Best Ennemies

presentation

I Hate Him, I love Him... Sometimes We All Feel This Way.

Paige Easton's focus in life is finishing high school(being validictorian), and she is not letting anything get her off track. She has always been quiet and not into the entire private school snobby kids thing. Most of all she steers clear of boys... espicially Jake Lincoln and his group of friends.

Jake Lincoln, who's only worry in high school is having a different girl every week, gets struck down from his pedestal of glory when he forced to get a tutor and join the musical. With his popularity on the line, how will he survive?

When the principle asks Paige to tutor a guy in her grade, she accepts not knowing it's the wonderful Jake Lincoln himself!

So their story begins...

Disclaimer

Portions of this book are works of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places and events are products of the author's imagination, and any resemblances to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Text and Cover by C.RIZZO

All right reserved 2020 C.RIZZO

Chapter 1- Try Outs

Paige's POV

I take a deep breath, letting out all my nerves. Relaxing my shoulders and cracking my back, I wave to Robbie who is in line behind me now. We're both trying out for the musical Hercules for drama club, it's based off the disney movie. I look down at my sign up paper, looking at the part I circled, I have one of the five goddess's circled. The way Mrs. Olver explained it was, these five girls will sit on a bench at the bottom of the stage through out the whole musical and sing when one of there songs comes on. Nothing to big, but nothing to small either. Peeking through the curtains I see that the girls before me, are just getting started so I'm going to be waiting a while.

Glancing at Robbie again, I see him and his red hair and tall and skinny physique. He reminds me of a skateboarder dude, and I know that is total stereotyping of me. It's true though, even the way he dresses make me think skateboarder... and everyone knows to stay away from skateboarders. Robbie is different though. First he is my best friends. Second, he is in drama class and he can sing ans dance. Third, he plays baseball. Fourth he is well liked and doesn't really have people who don't like him. Fifth, and I'm being honest with myself here he is pretty good looking, but I myself have been put in the friends zone. I remember back in our sophomore year, I had a huge crush on him, but it never went anywhere. Now, I just think of him as my very good looking best friend.

Paige why are you staring at me? Do I have something on me? He asks, and I mentally shake myself out of La La Land. I smie at him panicing about his audition, I remember him saying something about Pain or Panic the two workers for Hades, but I don't know if that is what he circled or not.

No, you're fine. Quiet worrying... it gives you wrinkles you know. I smirk at him, and narrows his eyes at me. Then his face softens, and a smile spreads across his lips. So.. what part ya trying out for? I ask, raising my eyebrow. I figured out I'm really good at facial expressions, and being able to control my eyebrows. He chuckles, and hands over his paper, looking at it, I see he has Pain circled. You know...you could do better then that. Like Phil... or Hercules even. I hand it back, and he scoffs.

Like you? Wanting to be one of the gospel singers.. He smiles triumphantly, I let out a breath he has a point. We sit a little longer and chat about who we think is going to get what parts. Talking about how Georgia is most likely to get Megera, she is Mrs. Olivers little teachers pet and she can sing but her acting could use some work. After another fifteen minutes, my name gets called. I stand up relaxing myself again. Good luck, and break a leg. Robbie says behind me as I push through the curtains.

Hello, Mrs. Oliver! I great handing her my paper, she smiles warmly and she starts in on her questions on what role I want to play and if I'm okay with a speaking part. Once we have all of that done and sorted through, she plays the keys on the piano to one of the songs from the musical and I sing reading of the sheet music she gave me.

Great job! She applauds, as she plays the last note. Thank you, Paige. We will have the final parts posted at the end of the week. I nod, heading out as she calls Robbie in. I smiles at him giving him a thumbs up, he roles his eye and giggle grabbing my school, bag and heading back to study hall. This was the first audition time, and I'm happy to have gotten it out of the way! Sliding back into my seat next to Carmen, another one of my friends, I inform her on how it went. She congradulates me, and then she skips back to before I left and continues explaining to me her theory on Wyatt and Anne's break-up. I barely keep up, not really caring either. She is of course taking about Wyatt Drewmoore and Anne Wilson. They we're together for a couple of months, but everyone knew that relationship was going knowwhere. Anne has a thing for Jake, Wyatts best friend, but he isn't interested in her. So to make Jake more interested in her she went out with Wyatt.

