Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life

Tyler stepped out of the office, looking a bit off. The news of him topping the class had hit the papers, and he'd been snapped for the front page. His face felt like it might crack from all the forced smiling. He gave his cheeks a good rub, then headed back to the classroom where he found an extra lunch waiting on his desk. He glanced over at Fiona, who was gearing up for a nap.

Fiona had a knack for dozing off, barely picking at her lunch. The room buzzed with envious whispers.

"Wow! Janet, you actually scored tickets to your brother's concert? That's incredible!"

Janet grinned, all smug, and pulled out a few more tickets from her bag. She shot a look at Fiona, snoozing on her desk, and raised her voice a notch.

"You guys know my dad's worked with my brother's manager before. Snagging a few tickets was a breeze. Since you're my besties, of course, I'll bring you all along."

Around Janet, everyone practically vibrated with excitement. A chance to get up close with her famous brother? Who wouldn't want that?

“Janet, Janet, we're such good pals, can I tag along? I've always dreamed of seeing his concert. But tickets are crazy expensive, and they're going for thousands online now."

"Yeah, Janet, we're tight, right? Can we come too? I'll do anything for you-how about breakfast for a month?"

"Janet, I'll handle your homework for a month!"

"I'll be at your service for two months!"

Voices clamored, and Janet held her head high, casting a smug glance at Fiona. With all this attention, Fiona could only nap, always acting like she was above it

all.

Janet was the center of a near-frenzy, with her classmates forming a circle around her. In a world where concert tickets were gold, Janet had every reason to show off.

"Doesn't Fiona want to go too? Wonder if she managed to snag a ticket." Janet sneered, then looked away. "But hey, people aren't all the same."

"Exactly, look at Janet. Her dad's got an in with the manager, so getting tickets is no biggie."

To get on Janet's good side, they showered her with praise.

"Alright, alright, it's just a few tickets, no biggie. I've got five here, so come along, and we'll all catch my brother's concert together."

"Really? Janet, I can really come? Wow, this is the best!"

"We'll cheer for your brother together, unlike some folks who just snooze and dream of getting close without knowing their place."

Fiona finally stirred, stretched like a lazy cat, and popped a candy into her mouth. She didn't give Janet and her crew a second thought, maybe even thinking about grabbing a bag of chips.

The next morning, a middle-aged couple showed up at the gates of Westbrook High School but got stopped by security. The man was clutching some snacks and fruit, while the woman held a carton of milk.

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"We're here to see Tyler," the woman said.