By the time the second day arrived, everyone had read the Homecoming dance flyer when Anthony Bridgerton finally ripped it off the board.
He ignored the sour looks girls gave him because now two pieces of knowledge have spread throughout Mayfair High: one, this dance is going to be girls choice dance, and two, no girl can ask Benedict Bridgerton because of his shrewd elder brother.
Colin sighed sadly as he watched his elder brother being shunned by students. "It's official; my elder brother is now the social pariah of this school."
"Cheer up, Col." Penelope said, as she assured him. "You know, Anthony, he is too mature to be bothered by anyone's opinions."
At that moment, Benedict and his friends arrive, laughing loudly as he spins Cressida, who congratulates him for joining the football team. "Yeah, one brother is too mature, while the other is too immature." Colin says it bitterly as he watches his once-sweet brother now show off with his friends. "I do not understand what happened to him. Until last year, all Ben wanted to do was be an artist, but it has been months since he drew a stick. Now look at him flaunting his popularity on our faces while blaming Ant for every small thing."
Sophie watched quietly as she observed Benedict from afar, and somehow she wanted to help him before he lost himself like she did when her mom passed away.
The bell rang, and Sophie patted her friends back. "Come guys, let us head towards the class."
The first class was French, and as they walked inside, Sophie overheard the teacher talking with Benedict. "Your French grade last year was very low, so if you want to stay in the team, you need to improve your grade this year. I recommend asking for student help to tutor you."
The teacher turned around and stared at his class. "Who is best in French?"
No one raised their hands except one. "Ah, Ms. Beckett. She is our new student, and when she arrives with her father after living five years in Paris, she will be perfect as your French tutor, Bridgerton."
As soon as girls heard the word Bridgerton, they all leapt on their feet's. "Sir, I can tutor him; no, I cannot, no me."
But by that time, it was too late, as Benedict sat beside Sophie and gave her his charming smile. "Bonjour Mademoiselle."
Sophie's heart fluttered like a butterfly while Colin and Penelope stared in shock, wondering what just happened.
They were not only shocked in their class. The first English class of senior year was filled with excitement as students stared at Kate Sharma, who sat coolly in her chair, unbothered by their constant ogling.
"Alright, class, please be cool, because staring is rude and I cannot tolerate rude students'."
At Professor Danbury's voice, the entire class sat straight while Kate mouthed thank you to her teacher, who winked at her.
"All right, students, since this is your last year in this school, I have planned some fun tests to push your imagination to the next level. So for your first assignment, I want two bright ideas to express true love. Now raise your hands."
Only two hands shot up, and Agatha Danbury was not surprised as she waited for anyone else. After a minute, she sighs and glares at her students. "After all these years, none of you have learned to be brave enough to express yourself. Alright, Bridgerton, Sharma Please share your ideas with the class.
Kate simply says, "Love songs." While Anthony says, "Love confessions,"
Danbury looked thoroughly impressed as she pondered these suggestions. "Excellent ideas! Alright, class, I want each of you to team up with a partner and prepare a love song and a skit about love confession with your partners, which you will perform in front of the entire school on the annual Jane Austen day."
At that point, Cressida burst into laughter as she mocked Anthony. "It looks like you are going to fail, Bridgerton, because who in their right mind will be teaming up with a shrew like you to write things about love?"
"Well, if you find someone who can team up with cunning, bitter hags like yourself, then this shrew can definitely team up with someone.
"Silence, and Cowper, if you cannot speak up to contribute ideas in this class, then do speak to bully other students as well." Danbury snapped, making Cressida go quite.
"Now, students, who will be our first team?"
This time only Kate raised her hand first, as she declared loudly. "I choose Bridgerton as my team partner."
Anthony's mouth fell open in shock while other students stared in disbelief as Professor Danbury announced that the team chosen today will remain for the entire senior year. "Ms. Sharma, please go sit with your partner."
As other teams began to form, Anthony watched as Kate Sharma gathered her things and walked towards him like a long-lost dream.
She stopped by his table and sat on the next chair. "I cannot stand bullies, and since you were the only one to give an idea, I think you are smart enough to do these projects with me."
"I, I am," Anthony stutters before clearing his throat as he tries to speak confidently. "I mean, I am a decent student, so you can rely on me."
"Cool!" Kate beamed, and Anthony was about to say more when she turned towards him and held out her hand. "I am Kate Sharma. I know you must know me for being popular and all, but I think we should introduce ourselves, so I am Kate Sharma and you are."
Anthony's smiles dropped and his heart clenched inside his body, but still he managed to smile at the girl he has liked since kindergarten, but apparently she never noticed his existence.
Kate frowned as she noticed a sadness in her new partner's deep, intense eyes, but before she could understand that sadness, he shook her hand and managed to reply. "I am Anthony, Anthony Bridgerton."
