Chapter Seven: One Hell of a Friday
LIBRARY – FRIDAY Mid morning.
The library was quiet. Not the peaceful kind of quiet, but the kind that made Jenny's thoughts louder than necessary. She sat at a corner table by the window, flipping through a massive book on Egyptian history. The golden afternoon sun slipped through the blinds, casting a warm glow over her face. But Jenny's focus wasn't on the rise and fall of ancient dynasties. Her mind was on Patel.
Two whole days. No call. No text. His phone hadn't connected once.
She rested her chin on her hand, letting out a slow sigh. Mira had told her long ago that he was finally being discharged today. That should've eased her mind but it didn't. Her fingers toyed with the corner of the page absentmindedly.
"Egyptian history, huh?" came a voice with just enough swagger to break her bubble.
She looked up to see Fred self-declared class heartthrob, crown prince of sarcasm, Sasha's boyfriend and a walking cologne ad. He dropped into the chair beside her like he'd been invited.
"Did you know the Egyptians invented bowling?"
Jenny blinked at him. "Actually, that was the Mesopotamians."
Fred paused, looking like he just got roasted in four dimensions. "Well... they both had sand. That counts for something, right?"
Jenny gave a small laugh. "Close enough."
Fred leaned back, clearly pleased to have made her smile. "You know, I like that you read actual books. Not just scrolling through gossip blogs like the rest of the school."
Jenny smiled politely, sensing where this was going.
"So… listen," Fred said, clearing his throat, "I'm having a birthday party tonight. Cruise Hotel. There'll be lights, music, mocktails, chocolate fountains, the whole deal. And I want you to come."
Jenny blinked. "That's… sweet. But I'm not really a party person."
Fred clutched his chest in exaggerated heartbreak. "Oof. That hurt. That hurt deep."
She chuckled. "You'll survive."
He pointed at her with a smile. "Smart and funny. Dangerous combo."
From a shelf nearby, Amy and Demi peeped from behind a rack of books. Their eyes were fixed on Fred and Jenny, whispering like cartoon villains.
---
MATH CLASSROOM – LATER THAT DAY
The air in the classroom was heavy. Mr. Daniels had stepped out for a meeting, and the room was abuzz with chatter.
Jenny sat alone, scribbling an equation on her worksheet. She was finally finding her rhythm when
SLAM!
Her books were suddenly flung off her desk, scattering to the floor.
"Hey!" Jenny exclaimed, startled.
Standing before her like a rogue girl band were Sasha, Linda, Amy, and Demi, the self-proclaimed queens of drama.
Sasha smirked. "You think you're slick, huh?"
Jenny frowned. "What are you talking about?"
"Fred," Sasha spat. "You've been sniffing around my man like some desperate perfume sample."
Jenny blinked. "Wait, Fred? That's what this is about?"
Sasha crossed her arms. "You think he likes you? Newsflash, nerd, he's mine."
Jenny scoffed, genuinely baffled. "This is ridiculous. You're confronting me because of a man? Are you that cheap?"
That hit a nerve.
"Oh, so you're smart and smug now?" Sasha snapped, her voice rising. She raised her hand.
But before the slap could land, Nattie stepped in like a storm.
"Touch her and you'll lose that hand."
The class went quiet. People leaned forward in their chairs. Some already had phones out.
"Fight, fight, fight!" someone whispered gleefully.
Linda and Amy stepped forward, glaring at Nattie. "Back off, you little cartoon character."
Nattie didn't flinch. "Try me."
Sasha stepped forward too, tension sizzling in the air.
Then the door opened.
Enter Mira casual as ever, earbuds in, eyes scanning the room like a lioness surveying her pride.
She saw the scene, popped out one earbud, faced Sasha and said simply:
"Scram."
The word echoed.
Sasha hesitated. "This is none of your…."
Mira gave her a look so cold, it could've flash-froze lava. Sasha took a step back. Her crew followed, muttering curses and rolling eyes as they returned to their seats.
Jenny exhaled. "Thanks."
Nattie smiled and helped pick up her books. "You're welcome. That's what friends are for"
Mira simply shrugged. "No qualms."
But Jenny could tell her mind was elsewhere. Mira kept glancing at her watch.
---
HALLWAY – AFTER SCHOOL
Jenny was on her way outside when she ran into Claire and her designer entourage: Lulu, Britney, and Agnes; three girls who looked like they stepped out of a fashion ad.
