The first thing that Theodora noticed about the chemistry lab was that Jessica wasn't there, and they always had chemistry first thing together.
"Where's Jessica?" she inquired.
"Probably ditched school to go partying like she always does," sighed Henry. His face went pink when he realized what he had said. "Oops... sorry... I-I know she's your best friend."
Theodora waved a hand dismissively. "It's fine, I'm accustomed to her partying ways." Henry laughed, relieved.
"And so is the school, it seems," added Theodora. "They don't seem to care much that she's gone..."
Henry's eyes went wide. "You mean you haven't heard the rumor?"
"What rumor?"
"Well, there's a rumor going around that she's dating a college boy, George Bellamy. His family's really wealthy; his dad owns a chain of banks throughout Ireland and his mum's said to have descended from King George III. Needless to say, they have a pretty big fortune, and George is gonna inherit all of it."
"That's strange..." said Theodora. "Jessica usually tells me everything. Why wouldn't she tell me she's been seeing this George fellow...? Or at last that a rumor about her was going around...?"
"Who knows?" sighed Henry. "Anyways, wanna be my partner for the next assignment?"
As soon as Henry said this, a large group of girls, all donning eager smiles, came rushing over. "Wanna be partners, Theodora?" said one of the girls eagerly.
Her hair was drawn up in a high ponytail and she wore cherry pink lipgloss. Theodora recognized her instantly as Noelle Jacobs, captain of the cheer team. Noelle was sworn enemies with Jessica; she had kicked her off the team after it had been revealed that Jessica had gotten frisky with one of the rugby players at a party, which was seen as a disgrace; "Look don't touch" was the cheer policy at Cherry Blossom High. The girls all wore short skirts and crop tops but anyone who did more than look got suspended.
So if Jessica has broken this rule, then why was Noelle being so friendly with Theodora, who was widely known to be Jessica's best friend? Giving Jessica a small smile, Theodora said simply, "No thanks, I already have a partner.
Henry's look of defeat resembled that of a kicked puppy.
Then, looking around, he understood.
Henry spent the rest of the period eagerly trying to catch up with Theodora in their shared textbook, as his partner's new zest for life apparently hasn't dimmed her quick witted smarts.