How Not To Fall For Your Nemesis

It was that time of the year in college. I had literally outdone myself to become the senior class president. No one dared drag it with me aside Jade Bennett. The school's golden boy and my nemesis. I walked down the class hallway, chin up, and the election was the latest news. “Who do you think will become senior class president?” “Annie Welsey, obviously. She's super smart, and a total boss.” A smile tucked on my lips. I had so many students ready to vote for me. If only they find out the truth about me, I'll be doomed. “Jade Bennett, duh. He’s mega-rich and the hottest guy in school. And he’ll be my boyfriend soon. Now get that camera out of my face.” My expression instantly changed. He has supporters too but I wasn't going to allow him to win this election. The election finally began. My heart thumped severally as I walked to the podium. Jade was already standing beside me, gaze on me. Why was he staring at me like that? I'm definitely going to win this. “From you, Mr. Jade. Tell us why you deserve to be class president." The teacher said, smiling slightly. Jade adjusted the collar of his shirt and began. "I deserve to be class president. I’m top of the class, I’m way more fun. A vote for me is a vote for a lit senior year.” Urgh, what is he saying? This doesn't make sense at all. I couldn't let him go further. I pointed my hand on him. “Top of what class? F-boy 101?” A loud laughter burst out, students amazed at what I had just said. Focusing fully on the students watching now, I cleared my throat. “In my time in student council, I got us shorter lunch lines, longer study halls, and a bigger activity budget. I also aced all my classes, while Lucas bought his way out of detention using mommy’s money.” He really thinks no one knew what he had done? I tilted my head and saw the way he gave me a death stare. I became tense but I wouldn't let it show. Before I could continue with my reasons, the teacher stepped forward. “Debates are over, and votes are in. Elite Prep senior class president is…” Everywhere became quiet. My heart pounded so hard I felt it in my throat. My palms turned cold and slick. I forgot how to breathe. My stomach dropped. My jaw clenched. A strange numbness crawled up my spine—like I was watching from outside my own body. I have to win this, I really do have to. Only that way would I earn more respect in college. “Annie Wesley." The teacher finally called out. Omggg! This is unbelievable. Stacy, my best friend, stood up from where she sat and jumped into my body. Relieve surging through me. "You did it. Annie.” Her voice was so loud, I could feel the whole excitement on her face. I nodded. The moment I tried walking away with her, I noticed Jade was still standing on the podium. “Stacy, I'll meet up with you. Alright?" She smiled, walking away. I glanced at Jade, gliding towards him. He hadn't expected that right? Such a spoiled brat. "Well, I won, fair and square. And you, Mr. Bennett, are now my VP. I can’t wait to order you around." Jade scoffed, the sound sharp and dismissive, as he closed the space between us with a slow, deliberate stride. He stood just short of his chest, tilting my chin up to hold his gaze. "Order me around?" He repeated, voice low and edged with amusement. "I’m not scared. I’m gonna be the best VP you’ve ever seen.” My eyes widened in shock at what he said. And why is he staring at me like that? Just then, my phone chimed. I stared at the screen and gasped. "Crap. I’m late.” In a swift motion, I grabbed my bag and left. I might be top of the class at my rich kid private school, but no one knows that secretly I’m... dirt poor. While the other girls are driving their BMWs to Bergdorf's after school, I'm busy buttering up disgusting creeps for tips. —---- I worked part time in a restaurant where I had to serve meals. I only did it to get enough money for my dad's surgery. Not like I had any other choice. "Welcome to the Lick-in Chick, would you like to try our finger-lickin' chicken entree today?” I asked, opening my palm in a warm gesture. He slipped out cash from his pocket. "Actually, I’d rather get a lick of you. You’re a pretty young thing, aren’t you? I’ve always liked them young.” My stomach lurched. Every word that came out of his mouth made my skin crawl. If I wasn't desperate to make money from this job, I would've emptied the tray over his smug face and told him exactly what kind of disgusting man he was. Instead, I forced my fingers to tighten around the tray until my knuckles turned white. I swallowed the anger burning in my throat and kept my face blank. Don't react. Don't lose your temper. It took every ounce of self-control I had not to glare at him. My heart pounded with rage, but all I managed was a stiff, professional smile that felt like it was carved into my face. "Is there anything else you need, sir?" I asked, my voice calm despite the storm raging inside me. “I need you bitch." He grabbed my arms, pushing me to the ground. My phone smashed on the floor. I slowly stood up, dusting off my skirt. "I'm sorry sir. I'm only here to do my job.” “You should be sorry. You’re no different from any other waitress here. So I don’t know why you’re acting so high and mighty.” I tried walking away from him but grabbed me again, trying to force his way on me. Just then, the door burst open. Before I could turn, a hand forcefully dragged the man away from me, pushing him onto the chair. I turned around. “Jade?” What was he doing here?