Looking back it seemed the right thing to do with no other options, but now it was just stupid. Bridget had only wanted to get a good grade, and with all of her other work and studying to do, she had been overwhelmed. So when David Hanson told her that the physics test that she’d been cramming for was hard, she quickly went into a frenzy. In the middle of her freaking out, he calmly put a hand on her shoulder and said he could help. Apparently, since his class had finished in time, the teacher went over the answers with them. And, he had written them all down.
Now, she knew, she was screwed. Because the Evans’ knew. They knew she got ‘help’ from David. And if they knew, the whole school would. But, surprisingly, nobody had come up to her yet, or did anything yet. It was kind of ironic that when she’d found out her doom, she’d been in the library, studying. If she had been their earlier, none of this would’ve happened. If she’d just gone to the library, instead of falling asleep on the couch, everything would be fine.
Bridget had her nose and head buried in her books when someone cleared their throat. Instinctively, she looked up. And there was April Evans. She had a nasty smirk on her face.
“Hey,” April said this casually. This got Bridget’s attention, because there is nothing casual about April Evans.
“Hi.”
“So. What’re you studying? Science, history, math...physics?”, April gave a little laugh with that last dreaded word.
“What do you want?” Bridget stared.
“I just came to see if you needed help. You know, you have a lot of work. I wouldn’t want you to feel like you couldn’t handle it.”
“Nope! I’m fine.” Bridget smiled.
“Oh, good, good. People resort to things that they normally wouldn’t if they were in a clear state of mind. They do things, bad things. Not that you would know.” April smiled. “You’ve always been amazing at handling the pressure.”
As soon as the word physics had come floating out of April’s perfect mouth, Bridget had known the reason for this ‘friendly’ little visit. And April was making it abundantly clear. She had found out somehow, from someone.
“Would you just say it? What do you want?” Bridget clenched her teeth.
“If you insist. But, then again, I wouldn’t trust your judgement. Especially when it comes to school. You know what I mean, if you have a test.”
Bridget just wanted to get this over with. “Would you say it? Just say it.”
“Why? Why did you? This could ruin your grade. Cheating, on a physics test. You’ll never be valedictorian.” April frowned. “You might not even get into college.”
“I...I was under a lot of stress and pressure. Why do you even care? You know about it, fine, whatever. Just go away.”
“No. I have a deal. Either I reveal everything, or you do what I say.” April scanned the library as if she was looking for someone. “Where is he? Always so late. He’s so unreliable.”
“What exactly are you planning on saying to me?” Bridget smirked. She’d be fine.
“God, why are you so literal. Where is Parker?” April sneered. “He’s never on time. It’s like he doesn’t care about anything.”
“Oh, darn.”
Then her twin slowly shuffled in. He was so beautiful as he tossed a smile in Bridget’s direction, she’d stopped breathing. But then she remembered he was not to be trusted. He was one-half of the Evans. The most popular kids in school. He was actually kind of nice, unlike his sister, but Parker did whatever April said. Only once had Bridget ever seen him stand up for himself. April (and everyone else) had been shocked. People looked at him with more respect, if that was even possible, and his sister seemed a little afraid of him.
April stood there tapping her foot. “Where were you? Do I have to watch you like a nanny? Believe me, I have more important things to do.”
“Hungry” was Parker’s way of explanation. “That’s my definition of important.” He laughed.
“Boys - you can’t trust them. They only listen to their stomachs.” April smiled fondly at her brother, a rare occurrence.
“Ahem. Here I sit, trying to do work.” Bridget thought it was a good time to interrupt before they got all sentimental.
“Right. Yes. When you have made up your mind, if you take the deal or not, let me know tomorrow after school. I’ll find you; don’t worry. Bye.” April turned to leave.
Bridget watched her go without saying anything, then went back to her books. She worked for a good three minutes before she realized Parker was standing there. “Oh, sorry. I thought you went with her.”
“Nah, you know, separate cars.”
“Right. How could I forget?” Bridget rolled her eyes.
Parker didn’t say anything. He just sat down at the table. Bridget went back to her work. The whole time he stared at her. She tried to ignore it. But she had had enough after ten minutes.
“Can I help you?”
“Look, I’m sorry. This is terrible, I know.” He smiled.
“What’s terrible? Studying?”
“Oh, right. I’m not supposed to tell you anything.”
“There’s a plan? That is just too much.” Bridget started laughing. Parker looked at her. He raised one eyebrow, shook his head and walked away.
All night Bridget had stayed awake. She weighed the possibilities of both options. It’d be a no-brainer to take April’s deal except for the fact that she had no idea what she’d be doing for April. April, of course, had tried to make things dramatic, but she tried to make breathing dramatic.

So the next day after school, true to her word, April found Bridget. Bridget told her the decision. She’d play the game.