My Fake Girlfriend's a Little Too Real | Jennifer Check

chapter 4

Jennifer's POV

It was a regular Wednesday afternoon. The kind where time seems to stretch infinitely as I sat at my desk, scrolling through social media. My mind was racing, bouncing between thoughts of homework and the strange feelings swirling inside me. I didn't expect a reply so quickly, but I really needed Needy's input on this. I tried so hard to act like Chiara didn't bother me, but the reality was hard to ignore. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was losing my grip on my social status, and it infuriated me.

What if I could turn the tables?

I unlocked my phone again to reread the text that I had sent a few minutes ago.

needy 
text Message 
today 10:11

hey, do you have a sec? need to run something by you

A few moments later, my phone buzzed.

sure, what's up?

I took a deep breath as I called her number.

"What if I fake dated Chiara?"

There was a pause before Needy replied.

"Wait, what? Are you serious?"

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah. Think about it. Everyone's acting like she's the second coming of Christ, and if I date her, I can get my attention back."

Needy's response came quickly. "But do you even like her?"

I hesitated, thinking about how to explain it to her. Needy was my only moral compass, and I knew she wouldn't love this idea. "I don't have to like her. I just need to show everyone that I'm not bothered by her. Plus, it could give me the upper hand."

"I don't know, Jennifer. Maybe you're taking it too far."

"How? It makes perfect sense."

"And how are you planning to do it?" Needy replied quickly, her tone growing harder. "Hey, I know I've been acting like a total jerk, but do you want to fake date me so I can reclaim my popularity? Just ignore the fact that I secretly hate you and want to rip my hair out every time you smile."

I stayed quiet for a second. She had a point. But I don't see a better way out.

"What if I just told her the whole thing as it is? Would that be better? She could have something in it too."

"Honestly, Jennifer, do whatever you want. If that's your priority, then do what you gotta do."

A slow smile grew on my lips. I didn't need her approval. I just don't like going behind Needy's back. God Himself knows that never goes well.

"Okay. Will do. Thanks, Needy!" I said as I hung up.

I pulled the phone from my ear and picked out Chiara's contact. As I clicked to open our messages, I hesitated for a second. After a few minutes, I sent the texts.

(218) 512-1837 
text Message 
today 10:29 

hey sunny

it's jennifer

bio project, remember?

we should probably meet over the weekend to do it or smth idrc

A/N:
i lowk forgot that i was writing this