Sweet little Claire Lyons.

"Did going to the party with that red dress work?" Layne asked me.

Disappointedly, I shook my head. I had worn the prettiest, asymmetrical tiered red tube dress I'd found in Forever 21. I had even paid Kori Geddman so she could do my make-up the way she does hers (she always gets the boys, after all), and I'd spent hours straightening my hair. All for Cam to notice some new girl in her Pink pajamas that didn't even attend the party.

"Don't worry, I'm sure he'll notice you... someday," Layne assured me, patting my back. "But don't get your hopes up."

"Gee, thanks," I replied, flatly.

Layne just laughed and skipped ahead. She already had her tutu on, which was against the rules, and opened her locker. "Do you have Math as first period?"

I shook my head. "I chose to have ballet classes the first four hours. Last year I hated having them in the last four."

Layne shrugged. "Well, at least I'll get to see Cam-"

"He chose to have ballet practices the last four hours?" I cut in, my eyes wide.

Layne cackled, getting out her books. "No! I just wanted to see what your reaction was... which turned out to be priceless!"

I pressed my lips together. "I'm gonna go now."

"Oh, don't get mad-"

"Layne Abeley take off that tutu right this instant!" Mrs. Jensen sternly exclaimed, glaring at Layne. The Science teacher crossed her arms across her chest, and stared at my jet black-haired friend. "I'm going to wait until you do it." Her ice blue eyes turned to look at me. "Young lady, I understand you've got to head over to your ballet lessons."

Wordlessly, I nodded and left the eleventh grade classroom hallway. After pushing the doors at the end of it open, I stepped inside the large ballet studio. Only Massie (with that annoying smirk of hers), Dylan, Chris, and the new girl, Kristen, were warming up. The others, the ones who had attended the party, were doing a set of push-ups.

"Claire, I believe you attended the party. Get down and give me a hundred," Mrs. Meyers calmly ordered.

I nodded, and as I took off my sweater and sweatshorts, discreetly searched for Cam. I contained my smile once I spotted him. He was smiling at Dempsey Solomon, one of his best friends other than Chris. Realizing that there was an empty spot near him, I quickly headed that way and positioned myself.

"Kori says you owe her ten bucks of the twenty you promised to pay her," Olivia Ryan, who was next to me, told me. "Have it?"

I grimaced. I guess I was too worried about my first day back in school to remember that I owed the Fab Three, what we called Kori, Strawberry and Olivia's group. I whisper back, "Sorry, I forgot."

Olivia smirked. "You know what that means."

"Can't I bring it to you tomorrow?"

"You know what we do: play pranks on people, start gossip, help out with make-overs, and occasionally, find info," Olivia told me. "Whenever they forget to bring the money they owe us, we can't keep forgiving them and letting them bring it the next day. It's a cycle we don't want to get used to. So... you know what's going to happen."

I bite my lower lip. "Yeah."

"Today, once classes are over, head to Kori's room. Once there, we'll tell you on what you can assist us," Olivia explained to me.

"But isn't that against the rules?" I asked, breathless because of the push-ups.

"Well, that'll teach you to pay on time," Olivia finished.

"Olivia, Claire," Mrs. Meyers called out in a warning tone.

I remained silent for the rest of the time. From the corner of my eye, I saw Mrs. Meyers analyzing Kristen's pointe technique. I smiled. Well, that's something I beat her in. Once we were done, Mrs. Meyers ordered us to warm up. We finished, and we lined up, since we always get to change partners every year. Something about getting used to cooperating with different people. I got Chris last year. And while he was good and fun, he wasn't Cam.

"Alright, first of all, Kristen-"

"Sorry I'm late, Mrs. Meyers."

All of the girls perked up. Harris Fisher, Cam's older and graduated brother, walked in, wearing a white tank and some black sweatpants. Not loose, but not too tight, either. Harris was probably one of the most handsome boys I'd ever seen. Jet black hair, green eyes, a very friendly smile, and the perfect height.

"As you all know, Harris is going to study to become a choreographer," Mrs. Meyers began. "But he'll take a year to help me teach you so he can get used to working with several dancers at the same time."

Harris smiled, waving at everybody. "What's up, kids?"

From the corner of my eyes, I could see Cam smiling proudly. I know he admires his brother dearly.

"Kristen, you can stop doing the exercises I ordered you to do," Mrs. Meyers announced. "Please come."

Obediently, the blonde stepped forward.

"Class, this is Kristen Gregory-"

A chorus of heys and welcomes from the class interrupted Mrs. Meyers.

"She's from..."

"Philadelphia," Kristen informed her.

Mrs. Meyers smiled, her hazel eyes slightly narrowing. "Well, I hope you guys are nice to her. Being new in a boarding school where everybody already knows each other is hard. Trust me." She turned her petite body toward Harris. "Harris, this is the girl I was telling you about," Mrs. Meyers introduced the dimpled girl to the nineteen-year-old boy. "You'll be her partner-"

Cue the amused gasps and the 'lucky' whispers from girls.

"So you can help her advance in her pointe technique," Mrs. Meyers continued.

Harris bowed, old fashionably, holding her hand. "It'll be my pleasure, miss."