"Jenny, darling!" Claire said dramatically, pulling Jenny into a side hug.
Jenny forced a smile. "Hi, Claire."
"I heard about what happened with Sasha. Ugh. The nerve."
Jenny shrugged. "It's really not that deep."
Claire raised a manicured brow. "Not deep? Babe, you were almost slapped by that fake Gucci-wearing menace. And that is personal."
Jenny raised a brow. "You really don't need to..."
Claire smirked. "Oh, but I do. Anyone who messes with you, messes with me. And nobody dares mess with Miss Middleford."
She flipped her hair and turned dramatically. "Come. We're settling this."
Jenny hesitated. "Claire, what are you doing?"
---
SCHOOL GARDEN – MINUTES LATER
Sasha and her friends were sitting on a pavement, planning to teach Jenny and Nattie a lesson.
Claire and her entourage strutted in like runway models, with Jenny awkwardly trailing behind.
"Smile, ladies!" Claire announced and
SPLAT!
A smoothie balloon exploded on Sasha's head.
Jenny's jaw dropped. "What the….Claire!"
Another SPLAT!
This time, chocolate milk. Then yogurt. Someone even had a ketchup packet.
Phones were out. Cameras flashing. Demi shrieked and slipped. Linda screamed. Amy ran away with yogurt in her eyes.
Sasha stood, dripping like a cursed cartoon character. "You psychos!"
Claire cackled. "Say cheese, drama queens!"
Jenny stepped forward. "Okay, that's enough! Seriously, stop!"
But no one listened. Claire's entourage laughed harder.
Jenny stared at Sasha, humiliated and fuming, and something twisted in her chest.
This wasn't justice. This was bullying.
Later That Day
The hallways of Middleford School were thinning out, the final bell having rung some minutes ago. Lockers clanged shut, sneakers squeaked against the waxed floors, and the distant buzz of gossip was alive and well.
Jenny closed her locker with a sigh, her reflection flickering on the shiny blue surface. Her thoughts weren't with her books or the weekend ahead. They were on Sasha. The video. The prank.
She felt... bad. Actually, she felt guilty.
She hadn't wanted Claire to interfere. That prank had gone too far. Sure, Sasha was mean, a certified drama queen with a sprinkle of evil, but no one deserved that level of humiliation. Especially not from the school's most savage senior, Claire.
"Hey," a familiar voice called gently.
Jenny turned. It was Nattie, her arms folded, a soft concern on her face.
"Hey," Jenny said with a half-smile.
"You okay?" Nattie asked, stepping closer.
"Yeah... I think so. I just…." Jenny paused, looking down at her shoes. "I feel really bad for Sasha. That prank was cruel. I never wanted Claire to get involved."
Nattie snorted dramatically. "Girl, come on. Sasha finally got what she deserved! Middleford's hallways are actually peaceful for once. That video's still trending on Insta. Over 20k views in two hours!"
Jenny winced. "Still. I know Sasha didn't like me, but I didn't want her to be punished like that."
Nattie rolled her eyes but softened her tone. "Don't feel bad. Feel proud. You're friends with Claire. The Claire, Middleford's queen bee, hair-flipping, high-heeled, savage-speech queen."
Jenny chuckled. "You sound like a fan."
"I am a fan," Nattie said, flipping her invisible long hair dramatically. "She walked so we could all survive high school."
Jenny grinned, then shifted topics. "Anyway... how's Patel?"
Nattie's expression warmed instantly. "He's doing alright. He misses school... and someone."
Jenny raised a brow. "Someone?"
"Mmhm," Nattie sang, then added, "Do you want to go see him? I know the hospital. Since school's closed now, we could go."
Jenny blinked. "You'd do that for me?"
Nattie took her hand dramatically. "Jenny... I'd climb Mount Kilimanjaro in heels for you, girl."
Jenny laughed. "Thanks, Nattie. You're actually a really good friend."
Nattie winked. "Told ya."
Just as they were turning to leave, three familiar faces appeared down the hall; Fred, Meyer, and Spark. They sauntered over like a boy band reunion.
"Hey Jenny," Fred said, slightly out of breath. "Uh... I just wanted to say sorry. For Sasha's behavior. She could be quite territorial. I hope she didn't do anything to hurt you."