Something about this name rang a faint bell in her memory, but Kate shook her head and smiled at her partner. "Alright, Anthony, let's win this project."
Anthony wanted to say she already won his heart years ago, but it does not matter because Cressida is right: a shrew like him can never have a girl like Kate Sharma.
By the time the free period arrived, Sophie was feeling nervous energy as she waited for Benedict to arrive. She waited five minutes, then ten, then fifteen. After twenty minutes, she had enough and was about to pack her things and leave when someone tapped her shoulder. "Sorry to be late. I hope you are not angry with me."
One smile, that one charming smile, and all anger evaporate from her body as she cheerfully assures him. "Angry at you? Of course not. Please sit down so we can start the first lesson."
She scooted a little as Benedict sat down beside her and opened his French books, and Sophie has to admit he has nice, beautiful hands, probably because the rest of him is so beautiful.
"So, teacher, what are you going to teach me today?"
Her eyes left his hands, and Benedict was smirking because it seemed his cute French teacher likes him like other girls. He leans closer as he whispers playfully. "I can be a very good student or bad if you want that."
Sophie squeezed her legs and stared at his pretty blue eyes. She could feel his eyes on her lips. "Um, we should first cover basic things."
"I am game if you are." Benedict teased playfully, and Sophie blushed as she realised how her words sounded. "Open your book, Bridgerton." She says it a little sternly.
For the next thirty minutes, they covered basic things about the French language, and by the end of the first tutoring session, one thing was clear. "Your French is horrible, but if you give me part of your extra time this year, then I can guarantee you will pass this year's French tests."
"My time is yours, Sophie; it's not like I can use that time to go out on dates or dances." Benedict said it bitterly, and Sophie felt sad as she watched him pack his bags.
"See you later, teacher." Ben says and kisses Sophie on the cheek while smirking inside. Mom may forbid him from dating, but she cannot forbid him from getting tuition from a sweet girl like Sophie. Maybe he can benefit from her in more ways.
As Benedict left, Sophie was left to ponder: How can she help him?
She was lost in her own memories when she got a text to come to the school auditorium as Penelope has put Sophie's name on the list of volunteers. She went there, and it was completely empty except for Penelope and Colin. She watched how Colin was helping Penelope as they tested sound equipment while Kate Sharma rehearsed on stage at the school auditorium.
"What is going on?" Sophie inquires as the entire room is filled with Kate's melodious voice.
"This is so exciting! But Kate's manager negotiated with Principal Charlotte that, in order to attend school this year, Kate has to rehearse every day for one hour so she can be prepared for her world tour next year. Principal Charlotte asked me to select a group of trustworthy students to help Kate during her rehearsals, and I chose you three to help me. Now think we four are going to enjoy all her songs before the world does."
"We four? But I can only see three of us."
Suddenly, the door opened, and Anthony walked inside carrying five cups of hot drinks. "Here you go, Pen, your coffee, Colin, your cappuccino, and I do not know what you like, so I brought hot chocolate for you."
Sophie smiled as others took their cups. "Thanks; I love hot chocolate."
"Daphne too; you remind me of my sister." Anthony says, and Sophie felt warmth in her heart for this guy who associate her like a sister.
"And what did you bring me?" A voice inquires.
All four of them stood up as Kate joined them towards their table while eyeing two left-over cups. "Well, partner, what drink did you choose for me?"
Sophie prided herself on being an observer, but there was no way Pen and Col could not pick up chemistry between them as Anthony took the cup and handed it to Kate.
He watched shyly as Kate took one sip, and suddenly her eyes widened with immense joy. "Chai! How did you know I loved Chai?"
She drank more and hummed in delight before putting her cup down as she reached out to embrace Anthony. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you so much! You have no idea how much I missed Patel's chai when I left to pursue my music. No chai can match the authenticity of Patel's chai."
"Glad you love it." Anthony shyly embraced her back and then blushed when Kate kissed his cheek. "You are such a sweet heart, Bridgerton. I never knew you were my fan."
"Neither have I." Colin muttered in a low voice but got sush by his friends.
Pulling back, they watched as Kate took off her beaded bracelet and placed it on Anthony's wrist. "Here you go, a special bracelet for my sweetest fan."
Kate then picked up her drink and returned to the stage to continue with her rehearsal. The entire time, Sophie, Penelope, and Colin watched Anthony, who seemed to be star struck by Kate.
Once the rehearsals were over, Kate decided to join them for a break. "Come, Anthony, I think we should discuss our class project."
Anthony did not move, and Kate frowned as she held out his hand. "Bridgerton, I am hungry for some lunch, so are you coming with us or not?"
Anthony still did not move as Colin stepped closer. "He is avoiding other students, especially girls, who are angry with him because of the new Bridgerton rule."
Kate frowned as she stared from one brother to the next. "New Bridgerton rule?"
Sophie and Penelope stood sad as Colin explained everything, and suddenly Kate's eyes were filled with understanding. "So that's why those girls in our class were treating you badly?"
