Bittersweet (Jenna Ortega)

chapter nine.

THURSDAY

Maise's POV

"Is it compulsory to have every blind open at eight o'clock in the morning?" I groan to my English lit teacher, blocking the sunlight from penetrating my sensitive eyeballs. I can feel the burn in the back of my skull, it's not fun.

Mr. Simmons chuckles. "It's not compulsory. Just a preference."

"For the sake of my ability to see and learn in class without distraction, could you close a couple pleaseeee?" I slump down into my usual chair, giving my teacher puppy eyes so he'll cave.

He shuts two blinds. "Happy?"

"Beyond measure." I smile tiredly at him.

Last night was a blur. I know a lot happened, I just can't remember what. What I do know is Jenna was at the party. I wonder if we spoke.

"You look like shit."

Speak of the devil.

I look up at the girl. She's wearing her hair down, and her freckles seem darker than usual. Is she trying to impress someone?

"I could say the same about you."

She smirks, not taking my insult as such and drops her bag down at the desk beside me.

"Liv sits there."

"I know, and today I'm sitting here."

"Why? Haven't tortured me enough this week?"

She sits down and grabs out her notebook and pen. "I'm going to help you pay attention in class."

I scoff lowly and fold my arms onto the table, laying my chin on my forearm. "You can try, but you won't succeed. I'm hungover, hungry and you sitting next to me is not helping resolve any of those issues."

"Have this." She slides a piece of watermelon gum across the table. She must have a lifetime supply of gum. Where does she even get it? The store near my house is always sold out.

"Not very fulfilling."

"It's something to chew until lunch. Shut up and take it."

"Yes boss." I mumble sarcastically, popping the piece into my mouth.

"If I was a violent person, we would be throwing down hands right now!" Liv exclaims, scowling at Jenna as she collapses into the chair behind us.

"Sorry not sorry?"

Liz flashes the signature Clayton smirk. "Apology not accepted. You're stealing my best friend away from me. My heart is broken."

And to think Keli calls me the dramatic one in our friend group.

"Believe me, Liv, this is terrible for me too. She wants to tame me. Force me against my will to do class work."

Liv snorts. "She's a raging beast, Jenna. Good luck."

"I don't need the luck. Just appraisal."

I cough into my palm, "Kinky bitch."

Jenna whips her head around to glare at me. "You should be as invested into your study as you are in other people's kinks."

My lips part in shock. "You assh-"

"Alright, students, listen up. I want everyone to take a look to their right."

I don't even bother listening to Mr. Simmons instruction. I know the headache sitting beside me, her demonic stare is obvious.

"-Remember that face because you will be presenting me with a detailed essay of what their facial features remind you of in comparison to anything you'd like. The word minimum is three hundred and fifty and I expect these to be handed in by next Thursday. You get seven days to complete this task."