Shot of love

Prologu

I was folding an origami tulip when someone knocked on the door, and a teacher stepped in. She was new, and I already hated her. Honestly, all the other teachers combined weren't as mean, and more importantly, they didn't assign nearly as much homework. But Ms. Binzon? Every class, she piled on more. I'd always been comfortable in English because each teacher before her had been charmed by my personality, giving me plenty of leeway. But with her? On the first day, she asked me about topics so obscure, I couldn't even repeat the words.

-Good afternoon. - she directed this to the teacher at the desk. Then she looked around, searching for something—or rather, someone. Unfortunately, her gaze stopped on me, and she immediately turned back to the teacher, who got up.

-I need Lily for a moment.

-Of course. Lily. - he looked at me. - Go ahead and pack up since the bell's about to ring.

-Mhm. - I grumbled, annoyed because I had nowhere safe to stash my half-finished paper tulip.

-Come on, child, hurry up. - the old hag muttered in my direction.

-Alright, alright.

She didn't wait for me, leaving the room. I quickly threw my backpack on, tossed the remains of my partially folded tulip into the trash, and wished the teacher a good day.

-Yes? - I asked, looking at Ms. Binzon, who was standing outside the classroom, visibly irritated.

-I have a proposal. - Oh, great. - You're in a bit of a rough spot with your grades, and I need someone for a performance.

-Sorry, what? - she looked at me like I was an idiot.

-For a performance. No one's volunteered, and the girl who was supposed to play the part is sick and won't be back for a while.

-But why me?

-Because. Are you going to participate or not?

-If I don't have a choice, I guess I have to. - I muttered under my breath.

So much for my plans to catch up on the latest book releases. Wonderful.