Copperdale High School, 8 am…

Summer is over, Anika is back in school, alone again, since as we already know, Lukas and Kennedy graduated early because of their good grades.

This was not the case for Anika, so she had to go back to school with her usual classmates. Among them Ethan Caliente and her loyal friend Otto. Class is about to start; everyone rushes to check their social networks, cause once they start there’s no way they’ll be allowed to use their phones.

The teacher comes with all the enthusiasm in the world to teach his algebra, calculus, or whatever he’s writing on the board. Anika doesn’t understand a peep of what he’s saying, or is interested in it at all. What good is math going to do her, when she’s bound to be a successful actress?

The teacher has asked them to solve some problems, equations and stuff.
Anika: (Mumbles) Just great…
Otto: Okay, these are the easy ones.
Anika: Are they?
Otto: Yeah, I can solve them in my sleep.

Anika: Uh, do you think you could pass me the answers?
Otto: Sure, or I could explain to you how to solve them anytime.
Anika: That’s very kind of you Otto. Thank you.
Otto: You’re welcome.

Otto is so cute, he’s always there to help. Anika knows that’s because he has a crush on her.

Unfortunately, all she can think about is Alexander. It’s a real shame that he’s going to another high school.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Alex could study at the same high school as her? They would spend all their time together!

Anika: Stop dreaming, Anika, that’s never gonna happen…. Besides, once Alex returns to school, he always goes AWOL.

Lunch time, everyone is hungry, and Anika is no exception.
Anika: Excuse me, coming through… Yep, that’s my lunch there.
As she makes her way to her food, Anika notices Otto isn’t in a good mood.
Anika: Otto? Are you okay?
Otto: Oh, yeah, I’m perfect. I’ve just been waiting in line for my lunch like – forever?

Anika: Aw, I’m sorry to hear that, Otto. Here, you can take mine if you want. I owe you one anyway, you know, for the math problems.
Otto: What? Oh, no way, that was no charge, please enjoy your meal.
Ethan: These two should get a room already…

Anika actually enjoyed her meal very much. Man, she was starving! Yeah, Life is good… or should be.

Except Alexander hasn’t her called yet. Where is that rascal, and what is he doing? Isn’t it lunchtime?

Everyone is over there, enjoying their lunch and discussing the ins and outs of the first day of school, while she’s over here, brooding because of Alexander.

Well, since he isn’t showing any signs of life, Anika decides to “revive” him by sending him a selfie.

Alex didn’t react to her selfie, so Anika gets fed up and calls him on the phone.
Alexander: Hey Nikkie, why are you calling me? I’m at school.
Anika: It’s lunchtime, silly.
Alexander: Yeah, well, I used my lunch break to study in the library.
Anika: Study? On the first day? You’re such a nerd…

That was the shortest call in the world, but at least she knows Alexander was in the library studying and not checking on the new girls at lunch hour.

It’s not long before the bell rings. Anika goes to get a glass of water and is about to drink it when one of the teachers calls her to his table.
Anika: Oh, no. What did I do now? It’s only the first day and they’re all over me?

The teachers only wanted to know how Anika’s father is doing and if everything is all right at home.
Anika: My dad is okay. He’s still as famous, rich and handsome as ever. Why do you ask…?
Of course that’s not what Anika answered them. She just told them her father is fully recovered and will be back to work soon. Her family is doing good too.

Anika: If you don’t believe me, you can go to my house and talk to my parents in person.
Apparently, that won’t be necessary, the teachers seemed satisfied with the answer and left. Thank goodness!

Back in the classroom, checking her phone again.
There is only one message from Otto:
“Hey Nika, what did the teachers want? Don’t tell me they found out about math?”

Otto, again worried about her. If only Alexander would do the same…

Well, if Alex knew she copied the answers to the math problems, he wouldn’t be worried but rather upset. He’d probably scold her for not studying hard enough. 🙄

Anika: Hey, wait, maybe if I tell Alex about math, he’ll offer to help me like Otto did. He’d go to my house to study with me. That’d be a great opportunity for us to be alone together.

Anika: Nah, that wouldn’t work. Alex is such a nerd he sure wouldn’t want to do anything other than study.

Class dismissed, Anika rushes to the door anxious to get home and call Alex.
Otto: Hey, Anika! Do you want me to help you with math later this afternoon?

Anika: That’s lovely of you, Otto, but could we take a rain check? I’m a little tired.
Otto: Sure, anytime.

Anika: Aw, Otto is such a sweetheart, had I fallen in love with him instead of that geek Alexander everything would be so much easier. Why is life so unfair?

Anika: And then having to continue attending school on my own while Kenny and Lukas live their lives large, happy and worry-free…

“Happy and worry-free?” Are you sure, Anika? Because it doesn’t look that way. Kennedy’s been a bit pensive, and Lukas, unfortunately, still thinks of Lucas Munch. What’s going on with them? We’ll find out soon enough.

Anika shared her concerns with her family. Everyone rushed to give him their humble opinions.
Kennedy: Why are you so worried? You should be thankful you’ve at least landed a boyfriend.
Anika: I’d be, if I could actually get to see him. Otto on the other hand, he never lets me down.
Lukas: Otto is a great guy, and he’s head over heels for you.
Zoe: I agree, Otto is a nice guy, but you can’t go out with both.
Zeke: I don’t know Otto, but I like Alexander.
Anika: I know, isn’t he adorable?

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