My Twisted Heart

Chapter Eight

Of all the people who could have ended up beside me, the universe chose the one person who seemed to have a problem with me. Violet's childhood friend, Nicole.

Even though we'd only known each other for a day, it was clear her opinion of me was already less than favorable.

"Good morning... Did you sleep well?" I asked, hoping to ease some of the tension in the air.

"Who said you could speak to me?" Nicole shot me a glare.

"Oh, um... Well, since we hung out yesterday, I assumed it'd be okay to talk..."

"You assumed wrong! Just because Violet brought you along, doesn't mean we're friends. Moving forward, I would prefer it if you didn't talk to me."

Not bothering to wait for a response, Nicole took out her school materials and placed them on her desk. She was giving me the cold shoulder. Judging by her demeanor, it seemed she had no plans on socializing with anyone else either.

Well, at least I gave it a shot...

Realizing there was no point in entertaining a relationship with someone like her, I began to turn away but then stopped.

"Wouldn't it be a little weird if we spent the whole semester sitting next to each other without saying a word?" I asked, gathering whatever courage I could muster.

Looking a little surprised by my words, Nicole let out a sigh. "Not in the slightest."

"Well, I disagree. If things stay as they are, we'll both spend the entire semester being uncomfortable with one another."

"Your opinion is of no concern to me."

Nicole was determined to block me out. She kept her responses brief and to the point. It almost seemed like she was trying to keep our interaction as minimal as possible.

What am I kidding... Of course, she's trying to cut our conversation short!

"You know, having that sort of attitude might make it difficult for you to get along with people," I noted.

"What makes you think I want to get along with people?"

Although her response sounded like a question, it was by no means a question. It felt more like a statement. Nevertheless, I had managed to get something out of her. I was starting to make some progress.

"Considering we're in high school, wouldn't it be nice to make some friends?" I continued.

"In case you haven't noticed, I don't need friends... I've already got some."

Despite the confidence she displayed, I had the feeling she wasn't someone with many friends. Based on what I'd seen yesterday, it wouldn't surprise me if Violet was her one and only friend.

"So, you're saying you don't need friends because you already have some... If that's the case, give me the names of two people you consider friends, besides Violet."

For the first time since our conversation began, Nicole turned her undivided attention to me. She had an icy look on her face. It was obvious my words had struck a nerve.

"Whether I have friends or not, is none of your concern! Besides, even if I explained myself someone like you would never understand."

"Someone like me?"

"An incompetent loner with lower-than-average intelligence and strength."

It didn't take a genius to realize she was referring to my RP profile. Since my grades weren't top-notch, I could see why someone like her, a top-ranked prodigy, might think that way.