Highschool had always been a complicated place. While some students were able to fit in and make friends, others had to turn into people pleasers and spend their days doing things they wouldn't normally do for the sake of enjoying what the popular kids had at the tip of their fingers: attention and social proof.
However, there were still those who were neither popular nor people pleasers, these people march to the beat of their own drums, and often it leads them through the path to success, other times, it lands them in unfortunate circumstances.
Glaring at the four football players, Jim had it in the back of his mind what his sister had told him. His respect for his sister's wishes were strong, but so was his urge to teach these ballers a lesson.
"Hey, you five! Get to class!" a voice yelled. Turning their heads, they could see it was one of the school teachers. A fat man with black hair having a receding hairline wearing glasses. There was nothing distinctive about the man, other than the extra fat stored in his abdomen.
The man had a stern look on his face as the ordered the five of them to class. As the two groups split up, one of the four students grabbed onto the sleeve of the new freshman.
"You ever try anything on June and I make sure your legs become as useless as your shack," he whispered into Jim's ear.
______
The memories of beating that took place after that day flashed through his mind. For a split second, he looked at June with rage in his eyes, but quickly calmed his nerves.
"I know what I'm asking from you is a lot. But how about this? You agree to my condition, and I clear your reputation?" June offered.
Jim's hatred for Daniel was absolute, but that wasn't something June should know. For now, he would simply milk the situation for all it was worth. His feelings for June remained unchanged, but he still planned to live his last day of high school to the fullest.
________
The school had come to an end. Students were on their way home while Jim was by the school gate waiting for his two friends as usual. Although people would point at him and crack jokes at his expense without him knowing, he paid no attention to them.
Once he had met up with Blake and Tyler, the three of them had a little chat, cracking jokes until Jim eventually had to split up from the two. Unlike him, their houses were quite far, so they had to take the school bus to get there. Similar to Jim, they both came from middle-class families.
Once home, Jim went about doing the daily chores. Once he was done, he took out his phone and started reading one of his favorite novels of all time titled: 'Azure Incantation.' He had read it untill the latest chapters and was currently waiting patiently for the author to publish a new chapter. For now, he would have to settle for other works of the author, although none of them were as interesting as this one.
In the middle of reading the last available chapter, he suddenly received a message from June.
[June: Hey, I've been able to convince some of my connections to spread false stuff about you all over the net. Since they're famous, people will believe whatever they say, even if it's not true.]
Although Jim was glad she was helping him, he couldn't help but feel like she also believed he was a worthless loser, but he wouldn't bring himself to ask her, for fear of further embarrassment.
[Jim: Thanks... Umm, how about what I asked?]
Although Jim had no idea why June was suddenly super helpful towards him, he decided to turn his Saturday night into the night of the century, at least in his opinion. In the midst of their discussion, Jim had asked June to lend him one of her father's cars. At first, she was utterly shocked, but eventually agreed since her father was super rich and he could replace the car with ease and not even be mad at her. That was the sort of family life she enjoyed.
"Deal."
He also asked for a suit and a VIP ticket to one of the best bars in the city. That wasn't a problem either as those things were easily arranged. The next day, a luxury limozine pulled up in front of their house. Amanda, watching through the window, was shocked and confused as to what was going on. When she saw her little brother exit the house dressed in a brand new suit walking towards the limo, she rushed out after him.
Turning back, Jim slapped his head, realizing he had forgotten to tell his elder sister what was going on. Taking a moment to step back into the house, he told her what was going on. Although he kept the parts about all the embarrassment and the deal he made with a classmate a secret. He simply said the limo was sent by one of his classmates to pick him up for a gathering taking place at her house. He wasn't technically lying. The limo was indeed sent by a female classmate, except that he could go anywhere around the city with it, other than her house.
"As long as you come back home at six, you don't smoke or drink, then I have no problem," Amanda said.
Jim felt like a weight had been lifted off his chest as he bided her farewell and got into the limo. Once they had left the street, he ordered the driver to take him to the nearest circus. There, he met up with his two friends.
"The plan worked?" Tyler asked to confirm.
Of course, Jim filled Blake and Tyler on what was going on. Bitting their nails, they weren't sure whether or not Jim would pull through, but seeing the white limo parked at the entrance, and Jim standing in front of them, they were now sure that both obstacles had been dealt with.
"Shall we?" Tyler asked.
"We shall," Jim replied as the three raced towards the limo, each fighting for the best seat despite the fact that the limo could contain over twenty people.
So far, word of Jim Wesley seemed to have died down, bringing a smile to his face. Things were finally starting to cool down, not just the inside of the limousine.
"Driver, could you please turn down the AC?" Tyler asked.
Eventually, they had made it to their new destination.
"Gentleman, we have arrived at World Bestie Cinema," the driver said. World Bestie Cinema is a Cinema house owned by a couple whose relationship started off as best friends, as time went on, they both got married and ended up opening a cinema naming it after what they consider each other to be.
Some of their favorite movies were showcased today as the trio emptied popcorn buckets until it was night time. As people exited the cinema, so did the trio as they got into the limousine and ordered the driver to take them to the best club in Memph City.
Prior to their arrival, the three were property dressed for the environment and all had VIP passes thanks to a certain guardian angel watching over Jim Wesley.
'I wish I could share this moment with her as well...' Jim thought to himself.
The party was lit. Blake and Tyler chugged drink after drink. Jim wasn't a slouch either. At one corner of the club, a round table had been set for a betting game. There was only one rule: whoever finishes their shots first keeps all the cash.
At first Jim didn't want to participate, but after remembering something he had found in the limo when he first entered it, his mood had changed.
________
Getting used to the comfy seats of the limo, Jim's legs were swinging freely until he kicked something underneath the front seat. Bending down, he noticed a dark-coloured briefcase.
'What's this?' pulling it out, he noticed it was already open, Flipping the lid back, his eyes grew wide as to what he found.
'So much money!!!'
_________
Although Jim wasn't good with alcohol, that didn't stop him from having a good laugh and spending money like a rich man. The party lasted well into the night, and the people only started to go home once it was around 1:00am.
Opening his eyes, Jim's mind was still foggy and the heavy alcohol was still influencing his senses. Not thinking about anything else, he forced himself up to his feet and staggered his way to the garage in search of his limousine, according to what he had told those who were at the club.