Psychology class was rowdy but I still managed to get myself a seat.
"Hi Leo."
"Shirley!"
"I'm not interrupting anything , am I?"
"Of course not." I said. "Why's our teacher not around?"
"He's sick and we don't have a substitute yet." Shirley said. "Sorry I had to leave the other day."
"Ava's your friend?" I asked.
"Yeah... Kinda." She said. "We're cousins."
"Oh?"
"Yeah." She replied. "I lost parents and my twin brother to a fatal car crash when I was twelve so I had to stay with Ava since he is the nearest relative I have."
"I'm sorry about that." I said. "Things must have been so tight for you then."
"I'm getting over it." She said. " Although, honestly I miss my family."
"It's alright." I said. "I'm sure they are watching over you."
She nodded. "So, tell me about yourself."
My heart skipped a beat. "What?"
"What's up with your family?"
I didn't know what to say. I didn't want to mocked.
"They're doing great." I said.
Thankfully, I didn't have to go further with my explain because someone cut in.
"Hi Leo." It was Chelsea.
"Hey Chelsea."
I noticed she gave Shirley a death glare which got me confused. However, I decided to introduce them.
"Shirley this is my friend..."
"Chelsea." She cut in. "I know her."
"You know me?" Chelsea asked.
"Of course." Shirley replied. "I read your articles every week."
"OMG! It's so nice of you." Chelsea said.
"You're doing a great job." Shirley said.
"Thanks a lot."
As we continued the chat, Ava suddenly stormed into the class.
"Shirley!" She yelled. "How dare you?"
My eyes widened in surprise. Why was she so rude? I honestly didn't think that being a billionaire's daughter meant you could be rude to everyone.
"I asked you to get my room fixed up."
"I'm sorry, I was late." Shirley said apologetically. " I didn't mean to..."
"Just wait till Daddy hears all about this." Ava said.
That was it! I had heard enough. Shirley didn't deserve to be treated like that.
"Excuse me." I said. " What is the matter with you?"
Ava scowled at me. I could still the surprise in her eyes though. "Who do we have here?" She moved closer to me. "The boy on scholarship who suddenly think he's better than everyone else."
That was hurtful but I decided not to let it get to me
"You shouldn't talk to her like that?" I said in defense. "She's also human. Just like you."
"Oh, I see." She said. "You are fighting for her because you are just like her. You wretch."
By now, everybody's attention was attracted already. I refused to be defeated by her words.
"I'm sorry but if this is what it takes to be rich..." I paused. "Then I don't want to be rich."
She let out an awkward laughter. "Such a shame."
"It's not think your fault that you think life is all about money." I continued. "It's fate that made it that way." I paused. "But what happens when all the money vanishes. I suppose you'll have to vanish with the money then."
She opened her mouth but no words came forth.
"You should try to size down your ego." I said. " It will do you a lot of good."
With everything I said, there was an applause following it.
"You all suck!" Ava said and walked away.
"That was nice of you, Leo." Chelsea said.
"Thanks." Shirley said. "But I think I have trouble written all over me now."
"She won't do anything, trust me." I said. "Is that how she always treat you?"
Shirley nodded sadly.