Eat the Rich

Chapter 1: Mother's broke, people are woke

"Just send the money."

"No."

Auburella's life had been filled with interesting findings, though she never would have thought someone would stoop this low. Then again, it was La Rose High School; not everyone there thought straight, herself included. Today was different because, for once, her mother wasn't breathing down her neck.

The Indian boy in front of her sighed, annoyed.

"I can't believe this crap," he murmured while Auburella stood there in silence. This birthday party was a bust, with everyone around them smelling like excessive perfume and rich people's problems. The guests were a spectacle of extravagance, all dressed in designer clothes.

The gelled-up boy shoved his phone in Auburella's face.

"See this? Ever since she started that stupid dropshipping business, your mother has been losing money, and if your mother is losing money, my father is losing money. Do you know what it feels like to have your father breathing down your neck every three months?"

The blonde leaned in closer as Damon revealed her mother's stock portfolio on his screen. Her heart sank as she witnessed the sea of red stocks plummeting like stones in a pond. Worse yet, her reaction on her face seemed to resist. This wasn't new to her; her family was going broke.

"They're looking really bad," Damon remarked with a hint of satisfaction in his voice. He was convinced that Auburella's family was struggling because it would get his father off his back.

"You need to tell your mother to get her shit together, or my family is taking action." His voice rose with anger.

Auburella glanced around the room; the simple lights almost blinded her. Damon had been asking her since last week if she would do this one thing. If Auburella sent the money, her mother would be pissed. She scrawled her tie-dyed bun on the top of her head.

"I-"

"Ladies, gentlemen!" The birthday boy shouted with a glass of sparkling champagne in his hand, causing everyone to turn to him. Saved by the interruption, Auburella paid all her attention to him. Damon shakes his head and walks away. His attempts at saving Auburella failed.

"Today I am turning sixteen, a very special age because I finally get to have 20% of my father's gaming company shares. JGK Gaming!" Surrounded by designer-clad guests sipping champagne, they all cheered at his announcement.

Of course, his father wasn't here; nobody's parents were around at this moment. It was a luxuriant party filled with wealthy and successful teenagers, and for many, this revelation only solidified his status as one of the wealthiest teenagers in town.

After the congratulations from the crowd, he calmed them down. "It's not much, trust me, but it is a start," he began.

"As we celebrate another year of life and prosperity, I am reminded of the wonderful opportunities we have been given. Living in a world where people are less forgiving, I should be truly grateful. Thank you for attending tonight!"

Everyone applauded his speech, their hearts aching and humbled. No one in this room knew what it felt like to be less fortunate, which was why they felt no affection for the poor. They hadn't seen what their lives were like.

Auburella, however, wished she had never attended this party. If nervousness were a person, it would have been her right now. The Watch could have picked up her current situation at any moment, and she could not afford the downfall of her life.

An unexpected notification lit up the screens of every guest's smartphone.

The Watch. The school is a hellhole.