Korina was certainly left with lots to think about after her first day of the school year. Once she agreed to listen to Tammy, the rumors came pouring out, ranging across the entire spectrum of offensive. Some claimed Dark was a witch, others said she had a disgusting skin condition forcing her to always were black. There were even people who even thought she was a psychopathic murderer.<br/>"Remember that preppy girl who was around for just a month? She became friends with Dark, and soon disappeared without a trace. It's not crazy to think Dark killed her, maybe after she got rejected." Tammy had said, shrugging at the idea.<br/>"Michelle was an exchange student from France, Tammy. And she didn't stay longer because her grandma died, so she was forced to go back." Korina showed her an Instagram post from a few days ago, showing a pretty European brunette seated in front of the Eiffel tower. "That's her, from two days ago. Just because you're a blonde doesn't mean you gotta think like one too. Leave that to Madison."<br/>Tammy pouted. "Doesn't make her any less sketchy. There's still so much more. Some of the girls even think she's not even a girl. One of the tenth graders said they saw a dick." she hissed.<br/>"I think I've heard enough." Korina said, shutting her book and standing from the table she had been sharing with Tammy. The blonde was about to continue, intent on convincing her friend that Dark was the devil, but Kori quickly cut her off. "Don't wanna hear it!" she shouted back as she walked away from the conversation.<br/><br/>Despite everything she heard, Korina was not swayed by Tammy's words. Instead, she became even more intrigued. She wanted to know the real Dark, not the outlandish freak everyone painted her out to be. And she wasn't going to let anyone stand in her way; not Tammy, not Jared, certainly not Madison.<br/><br/>The next morning Korina sat at her usual spot with Tammy, the only difference being that today, she held a copy of Oliver Twist. While still absorbed in her read, she caught a familiar scent that heralded the arrival of Jared; his cologne. Ever since Korina had gotten him that fragrance for a Valentine's gift years ago, Jared had never used another. For that reason, that smell always carried memories of him along with it, both good and bad. She was always conflicted on which of the two was  more prevalent.<br/><br/>The muscular figure of her boyfriend reached around from behind her and cuddle her. Korina caressed his head as he lay it on her shoulder, subconsciously running her fingers through his dirty blonde hair while her eyes remained on her book. "Doing some extra reading for Richards, I see. Such a nerd." Jared commented as he peered at the open book in her hands.<br/>"Hey, reading a book once in a while doesn't make me a nerd. You should try it too." Korina replied absentmindedly.<br/>"Nah, as long as I'm maintaining my D average grade, I'm good. I'll just keep getting us the wins on the court, you get us the wins in the classroom." he said, kissing her cheek. "And speaking of class and Richards, shouldn't we be going right now?"<br/>Korina scowled at her phone as she looked at her, realizing just how much time had passed already. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Wouldn't wanna be late." she replied, scooping up her belongings before leaving the cafeteria.