Crazy For This Girl

Chapter 1

September | First day of school

MY name is Rachel, and I am almost eighteen. I stand five feet, three inches—a little on the slim side but not too shabby. I have a straight, long black hair up to my waist that I like to curl once in awhile. A typical young Filipina, you'd say.

My Dad and I recently moved to Hamilton, Ontario, from the Philippines to live with my mother. My mom is a Registered Nurse and is the first to immigrate here three years ago then petitioned my father and me early this year. My father worked as a Licensed Engineer back home and is waiting for his assessment here. You know how the education system works. He would most likely challenge the licensing body and take three exams to get his license or worst comes to worst — he might have to go back to school for a year then take the exam. The thing is, if he chooses to do the first option and fails even one exam — it multiplies.

As for me, honestly? I did not want to move here. I grew up in a small town where everybody knew each other. I have many friends and quite popular in school as I am in an all-female band that most teens my age dig. I am in my senior year too, which means I will be graduating high school this year if I did not come here.

All I could do was sigh. Family over everything, right? Don't get me wrong. Of course, I want to live with Mom. She is the best, and I want our family to be complete.

But it is such a big step for me, and now I have to do two more years in high school before I graduate and attend university. That feeling knowing my friends are together and will graduate before I make me a bit sad. But I am here now, so I have to make the most of it. I woke up early this morning to get ready for the first day of school. I got my uniform last week, and I am going to a Catholic School on the West End, St. Benilde High. It is within walking distance of my house. My mom just finished cooking breakfast when I came downstairs.

"Hey, sweetie! Good morning," she looked tired from her night shift but still beautiful as ever.

"Hey, Mom, good morning."

I am all dressed and ready to go. I put my hair on a ponytail and just applied some lip gloss. I am not into makeup ever since. My white top with a coat on is snug, and a quilted skirt covers half my thigh. It looks lovely with my stockings on. Mom also bought me a nice pair of black Mary Janes to go with it.

"Your uniform looks good on you. I have to take a picture before you leave, okay?" I nodded and smiled at her. She looked more excited than me.

"Eat, so you have the energy for later. What time does your first class starts?" She asked while eating a piece of toast.

"Fifteen minutes before nine. But I have to be there for the assembly at half-past eight, and also I don't know my way around yet that's why I got up so early. I want to have extra time to familiarize myself on the campus." I explained to her.

"Makes sense. Good thinking Rach."

I looked for Dad, and I didn't see him. "Where's Dad?

"He's still asleep. He worked in the factory on a night shift. He just came home around six this morning."

"I see. Night shift is tough, but so is Dad. I hope his assessment comes out soon. I bet he missed doing his old work." I am done with breakfast. Time check: half-past seven.

"It has been six months. It should come out soon according to their timeline. Brush your teeth when you are done. Do you want me to drop you off or you want to walk?" 

I shook my head. "I'd rather walk. Thanks, Mom." 

Her offer is tempting, but I would rather walk. It looks nice out, and I want to feel the breeze. I like the smell of pine trees, especially in the morning. I excused myself and went upstairs to brush my teeth. When I was done, I took my backpack and a folder containing my school records. I said goodbye to my mother after she took my picture.

A few students are walking towards the same school, judging by their uniform. I don't know what grade they're in though. Eleventh grade is not precisely soothing in my ears right now but hell, what choice do I have?

Finally, I reached the campus and went through the front door. I was surprised to see that there are many students there already, even though it's only eight in the morning. Most of them are in groups. Some of them looked like they are couples as their bodies are too close with arms around each other.

I tried to look for my classroom so that it's easy for me to go back if I wander around more. I saw where the washroom and the fountain are. The admissions and principal's office are beside each other, and the gym is not far from them. I checked the time, and it's eight-fifteen in the morning. I decided to go back to the classroom when someone on a skateboard bump into me and my folder with papers went flying in the air.

"Watch out!" The guy said in a loud voice.

Oh crap! Who in the hell would skate in the hallway? I am pretty sure it is not allowed in here. Now I have to pick up everything. He didn't stop to help me or even apologized. I saw him glance at me as he moved away with his stupid skateboard. What happened on my first day was really disappointing. Seriously, who would bump into a fellow student, sees that person in distress and not try to help them? Gah. Today is terrible already.

His hair is dark brown. He also has an aristocratic nose, thin red lips and just the right amount of thickness for his eyebrows. In short, he is hot.

A hottie from hell that is! How rude!