Chapter 1

The conversation began like any other day. Kylie and her best friend Skyler were sitting outside the cafeteria at Westport High School, trying to distract themselves from the pain of the bullying they endured during the first part of the day.

“I heard what Janelle said about you earlier,” Skyler said. Kylie’s face started to turn red and blush, which was not unusual for this time of the day. She had just been yelled at in the cafeteria line about being the ugliest member of the senior class.

Janelle has been torturing Kylie since the two ended their friendship in sophomore year after Janelle asked out a boy who liked Kylie. As Janelle was part of the popular clique, the boy accepted without hesitation, causing Kylie, who also had a crush on the boy, to break down and retreat into being a social outcast. Janelle admitted she only became friends with her to ruin Kylie’s reputation, and while the relationship only lasted a few weeks, the plan worked.

“It’s fine. It’s not like anything she said was false,” Kylie responded.

“You can’t keep saying that!” Skyler yelled. She had met Kylie a few days after the Janelle fiasco, and they have been best friends ever since. Skyler just happened to be reading in the exact spot that Kylie believed was empty. The underside of the football field bleachers provided a safe place to cry. Once she could calm Kylie down, she gathered information about the whole ex-friendship and the events that occurred. It was similar to what Skyler experienced years before, so they gained an immediate bond.

“Yes, I can. Look. I dress in just sweats and a hoody. I only have one friend. I am constantly bullied...,” Kylie stated. At this point, Skyler was reaching her breaking point, she had heard Kylie constantly complain for the past two months since school started, and she had had enough.

“Shut up!” Skyler yelled. Kylie immediately stopped and just stared at her friend. In the past two years, she had never seen this type of reaction from her. “You are hot, cute, funny, and more pretty than anyone else at this damn school Kylie. Janelle is a bitch and is scared of who you could be.”

It just so happened that someone else was listening to this conversation, and he agreed with every aspect of the statement.

Jeremy was the captain of the baseball team, the head of student government, and most likely the most popular person on campus. He has been first in his class for the past three years and has tried to be friends with everyone on campus. He would go out of his way to talk to those not considered popular and even support and tutor those having issues in class. Everyone knew him, but he did tend to blend in more with the popular clique.

No one knew that his family could technically buy the town of Westport if they wanted. Jeremy never tended to showcase his wealth, he still drove an old Ford Focus and lived with his family in a small two-bedroom house near the school. He found it was easier than having everyone beg him for money constantly.

He just happened to be walking toward the side of the cafeteria, heading to the baseball field, when he overheard the conversation between Skyler and Kylie.

He decided it was time for someone to take down Janelle.

Skyler and Kylie were still arguing when Jeremy turned the corner. They hadn’t even heard him approach.

“Skyler. Kylie. What is going on here?” Jeremy asked.

“Oh ... Hi Jeremy,” Skyler responded. She glanced over at her now crying friend. “Kylie and I were just discussing Janelle.”

“Don’t worry about it, Jeremy. I am fine,” Kylie was able to say in between the tears. She was clearly lying.

Jeremy could see right through her words and decided that while he did not know these two on a personal level, it was time to change that.

“Listen, let’s go off campus to get lunch. We still have an hour before classes resume, and I would like to discuss something with both of you.” Jeremy stated.

Both the girls were shocked by the idea. They had interacted with Jeremy between classes but never did anything with him directly. They looked at each other and agreed with a nod.

“Perfect, I have my car so let’s head to the student parking lot,” Jeremy said. The trio of students picked up their bags and started to walk.

The walk was quiet, and Kylie was still recovering from the earlier conversation, but Jeremy wanted to start a friendly chat to get to know these two more. He had an idea of how to solve the bullying issues but did not know how to bring up what he had in mind.

“While I was not there earlier, I did hear what Janelle said. She had no right to bring up what she did. It was completely inappropriate. I am sorry that happened.” Jeremy stated with sincerity. He also looked at Kylie and smiled.

Kylie saw the smile and gave a partial one back. Skyler also returned the smile. She happened to know that Kylie had a crush on Jeremy.

When the three reached his car, Jeremy opened the door for them. Skyler entered the back while Kylie took the front seat.

“Do you have any suggestions of places nearby to eat, or should I take you to one of my favorites? They have burgers, hot dogs, and pretty much any other type of grilled food.” Jeremy asked.

“That sounds great!” Kylie responded. She seemed to be feeling better now that she was away from the scene of the altercation. Skyler nodded her agreement, and Jeremy turned the car on to begin the quick drive to the restaurant.

“Listen. I know it’s been rough for you the past few years, and I really want to put an end to this bullying from Janelle. I have an idea if your willing to hear me out.” Jeremy said. He just hoped they would not hate him after he mentioned the details.