"I do not care about their opinions; I know I have done nothing wrong. Just go without me because there is no need to ruin your lunch break on my account."
"This is the reason I asked Anthony to volunteer: I wanted him to be away from Cressida and her band of mean girls." Penelope whispers to Sophie, who now understands Anthony's presence.
Kate sighed as she walked towards her partner and grabbed his hand. Anthony felt a spark when their hands touched, and Kate felt it too as she stared deeply into his eyes, which now seemed sad. "Come, join us. I don't think anyone will bother you when I am around."
"Why do you think that?"
Kate smirked as she began walking outside while pulling him along as others followed behind. "Perks of being a popstar."
It was true. The moment their group arrived at the lunch room, everyone stopped talking as Kate led her new friends towards her special table, where her special lunch was waiting for her. "Sub way! Colin's eyes widen at the size of the sandwich as Kate tells them. "Eat whatever you like. It's my treat."
Cressida glared as a group of losers and shrew dares to sit with such an iconic celebrity.
"Come, Ben, let us introduce Kate to a group of cool people." Benedict did not want to go, especially when he saw Anthony on that table, but Cressida was already pulling him up as he and his friends walked towards Kate Sharma's table.
Kate was laughing at Penelope's story about how all sound systems once got connected to the Principal Charlotte room. "I tell you, Kate, that day we find out she is also a famous erotic writer."
Kate laughed, and Anthony smiled as he watched her face fill with joy.
Kate smiles back but soon notices Anthony's smile dropping as Cressida and some students approached her table.
"Kate Sharma! I am such a big fan of yours! Can we take a picture with you?"
"Um sure!" Kate excused herself and walked towards the group to take pictures and selfies with them. Once pictures were done, Cressida stopped her from going back to her table. "Word of advice: a brilliant pop star like you needs to stick around popular students at Mayfair High. I am sure we all could be best friends too; you do not need to hang around a bunch of nerds or grumpy shrews. Am I right, Benedict?"
Kate stared at the other Bridgerton, who did not say anything but nodded his head.
Kate sighed as she managed to smile at Cressida. "Thanks for the word of advice, but I think I can choose my friends on my own."
She turned around but was surprised to see her table was empty, with her friends nowhere to be found. Behind her, Cressida laughed with her friends, but Kate did not waste her time as she picked up her bag and left away from this pathetic school politics.
As school ends, Penelope and Colin are sad because they cannot enjoy popularity even in the presence of pop stars.
"This year stinks! First, that stupid rule! And now this." Colin did not need to mention anything else as Penelope embraced her friend. "Do not be down, Col; maybe your mom will lift that rule by the time that dance happens."
"It's unlikely you saw Ben today with Cressida; it's people like her that mom is trying to protect Ben from when she placed that rule. The only loophole is if Anthony starts dating someone."
Sophie tried to say something, but Penelope got this exciting gleam in her eyes. "Then let's find a girl brave enough to date Anthony! There must be some girl at Mayfair to date him."
"Guys, I think Anthony..." Sophie tried again, but now Colin was speaking in excitement. "I knew a few goths who could date my brother."
"And I know some nerds." Penelope says cheerfully, and Sophie shakes her head as both her friends start calling girls for a meeting.
Once the message was sent, Penelope turned to her friends. "Alright, Anthony's Angel's, let's find a girlfriend for our shrew."
"Hey, Charlie's Angel's has a trio of three girls." Colin reminds her irritably.
"Well, it's the 21st century;where is your gender equality?! You can be one of Anthony's angels too."
Colin grumbled as Penelope led them towards their meeting place, and Sophie kept her silence because she knew the first try of Anthony's Angels was going to fail spectacularly.
"So girls, who wants to date my brother?" Colin asks.
"I! I! Me! I cannot believe Benedict is up for market again." One of the girls exclaimed, and Colin smile dropped while Sophie laughed.
"He means Anthony Bridgerton. Who wants to date Anthony Bridgerton?"
Now everyone was laughing aside from Colin, Penelope, and Sophie, who glared at these girls.
One of the goth girls realises something as she asks. "You are not joking? You want us to date that shrew?"
"Out!" Colin shouted, and one by one, the girls walked away. When one asked about Benedict, Colin looked murderous. "That's it! Anthony's Angel's failed at this mission."
"At least we tried," Penelope says.
Sophie huffed as she wrapped her arms around her friends. "My dear Anthony's Angel's, we do not need to find many girls when there is already a perfect, beautiful girl he already likes."
"Who?" Both of them asked together, and at that moment, Sophie turned their heads towards the gate, where they saw Kate Sharma insisting Anthony Bridgerton to sit inside her car.
They both watched shocked as Anthony finally agreed and sat inside Kate's sports car as they drove away from the school.
"That is your perfect girl?" Sophie announced triumphantly.
"What?!"