Steal My Girl

CHAPTER 7 - GIRL ALMIGHTY

"She floats through the room on a big balloon. Some say, 'She's such a fake', that her love is made up. No, no, no, no."

CHAPTER 7 - GIRL ALMIGHTY

(HIGHSCHOOL TIMELINE)

I'm a girl on a mission today.

To finish Dante Alighieri's The Divine Comedy.

I stayed up all night reading it, I was so close to the end that I was motivated to finish it as soon as possible. Good thing we're having a free period today. It's as if the universe was helping me out!

On normal days, I would go to the library, but my friend Evanna insisted that I read outside and enjoy the sun instead. She also noted that I spend too much of my time in that dark room, that I didn't realize how beneficial the sun can be for my mental health.

She wasn't wrong. I noticed I get so annoyed easily. Well, I don't blame the sun for that. There's only one person to hold responsible for that though.

Anyway, I decided to take her advice and headed out instead. But first, I need to have coffee. Oh boy I'd pay good money to see a quiet coffee shop where one can study and read, and at the same time, enjoy their cup of coffee.

In our area, we only have small coffee shops for on-the-go drinks or a place for hangouts, like meetups and gossip sessions, so you could imagine how loud it could get.

Coffee is my favorite beverage and I'm always on the lookout for new places to try. I tried this newly opened shop just a few blocks from the school. It was small but quite nice. I explored the surrounding area and noticed they had a table and bench at the back, overlooking the park. I smiled at this. This is close enough to what I had imagined!

Peaceful afternoon with a cup of coffee, my Divine Comedy, and a table! Maybe I could start writing my book report after this as well.

Looks like I'll have a very productive Friday. I smiled at the idea.

But my happiness was short lived.

I should have known better that in every coffee shops, gossips exists.

"Seriously, she's awfully annoying!"

"I know, right? She's like oh I'm Emma, I'm innocent and I only want books but the next thing you know, she is flirting with guys, especially Louis."

I heard a burst of laughter from behind me and quickly realized that I was the topic of the conversation.

I know I shouldn't assume. But, aside from the fact that they said my name, their voices sounded familiar, and I had heard them talking about me before. So...

"She's such a fake! She's playing Miss goody-goody innocent to get guys' attention. So cheap!"

There were three girls talking, and I know fully well who they are. And that spiteful comment was from Scarlett, Tommo's classmate and number one admirer.

"I think she's a slutty bitch hiding behind those bookworm looks. I also think she's uses the library, such a secluded area, to lure guys to her." The tone of Scarlett's comment was harsh and judgmental.

"Well, she always wanted to be alone."

"She's abandoning her friends just to flirt with some guys. She's a desperate slut."

They all laughed at that insulting line. Good thing I wasn't a softie who would have been saddened by such a comment. They always talk behind my back, and this wasn't even the first time.

I have to admit, at first, I was hurt by it. I didn't do anything wrong and none of their words were true, but over time, I got used to it. I realized, that's not me at all. I know myself better, so why would I let their words affect me?