-Dave

Jill sprayed water on her, dried herself up, wore her clothes, and sprayed some perfume on, before running downstairs like a mad woman, chasing after something.

When she entered class, she saw everyone already attempting their papers. She heaved a sigh of relief when Mr. Tyler motioned her to sit, instead of dismissing her for late arrival. He smiled when Mr. Tyler handed her the paper, and she nearly dropped it, causing a scene. The whole class looked up at Jill and chuckled. Red-faced, Jill took her stationeries out and did the questions.

In the cafeteria, Jill and Matt saw Gary and Rachel. Jill felt happy for them, though deep down inside, she really yearns to have another go with Gary again. But then there's Matt, her tutor. He was the reason Jill changed dramatically. If it weren't for him, she would have continued flunking her Math tests. And, Matt did save Jill from being humiliated by Rachel's evil plans. All these happened without Gar y knowing. Rachel must be very good at disguising her acts. Rachel caught sight of Jill looking at them, and she merely glared and mouthed something along the lines of, "I hate you," Then, she turned to Matt and faked a smile, somewhat as a mock gesture. Gary saw Matt with Jill, but he remained neutral and just waved at the both of them, acknowledging his football teammate and his ex.

When Jill turned to look at Matt, he was dipping his index finger into his drink and stirring it. That reminded Jill of Matt's disgusting ways.

"Uh, Matt? Can I ask you something?" Jill started.

"Sure, go ahead," Matt said.

"Well, I've noticed that you've been top student of Oakland High and all, but why do you always have to do disgusting things around me?"

"Well, that's just the way I am, isn't it?" Matt clarified. But Jill could tell that he was suddenly conscious about his habit and stopped the finger stirring. He continued, "So, how's the pop quiz today? Broke a leg?"

Jill shot a look at Matt.

"Do you have to  remind me about my bruises?" Jill exclaimed, and she playfully hit him on the shoulders. He tried avoiding but to no avail, and the both of them laughed.

"I think I'm betting all my money on this. I did not even hesitate to think of the solution to the questions. I had plenty of time despite being 10 minutes late," Jill beamed.

"That's awesome pawsome! Hey listen, gotta run now. I can tutor you again tonight, if you want to," Matt suggested.

Jill laughed. "Sure thing, professor."

"Alright. I'll be at the school theatre if you need me, alright?" and with that, Matt left the cafeteria.

School theatre? Jill thought. What would he be doing at a place like that? Maybe there's a show starting soon and he's going to watch it! What a jerk for not inviting me as well.

She packed her stuff and left for the locker. When she opened the locker, a note dropped out. Jill caught it and unfolded it and, to her horror, saw the name written on the piece of paper: Gary Caldwell.

"Meet me in the school compund after class."

Jill felt puzzled for a moment. Gary was not the kind to communicate this discreetly. Perhaps he did this to avoid being seen with She took no notice of the rush of students packing up and entering class. Some were still chatting or chasing each other around.

What business does he have have with me now? And suddenly, Jill's old self resurfaced for a moment. She imagined Gary approaching her at the school compound and telling her that it's over between him and Rachel, and that he wants to get back together with Jill. "I can't stand that red head," she imagined Gary uttering. Jill would then gaze into his green eyes and melt in his arms. The whole scene would then be witnessed by Rachel, who then screams in agony and struts off the compound.

Jill pasted a winning smile on her face as she neared her class.

BAM!

Jill fell bottom-first on the floor, her books scattered everywhere. "Ouch! Watch where you're going!" Jill shouted. Her body ached even more now, adding to her bruises on her body.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to - Hey! You're Jill Goodman, right? I'm Adrianne. Nice to meet you! Good to see another new recruit!" the girl said.

"Recruit? What recruit? Do I know you?" Jill asked, ignoring the pain.

Adrianne laughed while pulling Jill up to her feet. "You're so cute! So I'll see you later after class, yes? At the school theatre. It's just beside the Chemistry lab. See ya there!" she smiled and left.

Jill picked her books from the floor and started for her classroom. This is all getting awkward; first the note, then the girl named Adrianne and the school theatre recruit. When Jill opened the classroom door, the first person she saw was Rachel.

Ugh, her, of all people. Rachel and her friends were glaring at Jill when she made her entrance. Some were standing, but one of them was sitting on Jill's desk and resting her feet on her seat.

