5

Nicole dreaded just walking into school the next day, knowing it was her first day as Seth's very own little "minion", to say the least. She had no idea what could be waiting for her, what he could possibly tell her to do. She had spent the entire night reading his ridiculous contract—which as a result, took away many hours of sleep that were now weighing on her. To say she was cranky this morning, would be a severe understatement. 

"What's going on?" Serena asked, approaching Nicole's locker. 

"I'm tired." 

"No shit—I'm saying what's new." Serena raised her eyebrows impatiently, waiting for Nicole to elaborate on anything. "I feel like we've hardly spoken—and what's with you and Seth Lee all of a sudden being pals? I saw you guys leaving the cafeteria at lunch yesterday. What was that—" 

"It's none of your God damned business, Serena!" Nicole snapped, abruptly turning to face the blonde. She was far too tired to hear all these questions this early in the morning, not to mention hearing Seth's name right now, was the last thing Nicole needed. She hadn't meant to snap at her friend. She was just overwhelmed and couldn't help it. 

Serena's jaw clenched momentarily. "You're going to put some guy you hate above me? Above your best friend?" 

"Good God, Serena." Nicole pinched the bridge of her nose, already feeling a headache forming. "I don't know what to tell you. There's nothing fucking going on. Why can't you just let it go?" 

"You're my friend, I'm just looking out for you." 

"There's nothing to fucking look out for!" 

"Well, maybe if you—" 

"Alright, alright! Cut it out, ladies—it's far too fucking early for this." 

Nicole closed her eyes, exhaling a small breath of relief once hearing the voice belonging to a familiar football player. 

Chase looked at Serena, tossing a flat look. "You're going to be late to class, princess. Wouldn't want to mess up that perfect attendance record, would you?" 

Squinting at Chase, Serena scowled before in fact scampering off. 

"Thank you, Chase." Nicole offered a faint smile before pulling open her locker and gathering the rest of her books. "I can't tell you how badly I needed that." 

"It's been a while," Chase said, grinning, as he leaned against the neighbouring locker. He peered at Nicole, noticing the lack of sleep she wore. "What is it with you and Serena anyway?"

Nicole shook her head tiredly, unable to explain it herself. "She just—asks a lot of questions." 

The two walked to class together, getting lost in conversation. Eventually, Nicole was again turned sour when she got to her seat which happened to be beside Jason's. Just her luck. 

"Chase?" Jason asked, scoffing when Nicole sat down. 

Nicole turned to look at him, eyes narrowed questioningly. "Problem?" 

"Did I say there is?" 

"Then why are you asking?" 

"Oh, sue me, Palmer." Jason rolled his eyes. He was seemingly cranky himself this morning. "I was just—" 

"Just what?" Nicole laughed dryly. "Prying into business that isn't yours? A talent of yours, I see." 

Jason scowled at her. "You're insufferable, you know that. I can't say a bloody word without you—fucking mauling my head off for it." 

"Maybe you should try—" 

"Mister Pearson!" The teacher called out loudly, casting a silence upon the whole room. "And Miss Palmer, of course. My best and worst student." 

Nicole sucked in a sharp breath as she sunk down in her chair—all while Jason snickered at the fact that Nicole was called out far more embarrassingly than he was. 

"A bit of an exaggeration, sir," Nicole muttered quietly. 

"I don't think so," the teacher spoke matter-of-a-factly. "Since you two seem so engaged in what I'm assuming, must be an enlightening conversation, why don't you, Jason, tutor your friend? She is failing this class, as I'm sure you know." 

Nicole grimaced as the diabolical teacher continued to embarrass her. "I think I'll pass, with all due respect." 

"It wasn't a suggestion," the teacher bit back sharply. "Unless you both would like to serve detention for the remainder of the month—I'm offering this alternative." 

"Detention? We didn't even—" 

"I've had plenty of your interruptions in my classroom, Miss Palmer." He then glanced at Jason, shooting the same disapproving look. "That goes for you as well, Mister Pearson. What'll it be?" 

Nicole and Jason shared a look. 

"Detention it is," Nicole grumbled. 

"Sounds like a great alternative, sir," Jason muttered grimly. 

"There we have it." The teacher grinned faintly as he turned back towards his desk. "I expect your average to be raised to at least a seventy percent, Miss Palmer. That's a long road to go." 

Nicole cursed under her breath as quiet snickers floated around the room. 

Jason slowly turned his head to look at Nicole. He snickered himself, an eyebrow quirked. "I guess I'll be seeing you after school."