A Deal with the Bad boy

A Deal with the Bad boy

Chapters: 4
Updated: 19 Dec 2024
Author: AddieWrites
4.6

Synopsis

Alara Santiago, a high school student feeling invisible, makes a pact with Jake Woods, the charismatic bad boy, to fake a romance. As they pretend to be in love, they find themselves lost in a whirlwind of laughter, inside jokes, and stolen glances. But as they spend more time together, their facades crumble, revealing scars, fears, and dreams. Their fake relationship becomes a refuge from the chaos of high school politics and social masks. As they navigate this fragile landscape of emotions, they must confront the ultimate question: can they find the courage to be true to themselves and each other, or will their fake love story crash down around them?

Young Adult Romance Fake Relationship First Love Opposites Attract Coming Of Age

A Deal with the Bad boy Free Chapters

1 | A Deal with the Bad boy

The piercing sound of the school bell echoed through the hallway, a harsh reminder that another day of hell had just begun. I muttered a silent prayer, pleading with myself to just make it through the day without any embarrassing moments.

As I walked to my bio class I felt like an outsider looking in. Everyone seemed to have their own clique, their own crew, their own someone. And then there was me- the invisible girl, lost in a sea of faces, too awkward to even fit in with even the nerds. My eyes scanned the hallways taking in the cheerleaders batting their eyelashes and talking about makeup, boys and of course sex, the nerds were huddled in corners, the games were glued to their screens, the goths with dark lips and heavy eyeliner mounted the staircases, the jocks…well, jocks, also the couples who seem to be comfortable kissing and groping each other in public.

Despite everything sometimes I can’t help but feel jealous. What would it be like to have someone to love, to hold hands with, to be myself with? Growing up, my best and only friend Sophia was the only one who sort of got me. But even she didn’t fully understand the suffocating grip of my anxiety. It was like trying to explain a color to someone who’d never seen it before, regardless I’m sick of being the shy and anxious girl who couldn’t even string three words together.

My mind wandered to the books I read over the weekend, the ones that transported me to a far-off world where anxiety doesn’t exist, If only I could be like the heroines I read, brave and fearless.

I finally get into Bio class, and Mr Sanjay’s piercing stare greets me like a cold slap in the face. I swear, the man is allergic to smiling. His teaching style is a nightmare, always putting me on the spot with oral presentations and asking me to answer questions in front of everyone. It’s like he’s trying to ‘’cure’’ my shyness by humiliating me in front of my classmates. Honestly, it’s just making me want to crawl under a rock and die, my anxiety is already through the roof and Mr Sanjay’s tactics are like fuel to the fire.

I whispered a barely audible ‘’Good morning sir’’ with my eyes fixed on the floor, trying to avoid his intimidating gaze. I quickly scurried to my usual seat in the third row, always hoping to blend in and avoid drawing attention to myself but somehow Mr Sanjay always finds me. I’ve always made it a point to be the first in class, seeking a few moments of silence to myself before the chaos begins. Mr Sanjay grunted in response as he organized his books for class, I kept my head down fidgeting with my books.

Unfortunately the class started to fill sooner than expected, the sounds of my classmates chatting and laughing filled the room. I spot Sophia my best friend, she flashes me a warm smile and I smile back weakly as everyone settles down and class begins, Mr Sanjay begins to talk about photosynthesis. I try to focus on the diagrams and explanations but my mind starts to wander off, what if he calls on me? What if I stumble over my words? What if I say something wrong? What if everyone laughs at me? What if I’m not good enough? Why am I even here I don’t belong in this class I’m not smart enough, I’m just going to embarrass myself, Maybe I should just pretend to be sick and leave. Maybe I should drop the class altogether………

‘’Alara!’’ a loud voice pierces across the room snapping me back to reality, I looked up finding Mr Sanjay in front of me I gulped as my palms started to sweat.

‘’Alara, can you explain the difference between C3 and C4 plants?’’

My heart skips a beat as I feel all eyes on me, I take a deep breath and try to speak but my words get caught in my throat ‘’C-C3 p-plants….have a…a…lower optimal temperature…..and….and...C4 p-p-plants…..have…a…a higher optimal temperature…..’’

I feel my face burning with embarrassment as I stutter through the answer. Mr Sanjay’s expression is unreadable, but I can sense the mocking expression on my classmates' faces. Sophia gives me a sympathetic smile, but it only makes me feel worse.

I’m so pathetic, I’m shy, weak and useless. I hate myself for it ‘’Yes, that’s correct Alara’’, Mr Sanjay says finally, his voice neutral. ‘’No more zoning out in class, Alara, I understand your condition but it’s not an excuse.’’ he states.

