Gorgeous Geek Xxv i

7/31/2019 Gorgeous Geek Xxv i

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Gorgeous GeekChapter XXVI: Conformity

Chapter XXVI: Conformity

Thank you so much Eunie!

Hugging Eunice close, Jennifer beamed at the information Eunicecollected on her behalf. The hyper girl bounced up and down on her seat,wishing her friend good luck. Tiffany was not here yet thankfully.

He was so cool too, said Eunice, pouting out of jealousy.

He is isn't he? He's so dreamy!

You fit his ideal girlfriend well too, said Eunice encouragingly. You justneed to be a lot more shy and reserved and you're good to go, Jenny!

I'll wear one of my best skirts tomorrow, said Jennifer, pressing herhands against her heart. Both girls sighed in pleasure when Tiffany came up tothem. Immediately, Jennifer bounced back into her usual self. Tiffy! You'rehere!

I want to stop by and apologize, said Tiffany in a serious voice. The twogirls slanted their heads in unison in opposite directions. I know it's unfair forme to stop you both from liking other boys but I am only thinking about your bestinterests. I hope you guys understand my intentions.

You are the best Tiffy, said Jennifer, running over and hugging Tiffany.We know you love us!

Eunice hopped happily. We understand very well. How are you gettinghome Tiffy?

My mom will be driving me home today, said Tiffany with a gentlesmile. You two be careful by yourselves okay? I'll call you tonight to talk aboutall the data I collected today. Bye.

Both Eunice and Jennifer waved after Tiffany until she disappeared fromthe halls. Eunice started to cry against Jennifer about lying to Tiffany, in whichthe taller girl rubbed Eunice's head in comfort. Whispering reassurances toEunice, Jennifer vowed to tell Tiffany the truth once they work things out.Eunice wholeheartedly agreed.

Passing by the Asian Gossip Girls, David escaped through the crowds ofstudents hurrying out of the school through the front gates. David noticed that


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Eunice and Jennifer were clinging onto one another and whispering to eachother. Then, they giggled. Since it was none of his business, David went on hisway.

Waiting at the stoplight, David noticed that a lot of groups were heading

to either the pizza house or the coffeehouse nearby. On the other side of thestreet, David saw Faith walking the other direction, surrounded by hyper girls.Out of politeness, David waved at Faith, who waved back. Then, the spiky-hairedmale disappeared into the crowds along with the girls. Sighing, David clicked abutton to unlock his car.

"Hey David," said Eugene, leaning against David's car. David shook his headwith a smile on his face at the sudden appearance of his friend. "Give me a lifthome today?"

"You should make up with Sid and go home with him."

"Fuck no," said Eugene, opening the door to David's car. "I'll buy you adrink on the way home. Deal?"

David smiled. "No thanks. I'm not a cheapskate like Side. I'll drive home,Eugene."

"Thanks a lot man," said Eugene, sitting down and laying his head back.David walked around the car and sat down in the driver's seat. "Did Sid retrievehis Frisbee back successfully?"

"I think?" asked David, unsure.

"That was fucked up," said Eugene, closing his eyes and resting his head."Why did I do something so stupid?"

"You should cool your temper," said David calmly, turning on the engineand turning off the radio. "You and Sid are best friends. I don't want you twofighting."

"Like you and Yvette?"

"Yvette's not my best friend," said David, trying hard to smile. "Grim is."

"No," said Eugene, peeking one eye open. "Grim is Roselle's best friend.Yvette is yours. As much as I like to go on strike against her, I realize how hard itmust be for you. You're really close to her. I'm not."

"It's okay," said David, driving out and changing lanes immediately. "Shedeserves it."

"You sure Dave?"


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"Positive," said David, rubbing his right hand against the wheel. "Yeah..."

Eugene frowned. "Whatever man. Keep it real."

Soon enough, David noticed that Eugene was asleep with his head againstthe window. Shaking his head, David continued to keep his eyes on the road, buthis mind began to wander elsewhere. The sound of a cell phone ring tone wokehim up from his thoughts though. It literally woke Eugene up from his sleep.Eugene checked the caller ID once before he went back to sleep. Frowning,David pulled Eugene's cell phone out of his pocket carefully while keeping onehand on the wheel.

Sidney? asked David, frowning. Eugene was already fast asleep oncemore. David had to pull over and called Sidney back. Hello Sidney?

David?David had to laugh at the surprise in Sidney's tone. I'm taking him home.

What's up?

I'm supposed to take him home so I was looking for him and...No worries, Sid, said David, laughing weakly and glancing at Eugene who

was still asleep. He's too mad at you so he has to hitch a ride off me instead.

Oh all right then... Thanks David.Did you retrieve that Frisbee? asked David curiously, keeping his eyes on

Eugene.

I did, yeah.

I hate talking on the phone so, said David, ready to drive out into thestreet again. I'll talk to you online later.

Later David.

Sighing, David placed the cell phone back on Eugene's pocket and droveout into the streets. This time, he turned on the music to relaxing classical musicwhile he tried to concentrate on the road. He had an uneasy feeling about todaybut he couldn't understand why. David wanted to return home and feel at easeonce more.

***********************************************Jin had never seen such an unreadable expression on Bailey's face before.

Joseph Cruz shook her arm like a child, trying to break her from the trance.Slowly, Bailey crouched down and gazed sadly at the ground.

You want to be more popular than Jordan?

Jin nodded. Yes.


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Do you know what you're talking about? asked Bailey, clearly upset. Thelast couple of students walked past them to head outside the school. This iswhat Jordan is suffering from Jin. If you replace him, you'll become what he isnow.

Jordan is my friend, said Jin clearly, crouching down in front of Bailey.He has always been my friend. I also understand that he's a coward and he'llnever escape by himself. Rin-chan is strong. Fi is strong too. Unfortunately,Jordan isn't and that is why I want do whatever it takes to help him.

You're a greater friend than I ever was to Jordan then, said Bailey sadly,sighing. She stood up straight and held her hand out to Jin, who grabbed itgratefully. Even though I know what position he's in, I don't have enoughcourage to save him. Now, I'm forcing the responsibility upon you...

I made the decision by myself, said Jin defensively. No one blames youBailey. I'm sure the Jin from a year ago wouldn't be able to make the samedecision right now. Jin thought of all the endurance he went through, having tolive in the same house as Jezebelle. But the Jin standing before you is willing togo the extra mile.

Jin, you're so cool, said Joseph Cruz, gasping. Like Kristian!

You really idolize Kristian, don't you Joseph? asked Bailey, beaming.

I love Kristian, said Joseph Cruz, punching the air. I'm only where I amnow thanks to him! He'll always be my hero!

Jin laughed at Joseph Cruz's comment. That is what I want to accomplishwith my mission to become popular.

Really? asked Joseph Cruz and Bailey in unison. Immediately, theylaughed at each other. Same thought.

Jin gave them a jealous look. Er...

That's the fifth time today, said Bailey, playing with her curls.

We're in sync today, said Joseph Cruz proudly.

And yesterday.

And the day before.

Awkwardly, Jin scratched his head. Does this happen to every couple?Because if it does, I feel like I'm lacking something with my girlfriend...

Don't worry about it, Jin, said Bailey, waving it off. It doesn't happen


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with new couples. Once you get used to each other, sometimes it happens.Anyways, I want to hear your plan, Jin.

Joseph gave Jin a thumbs up. Me too!

For the past two days, I've realized something very important, said Jinin a serious voice. The other two nodded, hanging onto his every word. I'vebeen so lost in my video game world that I fail to realize what school is like.

It's terrible isn't it? asked Bailey in a sad voice.

You know about it too? asked Jin, distracted like always.