Anne is the schools slut. Wyatt and Jake are the school players. Easy as that, they will never be in actually real relationships. I try to stay out of all of there drama, which is hard to do with Carmen who always some how knows whats going on. I could careless, I have school and college to think about. Hence why I'm boyfriendless! I'm proud of it though, for being a junior and not having one relationship in high school.. or ever for that matter. I'm sure I've set some kind of record here! I've had crushes don't get me wrong, but I've never acted on them.

Once the bell rings, I head to American History, it's my favorite class next to drama. I take my seat in the front row next to the window, and wait for Mr. Parker to come in. He is alwasy late for this class, because he has lunch break during the period before this. I look at the rest of the class counting how many are here today, and I realize it's not even a class. It's just me. There are only eight of us in here, yeah small class, and today it seems the other seven are all gone. It's happened before, it's mostly the other really smart kids like the chess club people and the mathlets. Both those groups are gone today for bug tournements. When Mr. Parker does come back, he roles his eyes seeing how it's just me. The two of us go way back, he is my brothers friend. They meet in college, and have been friends since, including he did just get out of college last yeah. I'm partly sure he is only twenty-one, but I know Patrick is twenty-two.

Well, Paige what should we do today? he asks, leaning against his desk glancing at the clock. He scratches the top of his head toulsing his brown slightly curly hair, he never remembers these plans so he never knows what to do when everyone is gone.

Hangman. I stand up grabbing the market for the board. It's your turn. I smile, and he smirks and starts making the lines for the saying. We have a little tournement like thing of our own going on, challenging each other with history topics in hangman. R I begin, and we get started. I finish his puzzle, and I begin my puzzle as he check his email. We're in the middle of mine when the door opens, we both stop and look towards the door.

Mr. Parker... Ms. Easton. the Principle, Mr. Wilson... yes Anne's father. "I'm happy to know you to take class seriously.

She is my best student, and I'm not going to teach a full lesson with the whole class gone. Mr. Parker greets him. I set the marker down seeing this might be a conversation that takes a while. Can I help you with something? He asks, looking at the papers in Mr. Wilson's hands.

Not you, but Ms. Easton can. He indicates me. He holds out the papers to me, and I see they're papers. A students papers, and they're both F's. I look at the name, and I don't understand. Jake Lincoln? What do I have to do with his papers? As you can see, history is not one of his strong subjects. I'm looking for a someone to tutor him. Mr. Parker was right when he said you were his best student.

You want me to tutor Jake? Are you kidding he wont listen to me! I laugh, handing the papers back to him.

Oh I bet he will. He has been told the stakes of what could happen if he doesn't get this grade up. He said he would prefer a tutor.. I didn't say who it would be either, I chose you. Of course you don't have to. Mr. Wilson begins with the guilt tripping. I close eyes, thinking long and hard about it. You also will get the volunteer hours, you're not doing it for free. Volunteer hours? I need those, and tutoring will looking good on an application for a teaching degree!

Fine, but I deicde what days and for how long. I agree.

Deal. He smiles, and hands me back the papers. He leaves without another word, and I look at Mr. Parker.

How bad is he? I ask, setting down the papers. I walk back to the board grabbing the marker.

Second lowest in the class. He says, and that's the end of the conversation. We get back to our hangman tournement. When the bell does ring, we say our goodbyes and he notes it that I'm now two points ahead of him. We were tied and now I'm in the lead. I take Jake's papers with me, glancing at his work I see potential. He knows what the information is he just has a hard time writing it down I guess. Stopping at my locker, I see Connie and she is packing her things?

