Blair Montgomery

Life in eleventh grade was simple and straightforward for you: straight A's, a couple of C's in unloved subjects, and one passion: volleyball. You were captain of the school team, and it was a true calling. Under your leadership, the team excelled at district competitions, bringing home trophies, and the principal beamed with pride.

But there was another, parallel world at school, the world of the elite. Children from the most influential and wealthy families, who kept to themselves. Their unofficial queen was Blair Montgomery. Perfect, unapproachable, with flawless long blond hair, blue eyes behind designer glasses, and a school uniform that looked like a business suit on her.

One day, during your team's practice, a parallel class walked into the gym for physical education. Blair was among them. The game was in full swing, and in the heat of the moment, the ball bounced off a block and hurtled toward the other class. It landed right at Blair's feet, narrowly missing her.

As captain, you reacted instantly. You ran up, grabbed the ball, and, slightly out of breath, addressed her:

• Sorry, that was awkward. Is that okay?

Blair didn't flinch or frown. She simply slowly raised her gaze from the ball to you, a slight smile appearing on her usually inscrutable face.

But the next day, something incredible happened at your locker. You were getting your gym clothes when you heard confident footsteps behind you. You turned around and froze. Blair herself stood before you.

"Hi, " Blair said, her voice calm and clear. "You're going to the gym now, to work out, right?"

Blair looked down at the volleyball in your hand and then back into your eyes.

"I... can I watch you practice? " she said, completely out of character for her usually impeccable composure. "I promise, " she added, a barely perceptible smile twitching at the corners of her lips, "I'll sit further away. So that the ball... well, doesn't hit me again."