Look at us, said Joseph Cruz, amused. Jin blinked, not understanding.I'm a junior. Bailey's a senior. I'm poor. Bailey's upper middle class. I'm Hispanic.Bailey's white. I'm five feet three. She's five feet eight. I was a Killer. Bailey wasa Popular. I hung out at the arcades. She went to parties. I have an accent. Shedoesn't. What isn't wrong with us?

Nothing at all, said Jin, surprised. But the other students...Exactly, said Bailey, still blushing from Joseph Cruz's list earlier. Why

do you think we left our respective group?

This is exactly what I want to prevent, said Jin, sitting down against thefence. Bailey and Joseph Cruz followed suit and sat down also with Bailey on topof Joseph since she was wearing a dress. I realize that if you're popular, you canchange people's minds about certain things. Jin thought of the way the schoolreacted to Rin and Kristian's relationship until Jordan stepped in. If you'repopular, you are visible and your opinion actually matters. Jin thought of howAlejandro backed away from attacking Rin after Jordan asked him not to. If

you're popular, you actually have power and you are able to set a standard foreveryone to follow.

But Jin, said Bailey worriedly. You also lose yourself in the process.Even if your influence is great on everyone else, their influence is just as greaton you.

It's very hard Jin, said Joseph Cruz, concerned. He was sitting on hisknee now to hold Bailey up. Joseph Cruz puffed his cheeks. Bailey and I havebeen through it all. We can't take it anymore so we shut ourselves off from therest of the school population. Bailey nodded in agreement. We don't care what

other people say anymore as long as we're together. Eventually, they just forgetabout it and move on to the next hottest thing.

The thing is, said Jin in a low voice. I don't think Jordan has a choiceto run away. I don't think it's that easy for him.

He's been running actually, said Bailey sadly. And failing...


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I knew it, said Jin, dropping his head.

And worst, Jin, said Joseph Cruz, frowning. Once you become popular,you'll get a lot of haters as well!

Some will hate you for being popular, said Bailey, shaking her head.

Some will hate you for rising to the top when they can't, said JosephCruz quickly.

Some will hate you out of jealousy.

Others will hate you to copy all the other haters.

I understand all that, said Jin, grateful for their advice. And I'm willingto take them on. Jin smiled brightly. When I'm stuck battling a boss, I don't putthat controller down after I get a 'Game Over' screen. I don't care if anyone

makes fun of me for sitting in front of that TV until I beat that boss. I'll try overand over until I win. There hasn't been a single video game I haven't conquered.

I don't think this is quite the same, said Joseph, laughing.

Although, said Bailey, widening her eyes at Jin after his video gamecomparison. I don't think we ever had someone like Jin try to be popularbefore. It might, Bailey gaped at Joseph. Actuallywork.

You think so? asked Jin, shocked at Bailey's words.I mean, said Bailey, looking at Joseph with a stunned look. How many

popular people do you know compare public pressure to defeating a video game

boss?

That's Jin for you! cried Joseph, grinning.

Blushing, Jin scratched his hair. I guess what I was trying to say is that Iwon't let the others get to me, as long as I can help Jordan return to his formerself. And even if I do change, Jin frowned and lowered his eyes again. I won'tforget about Jordan.

Bailey, said Joseph Cruz, placing his hand on Bailey's shoulder. I thinkyou should tell Jin about the history between Jordan and the rest of the Popularsnow. I believe in Jin. He can change the Populars and save Jordan.

I agree, said Bailey, smiling gently at Jin. I don't think Jin will becorrupted, even with popularity. I will entrust Jin with the task I ran away from.

Bailey... said Jin, frowning. Don't say that.It's true though, said Bailey, shaking her head. But we're not here to

talk about me. We're here to talk about Jordan. Do you remember how you metJordan, Jin?


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At the question, Jin lifted his eyes heavenward and thought about it.Then, in an instant, he remembered just by noticing the empty tennis courts. Hepicked up most of the tennis balls already. Jin nodded at last.

I do, said Jin, recalling. Back in freshman year, I walked into my first

period classroom. Everyone stared at me like I was wearing a ribbon on my heador something. I was really embarrassed so I sat down in the nearest seat to thedoor. Right after I sat down, Jordan walked in and received the same reactionfrom the rest of the class. Both of us didn't understand why back then but Jordanquickly sat behind me, as flustered.

That's because you and Jordan are so handsome, said Bailey in a teasingvoice.

Ms. Smithson told us to pair up to introduce ourselves to one otherclassmate, said Jin, continuing with the story. Of course, most of us paired upwith the closest classmate. Jordan happened to be the one sitting closest to me.Plus, I was a freshman back then so I didn't want to talk to any girl yet.

Do you remember what you two talked about? asked Joseph Cruz,interested.

I'll need to think about that one...

***************************************************My name's Jordan Greene.

Jin scratched his hair. Jin-Kyong Song.

Jin what?

Jin is fine, said Jin quickly, nervous. Jin kept glancing about the room,noticing that some of the pairs were already in heated conversations. Er...

What are you? asked Jordan curiously.

I'm Korean, said Jin, grateful for Jordan to ask him questions. You?

I'm Caucasian, said Jordan with a brilliant smile. I'm everything.

Cool, said Jin, matching Jordan's dazzling smile.

Jordan played with his pencil. So, why did you decide to come to thisschool?

I'm not sure, said Jin honestly. It sort of happened. You?

Laying against the back of his seat, Jordan shrugged. My family and I live


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by the coast. My parents thought I should go to a high school further inland tochange the atmosphere for a while.

You live by the beach? asked Jin, astonished. That's really cool.

Jordan laughed. The air is so clean there compared to here. Plus, I cansurf whenever I like. I can surf from morning to night, from sunny to rainy, fromMonday to Sunday. Jordan shook his head. Sorry. I was being lame there.

No, it's interesting, said Jin, trying to stay as friendly as possible. Jinpointed at the necklace around Jordan's neck. It had a shell down the middle. Isthat shell from the beach where you come from?

Yeah, said Jordan, picking up his necklace. It's really uncool.

I like it, said Jin insistently.

Now that you know my life story, said Jordan, dropping his head downonto his folded arms. What's yours?

I'm not really into anything like surfing. I have no life story.

What do you do in your free time then? asked Jordan, urging Jin on.

Jin blushed. I play video games.

I hear people who play video games have fantastic hand and eyecoordination, said Jordan in a pleasant tone. Jin was surprised that Jordandidn't make fun of him like many others have. You probably have quick reflexestoo?

I don't think that's true but I like video games a lot.

You want to pursue a career in video gaming?

Jin thought about it. I'm not sure. I don't have any career goals.

We're too young for that, said Jordan, widening his sparkling smile.

How about you? asked Jin quickly, not liking the full attention on him.

Again, Jordan shrugged. I like psychology. Maybe I'll be a counselor orsomething.

That's a surprise, said Jin with wide eyes.

I know right? I don't look like it...

Jin shook his head. No, that's not it. I'm shocked that you already know


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what you want to be. I'm envious.

Not really, said Jordan, yawning. I can still change my mind after all.Jin nodded in understanding. I'm also decent at English. I love vocabulary.Jordan suddenly gazed out the window with a smile on his face. I like solving

crossword puzzles and reading the dictionary. What am I saying? I shouldn't havetold you that.

Jin gaped at Jordan. Why don't you use some of that vocabulary then?It'll make you look intelligent.

No way, said Jordan, dismissing the possibility immediately. That's toonerdy.

You'll sound sophisticated, said Jin quickly.

Again, Jordan waved it off. It's a stupid past time hobby. I'll get past it

eventually. It's just a phrase. I'm in high school for the girls anyway. Jordanturned his attention back to Jin. What kind of girls do you like anyway, Jin?

Er... any I guess...

Jordan laughed. You're such a geek.

Well, said Jin, thinking of a good combat. You're a word nerd.

