Thanks to fookyeahskins, M and shewritesforher for kindly leaving one!

Enjoy, I'm glad if you do.


Chapter Two - Happenstance

"Katie will you fucking hurry up!"

I stood at the base of the stairs in our house and yelled at my twin sister who was fuck knows where, probably still putting on her makeup. I tapped my foot in annoyance and glanced at the clock, grumbling under my breath. It's the same thing every morning, she'll use up most of the hot water in the shower, try on a minimum of three outfits despite already "deciding" what to wear last night, take ages to put on her makeup and lastly, which pair of horrendously high heels she would put on.

I would think after all these years of sharing the same life together, I should probably get used to it, but I never did. We spent seventeen years together, living in the same house, sharing the same room and sharing most of our clothes until we were sixteen, thankfully. When we proceeded to college, I had enough of having the same matching clothes and developed my own taste and style, which Katie thinks it's rather ugly. I can't be arsed. No way I was going to wear similar skintight short skirts with leopard print tops that flaunted excessive cleavage and painful five-inch high heels. Heels are sexy, I have a pair them but they're three-inch tops and I don't wear them to school.

I've always been in Katie's shadow, always the younger, less popular, less pretty twin. I was pretty much non-existent, people don't seem to see me even if I stand next to Katie but it's alright, I don't want that kind of attention she draws. I've never had a boyfriend; she had plenty and had a reputation for shagging more than half of Roundview's football team. No thanks; I'd rather not have that reputation. But she's my sis, I still love her, in a sort of weird twin way.

"Alright I'm done." Katie came down the stairs with a top that was different from what I saw ten minutes ago.

"Finally." I huffed.

"Don't be such a grouch, I don't know why you always want to reach so early."

"Better early than late." I retorted.

"Yeah yeah you're such a nerd." She emphasized and rolled her eyes at me, exiting the house.

We caught the bus and sat together, as always, on the two-seater seat. Katie did her makeup again and texted while I just rested my chin on my palm and gazed out of the window.

My life's okay at the moment I guess. I've a few albeit close bunch of friends; I'm doing well at school, getting good grades in all my subjects. I can't ask for more. Well actually I would but that'll be equivalent to wishful thinking.

We alighted at the stop. I checked the time on my phone and hurried in.

"Are you going to get that coffee from the vending machine again? I don't know why you like it, it tastes fucking awful!" Katie called after me. "Fine. I'll just meet Danny."

I waved to acknowledge I heard her but didn't turn my head back.

I quicken my pace, turning left and right through the corridors, weaving past the slightly thickening crowd of students. Finally I slowed down and casually passed by indoor court that had one of its doors thrown open. I was in luck. It wasn't often that the door was open; usually they were closed or slightly ajar. These may be inconsistencies but one thing remained constant – the girl that was practicing inside them everyday.

I headed to the vending machine that was just situated outside, threw in a few coins and dispensed one of the drinks, I'm not too sure which, I don't care, and sat on the bench that was just outside the doors, slowly sipping on it.

I have a secret. I have the biggest crush on Naomi Campbell. The tall five foot six blonde haired popular girl, star player of the basketball team, with the clearest and bluest dangerously heart stopping eyes I've ever seen that would make my heart thump and knees go weak. Only my closest friends know about this, not even Katie. She can never know about it! She hates Naomi, maybe because Naomi's popular and all but mainly because Naomi's gay. I think Katie has a problem with that.

Me? I don't have a problem with that and I'm not gay… well I don't know actually; Naomi's been my crush for years. I've never felt anything like that for another person or boy. We were in the same secondary school, in a different class though, but I'll occasionally see her around in school. At that time, she had shorter blonde hair, not quite as tall, but still slim and pretty. I thought this crush would go away after I went to junior college but who knew? She ended up in the same school as I am, with that best mate of hers. At first I was jealous of Cook. They seemed so close, like they were going out but one day I saw her snogging a girl by the stairs, which I hurried away, and then the rumours started spreading, I knew which team she played for. Although that incident made me even more jealous of the girl, I was sort of happy, in a way.

I knew it was impossible for her to even fancy me or even take a second glance at me. We were in the same school for so many years yet she wasn't even aware of my existence. Plus, I'm usually Katie's shadow, I stay out of most parties, and I don't gather attention to myself… I don't like it, so it's no wonder really. I found out about her daily routine one day when I passed by the court. From that day onwards I've been trying to watch her every time I could. Isn't it just fucking pathetic or what?