Spark added, "She's just... jealous. You know. 'Cause you're like... easily the prettiest girl in school. No cap."
Jenny blinked. "Oh! No, it's okay. I was just worried. How's Sasha? Is she okay?"
Fred gave a little smile. "She's fine. Trust me, nothing can break Sasha. She might be a jealous jerk sometimes, but she's tough. Real tough."
Jenny nodded, relieved. "Good. I didn't want her hurt."
Dave stepped forward, grinning at Nattie. "Hey, Nattie. Did it hurt?"
Nattie gave him a deadpan look. "Did what hurt?"
"When you fell from heaven?" Dave shot his shot confidently.
The others groaned. Meyer smacked his forehead. "Daaave."
Nattie raised her brow. "Wow. If you're going to flirt with me, at least use a line that wasn't last cool in 2004."
Fred and Spark burst into laughter.
Dave turned red. "Okay. Ouch. That one hurt more than Sasha's slap last semester."
Jenny giggled.
Nattie smiled triumphantly. "Come on, Jenny. Let's go before he tries a 'Are you from Tennessee' line."
"'Cause you're the only ten I see?'" Dave shouted as they walked away.
"EXACTLY!" Nattie shouted back without turning.
Fred, Meyer, and Spark were left howling in the hallway as Dave dramatically leaned against a locker like a defeated Shakespearean lover.
-Meanwhile…
At another part of the hallway, Mira snapped her locker shut with military precision.
"Yo, Mira!" called Mat, flanked by Sheldon, both boys looking like they'd just won a soccer match.
"There she is! The Sasha Slayer herself!" Sheldon cheered.
Mira blinked. "Huh? What?"
Mat elbowed Sheldon. "We saw you in class, standing up to Sasha and her goons. Queen behavior!"
Sheldon laughed. "Girl, I'm friends with you, but even I was scared. That stare? Goosebumps."
Mira shrugged coolly. "She came for my girls. I wasn't about to let that go."
"Well, you prevented a bloodbath," Sheldon said. "Respect."
Mat nodded. "Also! Claire. You see what she did? Viral prank. Instant karma."
Mira's smile faded slightly. "I don't like Claire."
"Huh?" Mat blinked. "Why not? That prank was epic."
Mira's voice was low. "It's personal."
Sheldon and Mat exchanged curious looks but didn't push.
"Anyway," Mira continued, stuffing books into her bag. "I'm heading to the supermarket. Going to buy some snacks for Patel at the hospital."
Mat raised a brow. "Snacks? Hospital? Patel? Wow. That's... sweet."
Sheldon grinned. "You sure it's just friendship though? Hmm?"
Mira spun around dramatically. "Oh my gosh. Are you two gossip queens now?"
"Hey, hey," Mat said, raising his hands. "Just saying. The way you worry about that boy? It's giving rom-com energy."
Mira smirked. "Well, maybe I'm just a good friend. Or maybe... I like snacks more than boys."
"Snacks don't give butterflies though," Sheldon teased.
Mira flipped her pony tail. "Shut up and go do your math homework."
As she walked off, the boys chuckled and waved.
Mat whispered to Sheldon, "She's so in love."
Sheldon whispered back, "She'd never admit it, though."
Later that day
In the Hospital
"Patel is my son. And he loves me the most," said Mrs. Singh, flipping her hair dramatically.
"Oh please!" Mr. Singh exclaimed, rolling his eyes. "He's my carbon copy. I carried him nine months in my... in my wallet!"
Patel groaned, rubbing his temples. "Guys… please. My head hurts."
They ignored him.
"I remember when he was a baby, he only wanted me!" Mrs. Singh declared proudly.
Mr. Singh gasped. "Lies! Who changed his diapers while you were watching Zee TV?"
"You? You didn't even know which side to wear the diaper!"
"I was innovative!"
Patel looked like he wanted the ground to open up and swallow him whole. "Mum. Dad. Please. I'm literally recovering. Can we not do this now?"
Just then, a soft voice interrupted.
"Hello, good afternoon."
They turned.
Nattie stood by the door, smiling sweetly.
"Oh Nattie, beta! How are you?" Mrs. Singh beamed. "Where's Mira?"
"She's on her way," Nattie replied cheerfully. "But guess who I brought with me?"
Patel raised an eyebrow. "Who?"
In walked Jenny, her dark curls bouncing, her smile soft and bright.