Then, the two of them laughed in unison until the teacher called foreveryone to stop their sessions. After class, Jin noticed that Jordan was verypopular with the girls. Soon enough, Jin was surrounded so he didn't get to talk

to Jordan until sixth period when they met up again. This time, they wereteammates on the boys' tennis team.

***************************************Closing the door behind him, David took off his shoes and went to the

kitchen. His younger sister Janice was sitting at the counter with a bowl of icecream. Even though she saw David walking in, she didn't greet him. Instead, shestuck out her tongue and asked him why he was home so early for once.

Where's Mom? asked David, ignoring Janice's last comment.

She's taking that English class at community college, said Janice,finishing her bowl of ice cream and running to the refrigerator to pour herselfsome orange juice. Why don't you notice anything, David you Dumbo.

David searched the refrigerator for food. What happen to the Jello Isaved up?

I ate it, said Janice, shrugging.


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That was my Jello, said David, devastated.

Too bad, said Janice, sticking out her tongue again. You're slow so youlose.

That's not fair though, said David, satisfying himself with yogurtinstead. You come home from school earlier than me.

Janice gave him a look that clearly read that she didn't give a damn. Sowhat?

Whatever, said David, sitting on the chair next to her. Did you feed therabbits?

I did, said Janice, gulping down her cup of orange juice. Where'sYvette?

How am I supposed to know? asked David, annoyed.

She hasn't come over in four days already, said Janice, obviouslyunhappy. What did you do to her, David you Dumbo?

I didn't do anything to her, said David, insulted.

David's younger sister eyed him suspiciously. I knew it. Yvette must havefinally figured out what a loser you are and don't want to play with me anymorebecause I'm related to you!

What the heck?

Janice kicked her legs up and down. Yvette was the only girl who evencared for your stupid face but now that you scared her off too, you should kissyour chances of ever getting laid good bye!

Elementary school girls shouldn't be using language like that!Janice dodged David's grab and ran away. You know it's true! Stop being

in denial!

She's such a brat, said David under his breath the minute shedisappeared. David sighed and poked at his yogurt. I'm so bored. I have an essayand two assignments due tomorrow but it's too early to start on them now.David glanced at the clock once. I'll go play some basketball.

Before David headed out, he went to the nearest restroom and washed hishands. Then, he washed his hair quickly and then his face. He stared at his facein the mirror for a few seconds before he checked his forehead and his neck.David didn't understand why his sister called him a 'stupid face'. Even though hewasn't as good-looking as Jin or Sidney, he didn't think he looked stupid either.

Next, David head up the stairs and into his room. He dumped his backpack


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on the ground, turned on the computer, and changed into his basketball clothes.Compared to his sister's room, David's room was a bit messy. He left his stinkyclothes in the corner and he had his books everywhere from his bed to his closet.This was why David had a hard time finding anything.

Before David left the house and into his backyard, he checked on Janice.He found her talking on the phone on top of her bed. Her room was too girly forhis taste. David had suspected that she landed herself a boyfriend but he didn'tsay anything to his parents yet. What other reason could there be for her tosuddenly fall in love with her cell phone? Shaking his head, David ran out of thehouse and closed the glass door behind him.

Dribbling his basketball, David realized he was already bored. He glancedat the tennis courts in his backyard. Suddenly, he remembered how he, Grim,Yvette, and Venus played there often, even at eight o'clock at night. The lasttime they were here, Mai and May joined them. David had no idea that one ofthem were part of the community.

I want to play tennis... said David, frowning. He checked his cell phoneleft on the bench. He had only been dribbling for five minutes. But I can't playtennis by myself... Giving up, David went up to his cell phone and checked foranyone to play tennis with him. I can always call Patrick...

It didn't take long for Patrick to pick up and answer, Sorry, David, I'm at aparty.

It's a Tuesday, said David in a deadpanned tone.

There's a party every day of the week.

Next, David called up Grim. This time, it took two tries for Grim to pickup his phone. At the suggestion of tennis, Grim was delighted to come over.Unfortunately, David heard Grim's mother calling for him in the background.Immediately, David felt guilty and made an excuse to let Grim help his motherinstead.

Tennis now? asked Jordan in disbelief. Jordan was more surprised atDavid calling him than the topic itself. David, I'm at basketball practice!

Oh sorry...

Sorry, man, said Javen in an apologetic voice. David could hear loudrock music in the background, which he could only assume Javen was in his caror room. I have no way to get your house and yo, I'm sore from training thatfreshman chick so next time okay?

All right Javen...

The next person David tried was none other than Rick Crawford. The mostawkward thing about that phone call was that Rick picked up the phone and


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immediately hung up. Even though David was tempted to try again, he didn'twant Rick to hang up on him a second time. That would just hurt his feelings.Thinking of Jin as team manager, David doubted Jin would be available. Whoelse?

There was always Boris, except that he was too good of a tennis player forDavid to play one on one against. Besides, David knew nothing about Boris exceptthat he had a heavy accent and that he was the best tennis player on the team.He didn't have many options left except for his cousins but David was againstcalling them. It would be lame in his opinion.

Janice, said David, entering the house now. He carefully took off hisshoes. Janice, come down here right now!

I'm on the phone, you bozo!

Come play tennis with me, called David loudly.

No way! cried Janice from the second floor. You'll just hurt me withthe tennis ball again!

That was an accident!

There was a period of silence until Janice answered, Get lost David!

Bored out of his mind, David went back into his room and collapsed intohis bed. He stared at the ceiling for a long time before he decided to go online.He signed on his messenger, only to be greeted by various classmates at the same

time. David noticed that Yvette sent an e-mail for all the members of the tennisteam about paying money for future tennis activities. Staring at her e-mail for awhile, David shook his head and signed off his messenger. Then, he went over tohis backpack and took out a book he was supposed to read for English. Usually,David would look online for the summary of the boring English book instead butsince he had nothing better to do, he decided to take his mind off Yvette bydoing something semi-productive.

Laying on his stomach, David began to read.

********************************************You and Jordan hit it off pretty well, said Bailey, astonished. Jin

nodded. Joseph Cruz couldn't believe his ears and shook his head. I rememberback when the Populars met Jordan. Back then, it was Monika, Freda, Victoria,and I. Monika was the leader and our group was being criticized for beingsexist.

Like how the Populars are being criticized right now for being racist bynot having an Asian in the group, said Joseph Cruz, holding up his index finger.


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The Populars are always being criticized for everything, said Bailey,sighing.

Is that why you guys pick Jordan? asked Jin, interested.

Part of the reason, said Bailey, smiling. But he was just too stunning.We didn't want him to be in any group but ours. In my head, he was the perfectperson to join the Populars. We didn't want to lose such a precious gem...

I can see that actually, said Jin, nodding. Jordan could have joined anygroup he wanted since he had the looks...

But I walk up to him and convince to join us, said Bailey, proudly. Then,she frowned and shook her head. Of course I had no idea what would happennext.

What happen Bailey? asked Joseph Cruz, absorbed in the story.

Monika, she... Bailey looked like she was in pain. She made Jordan ourleader.

I don't get it, said Jin, tilting his head. How is that bad?You don't understand, Jin, said Joseph Cruz, shaking his head in

disbelief. Back when I was part of the Killers, if anything controversialhappened within our group, Kristian would get all the blame since he was theleader.

Jin dropped his jaw. I had no idea...

Exactly, Joseph, said Bailey sadly. Monika knew this too. Jordan waslike... our shield. The rest of us were safe from criticism while he took it alleven though it wasn't his fault most of the time.

That's terrible, said Jin, outraged.

Worst, Jordan was only the leader in name, said Bailey, clasping herhands together. Monika is and always will be the real leader. Jordan has nopower in our group. Everyone thinks he's the leader because he walks in front ofus but that's not the case. Haven't you sensed it from being with them?

I did actually, said Jin, thinking about it. Everyone listens toMonika...

