Wanna Bet?

Chapter Six

Friday, February 8th

"Are you okay? You've been more quiet than usual." Ren asked Jessica as they arrived in the school's parking lot.

"I have?" She muttered. She was never very talkative in the car, but she hadn't noticed she could even talk less. "I'm sorry."

"It's alright. I don't mind, really. But, I think you got something on your mind?" He parked the car and took his seatbelt off to look at her properly.

"It's just, you're going to think it's stupid." She looked at her hands in her lap.

"Try me." He urged on. She sighed.

"This whole week, Nana and her friends ignored me. They basically pretended I didn't exist. Yesterday we were supposed to work in duos on this book review, the teacher paired me with Lizzy and she just begged the teacher to let her work as a trio with Nana and Raina. She made it seem like she had to work alone." She turned to Ren. "Worst part is, the teacher let her."

"You're great in English. I actually think it's better to work alone when you're good at something."

"That's not the point!"

"Then what is?" Ren snapped at her. She looked at him surprised.

"Look, Jess, I'm sorry. But, you need to stop being a wimp and stand up for yourself. You did it at the party, and with Jihoon, so you know you can. If they bother you and I'm around, yes, I'll help you. But, unless you yourself stick up for once, they're never going to stop getting to you." She sighed when he saw her hurt expression.

"I'll see you at lunch. Maybe you should think about what I said." Ren grabbed his bag and got out. He waited a while until Jessica got out and locked his car before walking inside, leaving her there. Jessica continued to repeat what he said throughout the morning. It dawned on her that she was indeed quite weak-minded. The bell for lunch rang and she got up to go to the cafeteria. She spent a while alone at her locker, not yet ready to face Ren after what he said. She was embarrassed and angry, because he was right. She knew she would snap at him if she went to meet him right away, which would only prove to him he was correct. She finally entered the cafeteria and looked over to the usual table where Ren and his friends would always sit. Her eyes widened and her mouth fell open at the sight. Nana wore her uniform like she was in a Britney Spears video and had completely leaned her body into Ren's. Despite Ren's hands being in his pockets and the bored, disinterested expression on his face, he made no effort to push her off or show her any sign that he didn't want her to do that. Jessica felt the anger burst throughout her body as she walked over.

"We both know that that little virgin garbage bag and you aren't doing anything besides some lip-locking. I bet you must feel so frustrated to get some release. If you're with me, you can take it out on me any way you want to, whenever you want to." Ren chuckled at her. She tried to make her voice sound husky to be sexy, but he could only laugh at it.

"Step away from him." Nana looked behind her, chuckling at the sight of a fuming Jessica. She ignored her and turned back to Ren.

"Don't make me repeat myself." Jessica walked over and shoved Nana back as she put her bag on the table. Ren watched her with amusement.

"Since when do you talk back, trash?" Nana crossed her arms in front of her chest as Raina and Lizzy joined her side.

"Since the party. Now stay away from MY boyfriend." She stepped closer to Nana and the students around them grew quiet.

"We both know you're just a phase. He and I are a better fit and you know it." Nana said loudly.

"You and him?!" Jessica laughed. "Exactly how? How is it, you're the better fit? I get grades that boost the school's reputation. I don't need to starve myself to feel good about my body. The only thing you two have in common is rich daddies. You pay people to do your homework, and the only reason you got to sophomore year is because your daddy paid the teachers to give you the grades necessary to pass." After Jessica finished her rant, Ren and his friends realized the whole cafeteria was now dead silent, listening and watching the situation unfold.