I spot her walking up to my locker and I feel myself flinch, which angers me.

I hate myself for letting her scare me, for letting her torment me however she pleases.

Then stand up for yourself, my mind quips.

Pfft, yeah right, I respond. The whole school is against me and for her. Not gonna happen.

Then it will lead to your own downfall. No help will come to you. 

I sigh.

As much as I hate to admit it, my brain is right. Only I can stop the torments, or at least, try.

Papers shaking around in my face pulls me out of my brooding.

I blink and shiver a little when I realize it is my bully, Erica Roden.

"Here," she says, handing me the papers. "Do my math homework, but don't do it too well. Do enough so that it is... a B minus."

She seems to think it over for a moment before muttering, "Yes, that'll work."

"Why not an A?" I can't help but ask.

Where did that bravery come from and where has it been for the past two years?!

Her right eyebrow raises, but nonetheless, she answers my question.

"If I get an A, it will look suspicious. I'm all right at math, just not A good. I just need you to do the work now because I have things.. going on. Once quizzes and tests roll around though, I will study with you."

What?! I think to myself. 

My face must have shown my exasperation, for she let out a small chuckle.

"I mean, i can't cheat off of you in class with a quiz or test, so I need to be able to learn the material and whatnot to pass the tests. So, to ensure that I pass, I will study with you, so be ready for that."

I nod, surprised, and shuffle the papers a little in my hands. 

What on earth is happening right now? Is this real? Brain, is this a trick?

Nay, if it be, it is a trick to me as well, my brain informs me.

"Weird huh?" 

Erica's voice cuts into my thoughts, so I stop my conversation with my brain to listen.

She lets out a small, dry chuckle.

"You're the smart girl with the big brain that is going to go places, yet.. nobody likes you. And me? I am the apparent pretty girl with birds for brains who is honestly dumb as hell, yet everyone is jealous of me. Crazy right?"

I am shocked into silence, so I do not reply.

Jealous? Of me? 

I just can't wrap my head around it!

How could she be jealous as I? Surely she isn't as stupid as she says, is she? I've seen her tests when I passed the class set out for the teacher and she gets pretty high marks.

What is she hiding?

After a few moments, Erica awkwardly coughs and says, "Well that's enough of me spouting my jealousy out at you." 

She shoots me a small smile, then walks away.

"Remember Davey, B minus!" she calls over her shoulder, before disappearing down the hall.