Shaking my head in resignation, I ignored her snide comments and reached into my packages to retrieve a beautifully wrapped envelope.
Inside was a ticket to the fan event.
I wasn't originally planning to attend, but Osborne insisted. He rarely got to see me.
Since he was coming to our school for work, I couldn't pass up the chance.
So, thanks to Osborne's persistence, his manager, Amy Dent, had sent me a front-row ticket.
Just then, my phone rang. It was Osborne.
"Hey, sweetheart, did you get the ticket? I made sure Amy saved the best seat for you. You've got to come!"
Looking at the ticket, I smiled and playfully replied, "Don't worry, Dad. I'll definitely be there."
Jennifer, with her ears perked up, overheard my phone call and saw the ticket in my hand. A hint of envy flashed in her eyes, and she started to speak sarcastically.
"Oh, look at you, with a sugar daddy who can get you tickets so easily. Must be nice, huh? Unlike us, even if we adore our idol, we can only love him from afar."
She continued, her tone dripping with disdain, "But you know, someone as outstanding as our idol probably wants his fans to come see him through legitimate means, paying their own way, rather than using some sugar daddy's money."
Lyla chimed in, adding to the negativity, "Yeah, exactly. Acting like she's so high and mighty, even though they're broke. She's just trying to maintain a rich-girl image by finding a sugar daddy. Pathetic, really."
The conversation between Jennifer and Lyla was carried over the phone line to Osborne. I could hear the irritation in his voice as he responded.
"Lillian, are your roommates talking about you?
"How dare they slander you like that? I was thinking of having you bring them along, but clearly, that's not necessary anymore.
"You need to tell me exactly what they said. My daughter isn't going to be the target of these petty, rumor-spreading brats."
I quickly made my way to the balcony, holding the phone and trying to sound as sweet as possible.
"Oh, Dad, didn't you always tell me not to waste my time with foolish people?"
Why should I bother wasting my energy on a bunch of neurotics?
But my doting father wasn't about to let me stay there without his watchful eye.