Jill walked over to her and said, "Excuse me, but this is my place. Please get off of it."

The girl resting her feet on Jill's seat turned around and faced her. "Oh, is that right?" I don't see your name anywhere on it," with the typical bitchy tone. The rest of the girls, including Rachel, laughed at that remark. The girl who replied Jill was one of the girls in the gym that helped Rachel beat Jill up.

Jill heaved a breath and said "I repeat. This is my seat. You have your legs on it. Please get off." Jill's patience grew thinner.

"Well, what are you gonna do if I don't? Spike my drink, Jill Goodman?" and the rest of the girls got into a fit of laughter.

"Why you b-" Jill started, when the door opened and in came the next teacher. Everyone fell silent and took their seats, even the girl Jill was confronting followed suit.

It was Psychology class, and their teacher, Mrs. Hopkins, was seen as a lean, tall lady. Judging by her looks, she must be around her late 30s. She has sharp features; curled eyebrows, hazel coloured eyes,and high cheekbones. Her hair looked professional tied in a bun, and her silk blouse coupled with a brown long skirt totally complemented her features. Mrs. Hopkins' teaching style was never short of entertaining. "Narcissism," she lectured, "is the need for admiration, and lack of empathy." As Mrs. Hopkins explained the psychological disorders, Jill cannot help but relate them back to Rachel. Narcissism, bipolarism, two-face freak; if anyone has all 3 disorders collectively, it's got to be Rachel, Jill ponders. After class, Mrs. Hopkins called for Rachel for a talk, much to Jill's delight. Maybe Mrs. Hopkins will clarify that the purpose of the lesson was to highlight all of her qualities. She smiled at the thought of that.

Without delay, Jill packed her stuff and headed for the school compound first. That Adrianne girl can wait. Besides, she's only a stranger. But the fact that she mentioned Matt's name startled her. He must be up to no good. Before she knew it, she found herself standing in the school compound. Gary, who had just finished class too, jogged down the staircase and approached Jill.

"Hey, you read my note, right?" Gary asked.

"Yeah, I did. That's why I'm here. I'm not trying to hide from you, if this is about that, you know," Jill said.

"I know you're not. It's just that I feel we've been hanging out lesser and lesser since Rachel came about. And your tutoring weighed you down a bit too. So, I was thinking, maybe you wanna go down to the park some time?" Just like old times?" Gary asked, almost expecting a 'no'.

"Gary..." Jill tried to say something.

"It's okay. I get it. Me and Rachel. You and Matt. I totally understand," Gary replied dejectedly.

"It's not that way! I mean, not in the case of me and Matt. He did not voluntarily tutored me. It was Mrs. Harper's orders. He was just doing his job, nothing more!" Jill clarified.

"Oh?" Gary's face lightened up. "So, how about it? Wednesday evening at Mason Square. It'll be fun," Gary reassured her.

"Will do," Jill agreed, and she flashed a smile at him. Then, she found herself being hugged by him. As shocked as she was, she did not flinch one bit. He embraced her for a few seconds before letting go.

"You have that beautiful smile, Jill. The smile that makes me feel guilty every time I see it. I feel regret. I wished we never broke up," Gary confessed solemnly, looking into Jill's eyes. He cupped her face with his palms, and the two of them exchanged longing looks. But then, Jill remembered her new year resolution: to change her life.

"I'm sorry, Gary," she said as she eased herself out of Gary's hands. "I'll see you on Wednesday." She took her stuff and bid him good bye. She looked, more than ever, like a lost child. A dark figure was watching them the entire time, hidden behind one of the grand pillars of the school compound.

***

"Rachel, dear. You seemed to have lost your touch in academics. You've not been concentrating in class anymore. Just talking and putting on nail polish, coat after coat. You used to love studying, I know that. Is something bothering you? Perhaps I can help out," Mrs. Hopkins questioned.

"I'm fine. Really, I am. I used to study all these before. Trust me, Rosalie. I can cope with my studies," Rachel explained. She wasn't even sure of her own words when she mentioned them.

"Okay, if you say so. But please, Rachel, you have to do something about your declining grades. Nathan and I are worried, particularly about you," Mrs. Hopkins continued.

"Yeah yeah. Bring in Daddy's name again. Like it will convince me to. He has showsn much more interest to that new girl, Jill, rather than me, ever since she transferred into this school; this class."

