An Even Trade

Mona (Freya Parker), a popular and athletic college student, is going for a jog on the campus grounds. Elsewhere on campus, Sophie (Gizelle Blanco), a smart but unpopular student, is being bullied. Sophie is bullied by a student who takes her books, throws them on the floor and kicks Sophie away when she attempts to pick up the books. Mona runs up to Sophie and the bully flees. Sophie can now pick up her book. Mona stops to make sure Sophie is okay, introducing herself and offering that she can get the school's various bullies to leave Sophie alone. Sophie tells Mona that she does not want anyone's sympathy. Mona was not expecting that, and tries to convince Sophie that she's not offering out of pity. Mona notices Sophie's math book and then asks Sophie whether she is good in that subject. Mona, when Sophie replies that yes she does, admits to not being doing well in the class. Mona makes a trade: Sophie will tutor Mona in return for Mona protecting Sophie from the bullies. So, it is a fair trade. Sophie is still a little wary, and she's hesitant to accept the deal. As time passes, Mona and Sophie become closer, and Mona's math grades improve. One day, Mona says that she wants to talk to Sophie about something. She explains that she's really enjoyed getting to know Sophie, and says that she's developed feelings for her. Sophie seems to be both touched and worried. Mona says that she's gotten certain vibes from Sophie, so she feels reasonably confident that Sophie is a lesbian too, and that it's the reason why Sophie feels so different from everyone and tends to withdraw. Sophie confesses to being a lesbian and says getting to know Mona was the best thing to happen to her. But then, to Mona’s surprise, Sophie tells Mona that Mona is deserving of better. Sophie says that Mona, a popular student and star athlete in school is a lot more attractive than Sophie. Sophie sees Sophie as an outcast. Mona would lose her reputation if anyone discovered that they were dating. Sophie tells Mona she's already risking too much even just standing up for Sophie in public, so now that Mona's doing better at school, maybe it's time for their arrangement to end. Mona looks stunned at first, then thanked Sophie for her concern. However, Mona adds that she doesn't care about her popularity, she cares about Sophie - and if they have feelings for each other, then that's all that matters.