The Duck That Bit Back

Kenneth started acting like he was totally into me. He'd show up every morning to walk me to class, sit with me at lunch, and drag me out for evening strolls.

With my foot injured, running Sherry's errands was out. She couldn't stand the dorm turning into a ghost town around her, so she packed up and moved off campus.

People started buying the whole "Alyssa and Kenneth" act.

I'd blush every time he got close, hand him little DIY gifts, and share snacks I snagged from my part-time gigs.

I'd text him 'good morning' and 'good night', dropping updates about my day—even when he ghosted me.

I ditched the clunky glasses, let my hair grow out, and swapped my wardrobe for something simple but cute. By the time I caught my reflection, I didn't totally hate what I saw.

And Kenneth? Yeah, something shifted.

He'd lean in way too close just to see me turn red and steal kisses on rainy days, hiding under the umbrella.

We looked like a real couple—almost.

It all went down the night Sherry stumbled into my dorm, totally wasted, and knocked over the cream soup I'd been sipping.

I jumped back fast, but she still managed to scald her wrist. Even though she shook it off right away, a red mark was already forming.

Her teeth clenched as she glared at me. "I thought you were my friend, but you went and seduced Kenneth. Aren't you shameless?"

I blinked at her with my best 'who, me?' face. "Seduced? Were you two even a thing?"

That shut her up. Her mouth snapped closed.

Her hand shook as she pointed at me, practically spitting, "Just wait. Do you really think Kenneth likes you? He's just playing you."

Funny, since I was playing him, too. I'd already gotten what I needed. Breaking up wouldn't exactly ruin my life.

...

Kenneth cornered me, just like he had in my past life. Same old script, same smug audience. He dragged me into a private room at the nightclub, packed with their little clique, all ready for the show.

"Apologize," he demanded. "Have some sense. Sherry's never been hurt before. She got burned because of you."

Sherry crossed her arms, oozing smugness. "Hmph! Apologize? Please. I wouldn't dare. She's YOUR girlfriend, remember?"

Kenneth sighed, like he was humoring a child. "Why so jealous? You're the one who introduced us."

Sherry sneered. She gestured to a line of shot glasses on the table. "If she's really sorry, drink all of these. Maybe then I'll forgive her."

Kenneth didn't even hesitate. He grabbed one glass and handed it to me. "A whole row's overkill. Just one."

I took the glass, but instead of drinking, I tipped it over, watching the liquid hit the floor. "I'm not drinking a single drop."

In my last life, no matter how much I explained, all I got was ridicule. Truth didn't mean a thing. All they cared about was tearing me down, making sure I stayed the ugly duckling who dared to reach above her station.

Back then, I drank every shot, choked on the burn, and still ended up puking in front of everyone. Sherry pinched her nose like I was trash, and Kenneth? He had me tossed out like one.

Not this time.

I set the empty glass back down with a loud clatter, staring Sherry down. "You got burned because you spilled my soup. That's on you."

Sherry shot to her feet, pointing at me with fury. "What did you just say? That's on me? Finally showing your true colors, huh? I knew you were a manipulative little snake!

"If you don't drink and apologize right now, I'll have you kicked out of school by tomorrow!"

Kenneth frowned, shaking his head like I was the difficult one. "Alyssa, I told you—just apologize. Why make it worse for yourself?"

I smirked. "I didn't do anything wrong. I'm not apologizing."

Kenneth's eyes narrowed. He grabbed my wrist, his grip firm, his voice low and threatening. "And what if I insist?"

I gritted my teeth and yanked my hand free.

"Then let's break up."