I see, said Bailey, sighing. It's still the same way now. Bailey held ontoJoseph Cruz's right hand. Victoria is powerless against Monika. Even thoughthey're best friends, Victoria listens to everything Monika says. Freda is the samebecause she is afraid of Monika. I was Freda's best friend so I also listen toeverything Monika says because Freda does. As for Jordan, at first, he didn't.


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He didn't? asked Jin, surprised.

Nope, said Bailey, laughing softly. He was being rebellious at first. Hesaid he didn't want to listen to Monika since he didn't agree with her half of thetime.

That's not the Jordan I know now, said Jin quietly.

The Jordan you know now is scared of Monika, said Bailey inunderstanding.

Yes, exactly.

It's hopeless really, said Bailey in disappointment. Even though Jordanwas against Monika half of the time, he couldn't do anything about it when therest of us were on her side. Even though Victoria had feelings for Jordan, shecould never break away from Monika's influence. Both Freda and I knew Monika

longer so we wouldn't join Jordan's side either. It was one against four. Jordanhad no chance of winning.

He must have been pressured against his will all those times then, saidJin softly.

Yes, and that's exactly what happened. He just stopped trying.

Poor Jordan... said Joseph Cruz tearfully.

Bailey rubbed Joseph on the head. It's okay Joseph. It's my fault

anyways. Both Joseph Cruz and Jin gazed at Bailey in questioning. If at leastone person sided with him, it might not have happened. If only I sided with him,Jordan might not have changed so drastically.

Don't blame yourself, Bailey, said Jin, giving her a comforting look. It'sin the past now. There's nothing you can do about it now.

Thanks Jin, said Bailey gratefully. She tried to calm her voice. You cansee where I'm going with this now. Bailey paused and tightened her grip onJoseph Cruz's hand. On the surface, Jordan was our leader and he received theblame for all the drama the rest of us created. In the group, Jordan had no voiceat all and slowly lost his individuality. He conformed to Monika like the rest of us

did.

In what way? asked Jin curiously.

For one thing, said Bailey, indicating at her throat. Haven't you noticedI don't speak the same way they do?

You're right, said Jin, stunned. Why is that?


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Bailey used to though, said Joseph Cruz, beaming. He wanted to speakup this entire time. It was hard for him to stay quiet. She sounded exactly likeMonika and the others. I couldn't understand her the first time I talked to her!

The power of conformity, said Bailey, laughing at herself. I spoke like

that because Monika spoke like that. It's amazing how I change my speechpattern the minute I left the group. I almost felt like I was brainwashed intotalking andacting like them.

Wait a second, said Jin, intervening the minute Bailey stopped talking.Jordan doesn't speak like them though. Is it because of his gender?

I never figured it out either, said Bailey honestly. He never changed hisspeech pattern even though he changed everything else. It probably has to dowith his gender after all. That's the only thing I can think of.

Or his love for language, said Jin thoughtlessly.

Anyways, said Bailey, trying to remember where she left off. Jordaneventually got together with Victoria and hell broke loose. Both Jin and JosephCruz jumped at Bailey's sudden change in tone. Monika hated it and she wasdetermined to break them up since she never liked Jordan in the first place.

It didn't work? asked Jin, surprised.

More like she changed her mind, said Bailey, shrugging. Jordan andVictoria getting together brought enormous popularity to the Populars, more sothan before. Besides, if Jordan was being rebellious again, Monika could alwaysuse Victoria as bait to get him back on her side.

Jin thought about Jordan even when he looked at Bailey and Joseph Cruz.Jordan must have suffered a lot...

You have no idea, said Bailey, depressed. The real reason why Jordankeeps breaking up with Victoria now and again is his way of rebelling againstMonika. Of course, he always gets back together with Victoria anyways. He's notstrong enough to go all the way through.

That is why, said Joseph Cruz, giving Jin a determined look. Maybewith you in the Populars, Jin, you can side with Jordan and remind him of who he

is as a person, instead of just the fake leader of the group. As long as there isone person to side with him, he should be able to have more freedom with hisopinion.

Yes, said Jin, agreeing. I want to do that. Jin looked at themgratefully. Thank you for telling me this story. I'll keep this in mind. I'll becomepopular. I'll change people's opinions on certain issues. People like Rin-chan andpeople like Kristian should be able to get together without criticism. People like


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me and people like Jordan should be able to talk to each other as friends. I wantthat to happen.

We're on your side, Jin, said Bailey, giving her usual angelic smile. Iwill do whatever I can to help you to make up for my inability to save Jordan

before.

Me too! cried Joseph Cruz, helping Bailey up to her feet. I will dowhatever I can! We're classmates and friends after all Jin! I'll never forget thetime you supported Bailey and I in the past when everyone else shunned us!

Thank you very much, Bailey and Joseph Cruz, said Jin, beaming.

So Jin, said Joseph Cruz excitedly. What are you going to do to becomepopular?

Er...

Oh my, said Bailey, clapping a hand over her mouth. Jin Song, pleasetell me you actually have a strategy in mind.

Actually, said Jin, scratching his hair and laughing weakly. I want tobecome popular so badly to help Jordan that I... forgot to think of a way to getthere.

Joseph Cruz slapped his forehead dramatically. Jin! Why are you so Jin?

Do you want Jordan to know about this Jin? asked Bailey suddenly.

I don't want to worry Jordan, said Jin quickly, frowning.

Okay, you can't ask him then, said Bailey, thinking. Who can youask...

Ask Kristian! cried Joseph Cruz, jumping up and down at the thought ofhis former leader. Kristian is super popular! He probably knows how to make youpopular too Jin!

I can't ask him, said Jin, sighing and thinking of Rin and Kristian. Hedidn't want them to drag into this mess. That's too problematic.

You're on the right track, said Bailey reassuringly. You're in thePopulars right?

Sort of, said Jin awkwardly, causing Bailey to lift a brow. Jordan has tonegotiate with Monika about it.

Well, you need to get in that group to make it happen Jin.


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I'll think of a way to make you popular, said Joseph Cruz in adetermined voice, nodding his head frantically.

Who is trying to be popular?

Shaking from top to bottom, Joseph Cruz turned around to face Jezebellewho asked the question. Bailey blinked in surprise at the beautiful girl in front ofher. Jin gasped. How much did Jezebelle hear? Gulping, Jin gave Jezebelle aninnocent smile. Joseph Cruz and Bailey did the same.

Tuna fish, said Jezebelle, narrowing her eyes dangerously at Jin. Areyou the one trying to be popular?

Er... said Jin, realizing that he couldn't lie to Jezebelle when askeddirectly. Yeah... I am...

You don't even know how? asked Jezebelle in horror.

You do? asked Jin, blinking.

Suddenly, Jezebelle smirked dangerously. Even though I was only afreshman at my former high school, I was very popular. Jezebelle flung her hairbackwards with a laugh. Once, I wore ribbons with bells attached to themaround my wrist for fun. The next day, every girl in school did it.

That is quite a feat, said Bailey, impressed.

Popularity is nothing when you transfer schools though since you have to

start at the bottom of the ladder again, said Jezebelle in an irritable voice.But still, I'm thankful for my good looks. At least, I don't start at zero.Jezebelle shrugged and giggled. It'll take me about a month to build up mypopularity again but I'm Jezebelle Phoebe Tilly. I'll make it happen.

Fi, said Jin, grabbing her hands. Help me.

Are you fucking kidding me? asked Jezebelle, shaking off his grip.You're nuts. You're already popular. I can tell just by looking at your photographback at my father's- Jezebelle paused and laughed innocently. But seriously,you're popular enough. Why the fuck do you want to be even more popular?

I want to be at the top, said Jin in a determined voice.

Where Jordan Greene is? asked Jezebelle suspiciously.

Exactly, said Jin, nodding.

