Part 2Bidding on My Homework

I successfully took my place in the classroom.

The noisy chatter of the rich kids paused, and they all examined me with curious eyes.

"What is she wearing? Why are there holes in it? Did Louis Vuitton release a new 'war-torn' collection?"

"Why not Chanel?"

"The fabric is actually holding together despite being so worn. It can't be a designer brand. Only cheap flea market clothes have that kind of durability."

"Oh, you know so much about it. Have you worn them?"

"How dare you accuse me of wearing flea market trash! You're dead! I'll have my dad pull his investments from your family's company tomorrow..."

Two rich kids started brawling on the floor.

I kept my composure, walked past them, and headed to my seat.

It was located in the back corner of the classroom, right next to the trash can.

I blocked out all the gossip and whispers.

No matter how nasty their words were, I had heard worse from my own parents. What did the mockery of a bunch of spoiled rich kids matter?

Now, I had a place to study and the right to take my college entrance exams.

No one in the class bullied me.

During passing periods, a pretty girl even ran over to my desk, looking at me like I was a novelty.

Then she asked curiously:

"Chloe, why are you wearing such torn clothes? Do you not like this season's haute couture?"

"Is it possible that I just can't afford haute couture?"

"Why can't you afford it? Did your parents cut off your allowance? You can still draw from your trust fund, right?"

I sighed softly.

What's a trust fund?

Serena rested her chin on her hands and looked at me:

"How did you get to school today?"

"I walked. I woke up really early."

"Why didn't you have your driver take you?"

"I don't have a car or a driver."

"Why didn't you ride your motorcycle?"

"I don't have a motorcycle either."

"Oh, I get it. You only like taking helicopters, and your helicopter broke down this morning, so you couldn't fly it, right?"

I hid my face behind my book.

Never mind, there was no way to explain it to her.