Chapter 3

3

I was completely dumbfounded.

This was what I had just written, and hadn't even finished.

I hadn't shown it to anyone!

How did Tiffany know about it?

Did my computer have a virus?

I checked for viruses, but there was nothing there.

I started to doubt myself.

Would she always beat me to the punch, no matter what research I was doing?

Would I be her puppet forever?

It was even worse to see that people were commenting on the post and using my name.

["That plagiarizer should die! Does she not have a brain of her own?"]

["Tiffany, are you talking about Wendy? I saw her drafts at the library, and it's exactly the same!"]

["She's top of the class, she doesn't need to copy other people. Think, man!"]

The comments went crazy.

I was glad I hadn't submitted my paper this time. I didn't want to go through the same internet hate again.

After I gathered my things, I was about to head down to grab some food when Jake called.

"Wendy, where are you? I've been calling you!"

Jake's impatient voice came over the phone.

I opened my mouth to answer, but then I heard Tiffany giggle.

"Girlfriend! Jake is celebrating my new publication. He's taking us out to dinner! Hurry up and come down!"

Tiffany's voice was so cute. It reminded me of the internet hate, and I fought back the anger that was welling up inside of me. I wasn't sure what was going on yet, so I couldn't let them know I knew their game.

"You guys go on without me," I said. "I still have some work to do in the lab."

Before I could finish, Jake was already yelling at me.

"Wendy, what are you being so dramatic about? You're about to graduate. What could you possibly have to do in the lab?"

"It's just dinner! Tiffany is making a big deal out of this. Don't be rude!"

I really didn't want to look at his fake face.

But my confusion and uneasiness made me say yes.

"Fine, I'll come."

I tried to push back my anger and went to change my clothes before going downstairs.

Jake looked impatient when he saw me.

"You're so slow! What were you doing up there?"

I ignored him, but then Tiffany grabbed my arm.

"Don't get the wrong idea! We're just going with the whole team! And when you come, it'll make Jake look good too!"

I nodded. I couldn't get the whole paper thing out of my head. So I just followed them to the restaurant.

As soon as we got in, everyone was all over Tiffany, showering her with compliments.

"You're amazing, Tiffany! All of our team's success is thanks to you!"

"You make these hard problems look easy. Your parents must have some awesome DNA!"

"When will I ever be as smart as you, Tiffany?"

They left me in a corner seat, ignored.

"Everyone is celebrating, but you're moping around! What's with that?"

Jake glared at me from across the table.

"Why aren't you socializing like the rest of us? Why don't you try to be like Tiffany? So boring."

I almost choked.

Wait, you called me to dinner, but now you're saying I'm too quiet?

"Alright, Jake, don't say things like that to your girl, or she's gonna leave you!"

Someone was whispering.

"Wait, girlfriend? I thought Jake and Tiffany were... Wow, she looks so basic!"

I snapped my head up. And the table went silent.

Fine, you want me to talk, so I will. You'll regret it.

"Tiffany, I'm so sorry, I'm just a nerd."

I looked at her with puppy-dog eyes.

"That research you posted on your feed is so interesting! I'm completely hooked. Could you tell me where you're going with it?"