Playing Pretend

34| Broken + Broken ≠ Fixed

"You failed."

"I can see that," I replied, struggling to grasp how it was possible. "I just don't understand how."

"You didn't get a single question right."

I flipped through the pages, each one marked up with harsh red pen. At the top of the test, a glaring zero was stamped. Did I study? Yes, sort of. But when the test came, I just couldn't focus.

"This has brought my grade down to a D," I said flatly.

"Indeed," he said. "It's a midterm, and I made it clear that failing it would have a significant impact on your grade. Some students heeded that warning, but clearly, you didn't."

"C-Can I get a redo? I-I can't fail this class. Please, let me try again."

"I'm sorry, Ms. Woods, but I can't offer you special treatment over the other students. You only get one attempt. No exceptions."

The bell rang, and I sucked my teeth in irritation. He started writing a note and handed it to me. "It's not the end of the semester yet. You can still pull yourself out of the gutter. Here."

"Whatever," I muttered, snatching the note and pushing my way out of the classroom. I bumped into several students hurrying to avoid being late. "Goddamn, move!" I snapped, shoving a girl who was blocking the door.

"Bitch!" she exclaimed, turning around. It was Diana.

"Oh," we both said simultaneously.

I rolled my eyes and walked past her.

"Crystal!" She called out, but I kept walking. Now she wanted to talk?

Fuck her and fuck this test. I crumbled the test paper and threw it onto the floor.

I finally reached Mr. Anderson classroom. I knocked on the door, and after a moment, he opened it. "Here," I said, handing him the late pass.

"Nice of you to join us," he said with a forced smile, stepping aside to let me in.

"Glad to be here," I huffed as I walked past him as soon as I entered the class my eyes automatically fixated on Sebastian, he was looking out the window, earphones in both ears. I wonder what he's thinking about.

I walked over to Zeno and sat next to him. "Hey." I smiled.

"Sup." I placed my stuff on the table and sat down with and sigh.

I laid my head down, all I wanted to do was sleep. Its been a long ass day. "Can I ask you something..." I whispered.

"Hm?"

I turned my head to face him,"After school do you want to hang out... and smoke?"

He let out a sigh and rested his head on the desk, facing me.

"What?" I chuckled.

"It seems like you're using me."

I rolled my eyes. "I'm not... I'm just stressed out. I failed my midterm, and it brought my grade down. I feel like I'm flopping."

"Isn't Sebastian supposed to be tutoring you or something?" Zeno asked, his tone casual but curious.

I shot a glance at Sebastian, who was staring blankly out the window, seemingly lost in thought. "What's wrong with him..." I muttered to myself, puzzled by his distant demeanor.

"Everything," Zeno chuckled softly.

"The whole 'pretend girlfriend' thing was the only reason he was tutoring me. Now it's just awkward between us..." I admitted, frustration evident in my voice.