Hey... you leaving? I ask, putting in my code for my own locker. Connie and I have lockers next to each other, since highschool start. I stuff Jake's papers into my book bag, I'll look throw them more later.

Yeah, parents want me to go to some private school. She sighs, and I get confused. This is a private school. No uniforms, but we live on campous year round. Getting out for the big holidays and a month in the summer. That's how Anne's family is rich, her ancestors started the school. Although I do wonder where the smarts went because she got none of it.

Oh.. that sucks. I sigh, it's not my place to ask anything more. We aren't very close, we really only know each other from having lockers next to each other.

Yeah, today is my last day. I'm actually leaving now. She says, and we say our goodbyes. I have a locker open next to me. This could be good, new kids are always fun. Grabbing all my stuff I head out the doors, going to my car, I drive back to my dorm. It's a big campous, like a 10 blocks walk from the actual school buildig to my dorm. There is a lot to do here though, equestrain training, mechanicals for vehicles, labs for multiple things, two big gymasiums, and three weight rooms. Then including the two pools and football field and the field for track. There is also a dinner and a library from students to work at. I don't have a job, I don't really need one. My family pays for my schooling, but they said once College comes I'll have to help out which is understandable.

Once I'm back at my dorm, I head straight up to my room the dorm cat Fiddle following me. I'm partly sure I'm the only one here who feeds him, and that's why I'm his favorite. Tossing my stuff to the floor, I pull my phone out of my pocket and grab Jake's papers. He is the normal stereotype, smoking hot, rich family, fantastic sports player, and dumb as a box of rocks.

I'm free on Wednesdays and Thursday for sure. Everyone once in a while Robbie, Carmen, and I go off campous on Monday's and obviously Friday's are off limits who wants to waste time being tutored on a Friday? Shoving all of that aside I open my computer, and fire up my email. Sending Jake the idea of Wednesdays and Thursdays right after school, I close out of it reaching for my text book for French class.

Chapter 2- Wednesday Already

Paige's POV

Carmen and Robbie are bickering like normal as the three of us make our way into the school. I've tried my hardest but the two of them just can't seem to get along, they don't really hangout unless they're both with me though so they hopefully don't spend to much time together. The dumb thing is tht they argue about whats for lunch and make it seem like it's World War III! Once we're actually in the buuilding where other students start watching, I elbow each other them in the gut.

You can knock it off now. I say, I have to stop at the office, so I'll see you guys later. I excuse myself from their madness. I do have to sto pat the office to get stuff for later. Later as in Jake's tutoring lesson, which I haven't figured out yet if I'm scared or worried or anything. It will be a new expirience I know for sure, the last time Jake even talked to me let own looked at me was back in middle school. We had to work together on a science project, in which he actually was nice to me and he did do the same ammount of work I did. I wonder what changed. Puberty. That's what happened. In middle school he was still Jake Lincoln the cute jock. But in the year between eighth grade and ninth, puberrty struck him and oh hot damn. Freshman year he wasn't known for being a player or a manwhore as I call it, but Sophmore year it started. Now it's the third quarter in our junior year and he just keeps on going. Why I know all of this I don't know. It must be from Carmen. I'm not crushing on him, I'm one of th rare girls here who could careless. I see him for who he is a manwhore.

Once I have everything from Mr. Wilson, I bring it all back to my locker and head to French class. I hate having foreign language first period, but it has its pluses. The teach, Mrs. Jack, pronounced shjock, understand we aren't fully ready to learn such hard things, so she goes slow and records the lessons to let us bring home if needed. The first bell rings indicating class is ready, so everyone that's hear quiets down and listens to the start of the lesson. Once she is done with the lesson she hands out homework and I get to work. I hate homework, I often times don't have any because I finish it in class or in study halls. Switching to second period when the bell goes off for it I stop by my locker to put away my french book, and grab my waterbottle for speech. I tend to need a lot of water in this class even though I don't get nervous or anything. I just like being hydrated, it keeps me focused I guess. Sitting through, my other class mates speeches make me tired though. I not interested in public speaking, but it counts for a college credit so I though I should take it.

