I sit in my bedroom before school…
Sipping a hot cup of tea…
And reading Quinn’s article:
Quinn’s Qorner — August 21, 1996.
Quinn’s Qorner
“Something Amiss at Northside High: People Speaking Truth.”
Quinn’s Qorner
The students at Northside have all suddenly become unbelievably…
Quinn’s Qorner
Your reporter investigates.
I smirk as I read Quinn’s absurd theory…
She thinks the water fountains have been spiked with a truth serum…
In some sort of government conspiracy!
A cold breeze comes in through my open window.
It’s surprisingly cold for an August morning.
I pull my cardigan closed and admire my drawing in the paper.
It’s a picture of Briar Fox…
Her lips as plump as a peach…
And her boobs as big as beach balls.
She’s standing on the bleachers…
Announcing her mortifying secret to the world…
And everyone around her is laughing.
My plan to take down Summer, step by step, is working.
She and Briar are no longer friends…
And Jay and I are talking again.
With the help of my magic locker…
I’m starting to unravel the secrets surrounding her…
And break down her support structure.
Soon, Summer will be utterly alone.
And then — when she’s at her lowest point—
I’m going to reveal her secret, too.
I know she’s hiding something deep inside.
I don’t know what it is yet.
But I’m going to find out.
And I’m going to destroy Summer Hart.
Just then, a sound outside my window has me looking up.
I race over, just in time to see Jay leaving for school.
I gather my things and rush downstairs.
My mom calls out as I run past the kitchen.
Mom
Aren’t you eating breakfast?
I run out of my house and shut my front door as loudly as possible…
And just like I hoped, Jay looks over.
He greets me with a wave and that lopsided smile…
And my heart starts racing.
I smooth out my dress as he walks over.
I smile as he takes me in.
I beam at the compliment.
I haven’t dressed up in years.
And the fact that he noticed has my insides doing a victory dance.
I try to keep my voice casual.
He gives me another once-over…
Then his eyes land on the notebook tucked under my arm.
His expression lights up.
His question makes me giddy.
I reach to grab my new notebook and flip to the first page.
Raina
I’m working on a new series.
He steps close to my side…
And his sudden nearness makes me swoon.
But I force my mind back on track as I point to my first drawing.
Raina
I’ve been practicing portraits.
Raina
Mostly just celebrities.
He leans over my shoulder to get a better look.
Jay
Doesn’t seem like you need practice.
Jay
These are incredible.
He whistles as he flips through my artwork.
Jay
I mean it, you’ve really improved over the years.
I turn to look up at him…
And memories color the air between us.
We used to spend hours together after school.
Both of us sprawled out in my pool house amid a pile of notebooks and pens.
Raina
Are you still writing rhymes?
A look of regret passes over his face.
He shoves his hands in his pockets and looks away.
I get the feeling he doesn’t want to say anything more about it…
But I’m so surprised by his answer…
Jay
Football keeps me pretty busy.
Raina
But…you loved poetry.
Raina
And you were so good at it!
Raina
You were going to move to Hollywood after college…
Raina
And write lyrics for rap songs!
Jay
You remember all that?
Raina
And I was going to join you there, remember?
Jay
And get a job in animation.
We meet each other’s eyes again.
The roar of an engine ruins the moment.
Jay and I both turn toward the street…
As a shiny red convertible pulls up to his house.
Jay takes a step away from me.
And it **** near crushes my heart.
Summer and Vivi step out of the car…
And make their way over to us.
Summer looks back and forth between Jay and me…
Before leveling me with a glare.
Summer
Well, isn’t this cute.
She glances at my notebook in Jay’s hands, a sinister smile on her face.
Summer
Showing Jay your special drawings, Raina?
Jay, oblivious, shows the girls my celebrity drawings.
Jay
Yeah, aren’t these great?
She takes a sip of her coffee, then licks her lips.
Vivi
Oh yeah. She’s quite the artiste.
Vivi
Jay, did you know she has an entire notebook full of—
Because I know what she’s going to say.
