Hopeful

Victoria's POV

I got out of my car feeling so sick, and I couldn't believe that I would be feeling this way and I knew that this was the first time that I experienced this kind of emotion, and it was so foreign, yet I have read it from the books, and I hate it. I hate Oliver for sure, and Keisha, who threw herself at him like a leech, and I wanted to scream at them.

How could Oliver kiss Keisha without opening the car door for me first? And I am just glad Tim came to my rescue. He always came near my car every time I arrived on the school grounds, but my driver always beats him to open the car door for me, and this was the first time he was able to do it, and I could see the happiness on his face.

"Thank you, Tim," I said, and he offered to take my bag and books, and this time because of the anger that I felt for Oliver. I gladly gave my things to him, and I could tell all eyes were on me now since I didn't let anyone touch my things, and they all knew everything that I like and what I don't like. I don't see how it all started. Still, when they first called me the Campus Queen, I wouldn't say I liked it, until one day I realized the name suited me well, so instead of getting angry every time they call me Queen, I embraced the title they have given me, and that is why boys are always around hoping I will ask some favor from them, but I never ask even once.

"It is my pleasure, Victory, I have been dying to do this, and at last, you granted my wish, and I guess this is one of my lucky days," Tim replied, and I couldn't stop myself from smiling. He is the hot quarterback of our school, and beautiful girls lined up to call for his attention. I know he had dated hot girls in our school when I said no to him, but he never stopped showing me that he still cared about me.

The boys showered me with different gifts, and after I received them, I would put them in a large paper bag, and then I will ask Jason to deliver the items to Lana, and she will be the one to bring them to the orphanage, together with our donations. And since then, she has been giving them away. I felt bad about it, but my dad got angry when he found me opening the gifts inside my room, he got so mad, and I have never seen my father that worried. And since then, every time the boys ask me about their presents, I will tell them they were fantastic even if I haven't seen or used them.

I gave Tim one of my sweetest smiles. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Oliver darting a glance at us, and I am not sure if he was looking daggers at me. Still, I could feel it that he did, and I heard one of the girls ask him why he was the one driving my car, and I couldn't stop my heart from pounding hard against my chest as I waited for his reply, and yes, I was a fool hoping he would say something good between us.

"My father and Mr. Winner are best friends, and that is why Victory's dad asked me to stay in their mansion until after graduation since they don't want me to stay in our house and have a party every night." He said, and the girls giggled, looking at him with interest. I could tell they looked at him with admiration, especially the cheerleaders, and I can say many of them are waiting for their chance to ask Oliver on a date, and they will only wait for an opportunity that Keisha will put her guard down. I don't even know where he came from, and he can be someone dangerous that is why I should tame my heart not to get crazy with him.

"But it doesn't mean we are close, and we hardly know each other." He added, and it pierced my heart.

"Of course, we know about that, the campus Queen will never get close to any guy unless you are the one, and she is still waiting for the right one, and we are also waiting for that time to come since for her, no one deserves her time and of course, her heart, except her first love." Jean, one of the cheerleaders, responded, and I could see Oliver's face hardened, and I wondered if he got curious about me. Still, instead of looking at me, he winked at Jean, and her cheeks turned bright red while he put his arm around Keisha's shoulders, and together they walked to our classroom for the first period.

I hated thinking about it, that I am Keisha's classmate majority of her subjects, and I walked beside Tim while my mind was on somewhere else. I am glad he is my classmate for my first period; at least he saved me from being ridiculed that the new guy and son of my dad's best friend ignored me.

"Hey, Are you alright, Victory?" Lana asked me, and I looked at her and shook my head. We are inside the cafeteria eating our lunch. How can I say I am good when I am not fine at all? And I know I should stop myself from feeling this way, and it is all up to me. But I couldn't stop my heart from aching, and as I looked at Oliver and Keisha being so sweet together, I lost my appetite. I didn't even touch my food. I stood up and left the cafeteria without looking back while I heard Lana calling after me.

"I have been looking everywhere for you; what are you doing here, Victory?" My best friend asked as she handed me a sandwich and bottled water, and since I felt so hungry, I took it, and I weakly smiled at her.

"I don't even know, Lana," I said, and she is the only one who sees the real me; in front of her, I don't need to mask my emotion. I showed Lana my vulnerable side, and as she was looking at me now, I could tell she was trying to read my mind.

"Is it Oliver? I saw the way you kissed him back, and I could tell you enjoyed that kiss, Victoria, and I think you are hurting right now because it was nothing for him. I know how much you value your first kiss, and giving it to a guy who doesn't even care could be a little frustrating," She declared, and I shook my head, and I could tell she is being serious right now.

"I hate him, Lana, I couldn't believe I would feel this way towards a guy, and I think I am losing my cool. I tried to ignore him, but I couldn't even forget that stupid kiss I had shared with him. And I couldn't stop myself from reliving that kiss every chance I could get. And he was enjoying his time flirting with all the girls on campus." I answered, and she looked at me with tenderness, and then she grinned as if she was pleased that I felt this way.

"What is that look supposed to mean, Lana?" I asked.

"Well, I am sorry if I felt delighted that you were hurting, but I am just happy to know that my best friend is normal." She responded, and I raised my eyebrow.

"You finally like someone, and it is amazing Victory; we need to celebrate." She said, and I couldn't stop myself from smiling at her even if I still felt so down.

"How can I celebrate when I don't even want to ear?" I mumbled.

"Hey, I could tell Oliver likes you too, he can't deny it by the way he looks at you, and maybe, the new guy heard the news that you don't date anyone, so instead of devoting his time chasing you. Oliver chooses to be on the safe side, and as you can see him, he is not like Tim. He is proud of what he is, and you can't deny it, Victory, he is hot as hell." My best friend declared, and I sighed as I realized Lana could be right about her judgment about Oliver Prize, and this was the first time I didn't want to be the famous girl anymore.

"You need to eat, Victory, if you want to be beautiful in Oliver's eyes. Just ignore him, and try to control your emotion. Avoid looking in his direction, and that is the only way you can save yourself from hurting. Or maybe you can use Tim to make him jealous." She said, and I shook my head.

"I don't want to use Tim, Lana, he is a good guy, and I am not a heart breaker. I don't date for the sake I have a boyfriend." I replied.

"Of course, I know, and I am sorry, I just want to lighten your mood; I have never seen you this way." She responded.

"Don't worry; I will be fine, Lana," I said as I tried to smile at my best friend, and I ate my lunch in silence, and when it was ten minutes before our first period in the afternoon, I stood up from the ground and fixed myself, and together we walked going to our classroom. I felt better after I talked with Lana, and she is right. All I needed to do was stay away from Oliver and ignore him.

I linked my arm with my best friend feeling better and hopeful that my afternoon would be like the day I used to have.