Some of the girls giggled.

Kristen returned the bow with a curtsy of her own.

I crossed my arms, happy. If it weren't for Harris, knowing my luck, Kristen would've definitely been partnered up with Cam.

Mrs. Meyers began listing out the partners. Olivia got Dempsey, Massie got Chris... and I got Cam.

I tried to contain my smile. Coolly, I stepped next to him. I wanted to scream, shout, and dance of happiness though.

"The first period of class you'll get to meet your partner, the second period boys and girls divide and we'll practice basic steps. The third, I'll show you some moves with your partner, and fourth, ballet-related drills. Understood?" Mrs. Meyers called out.

"Yes, Mrs. Meyers," we replied in unison.

"Good, now, begin talking with your partner," she told us.

I smiled at Cam, who smiled back. I still couldn't believe I'd gotten the boy of my dreams as a partner. This was definitely going to be the best year ever.

"You're Todd's younger sister, right?" he asked.

I blushed. Just the fact that he was talking to me made me feel like flying. "Y-yeah."

"He's a cool guy," Cam commented, nodding.

I noticed the bruise in Cam's lip and jaw bone. Catching me looking, he rubbed the back if his neck uncomfortably.

"It doesn't hurt much anymore," he announced. He smiled, gazing at Massie. "However, I'm sure Massie will land a punch on my face after her first hip hop practice today. She'll have to stay an extra hour in the hip hop building because of me."

"I don't think she's mad," I quietly said, not able to raise the volume of my voice because of shyness.

"Excuse me?"

"I don't think she's mad," I repeated, stronger and louder.

"You don't know Massie so well, right?" Cam asked, side-grinning.

I shook my head.

"Well, I do," he replied. He pointed at her. "I can tell you, that she's probably either bragging of how lucky Chris is to have gotten her as a partner, or how glad she is she didn't get a slacker like Dempsey."

I giggled. Until the most horrible idea hit my mind. "Do you like her?"

"What?" Cam exclaimed, his smile disappearing.

"Do you-"

"No, I heard you," he cut in, chuckling. "I just found the question sort of... unpredictable. No, I don't like her. She's cute, but I don't find her attractive in that way."

Relief flooded in me, and I wanted to hug him and thank him for saying that.

There was a loud laugh behind us. "You look funny that way!"

"Shut up."

"That sounds like Kristen," he commented.

He already recognizes her voice?

He turned around, and I turned to look at her too. Harris was pointing at Kristen's messed up bun. By the way she was smiling up at him while fixing it, it was clear he had messed it up.

I turned to look at Cam, and frowned. He was raising an eyebrow, and his eyes had visibly darkened.

I bit my lower lip. This was just like a fairytale, except that twisted. Prince Charming (Cam) was in love with the witch (Kristen), while the princess (me) just lamented. But maybe, the witch had bewitched the Prince Charming. I turned to look at Kristen, who was listening eagerly to one of Harris's tales about his trip to Spain. She was pretty. Turn up nose, green eyes, a heart-shaped face, and bow-shaped lips. Her hair was a glossy golden color, and her body was lithe and graceful. Plus, she had chest. That definitely was the 'spell'.

I looked back at him. There was only one way I could be assured he liked her. "Harris and her make a cute couple."

Cam shook his head. "He's way older."

"Two years," I detailed. "That isn't much."

"But he's her teacher," he continued. He shook his head. "Let's not talk about that, shall we? Let's talk about how adorable your nose is." He reached out an arm and gripped the tip of my nose, which made me turn as red as a tomato. He thought my nose was adorable?

Mrs. Meyers bent down next to us. "Pick a paper. This will be the activity you and your partner will have to do tomorrow morning. They are sort of like a trust test, after all, that's all that is needed in a ballet partnership."

"Alright. Clairebear, wish me luck," he said, stuffing his hand on the can in Mrs. Meyer's hands.

He called me Clairebear.

Clairebear.

That's definitely my new IM username.

"We're handcuffed to each other for the entire period tomorrow!" Harris announced, grinning. "It'll be fun."

Cam glanced at them, the paper in his hand. Turning to look at it, he opened it up. "We are going to blindfold each other and guide our way."

"Dress up as each other?!" Dempsey exclaimed, horrified.

Cam grinned. "I'm ecstatic with what I got."

I'd rather be handcuffed to Cam (our bodies would've been closer), but I'm happy with this.

He smiled at me. "Hopefully, you aren't disappointed... I'd hate to be the cause of such a cute girl's misery."

I giggled, turning even redder. "No, I'm not."

The entire practice passed, and soon, the classes did too. Wearing my white skinny jeans, and a pretty yellow tank top, I headed over to Kori's room. Some seniors stared at me weirdly, but I still mustered up courage to not run away and stay in my way. I reached her room, and I, after hesitation, knocked.

"Come in, Lyons!" I heard Olivia exclaim.

I opened it, and to my surprise, was greeted by the smell of burnt cigarettes.

Strawberry, flipping a strand of pink hair behind her shoulder, was laughing at something Kori was telling her.

"Our servant for the night's here!" Olivia announced.

