Prologue

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Home Economics.

I was most looking forward to it since the day began, so the spring in my high-heeled step was obvious to my classmates when I entered the room. They greeted me with warm and knowing smiles, fully aware of my happiness. I didn't necessarily know any of them that well, but I returned their welcome with a grin of my own.

It was all in my job description of being popular; I was expected to smile and be friendly to everyone. I was not a cheerleader by any means; I couldn't back flip, cartwheel, do the splits, or even jump very high. Look up 'flexible' in the dictionary and there would be a picture of me with a big red X across my image. I definitely wasn't rich and rolling in dough.

Well, maybe a different kind of dough...

I also didn't have that stereotypical Queen Bee personality. There was only one reason why I was considered popular.

Stressed Bakery.

My mom's bakery was a hot spot for all teens. Though in our small town it was a hot spot for everyone with it's free WiFi, steaming cappuccinos, and the best desserts around. Because I worked there after school, I saw my fellow students there all of the time and served them their treats and coffee.

The student discount was the cherry on top. My two best friends told me it was also my kindness towards others, selfless acts, and willingness to help whenever asked. Or in other words: I could be a pushover.

My friends might not share the same love of baking with me. They did share a love of eating though, so it balanced out. I wouldn't be surprised if they decided to hang me by my ankles and shake me to see if any cupcakes fall out. Part of me wished they were here. We would get in so much trouble together, I thought, smiling to myself. Maybe it's best they aren't here after all.

I held my head high and walked to the last available table. The classroom was organized with two seats at each work station. The thought of sharing the small space with someone else led me to frown. Cooking with others wasn't the issue. I was used to it, usually at the bakery or at home with my parents. Cooking with someone I wasn't close to however, did not sound good to me.

As I took my seat, I prayed I didn't get stuck with someone who would expect me to do all of the work because of who I was and my cooking experience. My prayers were answered when the teacher walked in and closed the door. Surely it meant there wasn't anyone else. Who would be late to Home Ec? I reasoned with a relieved sigh.

"Hello, class," the woman addressed us with a kind expression. Her brown hair was tied back in a low bun, and she had bright red lipstick on. A shade that I was almost sure I owned too. "My name is Mrs. Cordier. This semester we will be learning our way around the kitchen." Her middle-aged yet elegantly beautiful face turned serious and her voice stern, "So if you can't stand the heat, get out of my class."

Her pointed look across the room made students flinch and lower their eyes. I sat, unaffected, with my lips upturned. I like her already...

"Wonderful!" Mrs. Cordier relaxed her shoulders slightly. She slid some thin reading glasses above the tip of her petite nose as she glanced at the paper in her hand. "So let's begin with introductions, shall we? When I call your name, please stand up and say something about yourself. Such as," she paused, thinking for a moment. "How about your favorite food to eat or make?"

It wasn't long until she reached the letter H in the alphabet.

"Abigail Hensley."

I stood up confidently and flattened the skirt of my polka dot dress. When I opened my mouth to speak, the door suddenly burst open. The words were caught in my throat as my mouth hung open from shock at the person who entered the classroom.

Theo Keller stepped in, dragging his backpack behind him. He had the outstanding reputation as the bad boy of the school, or merely a slacker to some others. I viewed him as one thing: Trouble. Granted, I hardly ever spoke a word to him so I couldn't really judge the guy.

I knew from the unsteady beat of my heart when his dark eyes landed on me-- the only other person in the room who was standing --that I had a right to worry. His lips pulled up in a criticizing smirk as his gaze scanned me from head-to-toe.

I lowered my head and snapped my mouth shut. I may have gotten used to attention from others, but being scrutinized was entirely different. I bit my lip, wishing my hair was down instead of up in a ponytail to hide the unease I felt.

"Mr. Keller, I presume." I looked up at the teacher. "You're late," she simply stated.

"Sorry. I got lost." If the lie wasn't so obvious, his carefree voice would have given it away.

"Hmm. See that it doesn't happen again or I will draw you a map on a pink slip of paper," she threatened with an equally light tone. It was clear he would be on his way to detention if he was late again.

His only response was to bow his head to her in a understanding nod and smile.

"Take a seat next to Ms. Hensley," Mrs. Cordier instructed, waving in my direction.

Dread filled me when she said those words. It dawned on me that the seat next to mine was the only one available and he would be the person to fill it. I could see him coming towards me from the corner of my eye. Refusing to acknowledge him, I kept my gaze straight ahead. The stool squeaked on the floor as he pulled it out and plopped onto it, making himself comfortable.

"Ms. Hensley, please continue," Mrs. Cordier encouraged, once again returning to her less uptight self.

I took a breath to speak, but paused, feeling his curious stare. Shaking my head only a little at my ridiculous hesitance, I cleared my throat and regained my composure. "I'm Abigail, but I prefer to be called Abby. I love to bake cupcakes. And my favorite thing to eat is shortbread cookie dough."

Oh my god, that was so lame, I thought, sitting back down. Theo felt too close when I could distinctly hear his mocking whisper.

"Hello, Abby."

I momentarily scowled before turning to him with a too sweet smile. Theo watched me with one eyebrow raised in amusement until the teacher called for him to stand. He obliged and added a dramatic bow. "My name is Theo. I don't want to be here. And I love Pop Rocks."

The female population of class erupted in adoring giggles, while the males snorted in amusement. I was unimpressed, resting my chin on my fist. As he took his seat again, his arm brushed lightly against mine. Not expecting the contact, I stifled an involuntary squeak.

"Sorry? Did you say something?" He asked quietly in a teasing manner.

Crap, he heard me. I turned to him once again, flashing a smile. "Not a word."

He hummed thoughtfully before resting his head and arms on the stainless steel surface.

"Now that we've all been introduced, it's time to discuss in further detail what we'll be doing this semester," Mrs. Cordier said once the introductions were over. She went on to say that we would be learning the basics, of course, along with some cooking, baking, and how to shop on a budget. It all sounded amazing to me. "Now I want you to turn to the person sitting beside you."

I glanced at Theo, who was sleeping soundly. With the sun shining through the windows, his hair looked like the midnight sky; shimmers of blue in pitch black. His eyelashes were long enough to make me jealous. And his lips were in a slight pout. He looked so innocent when he was sleeping and I found it hard to look away.

"Meet your new partner."

~¤°*°*°*°¤~

Abby: *whispers to the Author* I don't know what to say...

Author: This is the part where you introduce yourself and add some commentary about the story.

Abby: Oh. Okay. Um... *waves to the crowd shyly* Hi. I'm Abby. This is kind of awko taco. Just saying. *smiles*

Author: Yeah. A little bit. Tacos are good though! *gives Abby an encouraging thumbs up*

Abby: And about the story...

Author: Yes, dear?

Abby: Well, if you really want to know... I'm not a pushover. I don't like Theo. And I'm not all sweet. I can be a bi-... a bit-... a mean person! When I want to be. *crosses her arms with a huff*

Author: Aww, well, aren't you just a Pretty Little Liar...

Abby: I am not!

Author: Liar, Liar, apron on fire...

Abby: No. That's probably just Theo in the kitchen...

Author: I think you and I will get along just fine, Abby. *grins proudly*

A/N: Welcome, Sweeties!

¤°* Have a Pop Rockin' Day *°¤

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