You actually know a lot for someone new to the school, said Bailey,acknowledging Jezebelle's knowledge.


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Jezebelle rolled her eyes. It's not that hard to figure out.""Will you help me Fi?" asked Jin, smiling at her."Isn't Greene your friend?" asked Jezebelle, more curious than ever. She

leaned toward Jin with hard eyes. "Why would you want to dethrone your friend?What kind of shitting friendship is that? Isn't that backstabbing?" Suddenly,

something clicked inside Jezebelle. "But you're my boyfriend so..."

Bailey and Joseph Cruz looked at each other, understanding now. As forJin, he was left in the dark. Jin had no idea what Jezebelle was thinking of.

"Fi?"

Happily, Jezebelle attached herself to Jin's arm with a beautiful smile onher face. "Of course I'll help you, soy sauce! Why let my knowledge go to wasteright?" Jezebelle laughed and played with her hair. "With your looks and nice boyact, you can climb to the top in no time. I believe in you."

"FI," said Jin, trying hard to read her face. "You're up to something. You'realways up to something. You're never nice unless you're up to something."

"He repeated it three time," said Joseph Cruz in awe.

"Nonsense," said Jezebelle, removing herself from Jin and walking away."I'm your girlfriend right? Why shouldn't I help you backstab, I mean, climb to thetop? Leave it to me. I'll formulate a plan for you, darling."

"You have a scary girlfriend," said Bailey, watching Jezebelle head back onthe tennis courts. Joseph Cruz nodded in agreement with Bailey. "But judging

from her confidence and looks, she knows what she's talking about."

"Yeah..." said Jin absentmindedly. "Anyways, Bailey and Joseph Cruz,thank you so much. Once I become popular, Jordan will be able to be himselfagain. He will be able to voice his own opinions and pursue a career inpsychology like he wants to. He deserves that much after everything he's beenthrough. He's my first high school friend after all."

"Just promise me this, Jin," said Bailey, placing both hands on his shoulderwith a pleading look on her face. "Please be safe. You are against Monika afterall. If you ever need to know more about her, please ask me."

"Okay," said Jin, nodding.

"You have to be yourself, Jin," said Joseph Cruz, shaking his fist. "You aremy second hero after Kristian! I believe in you!"

"Thanks, and you should really talk to Kristian, Joseph Cruz," said Jin,laughing.


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Joseph Cruz nodded weakly. "I should. I really should. I miss him."

"Yeah."

"Even if he doesn't like me anymore," said Joseph Cruz with a bright smileon his face. "Kristian will always be my hero."

"This won't be the last time you see us," said Bailey, heading off withJoseph Cruz. "If you need any advice on anything, please come see us. We'll loveto talk to you, Jin Song."

"Even dating advice?" asked Jin in a joking manner.

Bailey brightened at the suggestion. "Of course!"

Standing against the fence, Jin watched as Bailey and Joseph Cruz walkedside by side, holding hands. Even if it looked awkward, neither of them cared

what anyone else think. They liked each other. They wanted to be togetherdespite everything. One day, Jin promised himself that he would be able to allowcouples like Bailey and Joseph Cruz to be accepted. The same with Kristian andRin. Most importantly, one day, Jordan would be able to freely be himselfwithout anyone forcing their opinions on him. This was the least Jin could do forJordan since Jordan helped him with Rin's situation.

"Hey shortcake," said Jezebelle on the other side of the fence. "What kindof team manager stands around and chat all day?"

At Jezebelle's comment, Jin glanced over his shoulder to see that most ofthe tennis girls were returning from eating out. Jin quickly went back on thecourts to pick up the last couple of tennis balls scattered. In his head though, Jinthought about what he heard and what he must do from now on. Startingtomorrow, he was going to become popular, for the sake of his friends andJordan. Jin smiled at Jezebelle, who was fixing the strings on her racket. Hemust do it for Jezebelle too.

************************************************In the girls' locker room, Yvette managed to get her entire team in the

showers in time before the soccer team. The showers only had ten stalls after

all. As organized as always, Yvette brought a bag with shampoo, conditioner, andeverything else for her entire team. The girls passed it down after they used itfinish. Yvette got the stall closest to the door with the other girls down her right.

"Where's Venus?" asked Tasha curiously from the stall to the right ofYvette's.

"Venus has been banned from the girls' shower since freshman year," said


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Yvette coldly. "We can't have her touching us inappropriately since none of thesestalls have locks on them."

"I don't need to hide my perfect body from anyone anyways," saidJezebelle proudly, three stalls down from Yvette's.

"I'm so jealous Jezebelle!" cried Lexi from the other end. She was fourthto last to the right. "I want to have legs as long as yours. Maybe then I will getboys to notice me!"

"Aren't you on the team to attract boys?" asked Yvette in an irritablevoice.

Lexi giggled. "I hope boys from other schools are as hot as ours! I have thisone boy in my English class that I have officially called my 'eye candy' of theperiod."

"My brother was the best..." said Joyce in a moaning, six stalls down fromYvette's.

"Do you always cry in the shower Joyce?" asked Sophronia in a concernedvoice, two stalls down from Yvette's. "I'm terribly sorry..."

"Forget Joyce, Sophronia," said Yvette, rolling her eyes. "She's like that allthe time, not just in the shower."

"How do you like the team so far Mai and May?" asked Tasha after a quicksqueal when she accidentally slipped and hit herself against the wall.

"Good," said both girls in unison who occupied the last and second to laststalls to the right respectively in perfect English accents.

Everyone else gasped to hear them talk. Of course, they immediatelychatted in Chinese to each other right afterwards. Xuan Lan was busy hummingOde to Joy to the stall right of Jezebelle or five stalls down from Yvette to hearanyone else.

"Since we're all here but Venus," said Yvette, coughing to get everyone'sattention. "We have a tight budget this year. Everyone will have to pay a hundreddollars to cover all your expenses until we can fundraise and pay the money back

to you all. The new girls and Jezebelle, you guys need to buy the tennis uniformwhich will cost another eighty dollars."

"I don't want to pay!" cried Roselle from the stall closest to the Chinesefreshman girls. "You can't make me evil Yvette! I'm poor I tell you!"

"You shut up Roselle! You are the laziest member on the team!"


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"For good reason," said Roselle, huffing. "I don't want to be near you!"

"I dare you to say that to my face!"

"Fine, then," said Roselle, leaving her stall with a towel around her body."Since none of these stalls are locked, we can have a real cat fight in theshower!"

"Let's not go there," said Sophronia, the voice of reason. "Roselle, calmdown."

"She picked on me first," said Roselle stubbornly, rubbing her wet hair withanother towel. "Yvette thinks she's so great! Not even David wants to talk to heranymore!"

"Roselle," gasped the rest of the team, except for Jezebelle who was in afit of giggles at her exclamation, Xuan Lan who wasn't paying attention, and the

Chinese girls who chose not to comment.

"I don't care," said Roselle, stomping out of the shower and passing thewaiting soccer girls. "Someone has to tell her the truth! I'm the only one withenough courage to do so!"

"More like she always says the truth anyways," said Sophronia, shaking herhead.

"Are you okay Yvette?" asked Tasha, reaching over to Yvette from her stall.Yvette shook her head from inside her stall. "I'm sure David is not really ignoring

you. He's only pretending to ignore you so you can pay more attention to him?You know how boys are. Dogs are the same way." Tasha beamed. "Tinklebell actsso cold sometimes, but I know she does it because she craves attention."

"Stop talking about your fucking poodle!" shrieked Jezebelle from herstall.

Without saying a word, Yvette grabbed her handy bag and left the lockerroom. The rest of the girls whispered among themselves. Jezebelle laid her backagainst the wall and smiled happily at the thought of becoming popular oncemore by using Jin as a stepping stone. Besides, who would suspect her?

