Page 96 of Drama Queens Don't Fall For Charming Boys

I throw my hands on my hips. “I never ask you to cheat!”

She twists her head around one-eighty degrees to look at me. “You have certainly attempted to do so when you were younger.”

“Well…I…”

Declan chuckles. “It’s okay. I would have definitely done that, too. I bet most kids would.”

“It is imperative that I provide Mia and her friends with as much knowledge as I can, for one can only go far in life when he or she is provided with a great education. Is there anything you would like to ask me, Declan? I hope you enjoy learning.”

“Uh…” He rubs the back of his neck. “School has never been my strong suit, but I guess I like to learn. Can I ask you some questions, WillowBot?”

“Certainly!”

As he shoots out random questions at her—like who won the most Academy awards, what’s the distance between Edenbury and LA, how long would it take to travel to Jupiter, etc.—I drag in a small table from Willow’s room and set up my gaming laptop.

“What are you doing, Mia?” WillowBot asks.

“Declan and I are going to play Chronicles of the Eternals.”

Her head twists from me to him. “Is Declan not here to study with you?”

“Study?” I scoff. “Heck no. We’re here to game.”

“But school should be your focus, Mia and Declan. Mia does quite well in her studies, Declan—though she does struggle at times with mathematics. I am certain you would benefit a lot from studying with her.”

“WillowBot,” I say, exasperated.

“You’re right, WillowBot.” Declan goes down on his knees before her and smiles. “Studying and doing well in school is very important. But sometimes we need to have fun, too.”

WillowBot is silent for a bit as she stares at him. “Yes, you are correct. Engaging in recreational activities is healthy for the mind as well.”

I shake my head at him again. “You are unbelievable.”

He grins. “There is no end to my awesomeness.”

I walk to my bed and fall down straight on my back, shutting my eyes. “And here I thought my robot only had love for me.” I pop an eye open and stretch out my hand toward WillowBot. “Alas, please don’t let it be so. For my heart carries nothing but undying love for you. And you have betrayed me and have torn open my heart, allowing my blood to color the ground with red tears.”

Declan laughs to WillowBot. “She’s hilarious, isn’t she?”

“Per my assessment, she does indeed possess comedic attributes.”

I lift my head. “Are you two talking about me?”

“Yes,” they both say.

I clutch my heart. “I have lost my dear friend to the dark side.”

“I’m the dark side?” Declan asks, humor in his eyes.

“For sure,” I say, clutching my heart again. “How can I bear such separation?” I reach for Lady Bunny and Lobsty who sit on my pillow and hug them tightly. “My plushies will never abandon me.”

“Are those the stuffed animals you were talking about?” Declan asks. “Nice. They really do look soft and cuddly.”

“Well, Lobsty does,” I say as I hold her out. “Because I just got her a few weeks ago. Lady Bunny on the other hand? She’s quite worn out, some of her fur gone and her color fading. Just know that you are very loved,” I tell her.

“I know I’m loved, Mia,” I say in a squeaky voice as I shake her. “There is no better home than right here.”

I make a less squeaky voice as I shake Lobsty. “I’ve only been here for a few weeks, but feel loved already.”

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