‘’Yes sir,’’ I whisper as I take my seat wanting the ground to swallow me up, I fight back the tears in my eyes and the burning sensation in my chest. Why does he always have to pick on me? Can’t he see how hard this is for me? I sat not moving an inch praying he wouldn’t call on me again.

As soon as the bell rang I rushed out of class throwing my hoodie on as I walked to the school guidance counselor’s office. The room was a soothing oasis, all done up in soft pink that seemed to glow with a warm, comforting light. The carpet was so plush I felt like I was walking on clouds, and the desk was a work of art with framed photos and knick-knacks that told stories of their own. And the shelves overflowing with books of every shape and size. Romance novels seemed to dominate the shelves, and I couldn’t help but blush at the thought of Miss Johnson reading such intimate books.

Her love for romance novels was evident in every corner of her office, and I adored her for it. It was as if she believed in the power of love, in the happily-ever-after that I’ve longed for.

As I settled into the comfortable armchair in Miss Johnson’s office, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. This was undeniably my safe haven, the one place I could be myself without fear of judgment. Miss Johnson, the school's guidance counselor and my confidante smiled warmly as she leaned forward her eyes locked onto mine ‘’Good morning Alara, how are you doing? Is anything wrong?’’ she asked, I nodded like a child as she handed me a cupcake and I dug in.

‘’Well, Miss. Johnson….. I don’t know how to say this…… but Mr. Sanjay’s class is really hard for me. I get so scared and insecure, I know the answers but I can’t get them out, I choke. And when he calls on me….I just freeze, everyone’s eyes on me, the expectations and pressure. It’s just too much, I’d like to transfer out of his class.’’ My voice trailed off, and I looked down at my hands, fidgeting with my fingers. I hoped Miss. Johnson would understand what I was trying to say, even if I wasn’t very good at saying things.

‘’Alara that’s okay, no need to get nervous. Ok since you’d like to transfer out, I suggest Miss Irene’s AP Bio class you’re an incredibly smart and capable student…..you’ll excel in it I just know it’’ she beamed proudly, but did I hear her clearly? AP Bio class with all the seniors and people?

I started to hyperventilate, I took a deep breath trying to calm down but my worries spilled out in a rush. ‘’B-but, Miss. Johnson………it’s just…….there’ll be so many people……..and seniors! They might make fun of me or even worse pick on me, I don’t want to draw attention to myself’’

Her understanding expression made me feel better. She got it. She knew I wasn’t fond of crowds, and that the thought of seniors intimidating me was terrifying.

‘’You know Alara, you don’t need Bio to be a writer, which is what you truly want to be, right?’’ she asked gently. ‘’Why don’t we just drop it, and focus on your writing skills instead? You can always take electives that align with your passion’’

‘’R-really? You think that’s okay? I don’t have to take it?’’ I asked.

Her warm smile assured me, ’’Of course, dear! Your well-being and happiness are what matters most. We’ll find a better fit for you I promise!’’

‘’Thanks, Miss Johnson’’ I smiled genuinely as I gathered my things it was already lunchtime and the cupcake Miss Johnson handed me couldn’t quite satisfy me. I bid Miss Johnson farewell as I walked down the hallway, my stomach already growling with hunger. I couldn’t wait to tell Sophia about dropping Bio, as I turned around the corner I spotted Sophia already sitting at our favorite table.

‘’Hey girl!’’ she exclaimed, waving me over. ‘’What’s up?’’

I slid into the seat across from her, trying to contain my excitement. ‘’I did it Sophia I finally dropped Mr Sanjay’s class….also bio together’’.

Sophia’s eyes widened in surprise. ’’Really girl! I’m so happy for you, Mr Sanjay’s a dick anyway.’’ I send her a quick glare at her use of profanities.

‘’ We’re 15, we can’t say that,’’ I whispered and she shrugged saying she could say whatever she wanted, Sophia and I were like sugar and spice. We chatted for a bit but then the whole cafeteria fell silent with one loud obnoxious voice being heard, I followed Sophia’s gaze to the entrance, where Valerie Thompson who’s apparently the queen bee or Regina George of our school was yelling at Jake Woods her boyfriend.

‘’Jake, you fucking idiot!’’ Valerie’s voice echoed through the room, her dramatic tone making me roll my eyes. What’s with snobby girls and making scenes?

‘’You’re actually breaking up with me? In public?’’ she screamed ‘’Val, we’ve been over this. I fucking need space okay, don’t fucking turn this on me. You cheated on me!’’ Jake yelled meeting Valerie’s tone.

Valerie’s eyes flashed with anger. ‘’Space? You need space? You’re going to fucking regret this, Jake. I made you, you little goblin. Without me you’re nothing absolutely nothing, you’re going to regret everything you said, you’ll come crawling back to me like you always do!’’ she stormed out of the cafeteria with her minions.