And it’s the last thing I want Jay to hear.
So I grab onto my courage with both hands…
Raina
— You two look a little short-handed this morning.
Vivi’s mouth clamps shut.
Then Summer steps forward, her eyes still trained on mine.
Summer
Briar is none of your concern.
Raina
What Jay and I talk about is none of YOUR concern.
Summer and Vivi sneer at me, but I can tell they’re surprised.
They’re not used to me defending myself.
Summer
What did you just say?
Summer
I don’t know who you think you are but—
Raina
You’re not welcome on my property, Summer.
Raina
Leave before I make you regret it.
Her face contorts with rage.
Summer
I’m not afraid of you, you little—
She makes a grab for me, but Jay steps between us.
I can’t help but notice his back is protectively toward me.
And judging by the look on her face…
She stares up at him, stunned.
Summer
Are you seriously defending her, Jay?!
Jay
You just tried to attack her!
Jay
What’s gotten into you?!
Jay tries to steer Summer away toward his lawn…
But she isn’t having any of it.
And I force myself not to flinch.
Jay holds her back at the last second…
Then I come up behind his shoulder, getting in her face.
Raina
I’m not afraid of you Summer!
Jay starts to drag Summer away…
Her face now as red as Vivi’s car.
Summer
Come find me later, Raina!
She turns her attention to Jay.
Until Vivi steps in front of me, blocking my view.
She’s dressed to the nines, as usual.
And bracelets up to her elbows.
The infamous bracelets her mom created…
That made her family rich.
And made her think she’s better than everyone else.
She takes a sip of coffee…
And her eyes dance with amusement.
She steps forward, eyeing my outfit.
She flicks her bracelet-lined wrist…
And her coffee goes flying.
It hits me right on the chest.
Vivi
Too bad it’s all wet!
Dark, warm liquid splatters all over me.
I splutter and cough, backing away.
But I can still make out her laughter.
She joins Summer and Jay…
And the three of them all drive off to school together.
I turn and run into my house…
Tears streaming down my face.
Mom
You want to eat upma?
Raina
I SAID I’M NOT HUNGRY!
I climb the stairs to my room…
And throw my books on the floor.
I stand there next to my bed…
Tears of humiliation streaming down my face.
My humiliation morphs into fury.
I change into jeans and a sweatshirt.
Then with shaking fingers…
And take out the magic pen.
Vivi is going to pay for that.
And walk straight past the cool kids’ lockers…
Not even sparing them a glance.
I head straight to my locker…
Ready to make my next move.
I open the door and am about to slip inside, when—
Quinn
Girrlll, your drawing was on point!
I turn around to see Quinn beaming at me.
I quickly stuff the pen back in my pocket…
And give her a high five.
Quinn
Oooh, girl. Those fingers are like ice!
I quickly put my hand back in my pocket.
Raina
So, the article got a good response?
Quinn
We had to print more!
Then she leans in and wiggles her eyebrows.
Quinn
And hopefully we’ll get more of the goods today.
Quinn
Let me know if you hear anyone blurt out anything juicy.
I just nod as Quinn walks away.
There will definitely be more of the goods…
I pause with one foot in my locker.
Jay looks down at it, then back up to me.
Jay
Hanging out in your locker again?
Then step back, closing the door.
Jay
I just wanted to say I’m sorry about this morning.
Jay
Summer and Vivi were totally out of line and—
Raina
— You don’t have to apologize for them.
Jay
I feel like it’s my fault.
Raina
Are you saying we can’t be friends now?
Jay
No! Of course we can.
Jay
Summer doesn’t decide who my friends are.
Jay
I told her that this morning.
I don’t know how to respond to that.
Raina
You deserve better.
He looks up, his eyes meeting mine.
Then he scans my face, and sighs.
Jay
She’s not normally like that.
Jay
I guess she was just a little jealous.
Raina
She tried to attack me.
Jay
Her friends get her going sometimes, that’s all.
I shake my head, feeling sick to my stomach.