*************************************************Checking the time on his computer, David nearly jumped in shock.

Somehow, he managed to move on from his English book to the computer. Forthe past hour or so, he had been watching videos online while chatting to Eugeneand other boys of his senior class. David frowned as he double-checked the time.

"Janice," shouted David at the top of his lungs.


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His younger sister heard him. "What now?"

"Is Mom home yet?"

"Nope! Mommy's not home."

Leaving his room at the news, David quickly went down the stairs andpicked up the cell phone he left on the kitchen counter. Yvette should be homefrom practice now and so should his mother from English class at communitycollege. David gulped down a glass of water and waited a couple of minutesbefore he called his mother's number. His mother didn't answer her phone evenafter two more tries.

Suddenly, David's home phone rang. The clumsy boy nearly hit his kneeagainst the counter, trying to reach for the black phone. When he picked up, hecould feel the dread in his body. The hospital was calling him about his mother.Paling, David didn't listen for long before he hung up the phone and grabbed his

jacket.

"David, who was it and where are you going?" asked Janice, peeking herhead from the top of the stairs.

"The hospital near here," said David, wearing his shoes now.

"I want to come!" cried Janice in a scared voice. The Korean girl tumbleddown the steps and attached herself to David's arm. "Did something happen toDaddy or Mommy? Tell me! I'm old enough to know!"

"No, you'll stay put here," said David in an angry voice. "I will go see Momalone."

"That's not fair!" cried Janice, bursing into tears. "You're scaring me David!Did Mommy get into a car accident? Is she in the emergency room?"

"Shut up," said David, shaking from top to bottom. He fumbled aroundwith the car keys left in the bowl near the door. "Go to your room now."

"I refuse," said Janice, sobbing. "I want to see Mommy! It's not fair! It's notfair!"

Snapping, David banged the door open, picked Janice up, and went outthe door. Thankfully, the house door automatically locked itself as David carriedJanice all the way to his car. However, he did not open the passenger door andlock her up inside. Instead, he went to the house next door and knocked on it.No one answered.

"Damn it," said David, annoyed. "Where is she?"Right on cue, David noticed a silver Toyota hybrid drove up to the


23/34

driveway of the house he was trying to contact. At the sight of Yvette climbingout of the driver's seat, David wanted to run over and hug her out ofgratefulness. Yvette noticed David but she coldly walked pass him and to herfront door. The thought of the hug vanished in an instant.

"Yvette, please," said David in a pleading voice. "Please take care ofJanice for me."

"When did you decide to start talking to me again?" asked Yvette, refusingto face David. She was trying to unlock her door. "When you need me the most?What a convenient time for you, David. I didn't know you were so calculating."

"The hospital called me," said David, still shaking from top to bottom.

Now, Yvette locked eyes with him. "What?""I need to see my mom," said David, dropping Janice to her feet. "I can't

bring Janice with me. She'll be a bother." Janice growled at David with tearful

eyes. "I don't want to leave her by herself. She won't stop crying."

Crouching down in front of Janice, Yvette petted the girl on the head in acomforting manner. "It's all right Janice. I am sure Mrs. Shin is perfectly fine. Youmust not think negative thoughts, okay Janice?"

"Yvette!" cried Janice, tackling Yvette into a hug. "David is a dummy!"

"I know," said Yvette, picking the young girl up in her arms. David watchedas Yvette smiled gently at Janice. "Let's play a game since you're over, okayJanice? What do you want to play? How about we watch that new Korean drama

on TV together?"

"The one with Caramel?" asked Janice hopefully.

"The very one."

"Okay," said Janice, wiping the tears from her eyes. "Caramel is pretty!"

"He sure is," said Yvette, opening the door to her house at last and walkingin. Before she went in completely, she turned around at David. "If you needanything, call me."

"Thanks," said David, sighing in relief. "Thanks a lot."

When Yvette closed the door behind her, David ran to his car and drove tothe nearest hospital. They mentioned that his mother was there so he went thereimmediately. Parking was horrible so David spent a good ten minutes, looking fora parking space without having to pay the ticket since he left without his walleton him.


24/34

After he parked, he ran around the hospital, not knowing where to go.This reminded David of how he couldn't find his locker in the boys' locker room.David cursed his lack of common sense or sense of direction. At last, he gave upfor a few minutes and collapsed into the nearest chair. He buried his head in hishands. Usually, he would be more composed but after talking to Jin earlier today

about how his mother being in the hospital during a tennis meeting, David hadthe worst possible thoughts now.

Not giving up, David stood up to his feet and went up to the lady at theservice desk to ask. He should have done this from the beginning but since hewas so worried, he didn't think straight. David was always like this and his friendsknew this well. At last, he received the name of the location where his motherwas at.

"Mom!" David spotted his mother arguing with a doctor in his office. "Mom,you're all right! I'm so relieved..."

"David," said Mrs. Shin, forcing David by the arm to her side. "This doctorman crazy."

"Talk slower Mom," said David, wide-eyed. "What is going on here?"

"You are Mrs. Shin's son?" asked the doctor in a calm, steady voice.

"I am," said David, rubbing his shorter mother on the shoulder. "Is theresomething wrong with her?"

The doctor shook his head and sighed. "I am trying to explain to her about

her medical condition but she refuses to listen."

"Mom, calm down," said David, lowering his height to match his mother."This man is a professional. He knows what he is talking about. You should listento him, Mom."

"Doctor man talking like commercial. Like eatting words," said David'smother grumpily. "That man want picture like become skeleton. I didn't takeseriously."

"Do you understand her?" asked the doctor in disbelief.

"Yes," said David, turning to the doctor. "My mom says you are speaking toofast for her to understand. She doesn't like x-rays so she refuses to take them.Why does she have to take x-rays in the first place?"

"Your mother hurt her back in class today," said the doctor in his usualtone. David always disliked this about doctors. Even though they were supposedto care fo their patients, they made this job sound more like a duty than aservice. "We want to make sure that her spine is fine before we can let her go


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home. May you please explain it to her?"

David took a deep breath. "Doctor that way. Doctor needs check up. Nowdoctor important person, very trustworthy. Your back hurt lot so hospital becomehelpful. That man want picture so you go home today. Mom listen to doctor

man."

The doctor watched as David's mother absorbed everything he said.Nodding, David's mother allowed the doctor to take her to a different room.Patiently, David sat down in the sitting and thought about what occurred. Hismother had been enduring a lot of back pain lately. He was the one who had tobring her medicine to relieve her pain.

Clasping his hands together, David watched miserably as the time tickedby on the large clock on the wall. David wondered what Yvette and Janice weredoing now. They were probably still watching dramas, awaiting for his news. Thehalf an hour David waited alone in the waiting room felt like forever. At last, hesmelled the scent of his mother's ointment and rose to his feet to go up to hismother.

"Mom," said David, frowning. "Is there anything wrong with your back?""No wrong," said Mrs. Shin, pushing her purse higher on her shoulder. "We

go home."

"Mom," said David, repeating the same line as the two of them walked upto the elevator together. "You work by the docks. You carry a lot of heavy boxesevery morning. It is probably affecting your back."

"I work for money," said Mrs. Shin plainly, pressing the button for theelevator.

"You are taking English classes to graduate with an Associate Degree so youcan become an accountant," said David in a low voice. His mother didn't sayanything. "You're working too hard to pay back Auntie for the loan on the housedown payment."

"No choice," said Mrs. Shin, entering the recently arrived elevator. "I didn'ttake money, I borrowed. Respect for family and word, I repay."

"If you want," said David, gulping and standing next to his mother. "I canwork..."

"Bad boy," said Mrs. Shin, pulling David's ear. David groaned until hismother freed him. "You study. You not working like street kind. Education bringhappiness and prosperity. Korean custom that way."

