Nobody Likes Megan McGowen

16. It Really Worked

The next day at school wasn't as bad. Of course, Jake was still in all her classes, but at least she'd been expecting it this time. And even Jen wasn't saying anything. It was obvious she didn't like it, but she managed not to glare at Jake when he sat down in science.

"Everyone, settle down." Ms. Harle said as the bell rang. "I know I said we were going to take today to review for the test we had scheduled tomorrow." She paused, pursing her lips as if in thought.

Megan sat up a little straighter. What did Ms. Harle mean had scheduled? Did that mean it really worked? Did she really manage to get the test put off? She listened closely as Ms. Harle continued.

"But I've been talking to some of you, and it seems like not all of you are comfortable with the material just yet." There was a low murmur that rippled around the room. Ms. Harle put her hand up to ask for silence before going on. "So, I think it would be in everybody's best interest if we spent today and tomorrow reviewing. The test will be moved to Monday."

Megan grinned like she'd just won a contest – she'd done it. She'd actually gotten a test pushed back to after the weekend just by asking! She looked over at Jen. Jen was staring at her, a kind of awed expression on her face.

"You did that?" she leaned in close and whispered to Megan.

Megan just nodded.

"Good one." Jen said, snickering.

Out of the corner of her eye, Megan saw Jake looking at her, but she couldn't quite read the expression on his face. Of course, he was still sitting in the not-empty-'til-he-showed-up seat across from her. Carl had mysteriously moved to the other side of the room – to the chair that had actually been empty before Jake started going to school with them. Sure, Greg said it was his idea, Megan knew. But she still wasn't completely convinced.

"What?" she whispered harshly.

Did she really need him judging her? After all, it was his interpretation of her wish that even let her do these kinds of things. Was he really that surprised?

Jake didn't say anything during class. But as soon as they were outside, he told her exactly what was on his mind.

"I thought Ms. Harle didn't want to change that test." Jake told her. "At least, that's how it seemed yesterday before you had your little talk."

"She changed her mind." Megan shrugged. Jake just looked at her grimly.

"Not on her own." he told her. He had the kind of conviction that could only come from someone who engineered these kinds of things.

"So what?" Megan asked.

"So, I thought you were going to get detention for suggesting it or something."

"Is that what you wanted? Did you try to make it that way?"

"You know I can't do that – it'd interfere with what you asked for." he told her. He sounded frustrated, and Megan had to smother her grin.

"So what's the problem?" she asked.

"Nothing." Jake shrugged. But he still seemed unhappy. Finally, he decided to add, "Just didn't think you'd start abusing it quite so fast."

"Yeah?" What did he know anyway?

She decided to act like she was too high and mighty to care what someone like him would think. She didn't bother to mention that she really needed the extra couple of days to study herself. It wasn't like science was easy for her, and she was barely passing as it was. If she got the weekend to study and now a second class period to ask questions, how could that hurt her? She knew she'd probably pass anyway, but she still felt guilty every time she got an A when she knew in her heart she deserved no better than a D-.

"I just thought I'd help out a friend." she mumbled, suddenly self-conscious.

"Really?" He looked disinterested, but there was a bit of surprise.

"What? You think I'm so selfish that I wouldn't help anyone else out?" Megan snapped. She was getting really tired of his judgments. "Not everybody can be like you – some of us actually do have to study."

"And some of us have already learned these things." he replied, nearly matching her tone. "Not everybody can simply skate through life because everyone loves them."

Megan just stared at him, wide-eyed; she really didn't see what his attitude was for. Besides, what would he know about her life anyway? Well, aside from the parts he'd messed up.

"I'm sorry." he said quickly. "I shouldn't have said that."

Megan agreed. Why did he always do things just to make her mad? Did she really deserve that? But she didn't say that. Instead, she sighed, suddenly feeling dejected.

"You might not believe it, but I really do try. Things just don't seem to work out for me."

"Not even now?" he asked.

Megan just shrugged. She still didn't think it was a good idea to point out how horrible this undeserved special treatment made her feel. But it seemed like he might actually know what she was thinking. Maybe her face hadn't been as composed as she thought. She'd really have to watch that – the last thing she needed was her genie feeling sorry for her.