Moving on through out the day, I get more and more anxious for the tutoring session. I guess I am worried. When the bell rings in my seventh period study hall I nearly fall out of my chair. I was really off into my thoughts. Running to my locker to grab my history book, I notice the locker next to me is already opened, and filled with a bunch of stuff. From the looks of it though it's not a new kid. I snoop for a second, trying to see if I can see a name anywhere.

Can I help you? a boy asks behind me, I turn my face turning pink. Oh shit, gosh great start Paige. It's Jake. The pink fades and I turn white. You knew here or something? he asks, looking me up and down the way his kind does. I shake off what just happened, and turn to my locker closing it.

No. I'm not new here, Jake. I speak, Paige.. Easton.. we've gone to the same schools since middle school. I inform him, and he shakes his head as if I'm not ringing any bells. What ever at the moment I could care less, I'm late for class. I walk off steaming with anger about the new locker situation. Why would they move his locker? That's dumb! Why did you have to move Connie? Sliding into my seat, a minute late, Mr. Parker doesn't right me up. I've never been late before, so I'm happy he is letting this time slide. Class goes by way to fast, and when the bell rings I take my sweet time gathering my things. Maybe he didn't get my email, and that's why he didn't recognize my name at all. If he didn't get my email though then he might not show up.

Hey I told Jake to meet you in the library. Mr. Parker says, handing me over so more papers for him.

You said Paige and everything? I ask, scratching my eyebrow, he gives me a weird look. Well we kind f bumped into each other in the hall. He has no idea who I am...

Well, no I didn't actually mention you. I just reminded him to be there. He sighs, and we walk out of his room together. How about super? He asks, as I start making my way to the library. On me at the dinner. He adds.

If you're buying. I smile, and wave. We often times have super together, I feel bad for him. With school being an on campous thing he hasn't really been able to go out and meet people. He has friends, but I've noticed he doesn't have any girlfriends. It's not my place to say anything though, it's his life. He is Pat's friend though, so it's not weird for me to go out with him. Not date go out or anything but as friends. We are friends. I still remember when I first meet him. That would've been back in middle school too, I had a crush on most of Pat's friends. Austin AKA Mr. Parker, and Jason are the only two I really remember ever really liking though. I remember Ky and David though, and they were alright. I haven't seen and heard anything about Jason in a while though. The last thing I remembering hearing about him was that his parents pulled him from college and sent him somewhere better. He came from a rich family I asssume. Jason also happens to be my first kiss, and I remember that night clear as day. I almost walk into the door to the librbary, and that tells me I need to drop the subject in my head.

I take my seat, and get everything ready. Checking my phone while waiting, I reply to Robbie telling him I'll have to rain check on the movie marathon tonight. I don't often times go out with Mr. Parker, but I can't not say yes when he asks. He is a lot of fun when he isn't teaching. He is still that party animal he was in college, but he has tamed it down a lot since, with being a teacher.

I'm sorry I'm late... I wanted to grab food fir- Paige? Jake walks in fifteen minutes late. It seems he remembers me from an hour and half ago. You're my tutor? He laughs, grabing a fry from his to go container from the dinner.

Why is that funny? I sit back, stuffing my phone in my front jeans pocket. Me being his tutor caught him off guard, I can tell. He is trying to play with me though. I'm on his list of girls to screw. I wonder where I fall on his numbers though.

You're hot. He says flatly, Hot girls aren't smart. He says leaning forward still checking me out.

That's a horrible stereotype. I yawn, opening up the history book. Flipping to the section in chapter 5 he needs to read, I slide the book to him. He is still munching his fries and watching me. What? I ask, not liking the whole starring thing.

