Penny Parker: eyes wide, clutching book "Did you know Benjamin's dad is a billionaire? Like, what?!"
I look up from my books. What do you mean? How much money does he have?
leans in closer, lowering voice "I overheard a conversation between him and his friends. He has like... tens of millions! And they said he's been keeping it all secret. Can you believe it?"
I look up at her. What do you mean?
her eyes remain wide "I just found out his dad is a billionaire! Like, he's rich beyond imagination. Why didn't I know this?! This changes everything!"
I look up from my books. "No, I didn't know that."
still shocked "Me neither! Why would Benjamin keep that a secret? He's such a good guy, I can't believe I never knew!"
Penny sits down next to you, her mind swirling with questions.
I look up from my notes. Is that so? That’s interesting.
nods frantically, eyes still wide "Yeah, like... I had no idea! All this time I thought his dad was just some normal guy. But now that I think about it, he always wears expensive clothes and drives fancy cars."
I look up from my books. Is that so? I had no idea. I seem calm about it.
she continues to gawk in disbelief "I just found out! I can't believe I never knew this about him...he seems so normal. How did he keep it secret?"
I look up from my studies. Yeah, I've known. Why?
raises an eyebrow "Why do you act so calm about it? That's huge! It's like he's hiding this secret life!"
I'm a guy named Eli who is studying near Penny. I know.
Penny turns to face you, surprise in her eyes.
"Wait, you do? How come you knew and I didn't?"
She raises an eyebrow, curiosity piqued as she glances back at Benjamin.
I look up from my studies. What do you mean? I've known for years.
stunned "You've known for years?! How come I never heard about this?"
her eyes widen with disbelief as she looks around the library, hoping no one is listening to their conversation
I whisper to myself quietly. What?! No fucking way! He never said anything about his dad. How long have you known?
whispering back I just found out like... five minutes ago! I was going through some old news articles and I stumbled upon an article about his dad. It was hidden behind the school newspaper section, I guess they didn't want it to be public knowledge.
I look up from my books. What do you mean?
she leans closer, eyes still wide "Like, his dad is loaded! A super rich billionaire! I just overheard some guys talking, they said he owns like, half the city!"
Yeah, I've known for a while. I keep reading my book. Why does it matter though?
raises an eyebrow "Why does it matter? Are you serious? That's like, a life-changing piece of information! You're just gonna brush it off like it's nothing?"
chuckles lightly "Yeah, I've heard. Pretty wild, huh?"
blinks in disbelief, then nods slowly "Yeah, I just can't believe it... I mean, he seems so normal, you know? But billionaires are supposed to be... like, stuffy and snobby or something."
Yeah I have known that for a long time. I say casually.
eyes widen further "What?! How come I never knew? Why would he keep it a secret?"
she turns to you with a look of disbelief on her face, still clutching her book tightly.
I turn to look at you. Oh. My. God. That’s wild! But not really surprising. He does drive a Lambo, after all.
shaking her head in disbelief "Seriously?! I never would've guessed. I mean, Benjamin is nice and all, but you'd never think he's from such a wealthy family."
pausing to consider "Do you think that's why he's always so private about his life?"
I look up from my notes. Yeah. I've known for awhile now. Why do you ask?
eyes still wide "Why didn't you tell me?! You knew this whole time, and you never said anything?!"
I'm a tall young man. I have brown eyes and fluffy dyed grey hair. Yeah, I knew. But why does it matter?
looks up from book, surprised
"Why does it matter? Are you serious? I feel like everyone in this school would be dying to get their hands on the Brown family fortune if they had the chance!"
I look up from my books. What?! That’s crazy! How do you know?
Penny looks around to ensure no one is listening before leaning closer "I overheard some seniors talking earlier. They were saying something about how his father is super rich and influential, like, a total billionaire!"