The Shrinker

CHAPTER FOUR (PART-3)

Jamie heard the sugar-sweet voice she'd dreaded. She cringed in her seat; her heart froze in despair, Oh fuck, another year of constant torture in store...

"-we went all the way from Paris to Madrid and back, blazing sunshine all the way, it was SO glorious! And the guys, oh my god, there were SO many hunks and stud-muffins to savour the entire way. Not just with my eyes either; you could say I was as busy as a queen bee. What a wondrous road trip."

There was an uproar of giggles, "Way to go, Gabs! What a lucky cow you are!"

"Thanks Emmy, really wish you and Izzy could've come along. But yes, I'm so lucky to have such a fantastic, understanding Daddy and Mummy who let me indulge myself whenever I please with whatever I please."

Jamie whispered to Meredith, "Don't you buy the nice girl act, no matter how convincing it is. That's Gabby two-face outside. HATES me." Meredith blinked in bewilderment; before she could reply the terrible trio entered, the ringleader ahead. Jamie flinched from her gaze. Everyone else stared at her.

Gabriella Drayson oozed charisma, brilliance, beauty and charm in a great reservoir of natural talent. She looked like a person born to go places and do great things. Her hair was a dyed crimson red that blazed colour, shining in the light like wildfire. Her big eyes were an extremely vivid green that sparkled like gems. Her sun-kissed skin was crafted and tanned to perfection, her body was effortlessly well developed in every way and her smile was bewitching. She gave off an angelic aura; kind, lovely, caring, friendly and gentle.

Jamie felt like she was the only one who saw through that mask. Everybody else from students to staff adored Gabriella, who always managed to stay out of trouble and never got into fights, unlike her two best friends.

The terrible trio represented the three 'P's' of bullying. Emilia was the physical bully. Isabella was the prankster bully. Gabriella was the psychological bully, except she alone only ever had one target; Jamie, Denny was wrong earlier. Vorford Community is HER kingdom.

Emilia squealed with glee at the sight of Denny, rushed to his seat, sat herself on his lap and proceeded to stick her tongue down his throat. Denny put his arms round her and returned the snog passionately, their lips wrestling. Very uncomfortable given their history, Nat moved two seats away on the same row. Isabella sat on the front-left side, discreetly stroking a seductive finger across Denny's neck as she passed, without Emilia noticing.

Gabriella smiled approvingly at the sight of Denny and Emilia as if happy for her friend before walking by them, "Great to see you, Nat. Did all your summer training go well? Been keeping enough clean sheets in goal?"

"It's going great, thanks Gabby," replied Nat, his spirits lifted by her presence, "I'll break into the first team this season, then catch a top-flight scout's eye."

"Save me a seat to watch you when that happens, superstar," said Gabriella, with an encouraging grin, then she moved onto the row behind, "Hello Ash, I was so very sorry to hear about your breakup. Always thought you were such an adorable couple too. But it's his loss, not yours."

Ash's voice was thick; he was fighting to hold back tears, "Thanks Gabby. But he's already moved on and gotten another guy now. Feels like I'm the only one who cares about what we had."

Gabriella put a comforting hand on his shoulder, her voice warm and gentle, "What you had was a beautiful and precious thing in the moment. One day he'll remember it too, but it'll be too late. By then you'll have moved onto the man of your dreams or pulled a multitude of guys. Whichever of those you prefer, it's within your grasp. Just believe, then reach out and take it."