Patel's jaw dropped slightly. "Jenny?"
Jenny chuckled. "Surprise?"
Patel tried to act casual, but anyone could see his whole vibe changed. His headache? Magically cured. He sat up straighter, eyes sparkling. "Wow… I wasn't expecting you."
Nattie watched with a smirk. She could tell.
Mr. and Mrs. Singh's eyes widened.
Mrs. Singh leaned over to her husband and whispered "Is that… Miss India?"
"She looks like she walked out of an Hollywood movie!" Mr. Singh whispered back, mouth half-open.
"Patel, since when did you have such… refined taste?" Mrs. Singh asked out loud, thoroughly impressed.
"Mum!" Patel groaned.
Everyone laughed, even Jenny.
"Anyway," Mr. Singh said, getting up. "We should leave the lovebirds….eh, I mean friends… alone."
"Yes, yes," Mrs. Singh chimed in. "Let them bond. We'll go get samosas."
As the Singhs left, Patel looked at Jenny and grinned.
"It's really good to see you," he said.
Jenny sat beside him on the hospital bed. "I called Priya. I've been trying your number for two days, but it didn't go through."
"You called Priya?" Patel blinked. "Wait—how did you even get my number?"
"She gave it to me. Why? You didn't think I'd care?"
"No! I just didn't think you'd… want to call."
Jenny smiled and touched his forehead. "Well, I did. And I'm glad you're okay."
Patel gave a sheepish grin. "Well… I feel much better now."
Just then, the door opened.
In walked Mira, holding a bag of snacks. She froze when she saw Jenny beside Patel.
Jenny?!
Her eyes flickered to Nattie, who gave her a shrug.
So she brought her here… great.
Mira swallowed her emotions, adjusted her face, and walked in coolly. "Hey, guys. Hope I'm not late to the party."
Nattie smirked. "Not at all. Patel missed you."
Mira rolled her eyes playfully. "Of course he did. I bring the best snacks."
Patel laughed. "You brought chips, didn't you?"
"And cookies!" Mira tossed the bag onto his side table.
Jenny turned. "Hi, Mira."
"Hi, Jenny," Mira said, flashing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Didn't know you'd be here."
"Yeah. Nattie brought me."
"Of course she did," Mira muttered under her breath.
They all chatted for a while. Mira was charming, but a little too controlled. Inside, she was spiraling.
I lied about the chocolate box. I told Patel she didn't call. If they talk too much… I'm screwed.
Trying to change the energy, Mira looked at Patel. "By the way, your parents want to see me. I'll be right back."
"I'll go with you," Nattie said.
As they left, Jenny and Patel were alone again.
Jenny sat closer. "So… how was three days without school?"
"Terribly boring," Patel replied. "No one to correct my grammar or roll their eyes at my jokes."
Jenny laughed. "That's tragic."
He smiled. "What happened in school anyway?"
Jenny leaned in, giving him the full gist of the Sasha confrontation, the fight, the prank, and Claire's dramatic antics. Patel listened, wide-eyed and laughing.
Meanwhile, not far from the ward, the Singhs were seated on a bench.
"There they are!" Mr. Singh waved as Mira and Nattie approached. "Come, sit. Join the old people!"
Mrs. Singh smiled. "Mira beta, Sunday is Mr. Singh's birthday! We're having a party . You must come."
"Oh wow, I'd love to," Mira said warmly.
"Bring Nattie too!" Mr. Singh added. "And maybe… that beautiful friend. What's her name? The goddess with curls?"
"Jenny," Nattie replied, laughing.
"She's stunning," Mrs. Singh said. "I bet birds sing when she walks by."
"Okay, Mum," Mira muttered, trying not to roll her eyes.
"She's very… fine," Mr. Singh added with a dramatic hand gesture. "If Patel doesn't marry her, I will."
Everyone burst into laughter except Mira, who clenched her fist.
Back in the ward,
Patel looked at Jenny. "Hey… um… you want to come to my dad's birthday dinner? This Sunday?"
Jenny blinked. "Really?"
"Yeah. I mean… if you want to."
Jenny smiled. "I'd love to."
They looked into each other's eyes and paused. For a long, awkward moment.
Then they both laughed.
"That was… weird," Patel said.
Jenny grinned. "Totally awkward."
And then they did it again. Looked at each other.
But this time, they didn't laugh.
They just smiled.