Strawberry turned to look at me. She eyed me from head to toe. "Hmm... she reminds me of me, before I became unweird and dyed my hair pink."

I bit my lower lip. I then remembered the ten bucks Layne had given me at lunch, and I took them out. Holding them in front of me, I said, "Here's what I owe you."

Olivia snatched it, smoking the cigarette in her hands. "Come in. We've got different plans for you."

Slowly, I stepped inside. Olivia shut the door behind me.

"We heard you like Cam?" Kori asked, fingering a package of cigarettes.

My blue eyes widened.

"How do we know?" Strawberry asked for me, smirking. "We've got our ways. Plus, it's pretty obvious among us girls."

Kori grinned. "You either turn red or brighten up whenever he's around."

"And we thought it'd be fun to help you out," Olivia drawled, appearing next to me.

Strawberry smiled. "Sort of like a project. We were watching Clueless yesterday, and we thought it'd be fun if we helped out a girl with potential to become part of the 'it' crowd."

"Potential?" I gasped out.

"What? Hasn't anybody told you how gorgeous you are?" Olivia asked, crossing her arms. Her eyebrows were raised.

I suddenly felt much better about myself. I shook my head. "No..."

"Trust me, with a little make-up and more fashion sense, you'll have the boys drooling," Strawberry assured me.

"Hair treatment, too," Olivia cooed, picking up a strand of my blonde hair.

"And, of course, we need to bring out your wild and confident side," Kori finished. She smiled. "I know it's inside you."

I bit my lower lip.

"It'll surely attract Cam as if you were a magnet, and he was metal," Olivia urged on.

Kori and Strawberry giggled.

I looked around. These girls looked welcoming... and positive. Unlike Layne, they actually thought I could have a chance with Cam. Plus, they thought I had potential and was gorgeous. And I'd like to discover that potential.

"Are you in?" Kori asked.

I replied rather quickly. "Yes."

Kori burnt off her cigarette. "Perfect."

"Now, to begin," Strawberry said.

Olivia smiled excitedly. "This is going to be so fun! Turning a good girl into a wild girl sounds ah-mazing."

"It will be. Especially with Kuh-laire," Kori said, smiling at me.

I smiled back.

"Well, I know for sure that an outfit, hair, or make-up won't look good on you unless you're confident on the inside," Strawberry stated, matter-of-factly.

Kori smirked. "Then we'll begin with bringing the wild side out of Claire."

"How?" I asked. "If you haven't noticed... I'm rather shy."

"First, you have to embrace your body," Kori replied. "Without confidence, there's no outgoing attitude. And without loving yourself, there's no confidence. So we'll go underwear dipping."

"Underwear dipping? Don't you mean skinny dipping?" Strawberry asked.

"It's Claire's first day. She'll go skinny dipping once we're sure she's completely turned into gold," Kori told her.

I gulped. "W-what?"

"Alright, so Dance Academy is located right next to a port in Harbor Island Park Beach. We just have to walk toward the freshmen building, and voila! Once there, we'll climb up the wall dividing the port from the school, and we'll jump from there," Kori explained.

I felt my face pale.

"Chill-ax," Olivia told me, wrapping an arm around me. "Once you go underwear dipping, trust me, you'll love it so much, that you'll want to be wild for your entire life."

"Besides, you have to. You're sort of our servant tonight," Strawberry reminded me, burning off her cigarette.

I sighed. Even though I was scared, I really wanted to do this. "Fine. Let's go."

"Quickly!" Kori ordered us, grinning in excitement.

We exited the senior building, and headed toward the freshmen area. Once there, Kori strutted in like she owned the place. We arrived to the dorms' backyard, and Kori began climbing up the wall. Olivia and Strawberry helped me out, and once I jumped to the other side, they followed. After a few seconds of walking, we found ourselves in the wooden port. Kori immediately began to take off her clothes.

"It's been such a long while since I've done this," she told me.

Strawberry and Olivia were already in their lace underwear.

With hesitation and a deep breath, I quickly slipped out of my own clothes, wanting to be in the water already.

Kori, however, took out her phone. "Girls, line up, we're taking a picture!"

"What?" I exclaimed, horrified.

"Embrace your body," Olivia said, pronouncing slowly. "Besides, your underwear won't show up."

Kori embraced us with one arm, squishing us all together.

"Smile, girlies!" she exclaimed.

I smiled, rather shyly, and she took the picture. Once done, she showed it to us. Olivia was right. Only our heads showed up.

"Aww, you look so shy!" Strawberry announced.

Kori smirked. "Once your make-over is done, I'm sure you'll look at this picture and laugh."

Olivia grinned, and I smiled half-heartedly.

Stuffing her phone with her clothes, Kori motioned us with her hand to line up near the edge.

Kori began her countdown. "One..."

I felt nervous, anxious, and excited at the same time. The water looked dark and deep. Colder than ice, even. With the chilly September wind, I knew I'd be frozen once I reached the water. But before I knew it, Kori had already exclaimed 'three' and I had been pulled down by Olivia. We all screamed, and yes, the water was cold. But as soon as my head emerged, and I saw the academy from the ocean, I knew I had liked it.