Mrs. Hopkins raised an eyebrow. "Jill? What about her? I think she's a bright girl. Very quiet and focused. Just that Nathan pays special attention to her because she flunked her way through her previous high school. Your father and I know how it feels to flunk. That's why we because teachers ourselves."

"I don't care. She's stealing all of the attention in class now. She's Daddy's new pet, and I cannot digress from that fact. She's a whore. Just look at her clothes!" Rachel cried.

"Now now, stop badmouthing others. It is not fair -"

"No, it is not fair for ME! And now she wants to take Gary away from me. I cannot let her ruin my life," and then Rachel stormed out of the classroom, leaving a confused Mrs. Hopkins behind.

***

Jill went to the bathroom to wash her tear-filled eyes. Her make-up was ruined. 'Might as well wash them off. I don't want him to notice me crying', she thought. She splashed some water on to her face and looked into the mirror. She saw her own face staring blankly back at her. 'Will everything change? If so, for better or for worse?' She finished washing off her make-up, and went straight for the school theatre.

There were people on the stage, performing a rehearsal. Jill walked over to the most familiar face in that theatre: Adrianne, and sat next to her. Adrianne noticed her. She leaned over to Jill and whispered, "Hey, welcome," and she smiled. "Hello, Adrianne," Jill greeted. Some of them who heard Jill coming in turned around from their seat and looked up behind them where Jill was seated. They were rehearsing halfway through. It was brief, but Jill spotted a recognisable face among those acting onstage.

Matt.

'What is he doing here?' Then, it struck her. 'So that's where Matt was heading to earlier: for practice! Matt is in the drama club!' Jill nodded with her mouth agape, as if understanding what the teacher teaches. 'But.. he signed me up too? Why?'

"OK, cut!" Adrianne said over the megaphone. The actors and actresses onstage got off the platform and sat on the seats. Matt eyed Jill as he advanced to her.

"Hey there, newbie. Welcome aboard the Drama Club," Matt declared. "My name is Matt, president of this club. And, this is my assistant, Adrianne. Pleasure for you to join us."

"You're kidding, right?" Jill glared at Matt. Why sign me up all of a sudden? I'm useless when it comes to acting!"

"Oh, shut up already. Come, we're rehearsing an original drama. The scriptwriter is excellent. We're gonna stage it next 3 weeks. So you don't have much time to prepare. Go get dressed," Matt ordered.

"But, wait!" Jill tried to resist Matt's shoving and pushing, but decided she finally gave up. I have to try forgetting about Gary. And if this is one way to forget him, then I will give it my all. He's happy with Rachel now. I don't want to get in the way, even if Rachel's a bitch.

***

The next morning, Mr. Tyler entered the class hugging with a stack of papers. The whole class made noises when they saw that. Some girls even squealed thinking about their expected results. The guys merely groaned at the sight of the papers.

Mr. Tyler distributed the papers, and when he reached Jill's desk, he gave her a serious look while flipping through the stack to find her paper. When he found it, he grinned and put the paper on her desk. An "A-"! Jill practically screamed in joy. Everyone around her was shocked when they knew about it. A hoo-ha ensued upon the shocking revelation. Jill's classmates started talking about her, and she found herself loving the attention.

Mr. Tyler calmed the class down, cleared his throat, and addressed the class, "Well well, it looks like we have just witnessed a dramatic improvement in Jill Goodman. Please give her some credit," and he started clapping his hands before the class followed suit. "Unfortunately, there is one failure amongst all of you. I have to admit, this is an easy test, but then again, some have failed to take advantage of that. Rachel," Mr. Tyler looked at her, "This is not the first time you have failed. Surely there is a lot of catching up to do. Perhaps then we can see an improvement in you. In the mean time, I am assigning Jill to tutor you for Math."

"WHAT?!!" the both of them stared at Mr. Tyler in disbelief.

-Timmy

On Monday morning, standing in front of her locker, Jill was still seething over what happened on Friday. She already text-messaged Rachel countless times apologising over the weekend, but still she didn’t know how to explain to Rachel about Matt. The tutoring part was still okay; the big problem was that, over a friend, she actually trusted a jerk, one who she knew all along was prejudiced against Rachel, and did not question his intentions at all until it was too late. She didn’t know how Rachel would forgive her for that, because frankly speaking, she was not sure if she could forgive herself.