But really, I love to see her play. It's just amazing how fiercely passionate she looks on court. I'd really like to see her play up close. Usually I would be somewhere in the middle of the stands during those inter-school matches, and that's already breathtaking. I just want to be at the front row, cheering her on, watching her move with the ball as one.

Sure this view where I am at now is completely rubbish. I could only just see her but I can't be choosy. Besides the inter-school matches, I won't be able to see her play on other days. I certainly can't sit in during her training sessions. Besides, I'm too shy to even talk to her! It's seems like I'm stalking her but – she's rather stalkable. So the drink in my hand is a cover for being not so blatant in my stalking activities. I've got to hand it to my attempt at subtlety.

I watched as Naomi took a last shot and kept the ball away. I crushed the empty cup in my hand, binned it and slung my bag over my shoulder. The day started well, I got to watch my crush play, that's enough. Having ample time, I slowly made my way to class.

"Emily."

I felt a tap on my shoulder and spun around; it was JJ, one of my close friends.

"Hey Jay." I smiled broadly at him.

"You look very nice today Emily. Just an observation. And your face, it's different this morning, it almost seems like it's… shining." JJ rambled on. "I can think of two reasons. One, you got laid, which is rather impossible. So it must be the second reason. You managed to watch Naomi this morning."

"JJ!" I quickly placed my hand on his mouth. "Too loud!" I looked frantically around me for anyone who might have overheard. There wasn't anyone in this particular corridor, thankfully.

"Mmm smmmie." He tried to speak with my hand over his mouth. "I'm sorry." He repeated in a hushed tone, once I removed my hand. "So it's true." His mouth curled until a sly smile.

"Yes." I grinned widely, knowing how pathetic I sounded, like some over obsessed fan girl.

"But you usually see her in class too, isn't it good enough?" He questioned and frowned.

"It's not the same. She looks different when she plays, there's this energy she emits which is rather mesmerizing." I gushed.

"You're totally smitten aren't you?" He smirked at me.

I sighed and my shoulders slumped. "Yes Jay. Unfortunately. It's rather fucking stupid isn't it? She's just someone I would never get to be friends with."

He put an arm around me and rubbed my shoulder, "Maybe you will. Never rule it out. Anything could happen." He gave an assuring smile.

"I really hope so Jay." I replied uncertainly.

"Come on let's get to class." He held out his arm and I linked mine through his, and chattered as we walked.

We were only in the same class as Naomi for this year. Quite a number of students didn't get pass the final exams last year and were retained, so they redistributed the students and Naomi happened to join my class. Imagine my surprise and excitement when I found out. Maybe I could possibly talk to her if I dared. But then Cook was also transferred to our class and Naomi mainly stuck and hung out with Cook and her gang of popular friends so there was no chance she would mix around.

"Emily could I have a word with you?" Angie called for me once I stepped in, while JJ took his seat.

"Sure." I made my way over to her desk where she sat.

"Could you tutor one of the weaker students, just twice a week for two hours? I know it's something extra but I really hope you could help since you're the best in the class."

"I don't mind Angie. Anything to help." I gave one of my for-teacher smiles. I really didn't mind, besides I usually didn't have a lot on after school.

"That's great Emily. I'll call for you again after class." Angie smiled, looking pleased.

"What did Angie want?" Katie questioned as I sat beside her.

"Just wanted me to help out to tutor someone twice a week after school."

"Thank fuck she didn't ask me to do it." Katie threw up her hands dramatically.

I would've liked to say that her grades weren't exactly fantastic but I bit my lip.

"Did she say who it is?" Katie added.

"Nope." I secretly and selfishly hoped it was Naomi but it couldn't be could it? To me, popular students and star players are like… smart and stuff. Maybe it's just how they appear to be in the movies? Y'know the popular, smart and pretty girl and the ugly, nerdy guy having a crush on her.

"I wonder who's the unlucky one… Oh fuck what if it's me!" Katie grabbed my arm frantically.

That was just so bimbotic. I rolled my eyes and looked pointedly at her, "Why would she tell me to tutor you after school when she could've told me to do it with you at home."

"Yeah you got a point there." She looked relieved.