"I feel so useless," said David, punching his own chest. His mother gaped


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at him. "I want to help you but I'm so stupid that I can't even find my way arounda hospital to find you. I really am a Dumbo like Janice said."

Mrs. Shin left the elevator the minute the door opened as David followedher closely behind. Turning around to him, Mrs. Shin said carefully, "David no

brain but lot of heart. The Korean way, heart comes first, brain comes later.People with no heart are no good. My son stay heart strong and family proud."Mrs. Shin patted David on the back. "Gain brain soon."

Smiling weakly, David muttered, "Thanks Mom."

Back at home, David made sure his mother properly went up the stairs andinto her room. Afterwards, he went and called the hospital to ask for hercondition. Like David suspected, his mother might need surgery for her spine.David slammed the phone on the table out of fit, ruffling his hair afterwards.

"I'm stupid," said David, talking into his cell phone. "What do I do?"

On the other line, Jin was stunned at David calling him. He was in themiddle of cooking too with Shuijin sitting at the kitchen table and hugging herpink pillow. Jin placed down his stirring utensil and thought about what Davidtold him. At last, Jin sighed.

"If your mother is like mine..."

David laughed weakly. "I'm sure she is. Korean mothers."

"She won't listen to a word you say," said Jin, sighing. He wiped his hand

against the apron around his neck. Shuijin was watching him with gleaming eyes."Talk to your father about it. For now, that's all you can do."

"Duh," said David, shaking his head. "I rarely think straight."

Since Jin knew this to be true, he said, "It's okay David. That's who youare."

"Mom has always been supportive of my education," said David quietly. Hewas laying on his bed in his room. This was the first time he called someone forhelp before but somehow, Jin just fit the criteria. "She is trying hard to finish allher English classes to graduate and work with better pay." David didn't include

the part about loaning money. "I want her to take better care of herself sinceshe's working too hard and hurting her back."

"There's nothing you can do about it," said Jin sadly, shaking his head. Heturned down the stove for the pasta. "The best thing for you to do, David, is tokeep up your grades and take care of your mother until you figure things outwith your father."


27/34

"Thanks for listening and calming me down, Jin," said David gratefully.

"No problem," said Jin, watching his cousin poke the pitcher of orangejuice timidly. "But why did you call me instead of say, Eugene or Grim?"

"I don't know!" cried David, sitting down in front of his computer now."You're just easy to talk to! You're nice Jin and you actually listen to me withoutmaking fun of me."

"Interesting..."

Jin nearly dropped the phone when he noticed that Jezebelle waslistening onto his conversation with David by placing her head against his cellphone. Sighing, Jin moved away from Jezebelle so she would stop eavesdroppingbut she followed him behind with a curious, wide eyes.

"Sorry to cut you short David but," said Jin on the ground with Jezebelle

sitting on top of him as punishment for defying her. "I need to cook dinner."

"Oh sorry Jin. Later then."

"Fi!" cried Jin, knocking Jezebelle over once David hung up. "You're notsupposed to listen to other people's conversations!"

"You should thank me," said Jezebelle, smiling deviously. Jin lifted a brow."I figured out a way to make you popular in no time, thanks to thatconversation."

"What are you up to?" asked Jin, moaning, since he knew Jezebelle toowell.

Laughing, Jezebelle went over to Shuijin and wrapped her arms aroundthe girl's neck. "You'll see. I'll make our battle plans tonight. I have an idea tomake you both popular and be yourself."

"That's good."

"You might need to ditch the game geek thing though."

"You can't write up plans tonight," said Jin, smiling innocently and hoping

Jezebelle forget about his video games. "How about your Spanish homework?"

"I'm already done with it," said Jezebelle, waving it off. "Copy it if youlike. I don't fucking care. Just change a couple of the answers to make it lessperfect or something." Jezebelle leaned over the pot to find the bows soggy."Watch the food! You'll starve your little cousin!"

"When do you start caring about Shuijin?" asked Jin in disbelief.


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"She's my servant," said Jezebelle, fluttering her eyelashes. "You are theservant of my servant so you have to treat her well! My servant needs food too."Jezebelle started pushing Shuijin toward the stairs. "Now, sweetheart, you go tomy room and do my math homework. If you don't know any of the answers, lookit up online."

Shuijin ran up the stairs. "Okay!"

"Do you feel no guilt asking a junior high student to finish your homeworkFi?"

"Guilt makes you weak," said Jezebelle plainly, flinging her hair over hershoulder. "I'm watching the game."

Jin waited until Jezebelle disappeared into the living room before hesighed, "I hope David is doing okay with both his family and Yvette..."

*************************************************Looking through his social networking website, David replied to Rick

Crawford's message about how his cell phone battery died right when he pickedup David's phone call. Suddenly, David felt something cold smacked against hishead. Upset, David turned around to find Janice with a bag of ice.

"What was that for?" asked David angrily.

"For being mean to Yvette," said Janice with fierce eyes. "Why didn't youcall either of us once you and Mommy got home? We started to fret over whatmight have happened."

"Oh, my bad."

Janice glared at David and hit him again. "You are so useless! Nothing iswrong with Mommy but you make it sound like she's in big trouble! You're alwayslike this!" Janice glanced at the computer and smacked her foreheaddramatically. "Yvette is probably going to take you off her top friend list becauseyou're so awful to her. I don't even know why I'm related to someone as cold andugly as you."

"Hey there," said David defensively. "You don't know the whole story

between what happen between Yvette and I, all right?"

"What's the whole story then?" asked Janice daringly.

David sighed. "Yvette always treats me like a pet so I'm going on strikeagainst her."

"Rubbish," said Janice, placing her right hand on her hip. "Yvette treatsyou like that because you let her. We all know you like Yvette so you're always


29/34

obeying her every command. Now, you're acting like a boyfriend in denial anddoing stupid things out of pride and peer pressure. I know the whole story."Janice growled and stomped from the room. "Seriously! I don't know you!"

Frowning after his sister, David checked online quickly. "Yvette can't

possibly take me off her top friend list..." David stared at Yvette's socialnetworking site for a few seconds. "Wow... Yvette uploaded a new picture ofherself..." David had a goofy smile on his face now. "She's so cute. Look at that.She's hugging her new tennis racket she got on her birthday a month ago..."

Over at the house next door, Yvette was busy calculating the tennis team'sbudget. Because Jordan refused to help her for the boys' team with the excusethat he was too busy with the basketball team, Yvette was in charge of financefor both teams. Coach said that if she needed any help, she should send him ane-mail. In conclusion, she had to make sure she divide the total amount ofmoney this year by the amount of members on both teams so everyone couldpitch in. Plus, she had to make sure to order the new uniforms for the newmembers of the team, calculate how much that would cost along with thematching ribbons, and make up the challenge matches for the girls' practicetomorrow. Thanks to this, Yvette haven't even touched any of her homework.

At around midnight, Yvette was finished with everything for the tennisteam at the expense of not eating dinner. She rubbed her temple and checkedonline for replies. A lot of the members, excluding the usual slackers like Roselleand Rick Crawford, replied. Yvette pulled off her own roster of the tennis teammembers and checked off the ones that responded. Yawning, Yvette told herselfthat she must work harder since it was her last year on the team.

Suddenly, Yvette heard a knock and nearly fell out of her seat. Sheglanced at the source of the knocking sound. It was none other than Davidknocking from outside her window. Internally, Yvette wished she could chop downthat tree with David in it. Yet, she went over and let him in.

"Why didn't you come in through the front door?" asked Yvette, annoyed.

"I don't know," said David, trying hard to think. "I don't want to wake yourparents up at this hour..."

"You retard," said Yvette mercilessly. "Every room in my house has thelights on."

"Oh yeah."

"Hopeless," said Yvette, walking over and sitting down in her seat. "How'syour mother? Janice told me you guys returned home," Yvette narrowed hereyes. "Without saying anything to me."