But I’ll have to do it anyhow, Jill thought as she took out the right books and dumped the rest of her stuff in, let’s just hope this bonds us and not break us. She had her fingers crossed.

Rachel was already standing beside her with her arm clung to Gary’s when Jill slammed her locker shut.

‘Hey, stranger,’ Rachel said coldly.

‘Hey!’ Jill said, addressing both people, and a little surprised over their sudden presence as she was deep in thoughts just now. ‘Oh! Rachel, please don’t be mad at me. I’m really sor—’

‘I was just kidding!’ Rachel replied cheerfully.

‘Oh,’ Jill said quietly, crestfallen, but definitely relieved. Then she began again, ‘But really, Rachel, I’m really sorry I didn’t show up—’

‘Stop,’ Rachel demanded. ‘I’ve already heard that a gazillion times. It’s no big deal! It’s just a party. But one thing: you haven’t told me why.’

‘Yeah, about that, erm, Rachel, I need to talk to you.’ Jill shot a look at Gary. ‘Alone.’

‘Oh,’ Gary started. ‘Erm, okay.’ He pecked Rachel on the cheek and walked away.

‘Okay, so, what is it?’ Rachel asked, serious.

Jill took a deep breath before she began. ‘Rachel, I know you’d probably hate me, but…it was Matt.’

Rachel’s face merely turned indifferent. ‘Oh, him.’

‘Yeah, him. I have Math tutorial sessions with him, and he started the first one on Friday night. At the same time as the party. I tried to make him change the time, or date, but he just didn’t budge. I’m so stupid. I should’ve seen it coming. I should’ve known why.’

‘Jill, it’s okay,’ Rachel said reassuringly, putting a hand on Jill’s shoulder. ‘We both know he hates me, so I won’t blame you for that. Stop beating yourself up, okay?’ Rachel slipped a strand of flyaway hair behind Jill’s ear.

Jill merely nodded, slipping her blonde hair behind her other ear. ‘So…we’re good?’

Rachel smiled. ‘Of course we are, silly.’

Jill smiled too. Then she frowned. ‘But, why does he hate you so much?’

‘Let’s just say, we have a past.’

‘What?’

‘He is my ex.’

Jill’s eyes widened. ‘No way!’

‘Way. We were together, but we broke up…you know how he is, no questions asked there…but I guess he just never got a grip over that, and…you know how he feels about me now.’

‘Wow.’

‘Yeah. Everyone has their bad relationship days. But anyway, pushing all those behind,’ Rachel said emphatically, ‘I have news for you.’ She produced a piece of paper from her jeans back pocket. ‘The cheerleading squad is recruiting! And I know you used to cheerlead, so I want you to come try out.’

‘Really? Wow. How did you know I used to be in the cheerleading squad?’

‘Who else could’ve told me? Gary—duh! Anyway, it’s today, after school, and I hope you can make it.’

‘I’ll come! After what happened, this is the least I could do to make it up to you.’

‘Just make sure you keep your word. Okay, I’ve gotta run now. The bell’s gonna ring. Ciao.’ Rachel turned around and began walk away.

‘Oh! Rachel?’ Jill called.

Rachel turned her head so fast she flung her hair. ‘Yes?’

‘Hold on tight to Gary please.’

Rachel looked taken aback for a moment, and then she smiled. ‘I will.’

Jill pocketed the paper as she watched Rachel pranced away to cling herself to Gary again, her red hair bobbing from side to side. She smiled looking at them, then adjusted the books in her arms and turned around, ready to walk to the toilet before heading to class.

And Matt was standing right in front of her. She looked up at him, disgusted.

‘I know you don’t want to see me, let alone talk to me, but just listen: do not go for the cheerleading try-out.’

Jill fumed. ‘You’re doing this again? Give it up, jerk. I know your intentions now, I won’t listen to you anymore. And your evil plans aren’t working. Rachel and I are still good friends. Go away. I don’t want to see you, ever.’ She began to walk around him, but Matt held her in place by her arms.

‘Whatever you say, whatever you do, just promise me you won’t go for the try-out.’ He was looking at Jill with pleading eyes.

‘Heck I’ll promise you anything.’ Jill leered coldly.