Are you seriously my tutor? Cause I highly doubt it, don't you have like a boyfriend to be with or something? He asks, and his eyes narrow. Is this him trying to pull me in? I can't tell, it's not working though. It's actually pissing me off. He shows up late, and he wont start his work.

No, no boyfriend. I admit, and he smirks. Would you read please. I do have plans. I lean back, pulling out my phone again. I open up my kindle app,.

With a guy? He keeps interogating me. I kick him under the table tired of him already. She is fiesty too. I role my eyes, pulling my headphones from my bookbag. After a couple minutes, I peek up at him and he is looking down at the history book. I watch him, and I can see he is having a hard time focusing. He isn't jittery though, so it's not ADD or ADHD. I'm not getting this. He sighs, pushing the book forward slightly.

Are you not getting it or just not focusing enough? I mumble, as he grabs a couple more fries. Do I need to read it to you? I joke around. He rubs his forehead. Do you have a reading disorder of some kind or something? I ask, wondering whats going on.

No, I just don't like history. He smiles, How about we blow this off and we go swimming or something. He brings out his smolder.

Do you really think skipping is a good idea? I ask, pulling out his two papers and showing him I've seen them. I watch as his face drops, and he looks completely miserable. Besides, if I did skip I wouldn't skip with you. I say. Now, are you going to do the work, or do I need to read it to you? He is quiet, thinking about my question.

Could you play music or something? I hate reading in silence. He asks, pulling the book back in. I nod happily, pulling out my headphones and playing my playlist. After that the next thirty minutes pass swiftly as he reads. Then I go through a the worksheet with him, helping him but not giving him the answers. Well, that was easier then I thought. I was just gonna throw it away. he smiles, at me. I stand up from the chair, I moved over closer to him to help.

Yeah, if you actually read it. I sigh, gathering my things. Alright so... same time next week.. is that okay? I say pulling my bag over my shoulder.

How about you give me your number? He ask smiles, smolder rising again. That way I can get ahold of you anytime. I role my eyes, knowing he would most likely call me to be his next booty call.

No, you should have my email. I say flatly, and he takes a breath.

Ah come on. You know you want to give it to me. He says walking next to me towards the door.

I don't Jake. I barely want you having my email. I inform him, as the door opens. Mr. Parker. I greet him.

Hey guys... how'd it go? He asks, looking from me to Jake. I shrug my shoulders, it wasn't horrible but it wasn't great either. You got todays assignment done though? He asks, and Jake hands it over. Paige didn't just give you the answers did she? he asks.

No... I asked her to though. He sighs, and I nod. I told him no.. obviously.

Well good. He says, and now we're all standing outside the library. Next week same time. He tells Jake, and he nods waving to us both. How did it really go? He asks, as we walk slowly behind him.

Not horrible actually. I admit. It was at first, including he showed up fifteen minutes late. I sigh, and we towards my car. I throw my stuff in the back. What time are we going to the dinner? I ask.

Hmmm, I don't care. I don't have any grading to do tonight so anytime. He replies, and his eye wonder over to the track where the girls are having practice. I elbow him in the gut too, and he coughs clearing his througt looking away.

I saw that. I say, and he smiles slightly.

Just seeing how the team looks that's all. He laughs.

Yeah, okay! I laugh, sitting in the drivers seat. We both know why you choose to work at a highschool. I wink at him. I joke around with him about this all the time, how he is only here to check out girls.

I told you to keep quiet about that! He laughs, and I join in. Then we say our goodbyes, and I head to the dorm. Going straight to my room again, I set my stuff down and slouch onto my bed. It feels nice to relax, I'm a little tense from the tutoring session, and it's only going to get worse or easier. I hope the latter of course. I turn on the T.V skipping through the channels waiting to hear from Mr. Parker.

