The Graduating Class of '09 (Class of '09 x Male Reader Insert)

Bonus Chapter 8 - 'The Lake of Rage'

[Civics Classroom]

Jecka lounged with her unpredictable friend, Nicole Peterson, in the deserted civics classroom. The two were engrossed in their smoke-filled ritual, the air thick with the scent of rebellion. While the prepster and the emo took turns inhaling, Nicole released a stream of gray smoke into the room, her eyes meeting Jecka's with a knowing, detached stare.

Nicole: "How do they enforce no smoking when there's no smoke alarm in here?"

Jecka: "Yeah I was afraid the sprinkler would go off when I flicked the lighter but I guess it's broken." Jecka exhaled a cloud of smoke, letting it drift teasingly into Nicole's face. Nicole narrowed her eyes and winced as the smoky tendrils stung them, an amused smirk hinting at the corners of her lips.

Nicole: "That's cool." She retaliated with a puff of her own. Jecka loosely placed her cigarette between her index finger and middle finger, chuckling. "Yeah we don't need that anyway." Nicole finished.

Jecka: "If the nerds catch on fire in chemistry they'll just burn to a crisp of unwashed hair and Skechers."

Nicole: "Or the Tony Hawk shoes if they think Xbox is a personality trait." Nicole took another whiff and exhaled, the puffy smoke flying to the ceiling. "So glad (Y/N) isn't here. He would be freaking out over us both smoking."

Jecka: "For once, I agree with you." She inserted the cigarette back into her mouth. "Sometimes, I need the time to unwind without some random comment every now and then."

Nicole: "So like is he your toy or something?"

Jecka raised an eyebrow, "You think I play with him when he could bend me like a twizzler?"

Nicole: "Assuming so, yeah. It's obvious he's desperate to be with you."

Jecka took a slow drag, releasing the smoke in a steady breath. "I doubt it. If he was that desperate, he would've asked me out last year," she said, her voice tinged with a hint of melancholy. Her gaze softened as her expression turned somber. "He's probably just too afraid of saying the wrong thing and upsetting me."

Nicole frowned at her friend's sensitivity. "Dude there are like many other guys out there. Is he really that good for you keep around?"

Jecka protested, "He's my childhood friend, Nicole! I can't just toss him aside like any other guy." She let out a heavy sigh, knowing an emotionally detached girl like Nicole probably wouldn't get it.

Nicole: "Why not?"

Jecka snapped, "Because he's been there for me longer and more than my parents ever have! Plus he's the most normal guy in this entire school."

Nicole smirked, "Aw, poor you." She cooed. "If your eyes start sweating, just remember—no emotional support unit needed. Bitch, stand on your own two feet without him."

Jecka shot back, "I can stand on my own, thank you very much! Honestly, Nicole, you're the last person I'd go to for decent advice."

Nicole: "You were looking for advice from a sociopath?" Nicole rolled her eyes. 

Jecka: "I wonder what the christian rock of cigarettes is."

Nicole: "Marlboro Ultra Lights."

Jecka: "Yeah those are for when you're pregnant, right?"

Nicole: "No, suicide's for when you're pregnant."

Jecka: "You're right. But what's the anti-Christ of cigarettes?"

Nicole: "Maybe cloves."

Jecka: "Goth girl certified. I heard they get rid of gag reflex."

Nicole: "Yeah, I read that on MySpace too."