‘Please!’ Matt shook her, his eyes imploring.

Seeing that, Jill melted for a moment, but then, she slapped him. ‘Get out of my face. You’re disgusting.’

Matt was frozen by Jill’s actions, and she took advantage and shook his arms off her. She strutted away icily.

***

School was over, and Jill quickly headed to the gym. Rachel was not around yet, so she sat down on one of the benches. And then Gary entered. He was wearing his football outfit and clutching a package of red clothing in his hand.

He looked around and found Jill sitting there all alone in no time. ‘Hey, Jilly.’ He flashed his adorable smile.

‘Hey.’

‘Rachel will come in a bit, but she wants me to deliver this to you. She wants you to go change first and get ready.’ He held out the package for Jill to take.

‘Oh, gee, thanks.’ Jill took over the package, and was surprised to see Gary sitting down beside her. ‘Don’t you have football practice?’ she asked.

‘Yeah, I do, but that won’t start so soon. The guys are always late.’ He laid his helmet on his lap and put a hand on top of it.

‘Oh,’ Jill said quietly. They didn’t talk for a moment.

‘Do you remember that time when we were in the gym of our old school and I was doing basketball and you were doing cheerleading?’ Gary suddenly asked.

‘Sure thing. You saved a dunk but the ball went straight to one of the girls’ head. I know it’s mean, but the way the ball hit her was just so funny!’ Jill laughed out loud.

‘I know!’ Gary laughed, then he got serious. ‘And that was when I realized how adorable your laugh is.’ He was looking intently at Jill.

‘Gary,’ Jill sighed. ‘I know where you’re going with this, but…we’re over, okay?’

Gary was staring at the floor, expressionless.

‘Gary, don’t be like that. We had our time and it’s over. It was my fault. Please don’t want me back. You have Rachel, for goodness’ sake. She’s wonderful. Please, just be happy with her.’

‘Jill…you know I—’

‘I know what you think. Yes, no one can replace me, but you can always meet someone new. And Rachel is that someone new. Please appreciate her and stop thinking nonsense. Nothing’s going to happen between us. I won’t let it happen. See? We’re doing great as friends, so let’s just keep it at that, okay?’

‘Fine,’ Gary finally said. ‘Just promise me you won’t avoid me anymore.’

‘Okay, I won’t. I really won’t.’

Gary held up his little finger. ‘Pinkie swear?’ He smiled lopsidedly.

Jill giggled. ‘Pinkie swear.’

The gym double doors burst open, and Rachel walked in, together with other girls. Jill and Gary let go of each other’s hand just in time not to let Rachel see.

‘Hey, sweetie,’ Rachel said as she approached Gary and pecked him on the cheek. ‘Don’t you have to go for football practice?’

‘I was just leaving. Just wanted to wait for you with Jill.’

‘Aww. That’s so sweet. But you have to go now. We’re going to start our try-outs, and you can’t watch.’

‘Whoa-hoh, lady boss! Whatever you say. Catch you later.’ He pecked Rachel on the cheek and left.

Rachel turned to Jill. ‘Hey, haven’t you changed yet? Oh, I have a favour to ask from you. Can you drop this at the principal’s office while the girls and I set up the stuff for the try-outs? When you’re back, it’ll be just in time.’ Rachel passed to Jill a magazine-thick book, the open end taped.

‘Oh, okay. But what is it?’

‘Oh,’ Rachel said, holding one end of the book while Jill held the other. ‘It’s the school paper to be printed. You’re not supposed to see it until the principal checked and proofed it.’

‘Cool. Okay, I won’t peek. I’ll just send it there straight.’

‘Alright, thanks. Better hurry.’

And Jill sprinted out of the gym to the principal’s office. He was inside, busy talking on the phone and signing documents. Jill knocked and walked in. She quickly left the book at the table just as he instructed with a hand gesture and exited swiftly.

When Jill was back in the gym, all the girls were sneering at her, some with their hands on their hips, and other cross-armed. Rachel had her hands interlocked and was walking cheerfully to her.

‘So, what did he say?’ she asked sweetly.

‘Oh, he hasn’t seen it yet. He was busy when I put it on his table.’

‘That’s okay. He’ll know soon enough.’ Rachel said pleasantly. But there was something wrong with her expression. ‘Meanwhile, we have business to settle.’

