Dear Diary,
Tomorrow is the first day of senior year at Timberlake High. My plan is the same as every other year. Sit in the back of the class, keep to myself, and get straight A's. I don't give a s**t if people call me the weird girl or think I'm mute. I prefer it that way actually; as they will completely ignore me instead of trying to engage in conversation.
The sooner I graduate, the better. I can't wait until I leave this town and this house. Thinking about Dad motivates me to keep going to school and become the person I always dreamt of being. I want to be a teacher, but Mom and Richard think it's a ridiculous career choice. They say I won't make a living off a teacher's salary. I truly hate Richard and resent my Mom. She didn't even wait three months after my Dad died to start dating again.
When she brought Richard over to meet me, he flirted with me right in front of my Mom. She pretended she didn't notice that along with all the other creepy gestures he made toward me. I wasn't surprised when they got engaged and had a quick wedding shortly after. My Mom is a beautiful woman and Richard is an older man, but a billionaire. They both have obviously been using each other for their own agenda and act like a perfect couple to the world.
I've been thinking of moving out next week when I turn eighteen, but I need to get a job first. I refuse to touch any of my so-called allowances from Richard. I could use the money I inherited from Dad, but that won't last me forever.
I'll keep you updated on my decision. For now, it's time for bed.
XO, Kylie.
I close my diary and let out a dramatic sigh. "Just one more year," I chant to myself.
The sun illuminates through the window, waking me up for the day. Checking my phone, I see there are only five minutes before my alarm is about to go off. Turning the alarm off before the annoying buzzing sound rings out, I get up and head to my bathroom.
After a refreshing shower and brushing my teeth, I toss on the clothes I had set out last night to save me time this morning.
"Good morning," I mumble as I enter the kitchen. Mom is always sleeping at this time, so it's just me, Richard, and one of the butlers in the room.
"Morning, beautiful. Are you looking forward to senior year?" Hearing him call me beautiful never fails to make me feel uncomfortable.
"I'm looking forward to it ending," I reply honestly. Richard looks displeased with my answer and sets his tablet down.
"Is it necessary to always be so...depressing? You're smart, beautiful, and rich. You will have guys fighting to be with you. Make the most of this school year. Let go and have some fun for once in your life."
"School is not meant to be fun. I attend for an education, not to make friends and date. As for being depressed, my Dad died less than a few months ago. So, excuse me for missing him." My hands clench into fists as I fight back my tears.
Richard has the audacity to roll his eyes at me before picking his tablet back up. f*****g asshole.
Storming out of the kitchen, I walk to school as the weather seems pleasant. Not wanting to eat breakfast in my own home, I stop at the bakery on my way into town.
Fate works in mysterious ways as I notice the owner hanging up a sign on the bakery's front window. "Good morning, Lucy. Looking for an extra set of hands, huh?" I ask as she finishes with the last piece of tape.
"I sure am! Are you interested?" She flashes a hopeful smile toward me. I nod my head eagerly, "Yes. I'll fill out an application while I eat my breakfast."
I go to open the door when I hear a piece of paper being torn up nearby.
"Congratulations! You're hired, Kylie!"
I stare at the woman dumbfounded. How could she hire me without knowing any of my skills or looking at my resume?
Once inside the bakery, she ushers me over to a barstool at the counter. "I just need you to fill these forms out then we can get you started! Would you be available today after school for training?" Lucy asks as she hands me the forms and a pen. I watch as she opens a glass door that displays some of the baked goods and places a blueberry muffin on a small plate.
"You have no idea how much this means to me. I will be here as soon as school is done for the day." Taking a bite into the muffin, I let out a soft moan. It's extremely delicious and I can't always control the sounds my body makes. Luckily for me, nobody is in the bakery yet except Lucy, myself, and her two sons in the kitchen. This has always been a family business, so I'm a little surprised Lucy hired an outsider.
"Cameron! Brandon! Come meet your new co-worker!" Lucy hollers and I have no doubt that they heard her.
"Oh, hey blueberry girl! It's nice to have you join us." Cameron smiles as he shakes my hand. Brandon elbows his brother in the rib.
"What he meant to say is, hi Kylie. We look forward to working with you." He shakes my hand and heads back into the kitchen.
If it weren't for their similar looks, you would have no idea they are related. Cameron graduated a year before me, so I knew of him a little bit in school. He was popular and fun, whereas his older brother is the more serious and professional one.
"Thanks. I should start heading to school now. I'll see you guys later."
"Can't wait," Cameron says with a wink. I turn quickly so he doesn't see my blush. I laugh quietly to myself as I hear Lucy scold her son to get back to work. From her tone, I can tell she's being playful and that she has a good relationship with her family. Something I will always be jealous of.