Different Worlds

Chapter 2: Messages with the Queen

Jessica lounged on her bed, absently scrolling through her phone as the soft glow of fairy lights illuminated her room. Brad's latest message flashed on her screen, predictably as dull as ever:
Brad: "Yo babe, party at Mike's tomorrow night. 8 PM. You're coming, right?"
She sighed, her perfectly manicured nails tapping rhythmically against the screen. Brad always had the same agenda: parties, showing off, and making sure everyone in a room knew he was the biggest guy around. It worked well enough for Jessica—it was easy to stay queen when the king had a loud enough roar. But tonight, she wasn't in the mood for Brad's ego.
Jessica: "Maybe. I might have better plans."
It wasn't true, of course. She had no plans beyond ignoring her homework and scrolling through the college's new social app, where she could silently judge profiles or occasionally flirt with random guys just to pass the time.
Her phone buzzed again.
Brad: "Better plans? Nah, babe, there's nothing better than me. You know it."
Jessica rolled her eyes so hard she thought they might stick that way.
"Idiot," she muttered to herself, tossing her phone to the side.
After a few minutes of scrolling aimlessly, Jessica's thumb froze on a familiar face. It was Tommy—the awkward nerd she'd teased in the hallway earlier that week. His profile picture showed him smiling shyly, standing in front of what looked like a gaming convention banner.
Jessica's lip curled into a smirk. She couldn't help herself.
Jessica: "Well, well, look who's on here. Surprised they let nerds like you into the app."
She didn't expect an answer. What kind of guy like Tommy would have the guts to respond to her? But to her surprise, her phone buzzed almost immediately.
Tommy: "What can I say? Nerds like me are full of surprises."
Her eyebrows shot up. Bold, for someone like him.
Jessica: "Cute. What are you doing here? Looking for someone to explain quantum physics to?"
Tommy: "Actually, I'm just trying to make friends. But if you want to talk quantum physics, I'm game."
Jessica bit back a laugh. Most guys tripped over themselves trying to impress her, but Tommy didn't seem fazed. He wasn't groveling—he wasn't even intimidated.
Jessica: "Friends, huh? Well, lucky for you, I'm feeling charitable. Maybe I'll let you tag along as my personal nerd."
Tommy: "Personal nerd? Is that what you call all the guys you're secretly impressed by?"
She snorted, though she wouldn't admit he'd caught her off guard.
Jessica: "Don't flatter yourself, loser. You're just entertaining."
Despite her words, she kept messaging him. What started as playful teasing stretched into a full conversation. Jessica found herself asking about his classes, his hobbies, even the odd sci-fi shows he kept referencing. She didn't care about the answers, of course—or so she told herself.