Chapter 2

The next day, Janey was slightly psyched for school. She couldn’t wait to experience the Annual Foreign Exchange Disaster, as she had named it. She even got a little spirited for it: she wore a green polo shirt and walked into class late whistling “O Danny Boy” for Corey’s benefit.

The twins were easy to spot, red-headed and slightly bewildered, surrounded by excited high school senior girls towards the back of the classroom. Which, unfortunately, was where Janey’s seat was located. She took a spot in the front row, studiously ignoring Ms. Water’s inquiring gaze. The class remained silent for a few more seconds. Janey sighed, and met Ms. Water’s eyes.

“Ms. Water, I distinctly remember deciding to come to school because it is a place of education, and I desperately want to learn about Jane Austen’s fabulous career as a female author. I find it inspiring. Please continue the lesson.”

A few students tittered. Ms. Water narrowed her eyes and turned back to the chalkboard.

After class, Janey was asked to stay behind.

Ms. Water smoothed a lock of blonde hair behind her ear and fixed Janey a piercing, understanding look that made Janey want to vomit. “I don’t wish to be intrusive. I just want to know what’s going on.”

Janey shrugged. “I hate Jane Austen. I think it’s an insult to our gender that we still have to read her crap.”

Ms. Water sighed. “Okay, I can understand that. Janey, is there anything going on at home that you want to tell me about?”

“Well, I’ve heard rumors than I’m going to be throwing a boss party at my place this weekend, but nothing else comes to mind.” Janey shrugged again. “No offense, but you’re not invited.”

“I passed back some papers yesterday,” said Ms. Water. “Here are yours. Your essay was very impressive, Janey. I just wish you could show enthusiasm like that in class too.”

Janey raised an eyebrow. “Is this the Hamlet essay? I totally bitched out Shakespeare for writing an emo Livejournal blogger before his time. Is that what you want in your class everyday? My bitching out authors for sucking?”

“Okay, so you…”bitched him out”. But you did it well. Some of your classmates barely grasped enough of the theme to write a butt-kisser essay for me.” Ms. Water smiled wryly. “I’m not interested in butt-kissers. I’m interested in original thought. You’ve got a lot of that. I wish you could just bring it more. And come to class. That would help a great deal as well.”

Passing period was nearly over, and Janey realized she would be late for Statistics as well. She slunk into the classroom with a little more humility and managed to snag her seat in the back before it filled up with another fangirl for Ireland.

During the free time they were given to “work on their homework”, Taylor leaned over and brushed her dark hair over Janey’s book. “Janey,” she hissed, smiling widely. “Okay, so don’t kill me, but could you---“

“Offer up my house to be trashed by the future of America and their new Irish brethren?” Janey finished coldly. When Taylor’s smile faltered, Janey smirked and winked at her. “Of course I could.”

Taylor squeezed her arm. “You’re the best. Have I ever told you that you’re the best?”

Every time you need a hookup, sweetie, thought Janey. Every time.