Chapter 5

The seats in the class were rearranged, and Dorothy became my deskmate.

I sat on the seat on the aisle, and she took the window seat.

Adrian often came to see her, leaving me feeling awkward as I sat beside her, so I suggested switching seats with her, but she said it wasn’t appropriate to change it without the teacher’s permission.

Thus, I became the intermediary.

To avoid the embarrassment of being the third wheel, I found myself going to the restroom every break or stepping out into the hallway to catch some air, hoping to just endure it until it was over.

Yet, it seemed she enjoyed having me as her deskmate and tirelessly shared stories about her and Adrian.

Even when I was working part-time, she would order dozens of coffees, specifically requesting that I deliver them, just to get me to come out and talk.

I told her not to do this, but she thought she was doing me a favor by giving me a chance to slack off, and couldn’t understand why I wasn’t grateful.

At first, I could ask Adam to make the deliveries for me. But when Adam was off and not in the shop, I had no choice but to go myself.

When I arrived at the roadside, carrying two large bags of coffee under the scorching sun, Dorothy wasn’t sitting on the bench as usual but inside a black luxury car.

Seeing me, she leaned out and greeted enthusiastically, "Jessica!"

As I approached the car, I felt the cool air spilling out and noticed a middle-aged woman with equally meticulous makeup sitting inside.

She glanced at me briefly, then frowned and scolded Dorothy, "Don't drink this junk."

After a brief moment of stunned silence, Dorothy gave me an apologetic smile. "Jessica, could you please share these with others or just throw them away?"

I nodded silently.

Before I could leave, I heard the woman in the car speak condescendingly, "Is she your classmate? Why does she also go by Jessica? Avoid hanging out with such people in the future. You might pick up bad habits."

"She actually has good grades…"

"What good does that do? The background is most important. No matter what, she can’t compare to you. Just a girl making coffee. That’s all her life will amount to. Dorothy, you’re destined to be a pianist."

The two heavy bags of drinks felt even more burdensome in the searing heat of the summer air. I looked up at the glaring sun, momentarily unsure of what to do.

As the sound of the car starting and driving off reached my ears, I lowered my head and hurried away.