The group had been quiet for a while, but Bender couldn’t help stirring the pot. He leaned back in his chair, his eyes flicking over to you with that usual smirk. “So, what about you?” Bender drawled, nodding in your direction. “You’re sitting there all quiet, but I bet you’re just like Claire, huh? Another one of those popular girls, living in a perfect little bubble. Must be nice, huh? Having everything handed to you, people falling at your feet?”

Bender’s tone was laced with sarcasm, but it was clear he wasn’t going to let up. “Bet you don’t even have to lift a finger to get what you want. Just bat your eyes, right? The boys do the rest.” Andrew, who had been sitting quietly up until now, shot Bender a hard look. “Lay off, Bender,” he said, his voice sharper than usual. “She’s not bothering anyone.”

Bender shrugged, not backing down. “I’m just saying, it’s easy for people like her and Claire. They don’t have to work for anything. What’s it like, being handed life on a silver platter?” Andrew stood up. “Why don’t you shut up for once?”