Summer clearly still has him under her spell.
Raina
Do you really believe that, Jay?
He shrugs, and looks down.
Jay
Anyway, you coming to the game tomorrow night?
Jay
It’s the first game of the year!
Raina
No offense, but I’m not really a football fan.
Raina
I do hope you guys win, though.
Raina
You’ll have the entire stadium cheering you on…
Raina
You don’t need me there.
His expression turns serious…
And his gaze moves between my eyes.
Jay
But I WANT you there.
My god, those words from his lips.
I sway toward him, as if drawn by a magnet.
Something sparks in the air between us…
And I swear, there’s a hint of longing in his eyes—
Mr. Armstrong
I’d like a word.
His gaze snaps up to his father’s…
And I instantly take a step back.
The principal’s eyes flick to mine, but just barely.
Mr. Armstrong
No, it can’t.
Mr. Armstrong
And for god’s sake, tuck in that jersey.
Mr. Armstrong
We can’t have the quarterback walking around looking so slovenly.
But Jay just sighs, then adjusts his jersey.
He gives me a tight smile before following his father.
Jay
I’ll catch up with you later.
Mr. Armstrong has always been a hard-***.
Criticizing Jay for every little thing.
He and Jay used to fight all the time when we were younger.
Well, when Mr. Armstrong was home.
He was always busy, working late nights…
And then yelling at Jay in the mornings for not being perfect.
Apparently, not much has changed over the years.
They disappear around the corner…
And I look around, realizing the halls have emptied.
I step into my locker and close the door.
And the coolness calms my nerves.
I run my hand along all the names and initials…
And look at the pen in my hands.
Who had this pen before me?
What secrets were revealed?
A cold wind sweeps through the locker…
And I shiver, pulling the hood of my sweatshirt onto my head.
I take the cap off my pen…
And write the name of my next victim.
I avoid Vivi for the first half of the day.
I’m going to wait until lunchtime…
When the whole school is around.
I enter the cafeteria just as the lunch bell rings.
The popular kids’ table is in the middle of the room…
And I make a beeline for it.
Vivi is already there, sitting with Summer, Peter, and Marcus.
I take in her long, shiny black hair, her designer clothes…
And my anger from this morning returns.
But it’s quickly overpowered by a sense of anticipation.
I can’t wait to witness her downfall.
A smile creeps onto my face, as I wonder…
What will the magic locker unearth about this rich *****?
Whatever it is, I know it’ll be good.
My steps slow as I approach the table.
She’s laughing at something…
But she senses me there and looks up.
As her eyes lock with mine.
She goes stiff and shoots up out of her seat.
Summer
Viv? What are you doing?
A cold wind sweeps by us.
Her mouth contorts strangely…
Vivi
I was so poor growing up, I used to dumpster dive for dinner with my mom!
The cafeteria falls silent…
And I feel my own eyes widen.
Vivi used to be…dirt poor?!
Summer stares at her as if confused…
Marcus and Peter look at each other…
Clearly unsure of what to say.
The table next to theirs starts whispering…
Those whispers spread throughout the cafeteria.
Vivi watches it happen, aghast.
Everyone is staring at her.
Murmuring in hushed tones…
Pity marring their faces.
Undiluted power courses through me in waves.
This is going to crush her.
Admitting she was poor in front of the whole school?
This has got to be Vivi’s worst nightmare come to life!
But as soon as that thought enters my mind…
I watch as she gets to her feet…
And climbs onto the table in her stiletto heels.
She puts two fingers in her mouth…
And lets loose an ear-piercing whistle.
Vivi
Everybody, shut the **** up!
The cafeteria falls silent again.
She slams her hands onto her hips…
And glares down at everyone.
Vivi
So what if I used to be poor?!
Vivi
Having no money made me the person I am today…
Vivi
And I’m not ashamed of it.
Vivi
Besides, thanks to my mom’s bracelets…
Vivi
I now have more money than all you scrubs combined!
