11th October.

"Hey, thanks" came the reply of a nearly shocked 13 year old Netani Cabrera on being wished at 6:30 am.

"So…do you have any special garb for the day at school?" asked Samara

"Like duh!!" came the immediate reply. "I mean, I have to get all the attention today"

"Ohhhh" came the understanding voice of Samara. "By the way, Did Aaron call?"

"Just because my girl best friend called doesn't mean my guy best friend will." informed Netani. "Most importantly, I really hope he remembers my birthday"

"Right, so…umm…ill keep the phone, okay? I gotta get dressed" pointed Samara as she was in real hurry. "See you at school"

"Okay, so this is your outfit?" asked Samara as Netani entered the bus.

"Yeah, I know. You usually hate all my outfits, don't you?" asked Netani with a i-am-not-surprised tone.

"No, for a change your outfit is nice and decent and the chunky jewellery goes with your half gown perfectly" informed Samara

"Really?" exclaimed Netani

"Uh-uh" came the reply.

"So Samara…I gotta tell you something." said Netani

"Yeah, tell me" Samara replied

"Today morning I saw this extremely cute guy in the same lift as mine. I think I have a crush on him" said Netani with total excitement on her face.

"Please tell me something new! You have a crush on every 2nd guy you see" said Samara with annoyance.

"I really don't give a shit to what you say, I am gonna find out his name. It must be as cute as he looks" said Netani in a dreamy voice.

"Hey Neto" screamed Seanna from the end of the senior corridor of Hawthorne high.

"You're looking really good on your totally, awesomely special day" screeched Seanna Sanchez.

Seanna was what you would call a total tail. She followed Netani everywhere, wore the clothes Netani wore, did what Netani did and even worse she used the same creams, soaps, perfumes and make-up what Netani used or even recommended.

But Netani didn't really like her or even care about her.

"You wanted attention right? It's all Seanna ever gives you" pointed Samara.

"Yeah, But this time I want to grab the attention of Sydney Bennett, the great" said Netani.

Everyone in the grade hated Sydney. She was a show-off and used loads of make-up which made her look like the demon from 'Freaky Castle'.

A few of them were also jealous of her because she was popular.

The jealous ones included Samara, Netani, and their close friend Mikaela Sawhill.

"Hey Nettie" greeted Mikaela. "Many happy returns and here's this card I made you" said Mikaela passing on a purple card with flowers.

"I'm in a little hurry and I gotta go down. I'm a part of the geeky assembly you know" informed Mikaela in a bit of a hurry before Netani could even say thanks.

"Umm…THANKS" replied Netani yelling out the corridor

"No PROBLEMMMMMM" came the echoed reply of Mikaela Sawhill

"She's in a hurry" informed Samara

"Yeah, whatever" said Netani entering the class with an heir of greatness

"Hey Neto, I've got something for you" screeched Seanna

"I love surprises" said Netani sarcastically

"Oh wow! The surprises from Seanna….Must be a bribe for you to leave me…"

"Ssssshhhh okay?" came the reply from Netani

"Wow Seanna, this…this…thing is really sweet of you" squeaked Netani.

"Do you have clue of what this is Neto?" questioned Samara

"Not exactly" came the whisper

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU-"

"Cut the cake…umm…it's actually a pastry" said Samara

"It's the thought that counts" came the understanding reply

"Hmmmm…..that girl is out to outshine me…huh??" muttered Sydney from the far corner of the class.

"Possibly" said Ashley

Ashley Oakley was the sidekick of Sydney. Always out by her side to help her.

"Come lets get some cake" said Laisha hungrily

Laisha was the ex-best friend of Samara, but they broke up due to some reason which was why she joined the Sydney group because she knew that Samara hated her.

"We don't wanna eat the contaminated chocolate….by the way, it's a pastry" said Ashley jealously

"Well said. Luckily, they will never offer us anyway" commented Laisha

Back in the party pad, Netani was enjoying herself, ignoring the retorts passed on by the Sydney group.

"Let them comment, this is what happens when u have a big J stuck on your forehead" said Netani which made everyone break down into a chuckle.

"Listen Dana, and you too Tanya" called Netani down the corridor during recess.

"Both of you are invited to the Italian corner for a small birthday celebration." informed Netani.

"I can't come" said Tanya sulkily "Dad's coming home at 11 pm. Sorry" said Tanya showing pity on Netani's loss.

"Who are gonna be there?" questioned Dana

"Hmm… Samara, Me (of course!), Mikaela, Velma, Seanna and maybe Valeyn" said Netani counting her fingers.
"Who's Valeyn?" asked Dana with disgust

"Oh...Valeyn is the most annoying girl I've met, but I'm forced to invite her because my mom her mom are good friends" said Netani with the same tone of disgust.

"Anyways, I've not invited Mikaela yet. But I know it'll be very easy to convince her" said Netani in a voice of second thought.

"No Nettie, I can't come" said Mikaela slowly and sadly

"Why?" asked Netani

"You know some questions don't have answers" informed Mikaela

"Yeah, but this one does" said 'Nettie' getting impatient

"Chillax girl, I was just trying to pull your leg" said Mikaela with a grin.

"I'm definitely not gonna miss this event. Anyways, who was the first person to wish you?" asked Mikaela

"It was Dan Raco. Every year it's him" said Netani in a dreamy voice.

"Umm…what time exactly did Dan wish you?" asked Samara curiously

"At strike 12:00 am in my dreams" said Netani even more dreamily.

(PS : Hey guys…I know this chapter is really boring…..but believe me it gets better….please pass on honest comments and reviews…..this story is really special to me because it somehow resembles the story of my life….)