It was the first day of school at Bronson Alcott High School in Beverly Hills. The sun was shining bright and hundreds of teenagers flocked to Bronson for yet another year. Kiara and Carolyn pulled into the parking lot, double checked themselves in the mirrors and stepped out.
"I can't believe we have two more years here," Carolyn said smoothing out her short skirt.
"Think about it this way Cari, we're juniors now--upperclassmen, we have a much higher standing."
"Who has a higher standing than us anyway?"
"Well, no one but just think of it as a better opportunity to make sure everyone else knows it!"
"Good point!"
Kia and Cari walked through school grounds to the diag. They made their way to a spot where only a select few could hang out; the most popular kids in school chilled in the courtyard near the diag. As Kia and Cari got closer Cari noticed something that didn't please her in any way. Kia watched Cari as she stomped up to the group of boys.
"JC, who is bitch?!" Cari yelled.
A little blond was hanging all over JC and that was a thing Cari would not stand for. Kia watched as the drama unfolded. She had seen it plenty of times--Cari and JC arguing. They had been serious for about 3 years and would most likely be together forever. Cari pushed the girl back and she left quickly.
"Baby, that was just this freshmen--I was going to show her around."
"Like hell you were--what have I told you?"
"Look, woman, I don't have time for this."
"Woman! Well, when tonight rolls around, you can keep the bed warm yourself!"
Cari marched off as JC ran after her, apologizing profusely. Kia smiled as someone came up from behind her and covered her eyes.
"Hmmm, I wonder who it could be?" she said sarcastically.
"Guess," the figure whispered.
"Could it be Justin maybe?"
The figure turned her around and Kia looked into his face.
"How'd you know?"
"Let's see, probably because you do that to me, everyday!"
"Oh, I see."
Justin smiled and led Kia over to the group. Justin Timberlake and Josh Chasez were the 'leaders' of the crew. They were the most popular guys at school as well as best-friends. Justin had expressed strong feelings for Kia but she had made it perfectly clear she didn't date high school guys. She wanted a mature and more stable man. She did care for Justin but could never see herself with him romantically. The other members of their little clique rounded off the major popular population: Sharanda Davison, Reese Thomas, and Lance Bass. Sharanda and Lance had been dating for about a year and were the perfect couple. Kia envied Reese because she was dating a college man. Kia, Cari, and Sharanda were the only juniors while everyone else was in their senior year. The 7 of them made up a group that everyone dreamed of being a part of. Kia sat next to Sharanda who was playing in Lance's hair.
"Hey Kia, we're going to hang out tonight, you in?"
"I can't, I promised my father I'd be home when my ex stepbrother, Joey, brought over his new girlfriend."
"Oh, that sucks."
"Tell me about it."
"Well, there's a part this Saturday in the Valley."
"Yeah, I should be able to go."
"Awesome."
They all heard the first bell ring and reluctantly got up. Justin came over and offered his arm to Kia.
"Can I escort you to your class miss?"
"Why yes you may," Kia said wrapping her arm is his.
On their way to class, she saw Cari and JC locked in a passionate kiss. They could never stay mad at eachother for long. Kia sighed as she realized another school year had started. If only she knew that this year would be unlike any other.