She flips her hair over her shoulder and flips everyone the bird.
Vivi
So you can all kiss my rich ***!
Someone starts a slow clap…
And pretty soon, the whole cafeteria is on their feet…
It’s not supposed to happen like this!
She’s supposed to be humiliated!
Vivi soaks up the applause.
Bowing and blowing air kisses.
And all I can do is stand there watching…
Disappointment churning like acid in my stomach.
The lunch aid comes hurrying over and shoos Vivi off the table.
She steps down gracefully…
Right into Summer’s waiting arms.
The two girls hug each other…
And my stomach sinks further.
I look off to the left and see Jay.
He’s standing in the middle of the aisle…
He looks at Vivi, then at me…
I need to get out of here.
Away from yet another failure.
I pace in front of my locker.
I knew Vivi might not go down as easily…
But apparently, I underestimated her.
The locker underestimated her.
I seethe, fists clenched at my sides.
I can’t just let Vivi win.
I look around, noting the hallway is empty—
— Everyone is still at lunch—
So I open my locker and shut myself inside.
The names written on the wall come to life…
But now it feels like a mockery.
I run my eyes over all the glowing letters again…
And my eyes land on the initials I wrote on that first day.
I reach out to trace the heart I drew around it…
But my finger suddenly pauses…
I notice hearts drawn around some of the other names written on the locker wall…
And I read the line from Eleanor’s poem again:
“With heart enclosed a heart’s desires tells.”
Was that because I drew a heart around the initials?
If I draw a heart around it…
Will she be forced to reveal a romantic secret, too?
After all, what have I got to lose?
I take the cap off my pen…
And draw a heart around Vivi Baez.
I race into science class right before the bell.
I spot Vivi sitting with Summer and Jay.
I walk over to my desk and make a point to sit down loudly.
I smile sweetly and wave…
And the bell rings just in time.
Vivi’s eyes lock with mine again.
A cold breeze brushes my neck…
Her mouth contorts strangely.
Vivi turns her head eerily and looks at Jay.
Vivi
Jay, I slipped nude photos of myself into your locker last month…
Vivi
So you would fantasize about me at night.
My hand shoots up to cover my mouth.
Peter, Marcus, and the rest of the class immediately start catcalling.
Peter
Woooo — Jay, you lucky *******!
Peter
Please tell me you still have them!
Our teacher slams a hand on his desk.
Mr. Parker
Ms. Baez, save your personal business for after class!
His back is ramrod straight, leaning away from Vivi…
And his cheeks are turning beet red.
A strangled growl has my head twisting to the right.
Vivi turns to her, shaking her head.
Summer gets out of her seat so fast…
Her chair falls over with a clatter.
Summer
You gave my boyfriend NUDES?!
Summer
IS THIS TRUE, JAY?!
Mr. Parker
Ms. Hart! Sit down!
Jay
The head was cut off — I didn’t know who it was!
Jay
I swear I threw them out as soon as I found them!
My hand is still covering my mouth.
But now, it’s to hide a smile.
Summer looks like she wants to rip Vivi’s throat out.
And her hands are shaking with rage.
Summer
Why would you do that?!
Summer
I’ve seen the way you look at him!
Summer
You’ve always had a thing for Jay!
Mr. Parker
There will be no fighting in this class!
I can see Vivi visibly trying to regain her composure.
I’ve never seen her so rattled!
And her voice is gravelly…
…But she doesn’t deny Summer’s claim.
Jay reaches a hand out toward her.
Jay
She’s right, take a deep breath—
Summer steps back from him…
Summer
Of course you’d side with her!
Summer
You’ve been going against ME all day!
Summer
I don’t want to hear it!
Summer
I hope you two will be very happy together!
Summer slaps Vivi and runs out of the room.
Mr. Parker
MS. HART — YOU’RE TRUANT!
His glasses are crooked on his red face.
Mr. Parker
I’ve had it with all of you!
Mr. Parker
The next person who opens their mouth is going straight to see Mr. Armstrong!
