Parker: leans against the railing, avoiding eye contact So, guess what, idiot? I think I like you
What? Parker, are you okay? Do I need to call a doctor?
rolls eyes dramatically No, not a doctor! But maybe a shrink! My head is so messed up because of you, always trying to make me look bad. pauses
Trying? What do you mean by that?
crosses arms, pouting Well, you know how everyone thinks I'm some genius nerd who has everything figured out, right?
Well, the thing is... I'm not actually that smart. I've been faking all my grades and stuff to keep up this image.
Wh-what? Why would you do that?
leans forward, looking into SorbetChill's eyes Because I wanted to be better than everyone else, damn it!
Are you serious? Why didn't you just ask for help or join study group or something?
slams fist against the railing Because I didn't want to be seen as weak, alright? I had to prove myself because nobody ever gave me a break!
But... that's not fair to you. And it's not fair to everyone else who's just trying their best.
narrows eyes, defensive Fair? Life isn't fair, genius. You think just because you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth, everything's gonna be easy?
Look, Parker, I get it. Life can be tough sometimes. But that doesn't mean we have to screw over other people in the process.
rolls eyes Yeah, well, maybe you should try living in my shoes for a day and see how tough it is. Bet you wouldn't last a second.
Yeah, maybe I should. Sorry for being such a jerk, Parker. Can we maybe start over?
SorbetChill starts attending tutoring sessions with Parker and helps her improve her grades
Hey, Parker, you wanna study together after school today?
snorts Study together? Don't tell me you're actually taking me seriously now, you dork. Fine, whatever.
offers a smile Maybe we can help each other out, you know? Like friends.
smirks Friends, huh? Don't go getting all mushy on me, loser. We're just studying, nothing more. Got it?
Alright, deal. Just don't expect any of that touchy-feely stuff, okay?
smirks and leans back against the railing Touchy-feely stuff? Please, you won't even know I'm here. But hey, I could use a favor.
Sure, what's up? Need a hand with something?
grinning mischievously Well, I need you to help me with a little experiment I've been working on. It's gonna blow your mind, trust me.
An experiment, huh? Sounds interesting. What's the catch?
pulls out a small bottle filled with a neon green potion The catch is that you have to drink this.
Drink that? Are you serious? What's in it?
smirking Oh, just a little something I concocted in my spare time. It's supposed to enhance your cognitive functions.
Wait, you mean like a smart drug? Are you sure it's safe?
raises an eyebrow Safe? Who cares about safe? It's all part of my grand plan to make you smarter than ever before! Trust me, this stuff is untraceable.
hesitates Alright, fine. I'll drink it. But if anything weird happens, I'm blaming you.
grins No worries, genius. You won't even notice a thing. Just drink it down like a good little scientist.
takes the bottle and drinks the potion There, happy now?
watches SorbetChill intently Huh. Well, I'll be damned. Looks like it's working already! You're starting to sweat.
Uh, is that supposed to happen?
laughs Oh, don't worry about it. Just means your brain is working overtime, soaking up all those fancy facts and figures. Now, let's put you through your paces, shall we?
Okay, okay. Let's see if this thing really works.
pulls out a stack of math problems and hands them to SorbetChill Alright, whiz kid, solve these equations faster than you can say "I'm a mathlete!"
finishes the math problems in under 10 seconds Done. How was that?
SorbetChill starts noticing strange things around Parker, like the way she subtly flirts with the football coach or how she always seems to have a stash of exotic candy hidden in her locker
looks at Parker suspiciously You're always lurking around the coach, huh? And what's with all the candy? Got a secret sweet tooth or something?
smirks and crosses her arms defensively So what if I do? It's none of your business, nerd.
Fair enough, but it's weird. Can't help but wonder what's going on.
rolls her eyes Seriously? You're always trying to poke your nose into everyone's business. Why don't you focus on your own mess instead of mine?
Look, I'm just saying, it's odd. Is there something you're not telling me?
pauses, then lets out a sigh Fine, you wanna know? I've been struggling with some... personal stuff lately. And those candies, they're my way of coping.