I saw Naomi walked into class with Cook beside her, talking at the top of their voices. I quickly dipped my head and fiddled uselessly at the papers and pens on my desk. I wanted to kick myself. After all these times, I still can't look at Naomi in the eye or even lift my head and look at her when she's looking in my direction. No wonder she doesn't know I exist because she only sees the top of my head all the time.

"Why are you blushing?" Katie's voice brought me to my senses.

"No I'm not! It's the weather, I'm feeling a little warm." I tried to cover up by lamely flapping my hand at my neck to indicate I was hot.

"Oh alright." She shrugged and continued texting on her phone.

The lesson passed by quickly. It was easy; I'd already gone through the chapter beforehand so I knew exactly how to do the questions. Yeah call me a nerd, whatever. Since I didn't have many activities, I might as well spend the time wisely getting good grades for an easy entry into any university.

Angie dismissed the class and I was really anxious to know who was the student I would be tutoring.

"Naomi could you please come to the front." Angie called out.

My eyes widened. You gotta be fucking kidding me. Her? Naomi Campbell needs help with math? I was suddenly quite aware of my frantically beating heart and almost sweaty palms.

Katie mouth fell open. "Oh my god, you're going to be tutoring that lezza." She scrunched her nose up in disgust. "Don't let her charm you and get into your pants. She's got quite a reputation for that." She stood up and swept her hair, "If I'm you I'll try to turn it down. I don't want her to turn you gay."

I internally screamed. Oh Katie, the problem isn't with Naomi turning me gay. I… don't even know anymore!

I stood up with her, hoping I could leave quietly with Katie and maybe Angie would not catch me in time.

"Emily could you also please come to the front." Angie called me as I was going to pass by.

I should be jumping for joy, shouldn't I? It was like I struck lottery, and a rather big prize in fact. I was going to finally talk to the girl of my dreams, the crush I had for years, and yet my mind was saying 'no' in repeat mode.

I timidly stood beside her and Naomi looked at me. AT ME, probably for the first time in my life. Oh god she was so tall. All my girly mannerisms kicked in unconsciously. I looked up at her, clasped my hands behind my back, because I really didn't know what to do with them, am I supposed to wave? – and smiled shyly. I swear my knees almost wobbled when I peeked at her crystal blue eyes that were looking into mine. I could have died on the spot, being the happiest girl ever because Naomi acknowledged me. Her tongue came out to wet her lips. It was too much. I jerked my head back to staring at the floor. Oh Emily, you're completely useless aren't you?

Throughout the whole conversation between Angie and Naomi, I listened quietly, still looking at the floor. I could almost feel Naomi's eyes flashing deathly looks at both of us. I almost felt bad for her, needing to be tutored by me, who she probably wouldn't want anything to do with. It must be bruising to her ego. Most popular students would feel rather insulted.

"So reschedule your trainings. That is final. You shall start your sessions with Emily, starting from tomorrow. Emily, you will update me on your progress with Naomi. Don't you dare skip those sessions Naomi or I'll have you do the sessions with me." I nodded mutely at that.

Naomi grabbed her bag and stormed out of the class with Angie calling loudly after her telling her the sessions were going to start tomorrow.

"I'm sorry Emily. You probably should know by now that Naomi's got a temper since you two are in the same class." Angie turned to me. "You really need to push that girl. Her grades are slipping and it's not going to do her any good if she fails the exam. Her chances for applying for university next year would be slim."

I finally found my voice. "Not to worry Angie, I'll do the best I can."

"You'll do that." Angie smiled warmly at me. "Now hurry along. Don't want you to be late for the next class."

I found my friends waiting outside of the classroom for me. JJ, Thomas and Panda were all spotting huge grins on their faces.

"We heard that." JJ was beaming at me.

"Your dream's come true!" Panda squealed excitedly.

"You must make the best of it Emily." Thomas was also smiling.

"You guys…" I rubbed my hands over my face in exasperation. "Naomi's probably gonna hate me for this."

"Why would she?" Panda took my hand and started swinging it as we walked. "She barely knows you. She'll have to thank you instead for getting her grades up."

I shrugged. It was unexpected but I guess it can't be that bad. This is my one chance to finally get to know her, to finally know what she's like, to spend two hours with her. And I'm actually ordered to do that. All these years of looking at her from afar are coming to an end.

"I can hear you thinking from here." JJ lightly tapped my temple. "Relax."

"You're right." I admitted and smiled. "It can't be bad, can it?"