Vivi holds her cheek in shock…
Then flops onto the desk, her head in her hands.
Quickly gets up to find another seat.
I sit there quietly, looking straight ahead.
But inside, I’m vibrating with energy.
No way Summer is going to forgive Vivi after this!
What a whopper of a secret!
Quinn gets my attention from the back of the room.
She squeals soundlessly with delight…
Then I catch sight of Jay.
He’s slouched in his chair…
And guilt starts to creep in.
I hate that he was involved.
That I embarrassed him, too.
But it needed to be done.
It will all be worth it in the end.
I’m still feeling a little guilty after class…
So I walk up to Jay and put a hand on his desk.
Then looks up at me with a sad smile.
Jay
Yeah, I’m fine, thanks.
Jay
Just seems like it’s one thing after another today.
He gets up and starts gathering his books.
I think he’s going to just walk away…
But then he turns to me, shaking his head.
He rubs a hand over his face.
Jay
I’m starting to wonder if that Quinn’s Qorner stuff is true.
Jay
Maybe there really is a truth serum.
Jay
Everyone is really honest all of a sudden.
I shrug, trying to be nonchalant…
But my throat feels parched.
Raina
Maybe that’s a good thing.
Then backs out of the room.
I can’t believe I’m doing this.
And crane my neck to get a full view of the giant stadium towering above.
I’m actually at a Northside High football game.
I debated all day whether or not to go.
But then I remembered the vacant look on Jay’s face after class yesterday…
And the words he said to me earlier:
And I’m just about to start walking to the field…
When I hear someone call my name.
I turn and she’s there, just a few feet behind me.
Her hair is falling out of her ponytail…
That fact gives me a rush of pleasure.
Summer
Since when do you care about football?
My lips curve into a smug smile.
Raina
Since the quarterback asked me to come watch him play.
I let the words settle between us.
Summer
Stay away from Jay!
Raina
If I didn’t know any better…
Raina
I’d think you were threatened by me.
Raina
What’s wrong, Summer?
Raina
Can’t think of anything mean to say?
Raina
Guess it’s hard to be so clever when you’re all alone.
There’s a flash of emotion on her face…
But it’s quickly replaced by hatred.
Summer
Stop trying to steal him from me, you *****!
Raina
I think you have things backwards…
Raina
You stole him from ME.
But I cut her off before she can speak.
I can feel the heat rising up my neck.
I do my best to hide the pain in my eyes…
But I know I don’t do a very good job.
Raina
That I was in love with him.
I fight back tears, as years of pent-up anger boil inside me.
Raina
You were my best friend…
Her expression changes suddenly…
A look of sadness passes across her face…
And for a moment, I see the old Summer.
The girl who used to braid my hair.
The girl who would sleep over at my house every weekend…
And stay up late with me whispering secrets in the dark.
But just like that, it’s gone.
Her upper lip curls into a snarl…
Summer
As your former best friend…
Summer
Let me give you a word of advice.
She comes in close, and pokes a finger at my chest.
Summer
Don’t try and play me…
Summer
Because if you do, you’ll lose.
She shoves me in the chest.
Summer
Stay AWAY from my man.
She spits at my feet, and walks away.
I stand there staring at her back…
My face burning with rage.
I breathe heavily, trying to calm myself…
She has absolutely no remorse for what she did to me!
Apparently, I never mattered to her at all.
Unwittingly, my hand slides into my pocket.
The coolness of the pen seeps through my fingers…
A cold wind sweeps by me.
And I take a deep breath.
I tighten the grip around my pen…
I won’t rest until Summer Hart is taken down.
The stadium crowd erupts in a cheer.
And the drum line starts to play.
I walk up to the fence that borders the stadium…
And see Jay on the inside, about to run onto the field.
He turns his head in my direction…
And even though he’s wearing a helmet…
I know he’s looking at me.
Time slows down as tension crackles and grows taut between us.
Even through all that distance.
He starts running backward…
He points at me in recognition.
I don’t even try to hide my smile.