The scene unfolded like a bad soap opera, I watched in disbelief. How are they comfortable with hundreds of eyes on them, imagining myself in their position I would literally melt on the spot.

‘’This is going straight on my blog and YouTube channel!’’ Sophia beamed beside me, gosh high school’s something else.

2 | A Deal with the Bad boy

‘’I already hit 10k views,’’ Sophia squealed bouncing up and down beside me in my treehouse, her blonde ponytail bobbing with each jump.

‘’Soph I told you not to post that video, it was taken without consent. It’s basically defamation of character. You’re basically bullying her online.’’ The video she’d taken of Valerie losing her temper was embarrassing, to say the least. And even though Valerie could be a nightmare, I didn’t think she or anyone deserved to be humiliated like that Sophia waved her hand dismissively. ‘

’Come on Alara, We all know Valerie’s a bitch and she deserves a bit of humiliation the world has to offer’’

‘’How could you say something like that Sophia!?’’

‘’Defamation of character is serious, Soph’’ I pressed on. ‘’You’re damaging her reputation, it’s not fair. What if she loses opportunities because of this video?’’

‘’Come on Lars it's funny’’ she giggled.

I felt my anger boil over. ‘’Funny? You think humiliating someone online is funny? That’s bullying Sophia!’’

‘’Not someone it's Valerie! She deserves every bit of humiliation, Valerie is the spawn of the devil, Lucifer, Lilith. She’s everything terrible and horrible! You think my little video would affect her? Ok what about last year when her nudes were leaked? Or when her sex tape was leaked? Or when she fucking shared the link to her OnlyFans account with every boy in school deliberately! I just gave my account a lil' boost so yeah judge me all you want Alara.’’ I watched as she stormed out of the treehouse, I couldn’t support whatever she was doing. Valerie’s a person!

I quietly made my way through the hallway on Monday morning, still reeling from the sting of my fight with Sophia. My mind was a jumbled mess and my heart felt like it was racing a million times an hour. I didn’t know who to turn to or what to do.

As I approached my locker, I suddenly felt my legs give out from under me. I let out a tiny squeak as I fell to the ground, my face burning with embarrassment, as I looked up I saw Valerie standing over me, her eyes blazing with fury.

‘’You fucking think you’re so funny, don’t you Alara?’’ she spat. ‘’Posting that video of me online, thinking you can humiliate me like that?’’

I shook my head repeatedly, ‘’No, Valerie, I didn’t post the video’’ Her expression twisted in disbelief. ‘’Don’t fucking lie to me, Alara. I’ve seen you on that channel, you’re practically her fucking sidekick’’.

I cried shamelessly, ‘’That doesn’t mean I had anything to do with the video, Valerie’’.

‘’Bullshit!’’ she yelled, I curled into a ball on the floor crying as Valerie and her minions hit me repeatedly and threw all sorts of things at me, The hallways were filling up with people, their faces blur as they watch me suffer.

‘’Get out your phones! All of you,’’ she ordered, ‘’Record now!’’ I felt like I was going to die of embarrassment, the crowd was closing in, their phones pointed at me like weapons. I was trapped, unable to escape.

‘’Please stop, please stop’’ I begged and begged but all I could hear were the menacing laughs coming from Valerie, the burning sensation in my chest got heavier and heavier and then suddenly everything went dark. The sounds of laughter and camera clicks faded away and I felt myself drifting into a void. I couldn’t fight it anymore, I succumbed to the darkness and I let out a soft sigh as my world went black.

********************

I slowly opened my eyes, groggily taking in my surroundings. I was in a hospital bed, surrounded by the sterile smell of antiseptic and the soft beeping of the machine. My mum sat in a chair beside me, her eyes red-rimmed from crying, Miss Johnson stood nearby with her face with concern.

‘’Alara, sweetie, you’re awake,’’ my mom whispered as her voice trembled.

‘’Hey kiddo,’’ Miss Johnson chirped in softly, I blinked my eyes in confusion, what was I doing here? I don’t know how to feel or what to say. The events that I believe occurred seemed distant like a dream couldn’t quite recall, my mom reached out and stroked my hair, and her touch was warm and comforting.

‘’What…happened?’’ I asked finally, my voice flat.

My mum and Miss Johnson looked at each other before looking back at me, ‘’You passed out in the hallway Alara, Valerie had been bullying you, it became too much…but what’s important is that you’re safe now.’’ The fog in my head began to clear and the memories came flooding back, I remembered every single detail it was like I was reliving the moment. I froze trying not to cause any more trouble for myself and my mum stroked my back.

‘’Hello Alara, I’m Doctor Patel glad to see you’re awake’,’ a kind-faced woman entered the room as her eyes scanned my chart.