‘Oh. Wait a bit while I go change.’

‘No need,’ Rachel said sweetly, although what she said came out like a demand.

‘Huh? What do you mean?’ Jill asked incredulously. But Rachel didn’t seem to bother answering.

‘So, how was your little meet-up with Gary?’ Rachel said with a bright smile. But without waiting for an answer, she continued. ‘I hope it was pleasant, because—’ Rachel dropped her smile. ‘It’ll be your last meeting with him.’

‘What are you talking about, Rach—’

‘Don’t act dumb!’ Rachel said harshly, her teeth clenched. She’d just slapped Jill hard on the face.

‘Rachel, what are you doing?!’ Jill demanded, and stepped forward. But, two girls held her by her arms.

‘Stop pretending. You damn well know what I’m doing.’ Rachel said lividly. ‘I’m sick of playing games with you, you slut.’

Jill was momentarily speechless.

‘You think you can just come and take Gary from me? You think you can just make Mr. Tyler fall head over heels for you with your slutty mini skirts? You shameless bitch!’ Rachel was cracking her knuckles.

Jill was shocked. Matt was right!

She tried to advance forward, but two more girls came and pinned her where she stood. ‘I’m not—’

‘Shut up!’ Rachel exclaimed in fury. ‘You don’t get to talk here. I talk here.’

Rachel panted a little. Her face then switched to a happy face. ‘You think you can escape from me by not attending the party? After all the hard work I put in, you think you can just stand me up like that? Well, think again,’ Rachel simpered. Then her face turned nasty once again. ‘That was a big mistake, bitch,’ she quietly declared.

Rachel moved close to Jill and grabbed the collar of her shirt. Their faces were inches apart. ‘Now I’m going to teach you a lesson on what would happen when you try to fool me,’ she whispered.

She dragged Jill on her collar and threw her on the blue sponged mat laid on the gym floor. Jill let out a small squeal. Some of the girls caught Jill by her arms again, and pulled her upright.

She could see two girls doing a formation in front of her. Their hands were put together, palms-up. Rachel ran a couple of steps, stepped on the hands, and was swung forwards. She did a front flip and landed hard on Jill’s shoulders, her arms outstretched, her posture perfect. Jill yelped in pain.

Two girls holding Jill hit the back of her knees with theirs, and Jill bent forward. At that moment, Rachel jumped from Jill’s shoulder, did another front flip, and landed straight on the mat, her pose perfect once more.

Jill dropped to the mat face first. Her nose hurt, and she bit her tongue a little. She could taste blood.

Rachel turned around and sneered at Jill, defeated on the ground, slowing rolling over. ‘Oh, honey, you need to practise more. That won’t work at all if you want to get into the squad,’ she simpered again.

‘What do you want from me?’ Jill blurted out in pain.

‘What do I want?’ Rachel asked, putting a finger to her mouth, mock wondering. ‘Let’s see what do I want.’ She put up the finger that was on her mouth, and widened her eyes, as if just having a big realization. ‘Oh yeah! I know what I want.’ She twisted her face into a wicked expression. ‘I want you to stay away from Gary.’

She stepped on Jill’s shoulder. Jill cried out painfully. ‘He’s mine! Stay away from him.’ Rachel flipped Jill over with the tip of her shoe. Jill clutched her shoulder, moaning in pain.

Rachel signalled two girls to pull Jill up. Jill groaned as she was forced to stand up. Two girls held her arms outstretched. Rachel grabbed her ankles. ‘And stay away from my father!’ Rachel and the two girls threw Jill high up, and she landed flat on her back. Every part of her body ached now.

‘If I can’t get close to my father, you can’t!’ Rachel scolded, pointing her finger sharply at Jill, who was twisting in agony on the blue mat. She was in so much pain all she could do was writhe like a dying worm. Matt was right about everything!

‘Mr. Tyler has a happy family now, don’t you go throw yourself at him!’ Rachel shouted, spit flying everywhere. She looked horrifying. ‘If I, as his daughter, can’t get his attention, don’t you dare go near him!’

Rachel panted hard. ‘You are disgusting! Go screw yourself!’ She raised a leg, ready to kick Jill in the stomach.