"Sorry," said David, sighing. "My fault. She's fine though."


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"That's great," said Yvette, nodding. "Is that all? You may leave now. Mytime is precious so I don't want to spend it chitchatting with you."

Slowly, David went up to Yvette. "I'm sorry that I've been a jerk these pastfew days."

"Now, you're wussing out on your campaign?" asked Yvette, crossing herlegs and lifting a brow.

For whatever reason, David couldn't stopped staring at Yvette's legs. Shewas wearing a pink blouse with grey shorts underneath. Her entire room wasbright pink with every girly accessory possible. Even the laptop in front of herwas of a hot pink color. Her bed had light and dark pink stripes. Even thoughDavid had been in her room many times, this was the first time he feltuncomfortable with all the eyes looking at him from her posters of Chinese girlbands.

"Not really wussing out," said David, lifting his attention from her legs toher face.

"What is it then?" asked Yvette in a snarl.

David reddened. "I'm not sure what I want or don't want with that strikeanymore." Yvette rolled her eyes. "But you ignored me too! That was not nice!"

"Taste your own medicine, jerk," said Yvette in a merciless voice. "I havenever been ignored in my life. Then all of a sudden, you and all those other boysstart to ignore me. I'm too perfect to play with you guys anyway so I just ignoreback."

"Oh Yvette..."

"Now," said Yvette, pushing David toward the window. "Bye bye. I can'twaste my precious seconds on you anymore."

"I'm not done!" cried David, holding his arms out.

Yvette stopped trying to force him out the window. "What now?"

"I think I like you... so..."

Much to David's surprise, the expression on Yvette's face didn't change.

She didn't blush out of embarrassment or anger. She didn't squeal or scream. Shedidn't seem to care. However, Yvette shook her head frantically.

"No, David, just no."

"No what?"

"I will not go out with you," said Yvette fiercely. David dropped his head.


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"Do you really own a brain or no? This is September! I have tennis matchesstarting next week! Then after that, I have to finish all my UC applications! Whatabout my college essays for privates? What about that? Do you think I have anytime to go on dates?"

"Oh. I guess I understand..."

Even though David knew he had no chance with Yvette, he didn't think hewould be rejected so easily with college as an excuse nevertheless. Why couldn'tYvette just tell him that she didn't like him and be done with it? Now, he didn'tknow what to do. Should he give up? Should he wait? Should he laugh it off andforget about it? David opened her window, ready to leave. He didn't want tobother her anymore.

"I," said Yvette, speaking up suddenly. David turned around to her. Sheglanced at the wall to her right. "I want to go to UC San Diego."

"Huh?"

Yvette bit her lip. "You should go too."

Maybe it was because he knew Yvette since freshman year. Maybe it wasbecause they were on the tennis team and the same carpool group for years.Maybe it was because they were neighbors for a while now. Maybe it was becauseYvette indeed was his best friend. Maybe it was because Yvette's family and hisfamily got along so well. Maybe it was for all the reasons listed above butwhatever the real reason was, it didn't matter: David knew exactly what shemeant when she said that.

"Can I at least," said David, stuttering. "Kiss you?"

For the first time, Yvette seemed to lose her composure. "I don't knowabout that. You should go. I have work to do."

"I'll take that as a yes," said David, walking up to Yvette. The shorterKorean girl in pigtails seemed to have forgotten how to move. "It'll be realquick."

Before David could attempt a kiss on Yvette, a light shone at them. Like inthe movies David had seen so many times, Yvette's father was standing at thedoor of Yvette's bedroom with such a deadly look on his face at the sight of theneighbor's boy in his daughter's bedroom at midnight.

"David Yoo Shin!"

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"

While Yvette's father tried to catch David, Yvette turned back to her work


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and tapped a pen to her lips. Yvette smiled to herself at the sound of Davidcrying out loud like a girl. Her father was now talking rapidly in Korean to David.

"Like I'll ever do anything stupid with someone like David," said Yvette,amused.

*********************************************"Why are we not going on strike against Yvette anymore?" asked Eugene to

Grim.

"Because David dropped out," said Grim, shaking his head.

Both Eugene and Grim were hanging out at the coffeehouse the followingmorning. Since Eugene enjoyed pastries, he usually bought a bag full forbreakfast. Bo was standing in line so he didn't join the other two in theirconversation at the table. As for David, he wasn't here at all. Sidney was busyhiking with Sherry like always.

"We were doing so well too," said Eugene, upset. "Why? Why did he dropout?"

"I don't want to talk about it," said Grim, gulping down his coffee. "It waspathetic."

"Why did he give in? Tell me now Grim!"

At last, Grim peered up at Eugene from his glasses. "He saw Yvette's newpicture online. He couldn't continue with the strike anymore. He gave up afterthat."

"Is Dave for real?" asked Eugene, biting his bagel.

"Unfortunately, yes," said Grim, standing up to throw away his empty cup.Right after he threw the cup into the trash can, he froze in his place at the sighthe saw outside the window. Instantly, Grim ran back to Eugene and shook hisarm. "Eugene! Look!"

"What?"

Both Grim and Eugene ran to the window as well as the varsity footballteam in the same building. Xuan Lan was with the football team so she also wentwith the crowd to see what the commotion was. Everyone was whispering at thesight.

Outside the coffeehouse, there was a certain high school boy standing atthe corner of the street, waiting for the cross light with a pretty girl next to him.He had a light brown hair and dark brown eyes. He wore a red outer jacket witha black shirt underneath along with the newest brand of black jeans. His


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girlfriend matched him with the same shade of brown hair, along with a reddress, black undershirt with long sleeves, and black tights. She also wore a blackhat to match.

"Isn't that..." stuttered Eugene and Grim.

Bo came up from behind them and widened his eyes at the sight. "No, itcan't be..."

Xuan Lan ran out of the coffeehouse before everyone else. "Onii-chan!"

Author's Q & A

(Note: Kristian and Rin received Jezebelle's treatment last chapter didn't they?

Don't worry. They'll be back next chapter. I'll make sure of that. I get to writesome Joseph Cruz at last! I'm so happy for that. He is so adorable. I am donewith another arc. I have a lot of arcs left to go! Thanks for the supporteveryone.)

1) Is this Jordan's arc?

The beginning of it. Out of all the character's arcs, Jordan is the longest and oneof the most important in terms of plot. I actually planned Jordan's actual arc tobe dead last in my outline and it will be resolved closer to the end too in theactual story too. This is like... the appetizer to the main dish I guess?

2) For this story, what idea came to you first?

When I write a story, I based it off a concept that I believe is worth writingabout. For Sweet Heart, I have the story revolve around the ideas of 'firstimpression' and 'perspective'. First impressions are not always correct. Dependingon perspective, you might like or dislike a person, as in the case with Quinn andClaire.

Gorgeous Geek is the same. Instead of basing the story off old ideas, I want toconcentrate on the concepts of 'stereotypes' and 'group pressure'. When you think

of a geek (a gaming geek no less!), do you think of someone who is extremelybeautiful? When you look at a girl who dresses like a slut, is she necessary one?What about the popular white boy who dates many girls? Is he nothing more thana social butterfly with no personality of his own? Let's not forget the class clown.What is he? An attention whore? A kid with no brains? Oh, we can't leave out the"nerd" now can we? Since she (or he in other cases) gets straight A's on her reportcard, that means she must be really smart right? These are just some of the ideasI come up with before I start Gorgeous Geek. ^^;;


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That is also how I came up with the title (thank you so much for all those whokeep praising me it) too. The words "gorgeous" and "geek" don't usually go in thesame sentence do they? Anyways, I don't know why I went on a rant. I guess it'sbecause I want to write something for the extra space in the author's note. Untilnext time everyone!

Gorgeous Geek Xxv i

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