A Notebook From Hell

Chapter 5- Group Project

"Good, the gate's open," John said, as the five teenagers made their way into the dark, deserted school. They climbed to the fourth floor and entered the library.

"Well, can someone explain why I had to cancel my pedicure for this?" Jessica asked, arms crossed, her tone defiant.

"Basically, we need to write an essay where each of us introduces ourselves," Robert replied, trying to sound composed, though his voice carried the weight of someone carrying this project on his back. His determination to succeed was almost pathetic at this point.

"So, why are we in a group, then? Why not let everyone write their own glorious life stories? Hell, why did I even bother showing up?" Emily complained, her irritation palpable.

"The point," Robert continued patiently, "is for us to do it together. That way, we can get to know each other better."

Jessica and Emily rolled their eyes simultaneously and immediately began discussing their latest Instagram posts. John sighed dramatically and lay flat on the table, face-first in despair, while Robert tried, yet again, to take control of the situation.

Wow, this is so screwed up, Emma thought to herself, utterly bored.

The last of the twilight faded outside, and Ridgewood High was now cloaked in darkness. It was becoming painfully clear that no one from the "popular clique" was interested in getting any work done. Emma lazily scribbled nonsense on a sheet of paper, eager to finish this absurd project as quickly as possible.

Across the room, Jessica, Emily, and John sat gossiping, caught up in their little world of superficiality-Instagram followers, designer labels, and all that rich kid nonsense Emma found incomprehensible.

Then, Robert did something strange. Instead of joining his usual crowd, he sat down beside Emma.

Okay, what's his deal? she wondered. It wasn't like him to stray from his kingdom of snobs. Since this project began, he'd been hovering closer to her, and it was getting suspicious.

"What's your problem?" Emma asked quietly, though her voice carried an edge of anger.

Robert blinked at her, his innocent expression making her want to roll her eyes. "What do you mean?"

Emma sighed and muttered to herself, "The hell."

Robert stood abruptly and announced, "Okay, come on, guys. We need to pull ourselves together if we want to get home tonight."

That got their attention. Everyone groaned but shuffled over. No one wanted to be stuck in this nightmare for longer than necessary.

"Alright," Jessica began, flipping her hair. "My name is Jessica, obviously. I'm a beautiful human being, the master of fashion and makeup. But you already knew that, right? I mean, my Instagram is full of amazing photos." She giggled, as if her vanity was charming.

"You forgot to mention how humble you are," Emma said with a biting tone. Luckily for her, Jessica didn't catch the insult.

"Well, not to brag, but you all know how perfect I am," Emily chimed in, puffing up her chest. "I'm the most stunning girl in class!"

Emma had officially had enough. "Oh, we're so sure of that, princess," she said, letting a smirk slip.

"No one asked for your opinion," Emily and Jessica snapped in unison. John, meanwhile, sat smirking, clearly enjoying Emma being talked down to.

"Because dogs don't ask-they just listen," Emma shot back, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

The group fell silent, jaws dropping.

"Did you just call her a dog?" John asked, his smirk fading.

"A bitch is more accurate, but however you want to put it," Emma replied, casually rolling her eyes.

For a moment, the group was speechless.

Emma stood up, giving them a long, condescending stare. "You know what? We've already done almost half of this stupid project, so I'm done. Have fun finishing it yourselves." She turned and walked out of the library without looking back.