Chapter 3- Trouble

Jake's POV

Sitting in my car, I look in the rear view mirror watching Paige and Mr. Parker. They look like they know each other, they obviously do know each other. It doesn't look like flirting, but I could be wrong. The last thing I need is to be brought into any teacher student relationship drama. Although just makes it more challenging, I'll have to move Paige up on my list. By next Wednesday we'll know each other all the way. I smile pulling out of the parking lot, I need to shower and get ready for tonight. There is party at my dorm tonight, hosted by Wyatt and I. I park, walking in and seeing all the crap that's already set up. I laugh at this school, they know we throw the parties and don't do anything about it. They also know what goes down at the parties, and they still don't do anything about it. Meaning drinking, and probably drugs, but I couldn't be for sure on that. I don't do drugs, I have sports to worry about and apparently a big future working with my father in our family company. I'm not even completely sure what the company is, I think eletronics like appliances and eletricity.

Once everything is set up, I call Logan. He is the manager at the dinner, and he supplies the alcohol. Yes, the dinner actually has alcohol. Teachers can go there and also it's a normal resturuant for people to come and it at. It's weird. When no one answers, I get up. No way can I throw a party with the drinks! Driving down to the dinner, I go in going straight up to Logan who is now behind the bar. I was just here ealier for food, and he said he had it all ready.

Jake. He greets, slipping a paper towards me. I look down and it has the price for the drinks, I stuff it in my back pocket without looking really.

Is it ready now? I ask, looking around making sure there isn't any big supervisors in the building. I still have to be careful about it. I spot Paige and she isn't alone. Mr. Parker? Maybe they are together, that's against school rules though. So if they were together they wouldn't be out in the open about it for people to see. Hey, Logan. I say, caching his attention. Do they come often? I ask, looking in their direction.

Once a month they come here together. Apparently he is one of Paige's older brothers friends so they know each other. He asks then turns the question on me.

No reason just wondering. I smirk, and he chuckles. What? I ask.

Yeah that wont happen dude. She wont even give you her phone number. He replies, wiping off the counter even though it looks clean to me.

I know that, I already asked. I admit. Boyfriend or anything?

Not that I know of. Maybe that Robbie guy who plays baseball.. you know red hair. They come in a lot and they're friendly very friendly at school. He says, as we both look over at the two talking completely oblivious to us. She is hot though, long brown hair she is tall, but not like weird tall for girls. Smart obviously. Looking my at her body though, she has perfect curves, and isn't anerexic skinny. I mentally move her up on my list. Then something odd happens. She looks up, at she sees me. I smile waving, and she roles her eyes looking back to Mr. Parker

Yes, she will be a challenge. I sigh, and Logan just laughs so more. Then we figure out everythng with the drinks, and say goodbye until later. Heading back, I take care of the drinks and it's time to let people know there is a party. I send out a mass text to all the numbers in my phone, and then I plop on the couch next to Wyatt and wait.

The party is at full blast now, and I feel bad for the janitor who has to clean up after this. I walk through the kitchen to Jell.o shots in hand, I look for a target. I spot one, with black hair dancing in a group with her friends. I watch her a little longer still trying to see if I'm really interested or not. I see there is a couple brunnettes around her, and a blonde. I can't really see her face very well, with the lights and dancing. I see her pause in a perfect spot for my to see her face. She is alright, I let out a breath. So far all the girls tonight seem to only be okay. Nothing completely interesting. I'm comparing them to Paige, that's a very bad thing. I still watch her though, as she smiles, and starts walking towards me, but she isn't looking at me. I look over, and I slip off the wall drinking both the shots myself. It's Paige! I stay there as the two of them finally get to each other and I listen to there conversation.

How was Austin? the girls asks Paige.

Mr. Parker. She replies, and Fine. How's the party? She asks, looking out into the crowd. I scan real quick to wondering if there is someone here she came to be with.

Fun like usual. It's Jake and Wyatt, they made sure everything was ready even a bowl of condoms! The girl