‘HEY!’ Matt’s voice came floating into the gym. ‘You bitch! Stay away from her!’ He ran towards the scene and pushed the girls away to get to Rachel and Jill. He was so tall he was practically one and a half head hovering over Rachel. The fact that he was wearing his football gear made him look very much menacing. ‘Don’t you mess with her again,’ he whispered dangerously. Then he lifted Jill up from the ground and jogged out of the gym, Jill lolling like a doll.

***

Jill was in the school clinic, dabbing gently at her wounds with a piece of cotton soaked with medicine. Matt had jogged her all the way there and laid her on the bed. A young clinic assistant had tended to Jill with no questions asked. Apparently, Matt had connections with him.

‘Thanks for saving me just now,’ Jill said, taking a break from pressing a bruise on her arm with the cotton.

Matt didn’t say anything. He was sitting, bent over, in a chair, which looked too small for him with his gear on.

‘Okay, you can go ahead and say it now,’ Jill said, rolling her eyes.

Matt finally looked up. ‘Say what?’

‘Erm, “I told you so”?’

‘Oh.’ And his head flopped down, back to staring at the floor again.

‘Hey, say something! I’m the one who’s hurt here, not you.’

Matt didn’t give any response. Annoyed, Jill went back to dabbing at her bruises.

‘That doesn’t help, you know,’ Matt said to the floor.

‘What?’

He looked up. ‘Dabbing at bruises won’t make them heal faster.’

‘Oh. I know that. I just don’t know what else to do.’

‘You can try sitting still, or laying back down. You haven’t stopped moving and talking since you could sit up.’

‘I don’t want to do nothing. I don’t do helpless.’

‘Fine. Be tough. Just like how you were when that bitch Rachel beat the crap out of you.’

‘Oh, that helped a lot. Thanks for pushing it in.’

Both were quiet. Jill continued to dab at her bruises when Matt stared at the floor again.

‘I really can’t believe Rachel is so ruthless. She’s such a two-faced bitch. And I can’t believe Mr. Tyler is her birthfather! But how the heck did she find out?’

‘How do you think I know she’s a bitch?’

‘How did you know?’

‘We were together.’

‘No way! That actually happened?’

‘No, not really, considering she was only together with me to find out about Mr. Tyler.’

‘Okay that wasn’t what she told me.’

Matt threw Jill a sceptical look.

‘What? I didn’t say I believe her over you now, did I?’

‘That bitch used me. She totally used me.’ Matt sounded hurt, and Jill didn’t know what to say. She decided to ask other questions.

‘But of all people, why you?’

‘You’re seriously asking that?’ Jill raised her eyebrows in a way that said, ‘Ch’yeah.’

Matt rolled his eyes. ‘Hello? Top student? Best in Math? Who better to scrap stuff from Mr. Tyler?’

‘Oh.’ Jill continued to dab at her bruises. And then she gasped. Matt looked at her up and down to see what was wrong. ‘No, not me! The book! She gave me a book to pass to the principal! She told me not to look. Who knows what’s inside?!’

‘Oh.’ Matt sighed. ‘It’s alright. The book’s with me. I saw Rachel going to the gym with it. I knew she was up to something. I got it out of the principal's office under my helmet before he was free to read it. I don't think he even noticed it was missing.’ And he produced a crumpled roll of paper from under his tight gear. Jill raised an eyebrow looking at it.

‘What? You try keeping a book under a gear like this and then run with it.’

‘Okay, whatever. Open it up and see what it actually is.’

Matt tore off the tape and turned to a random page. It was pornography.

‘What the heck!’ Jill exclaimed. Needless to ask, Jill already knew what Rachel was trying to do. She knew she had the principal’s heart, so she asked Jill to deliver that book, only to deny ever asking anyone to do anything like that when the principal was livid seeing it; the principal would believe her, and put Jill under disciplinary actions for bringing pornographic material to school and for pranking the principal. The perfect plan. The sort of thing the old Jill would do.

Matt dumped the book into the long, cylindrical dustbin in the clinic. ‘Are you okay now? I’ve gotta go. Do you want me to get you home or something?’

‘No, I’m alright. I’ll manage.’ Jill slipped off the edge of the bed, and swayed when she wanted to stand upright. Matt held her immediately, and she clung to him for support.

‘Ugh, I might as well just get you home,’ he grunted.

Despite the disgruntlement, Jill didn’t think Matt seem disdainful anymore.