MASKED

Armani's POV:

Sebastian Santino Lopez. The only guy who's currently got me on cloud nine, but of course he doesn't know that I exist. He lives in my mind rent free. He takes a piece of my sanity each time he looks my way. Not that he does that much or ever does.

I'm not surprised though. If I were as pretty as the other girls at UOT( University Of Tampa) then just maybe he might notice me. Then again I haven't seen him show interest in any other girl.

I have admired him for almost two years now and still haven't found a way to talk to him. To keep my sanity, I accepted the fact that I will never be able to talk to him.

I'll just keep my distance, it's easier that way.

"hello! Earth to Armani!" my best friend, Michelle, snaps her fingers in my face getting me out of my thoughts. We are currently seated at the university garden having lunch like we always do during our study break.

My eyes shoot up to meet hers and she gives me her oscar winning smile.

"You are not thinking about him again right? Your 'dream guy' is gay Marnie and you need to accept it" She says making sure to put emphasis on the 'dream guy' and my eyes roll to the back of my head.

I love this girl to bits but sometimes I wonder how we are friends. At the same time I appreciate her.

"His decision of not screwing with any girl at school doesn't make him gay. I for one think he has that much respect for himself not to fool around with fake people. Maybe he's waiting for the right person to come along" I defend him like I always do.

"And that person is you?" My cheeks heat up at hearing her question. Obviously that person is not me but it can't hurt thinking about it actually being me.

"Well it's either that or he is a one night stand type of guy" She adds.

"Have you ever considered that he might actually have a girlfriend? Don't be so quick to judge him. I for one think he's a nice guy."

"You think everyone is nice Marnie. Sooner or later you're gonna have to realize that most people are just assholes"

She's not wrong. I always find the good in people even when there isn't. I just think it's better to focus on the good of people than the bad.

Sometimes I wish I was as bold as Michelle. She always speaks her mind and doesn't care what anyone thinks or says about her. She is not afraid to live her life to the fullest and me on the other hand, a 21 year old, still hasn't had her first kiss.

If I could change a few things about myself I would, without even second questioning it.

For starters, I'd like to be as pretty as Michelle. Words can't even begin to describe how ineffable this girl is.

She has skin as clear as crystal, not a single spot on it. She has long black straightened hair which I'm sure she spent hours on this morning. She has soft autumn thin lips and the most amazing smile that could light up any room.

What I love most are her eyes. Her grey siren eyes that make you want to stare in them for hours.

She has the body of a model. Perfect figure and everything. Small waist with her weight mostly distributed at her lower hips. She is an example of the perfect girl and has almost every guy in school wrapped around her finger.

Me on the other hand am not so confident about how I look. You can't blame me though. After being called ugly throughout all of high school I've learned to believe and accept it.

"You are not really helping me you know" I say.

"Okay fine. You have had a crush on this guy for a year and a half now. I think it's about time you talk to him" Michelle says getting up and packing her books in her bag.

"Talk to him? I can't do that. He doesn't even pay attention to people like me."

"You have to stop being hard on yourself Marnie. You are so beautiful and I want you to believe that" Her eyes soften and I just give her a sad smile.

No matter how many times she says I'm beautiful I just can't believe it myself. I wish I did.

"Maybe one day I will believe it."

"I hope so. I have to go now."

"wait where are you going?"

"I have drama in about ten minutes. I will see you after your classes though." Me and her take different classes. She is aiming to be an actress and I'm hoping to be a fashion designer.

I take art too because it keeps me connected to my mother. I remember she used to love art and that makes me love it too.

"Think about what I said. Talk to Sebastian" And with that she plants a kiss on my cheek then leaves.

Yeah we both know I will never be able to talk to Sebastian. I cant even look at him for more than a second!

I stay at the garden for another twenty minutes, finishing a sketch of a dress I've been working on.

After a while, I finally get up, pack my books in my bag and make my way to Art and design class.

Sorry for the short chapter. The introduction was short but I promise the rest of the chapters will be long. Thank you for choosing to read this book. Stay safe ya'll<3