Part Two: Not Good Enough

"Liz, we really have to talk about this whole Max thing. I understand that you can't choose who you like, but you can choose who you go out with. And unfortunately I must insist that you don't go out with Max Evans." Isabel told Liz. It had been about three weeks since Liz dissed Michael by not choosing him as her lab partner. Ever since then she had been hanging out with Max more and more, and she was really starting to like him.
"Isabel, you can't tell me who I can and cannot date." Liz informed her.
"Oh really? Well, I'm sure you've heard the story of Jenny?"
"Yes, I've heard it. And I think it's a load of crap. You just made it up to scare people into doing what you want them to do. I asked Lauryn and a bunch of other people at school, and they all said the same thing. Jenny's parents had to move because her father's job relocated him."
"Done our homework have we?" Isabel asked. She smiled menacingly. "Well the story of Jenny is very true. I had to make arrangements after she moved so that none of this would ever get out. I had to play quite a few cards actually, but it was worth it. Most of them were too intimidated by me and what I did to Jenny to say no to me." Isabel said.
"Right. And you're gonna do the same thing to me if I start dating Max."
"Look. This isn't some game. I have a reputation to uphold. And I'll do whatever I have to do to uphold it. You are a part of this group now, whether you like it or not. There's nothing you can do about it! You'll do what I say, or I will annihilate you. And what do you want with a guy like that anyway? You could have any guy in this school. What do you want with some punk ho can only find clothes that are ten sizes too big for him?"
"I'm not going out with him!" Liz yelled suddenly. She was getting very annoyed that she was becoming intimidated by Isabel. It wasn't making her happy. But she had to admit that she understood what the girl meant. Liz had never been really popular before, and she loved the feeling. She didn't want to do anything to jeopardize her newly acquired status.
"Good. Let's keep it that way. And you might want to get a new lab partner. I hear Michael Guerin is in that class with you. Now he is A+ material. I hear he's interested..." Isabel told Liz in her best temptress voice. "And if you don't take him quick, I just might snatch him out from under you. I've had a crush on him for years."
"Alright, alright. I get it." Liz laughed. She felt bad for Max, she really did like him, but somehow Isabel and her new friends and popularity seemed more important. "I'll go out with Michael. I'll ask him tomorrow in biology."
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The Next Day in Biology

Liz walked into the biology room early; she knew Michael always got there first because he came from the gym, which was right across the hall.
"Michael, hey can I talk to you?" Liz asked.
"Sure." He smiled. "What's up?"
"Well, I was wondering what you're doing tomorrow night. 'Cus I have tickets to the Q102 concert at the Tweeter Center, and my friend canceled on me."
"Wow, how did you get tickets? I've been trying for months!" Michael asked.
"Oh, my dad has connections." Liz smiled.
"You have no idea. I'd love to go with you."
"Great. Oh, and would you mind picking me up, my car is in the shop."
"No problem. Where's your house?" Michael asked.
"You know where Lords and Ladies Nail Salon is?"
"Uh, yeah I think."
"Okay, well it's down the street from there. Here's my number. Call me and I'll give you better directions. I suck at giving directions!" She laughed.
"No problem. I can't wait."
"Me too." Liz agreed. As Michael walked back to his seat Liz faced forward and realized Max was already sitting next to her. "Geez! Don't do that! How long have you been here?" She asked.
"Long enough to know about your date with Michael. I can't believe your dad got you tickets to that concert. You are so lucky. I've been trying everything to get tickets."
"Yeah, I've heard they're really, really hard to get."
"Yep. Well have a good time."
"Thanks. I will." Liz smiled. This was going better than she had thought.