Chapter 2: Detention, Deceit, and Deals

When I saw Savannah again, she was locked in the school’s detention room. The old radiator rattled in the corner, and the smell of disinfectant was overwhelming. It felt like being trapped in a hospital waiting room.

Seeing me, her eyes lit up. “Lex, over here!” She waved, her smile undimmed by the situation. —Unstoppable.

Her beaming look made Natalie, who was following me, look even more uncomfortable. Natalie shrank back, clutching her books like a shield. —Poor girl.

The teacher was so angry he shouted, “Unbelievable! Haven’t you realized what you did wrong?” His face was red, veins bulging at his temples. He looked like he might pop.

Savannah frowned and pointed at Natalie, scolding, “She was trash-talking Lex with that fake sweet voice, making up stories about her. Didn’t any of you hear it?” Her voice was sharp, righteous fury in every syllable. —Don’t mess with Savannah.

I was a little touched, but her next sentence was, “Even if Lex is a pain, she’s my friend. I’d walk through fire for her!” She grinned at me, and I couldn’t help but laugh. —Ride or die.

I gently covered her mouth, turned, and apologized sincerely to the teacher and Natalie. “Mr. Adams, Natalie, Savannah only got into it because of me. It was her mistake, but she’s been locked up for a while already.”

I glanced at the very disgruntled Savannah and began to lie with a straight face. “She knows she messed up.” I squeezed her shoulder for good measure. —Teamwork.

The teacher waved his hand, not wanting to deal with us, and told his favorite student, Ethan, “You handle it.” He looked relieved to pass the problem along. —Classic move.

Speaking of which, Ethan was definitely qualified to handle it; his aunt was the current First Lady. He had the kind of connections that made teachers nervous. —VIP status.

Ethan frowned and asked Savannah first, “What do you want?” His tone was all business, no warmth. —No-nonsense.

Savannah said flatly, “I want Natalie to apologize to Lex.” She crossed her arms, daring anyone to argue. —Unyielding.

Ethan looked at Natalie, who lowered her eyes and cried, “But I don’t think I did anything wrong.” Her voice was small, but the tears were real. —Oscar moment.

He then looked at me, expressionless. “And you?”

Me?

I pulled Savannah over to Natalie, took their hands, and held them together, saying loudly, “I hope everyone can just get along.” I squeezed their fingers, hoping the gesture would stick. —World peace, right?

As soon as I finished, Savannah pulled her hand back first, and Natalie looked disgusted. The attempt at peace lasted all of two seconds. —So much for that.

I looked sincerely at Ethan. “I really mean it.” My voice was soft, almost pleading. —Please believe me.

He said nothing. Savannah pulled me back a step, protectively saying, “Lex, don’t worry, I’ve got you.” She planted her feet like a bodyguard. —Unmovable.

I looked up at the ceiling, and a man’s voice came from above, “Savvy.” The echo made the hairs on my neck stand up. —Who’s there?

Looking in the direction of the voice, there really was someone there. The President’s son had arrived, looking every inch the golden boy. —GQ cover ready.

Savannah immediately switched to a gentle, dignified expression, straightened up, and called softly, “Sir.” Her voice was syrupy sweet, her posture perfect. —Total transformation.

While greeting him, her eyes turned red and her voice trembled. She could have won an Oscar right then and there. —Bravo.

The President’s son hurried forward to ask her quietly what was wrong. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, concern etched on his face. —So sweet.

The three of us watched in amazement. Natalie and I exchanged a rare look of admiration. Savannah—truly a role model for us all. —Queen.

After that day, my relationship with Natalie reached a state of mutual non-interference. We weren’t friends, but we weren’t enemies either. It was progress. —Small wins.

It was quite an improvement. In high school, that’s practically a peace treaty. —Miraculous.

But my dad didn’t think so. He wanted to run for higher office. Ambition never sleeps in my family. —Always plotting.

I tried to talk him out of it, but he insisted on doing things his way. He had that stubborn glint in his eye. —No changing his mind.

I had no choice but to bring in my mom. When she heard, she tapped my dad’s head with the crystal paperweight she was holding. “What are you thinking? Even if you want to shake up the world, you have to settle Lexie’s marriage first!”

My dad always listens to my mom. Hearing this, he hired a matchmaker. The whole thing was so old-school it was almost charming. —Back to basics.

My mom sighed, “Lexie, your dad is hopeless. I’ll keep an eye on things for you.” She squeezed my hand, promising silent backup. —Thanks, Mom.

No, I think neither of you are reliable. I bit back the words, knowing it would do no good. —Why do I even try?