Chapter One

Kyla's POV

"Hi, I'm Kyla Malik. I'm seventeen and I go to Lockwood high." I introduce myself in front of the camera, putting on my best fake smile.

"Cut!" Riley yells shooting a massive glare directly at me.

"What did I do wrong this time? We've shot it almost ten times. I'm hungry Riley," I whine, pouting my lips.

"We're going to do it over and over again until you sound convincing,” she says in a firm tone. I know better than to argue with her.

"Ugh!" I groan, but she simply chuckles.

Okay, as I said I'm Kyla Malik and the annoying girl in front of me is my best friend, Riley. We've been friends since kindergarten when she stole my lunch. Funny, right? I shrugged my shoulders, watching Riley stifle a small laugh.

We are currently shooting a reality video, as she calls it and apparently, I'm not being real enough. I told her beforehand that I'm a very boring person. She picked the wrong girl for the job. I can't sound "real" over a camera or say funny things to get people hyped. It's just not me, sadly.

"I'm coming over to your place tonight. We're going over it again until…" She stops talking. Her mouth falls open, her gaze is fixed on something, someone.

"Hey, Riley. You're gaping." I snap my fingers, teasing her.

"Can you blame me? He's so dreamy," she coos, placing her hands on both sides of her face.

The dreamy guy is Stein. He goes to our school but he's a fuck boy by nature. It's rumored that he's slept with at least ten girls at Lockwood High. I don't blame him because they practically throw themselves at his feet and I don’t blame them because he's really cute. Too bad I don't do boys; unlike Riley who’s had a crush on him since forever. I wonder when she’ll get over him.

"There's a party later today. We're going."

"You know my answer every week. I'm not. I would rather lay in bed and watch Netflix all night than watch young teens drink themselves into a stupor."

"That's why this week I'm not asking. I'll be at your house by eight p.m. We're going."

"Yeah, good luck with that." I roll my eyes and we went back to our food or at least I did. Riley is still gushing over Stein and giving me the creeps.

****

After lunch, we each go back to our separate classes until the bell rings. I didn't have a car yet. My dad always says I am too young. Riley takes me to school and back, and it's fun riding with her.

She drops me off at my house, then decides to offer some words of wisdom. "I'll be back by eight p.m. Look pretty." I roll my eyes making a mental list of all the movies I would watch before falling asleep. I'm not going to a party and even Riley can't convince me otherwise.

I find the hidden key under the doormat and enter my house. I live with my relatives here in California as my parents are way up in Texas. My aunt and uncle treat me like their own child. Maybe because they didn't have any of their own.

I lock the door behind me, place the keys on the counter, and walk to my room for a refreshing bath.

When I am done, I pick up my phone and scroll through my watch lists.

The moment the clock strikes eight p.m., my phone rings. It’s Riley.

“Hey babe,” I chirp eager to go back to watching The Kissing Booth.

“I'll be at your house in ten minutes. Be ready before then.” I snort as she hangs up and go back to my movie.

True to her words, she arrives shortly after ten minutes.

"You're not dressed!" she exclaims. I was too busy staring at her to respond. Riley looked pretty; I mean she doesn't even have to try her skin is flawless.

"Why aren't you dressed?" she added in a high-pitched tone.

"Because I'm not going. I told you I don't want to."

"Kyla, you can't keep doing this. This is high school, where we’re supposed to have the best years of our lives. You have to live it to the fullest. Yes, you're scared of being judged, but that shouldn't stop you from doing things. You might be a bookworm, but as your friend, I can tell you I love being around you. But since you want to drown yourself in movies, I hope you have fun. I'm off. "

Guilt stabs me straight in my heart. She plays with my emotions and she's damn good

"Wait," I say sucking in a harsh breath.

"Come help me pick out my clothes." She dashes towards me, hugging me tightly.

"Let's do this."

"Don't go overboard please."

"I'll try my best." She grins, flashing her white teeth. By trying her best, she means, “get ready because when I’m done, you won't recognize yourself.”