Despising you

Chapter 24

J e n n i e

I quite simply adore being in English class; it's one of my favourite classes besides art. I think that's mostly because when I was a child, my mother used to read to me—mostly classic literature and poetry. While it probably would have been more appropriate to read me Disney stories, I am grateful regardless. Now, while I enjoy most things regarding English, what I don't enjoy is having to sit through another class where we have to read Romeo and Juliet—for the fifth consecutive year in a row.

"Does anyone want to share their thoughts about the ending of this book?" Mrs Khan asks, the class is quiet for a few seconds at her question.

Now, that's a new question. Usually, we get asked about how well this pertains to an exam or something equally as boring. This question is actually interesting, not that I'm going to answer it anyway; I cannot be bothered to argue with Mrs Khan about this.

A hand goes up and it's Alex, the captain of the Lacrosse team. Mrs Khan looks elated that someone is participating. "Go ahead, Alex."

"I think that if the Montagues and Capulets just got over their prejudices, none of this would have happened. Then Romeo and Juliet could have lived in peace instead of dying," he says thoughtfully.

Mrs Khan looks satisfied with his thoughts, but I scoff and clearly, it's too loud, because her eyes instantly snap to me.

"Do you have anything to add, Jennie?" she asks in an interested tone.

I could just say no and keep my mouth shut, but I've never been really good at that.

"Yes, actually." I clear my throat. "I just think that this book is ridiculous, it's more about obsession than love."

Mrs Khan is staring at me thoughtfully, like she's waiting for me to add more, but I'm not. What I said is purely factual; Juliet and Romeo were both ridiculously idiotic. Not just because they killed themselves in stupidity and love, but because they fell in love in the first place.

How can you fall in love with your sworn enemy?

"Interesting observation, Jennie," she says in an ironic way. "Anyone else want to share their thoughts?"

I'm ready for a million hands to go up, trying to argue with me. I mean, I know my analysis isn't going to get me a good grade, but I like sharing my opinion, no matter how unwarranted it is.

"I actually agree with Jennie." A familiar voice perks up and my eyes snap to the left side of the classroom.

My eyes almost fall out of my sockets when I realize who's just agreed with me...Kim Jisoo. Did hell freeze over? Are pigs about to start falling from the sky?

She continues. "If you know you're bad for someone, you shouldn't continue to pursue them. They were idiots."

A laugh begs to leave my chest at the callous way she shrugs after giving her statement, but I refrain from doing so.

She's staring straight ahead at Mrs Khan, not even acknowledging that she agreed with me. I know she doesn't like me very much and I don't blame her, she's clearly protective of Lisa, while I've treated her like pure shit the last few years, so her opinion doesn't count.

What she says resonates with me however, not just because she's agreeing with me, but because of her eyes after she says it; it's downcast and steely, like she hates what she's saying, but she still believes it. It looks like it's personal.

I always thought Tae was too good for her, but now I can see a little reflection of myself in her eyes, which only cements my views further; Taeyong really is too good for her.