Rich Dad Poor Dad

It was the first week of college, and our professor announced we all needed a drone for our filmmaking class. I texted my dad, "Dad, we need drones for class. Everyone's getting a DJI, about $1000."

"Honey, you know I only make like $15,000 a year. That's a lot. I just talked to a buddy, and he said those Robinson helicopters are pretty good, only a couple hundred grand. How about one of those?"

Somehow, a screenshot of our chat leaked in the class group chat. People started calling me a broke poser and telling me to drop out.

Three days later, as the entire campus watched in stunned silence, my dad landed a private helicopter on the football field. "Honey," he yelled, waving, "Your Robinson! I got you the R44!"

Me: ???

Everyone Else: ???

01.

7:00 am. My phone buzzed me awake. It was the class group chat blowing up.

[Class President - Sarah]: @everyone Drone group buy ends TODAY. Please sign up ASAP so we can get them ordered.

[Treasurer - Emily]: As of 11 pm last night, 5 people still haven't signed up. Please do it NOW!

[Student Rep - David]: @Ashley @Jake @Chris @Michael @Mia

[Student Rep - David]: Guys, seriously, we need your money.

Seeing my name, Mia, plastered there… I groaned.

Two seconds later, someone anonymously posted a screenshot of my chat with my dad.

Suddenly, the lurkers in the group chat came alive.

02.

[Student C]: $15,000 a year? What kind of family is that?

[Student Y]: If you can't afford it, don't take the class, lol.

[Student F]: It’s just a grand. If you can't swing that, maybe switch majors. Stop pretending you're rich.

[Student B]: Didn't anyone tell you filmmaking is expensive?

[Student P]: All those designer clothes, thought you were loaded. Turns out you’re just faking it.

[… and so on… ]

The screenshot had ignited a wildfire of snarky comments. Dozens of messages popped up in seconds.

Thankfully, not everyone was a jerk.

[Student E]: Seriously, what's it to you if she's rich or not? Why be so nasty?

03.

"OMG! I'm so mad!" My roommate, Chloe, shot up in bed, fuming. "These people are insane!"

I jumped, worried she'd fall out. "Chill, Chloe. There's always gonna be haters."

The commotion woke our other roommates. They grabbed their phones and checked the chat.

Our fiery RA, Jessica, exploded. "These idiots! They look normal, but their mouths are full of trash!"

Across from me, Olivia chimed in, "They're only brave online. Let them say that to Mia's face!"

Jessica sat up, serious. "Who the heck took that screenshot?"

Chloe and Olivia instantly said, "Not me!"

I racked my brain. I'm pretty careless with my phone. I leave it unlocked everywhere, even in class. Getting a screenshot would be child's play. Still, I never suspected my roommates. "Let's just roast them back," I said, changing the subject.

04.

I'm a black belt in online clapbacks. If they wanted a fight, they'd get one. My fingers flew across the keyboard.

Me: $1,000 is nothing? Mr./Ms. Moneybags, do your parents, who are probab...