Scholarship Only Chapter 3

Chapter Three1

Hazel texted her two best friends, Alexi and Nicky, from her purple LG Lotus. Her heart yearned for Los Angeles, but she was stuck here until twelfth grade – that was five stinkin’ years to go. Granted, she would visit L.A. in the summer and for holidays, but the worst was that she would have to spend her birthday away from her parents and friends. She shivered, although she was in cashmere calf-high sweatpants, a long-sleeved green henley, and caramel Ugg slippers. She sensed something mysterious coming on, like when she watched a whole scary movie marathon with Alexi and Nicky.2

Abruptly, Hazel was startled by an immediate beep. A lime green beam lit up and she realized it was someone’s key card being accepted. That had to mean…3

The door jolted open, and a busty blonde-and-pink-haired girl about her age dramatically glided into the carpeted room.4

“GAWD!” Hazel shrieked. 5

“OHMYGAWSH!” The girl squealed. She fanned her grinned face and threw her humongous sunglasses at the dresser. They fell to the ground and shattered. Hazel noticed they were Dior, a brand her mother always taught her was never to be put to waste. She also observed that the girl’s face didn’t fall into a frown. 6

“Duh-een, my bags here.” She ordered to a suited man behind her. He tipped his hat and set her Louis Vuitton suitcases down on the floor. The girl stood on her tiptoes, kissed him lightly on the cheek, and shoved him out of the room. Hazel’s mouth didn’t drop; that was just the kind of thing you did to butlers.7

“Hi!” The girl giggled. She waved a smooth, flawless hand at Hazel. She smiled a shiny ivory smile. “I’m Acacia Rue.”8

Hazel smiled. “Oh, yeah! I saw you in last week’s Us Weekly. You so should’ve won that Who Wore It Best.” 9

“I did.” Acacia smirked. “And you are?”10

“Oh, um, sorry. I’m Hazel Halliwell.” Hazel smiled and flipped her two black braids.11

“Daughter of Gia La Schena-Halliwell, famed model and TV show host, and Harry Halliwell, surfer, actor, and producer. Successful, of course.” Acacia replied in a know-it-all tone.12

“You sure did your research.” Hazel grinned.13

“Yeah.” Acacia gazed around the room. She looked bored. “You know what?” She asked suddenly, gripping Hazel’s tense shoulders and stared stonily into her eyes.14

“W-What?” Hazel stuttered.15

“We are gonna be great friends.” Acacia smiled genuinely, and Hazel relaxed.16