Student Drama

Date: September 20

Hazel was wrong. Teacher drama was not the worst kind of drama. Legal drama was the worst kind of drama. When Piper returned to class for the English project, her eyes were puffy and it was clear she had been crying.

Hazel was nervous about her presentation, but it went well. Frank spoke confidently; it was clear that he had been practicing. In fact, all of the presentations went smoothly, though Reyna and Jason looked as if they were being asked bath together. When Nico and Will argued that Achilles loved Patroclus, Hazel saw Mr. Blofis nod approving.

When lunch finally came, Hazel followed Piper to her locker as the girl fetched her lunch. She was worried about her. Piper grabbed her lunch and headed to the bathroom. Hazel followed her.

"Piper!" someone said.

"Ignore them," Hazel said, but Piper turned around.

It was Jason. He looked nearly as bad as Piper. His eyes were red and his hair was messy.

"Piper, I'm sorry," he said.

"Was it you?" Piper said. "Did you?—"

"No, I'm sorry that I — I was drunk and I wanted to forget," Jason said.

"I know that," Piper said. "I just wanted to be the girl you noticed for once. Well, that was a huge mistake. Now everyone notices me and for the wrong reason."

"Whoever did it will pay," Jason swore.

"But have I not already paid more than they ever will?" Piper said. "My reputation is trash now. You saw what was written on my locker! I'm not a good girl; I'm just a—"

"Piper, don't say it!" Hazel squeaked.

"Piper, you are a great girl," Jason said. "You are kind. Besides, you didn't do anything that most of the girls at school have not already done. The only difference is that someone recorded us."

"Well, that's a very big difference," Piper said.

"To others," Jason conceded, "but not to me and it shouldn't to you."

"Leave me alone, Jason," Piper said.

He turned away. Hazel followed Piper to the bathroom.

"Ugh, I keep getting texts from boys," Piper complained. "I don't know why they think I'll send them photos."

"Is Jason doing that or Frank?" Hazel asked.

"No, Jason is being too sweet, " Piper said. "We only slept together."

To Hazel, that seemed very intimate. Piper noticed Hazel's wide eyes and quickly said, "I've liked him for a long time, but he had a girlfriend. He seemed lonely at the party and I wanted to cheer him up. He seemed to like it, but I doubt he sees me as anything other than a pretty face. I'm a girl that guys sleep with instead of date."

Hazel was suddenly glad she had broken up with Jacob.

"I'm sorry, Hazel," Piper said. "You can eat with your friends if you want to."

"You're my friend," Hazel said, "and right now I want to eat with you."

Piper smiled slightly, but she only ate half of her peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Her phone kept buzzing the entire time. Hazel sighed. Why couldn't life be simpler?