Despising you

Chapter 10

J e n n i e

She remembered my birthday. It's not a massive deal, at least it shouldn't be; my mother and Tae have always made my birthday special. The whole school raves about it, especially on social media. But that's what makes this different, Lisa doesn't frequent social media, so that means she actually remembered.

This is the first time in five years she's wished me for my birthday. Of course, I've never wished her for hers either, but I always remember the date; March twenty-seventh.

She even gave me a gift—the binder. I'm looking at it right now, distracting myself from staring at her.

The binder is so tediously detailed and surprisingly colourful. I cannot even imagine how long it took her to make this entire binder.

I've received bags, cars, and even islands for my birthday before, so why is a simple binder having this effect on me?

Shit. What's wrong with me? It's just a stupid binder and she only made it to help me study so she can get her ridiculous commendation letter sent off.

It's this room. Being in her room is making me go insane clearly. In the five years that I've known Lisa, I have never been inside her house, especially her room.

It's so clean; everything is neat and there are books everywhere. Not just textbooks, but a lot of classic literature which I didn't really expect. Her house is smaller than mine obviously, but it's so cosy, it actually feels as if people live here.

Another difference between our houses is the lack of framed pictures in her home. While my house is littered with framed photos, hers only has one photo of her and her brother.

Then there's the nerdy side of her room. There are maps plastered over half her walls of the human anatomy. Not to mention the creepy skeleton that stands next to her wardrobe, although it's infinitely less terrifying when it's wearing a pair of sunglasses.

"What's wrong with being filthy?" she asks huskily, putting the cigarette in her mouth.

Shivers run down my spine at her tone; I can't help it. She's goading me, lighting her cigarette and waiting for me to respond.

All I can think about is how enticing the smoke looks leaving from between her plump lips. Snap out of it, Jennie!

I ignore her crude comment. "I think I'm too tired to carry on with studying. I need some incentive."

By that, I mean I can't focus on studying, not when she's looking at me like that. I need to change the subject and get back some of the control that I've clearly lost right now.

"Such as?" She plays along, still smoking.

"How about if I get the next question right, you can answer one of mine."

I've been thinking of this for a while, especially recently. My mother tasked me with making sure Lisa doesn't tell anyone about my father, but for some reason I trust she won't tell anyone. Regardless, I need collateral to hold over her, just in case.

She looks as if she's pondering on it for a moment, but then nods in agreement.

"What hormone is released from the pancreas if the blood glucose concentration is too low?" she asks with insane speed. She's throwing the question at me without looking at any flash cards, straight off the top of her head and it disorients me.

This question wasn't on any of the cards, but that's okay, I can improvise.

"Glucagon."

Mysilly, little Lisa. Does she really think that I wouldn't read the text books she recommended? Thank the Lord I did.