‘’I’m sure you’re wondering what happened.’’ She smiled. ‘’Well you passed out due to severe stress and anxiety’’ she explained gently. ‘’Your body and mind were under immense pressure, and it temporarily shut down to protect itself’’

I blinked trying to process the whole thing, ‘’How long….how long was I out?’’

Doctor Patel’s expression turned sympathetic. ‘’You’ve been unconscious for three days, Alara. We’ve been monitoring you closely, and you’re stable now. But we want to examine you for a few more days to ensure there are no complications’’.

My eyes widened. Three whole days? Was it that bad?

‘’Alara you don’t need to worry, we’ll take good care of you here. If you need anything at all don’t hesitate to ask. The nurses are here to help, and I’ll be checking in on you regularly, Just focus on getting some rest and letting your body heal. Everything else will fall in place, Excuse me’’.

‘’Thank you’’ I whisper, she nods and leaves just us three in the room, I ask the questions that have been nagging at me.’’Miss Thompson, what happened to Valerie? Did she get in trouble for what she did?’’

‘’Well, Alara unfortunately she didn’t face any disciplinary action. The school administration decided not to pursue any charges’’ She answered, I’m honestly not surprised, she’s Valerie Thompson the mayor's daughter...it’s hardly surprising she escaped the consequences, her father’s influence practically makes her untouchable. Eastwood High wouldn’t risk facing his wrath and potentially losing their funding by holding her accountable for her actions."

‘’Ummm……what about Sophia?’’ I turn to my mom, her expression turns sympathetic, and she takes my hand in hers. ‘’Oh, sweetie Sophia never came to visit you,’’ she says gently.

My heart clenched, ‘’What? That’s not possible right?’’ I turn back to Miss Johnson expecting a different answer, but she gives me the same sympathetic look as my mom.

A tear rolls down my eyes as the truth sinks in. Sophia of all people, didn’t come to visit me. I mean I took the fall for her and she couldn’t even be bothered to show up once? I know we fought but isn’t it this more serious than every fight we’ve ever had? I angrily brushed off the tears falling from my eyes as I tried to distract myself with a book Miss Thompson got me.

***************

I was discharged from the hospital just yesterday, Doctor Patel suggested I start therapy again soon. I hadn’t thought about therapy in years, not since my dad left and my mom suggested it to help me cope with loss, but I think I really need it.

As I walk through the hallway, I’m surprised by how normal everything feels. No one’s staring at me, no one’s whispering or pointing. It’s like I’m another face in the crowd, and it’s a welcome relief, I’ve always loved that about high school – there’s always a new topic of gossip, a new drama to focus on. And I’m grateful to no longer be the center of attention.

My heart does a happy flip as I stroll to my locker, but I find Sophia standing there. Her whole face screams ‘’guilty’’- it’s like she’s wearing a neon sign that says ‘’I messed up and I know it,’’ I huff and walk away, still hurt and angry that she didn’t visit me in the hospital. I don’t know if I can ever forgive her for that.

I quicken my pace wanting to enter the first room I ever see, But as I swing around a corner I slam into a rock-hard chest. I look up to see Jake Woods, I can’t help but feel intimidated by his towering height and broad shoulders. His eyes are even more piercing up close, a deep blue that seems to see right through me. I feel an unusual flutter in my chest as I take in the strong lines of his jaw and the subtle curve of his nose. His dark brown hair is perfectly messy, with a few strands falling across his forehead in a way that makes me want to reach out and brush them back. And his skin is like golden sunshine, warm and inviting. I feel like I’m drowning in the depths of his eyes…… I force myself to look away, I can’t believe I was staring at him like that ‘’Oh s-sorry,’’ I stutter, my face burning with embarrassment. I try to step around him but he doesn’t move. Oh no what does he want from me? My mind races and I panic.

‘’What’s your name sweetheart?’’ His deep voice sends shivers down my spine as I swallow hard trying to find my voice.

I stutter ‘’I-I’m Alara’’ my gaze darting down to the ground too intimidated to meet his piercing blue eyes.

He asks another question ‘’What year are you in?’’

‘’I’m a sophomore,’’ I whisper, he hums thoughtfully.

‘’I don’t think I’ve seen you around before.’’ Of course not, I’m invisible. I’m not worth his time.

But then he asks, ‘’Alara, what do you desire the most?’’ I’m taken aback by his question but the way he says my name makes my knees weak, it’s like an enchantment.

‘’Well, mmm first….I’d love to make my mother proud, to overcome my anxiety, and make more friends,’’ I answer foolishly. Great, now he thinks I’m a loser.

But instead of mocking he nods and pulls me closer, his face inches from mine. My thoughts are consumed by the proximity of our faces. Why is he so close? Why is he looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?

He tucks my hair behind my ear and says, ‘’I need you to be my fake girlfriend, Alara, can you do that for me?’’ He whispers.

Excuse me, what?