1 Chapter 1

The black-tinted Jaguar rolled without a screech, along the dew carpeted highway. As usual, the occupants of Greenwich village had already heralded the new day and could be seen scurrying around with their thoughts directed at one entity–money. Little kids were seen holding on to their guardian's arm steadfastly, Bookstores and mall doors opened and closed in succession with customers trooping out with hands grasping paper bags, and the road was just getting littered with horn-blaring drivers and pissed pedestrians spitting curses.

Amidst all this morning rush chaos, young Braxton Goldman leaned back and took in the view. Whether it was the flashing signs, the gigantic glass architectures or the studio across the street that never seemed to run short of soft music that held the new detail, he couldn't tell, but all he knew was that the more his gaze swept across the humid terrain, it was always bound to fall on another hidden feature waiting to be discovered.

There was a surprisingly large number of cars on the dual expressway, all traveling at breakneck speed. Once or twice, they narrowly escaped barging into another car. The driver turned left and surfaced at 104 avenue, a further drive down the avenue was the imposing Clarion High school.

Clarion Elementary School had a history of excellence. The school had over 500 students which included children of the creme de la creme of the society.

It stood on a land that spanned over eight acres with specialized learning support classrooms, an auditorium, gym, cafeteria, playground, playing fields, and a library/media center.

There were 23 classroom teachers and additional teachers for special education, P.E., art, library, music, and the gifted and talented program.

Students at Clarion were accustomed to using technology in the classroom and were given multiple opportunities every week to use wireless technology and/or the computer lab. Additionally, students in the tenth and twelve grade may participate in band, orchestra, and/or choir. They also did well in Athletics.

Although it first opened its doors in 1925, the school had undergone several changes. Major renovations took place in 2003 so that the school was now updated and modernized.

" Good morning class!" Mr. Johnson greeted in a sweet and subtle voice, his ever smiling face helping to calm the nerves of the students.

He was British, middle-aged, and his stature was complemented by a well-grown mustache and a prominent stomach.

Taking one scrutinizing scan of the class, Mr Johnson felt like a very important piece was missing. Then it struck him! That piece was Braxton Goldman. He was the most punctual student he could boast of so he was concerned when the kid was nowhere to be found. The cheerful and smart kid whose humorous aura and vest for academics always seemed to penetrate his tough exterior and gladden his heart. Though from the wealthy class, the young lad with dark brown hair and hazel eyes also surprisingly possessed a humble soul and good heart which elevated Mr. Johnson's admiration for him even more.

He decided to run a roll call nonetheless but before he could get to the third name, Braxton showed up at the door panting and short of breath. The whole class' attention was immediately shifted to the sweating figure at the door struggling to catch his breath.

"Good morning, Mr. Johnson," he greeted while wiping off the remaining traces of sweat that were now spread across his face and neck.

"You're late. Resist that habit!" Mr. Johnson warned while returning to his marking of attendance.

Braxton only nodded and made his way to his seat, his eyes fixed on the person whose messages had kept him up at night.

Pandora De Mevius was the fairest of them all. Classifying her as beautiful was an understatement. Composed of deep blue eyes anybody would get lost in, a smile which sparked pure love and lust in Braxton, and silky brunette hair he loved to pull playfully, she was no less than a very exquisite work of art. Even at her young age, she was already turning heads with her exotic looks.

As soon as he settled down, he pinched her lap, as usual, only to get a long, cold gaze from her to replace the regular giggle or smirk. He was taken aback and couldn't even concentrate throughout the arithmetic exercise. As soon as Mr. Johnson stepped out, she quickly followed suit leaving Braxton no choice but to follow suit.

" Pandora, wait!" He whispered trying to keep up with her pace.

"Leave me alone!" Pandora halted and spun around to face him with her hands at akimbo.

Making sure the hallway was free of anyone else, he grabbed her hands with concern written all over his eyes, " If I did anything wrong you just have to tell me first."

She let out a laugh. He just stood there lost while she slid her arms around his waist pulling a flabbergasted Braxton closer.

" I just wanted to make you come out here for some private time. I knew if I asked you wouldn't oblige," she said in a sensual note while caressing his back naughtily. She was just sixteen years old and had known things not meant for her age group.

Slightly angered, he dislodged her arm from his waist. He couldn't believe he fell for that prank. He thought he had wronged her only for her to lure him mischievously. But he couldn't stay pissed for long. So in one swift move, he had her engulfed like a delicate flower in his little arms and his eyes shut. At that moment, her earlier deed was forgiven and forgotten. All that mattered was the sweet fragrance oozing from her that dangled on his nostrils.