The Delinquents

Chapter 3: Betrayed

While in art class, all I could think about was how Becca acted towards him. She wasn't her usual self, and I had never seen her blush over a guy before. It stung that she would go behind my back and show him kindness like that, to give him back his papers. The way she blushed, made me think about how they were able to get in touch with each other so easily. How could she betray me?!

After class, I paid no attention to her and stormed towards the cafeteria. I walked quickly through the halls and took our usual seats at the table. I tapped my foot rapidly while waiting for the freshmen to bring our lunch, as we don't get lunch ourselves.

From the corner of my eye, I noticed the new kid saunter into the classroom and make his way to a table a couple of rows ahead of ours. My blood boiled with fury, and the need to show him that we don't welcome outsiders in our town consumed me. I couldn't bear to sit still any longer, so I sprang up from my seat and marched towards him. I came to a halt right in front of him, standing tall and crossing my arms, trying to exude as much authority as I could. He glanced up at me but didn't utter a word.

I began to speak, "What did she say to you?" I asked him, inhaling sharply.

"Who?" he asked.

"You know who! What did she say to you?" I raised my voice, agitated.

"You mean your friend? Maybe you should ask her yourself." He said turning towards me.
"you like to play games newbie?" I snarled at him.
"I have a name."
I chuckled, "Yes I'm sure you do. We can get to that later."
I cocked my head at him, and he seems unbothered.
"Is there something you want from me?" He asks, annoyed.
"I asked you a question!" I snarl at him.
"The answer is no. I don't like playing games."
"Awe... you don't like playing games? How sad." I declared in a mocking tone and pouting.
Becca walks up and stands beside me, interrupting us.
"I'm sorry, ignore her, she can be a bit of a bitch sometimes." We look at each other. Did she just call me a bitch?!
"I'm Rebecca Dreyfus, by the way." Becca introduces herself with a warm smile, Becca slowly stretches her arm out towards him, her hand open and welcoming. Mike lifts his gaze and meets her gesture, clasping her hand firmly with his own. As they shake hands, he introduces himself with a warm smile, "I'm Mike. Mike Carillo." Becca takes a seat across from him, her expression brightening as she settles in for their conversation. I cannot believe this. What does she think she's doing — undermining me?! My own best friend?! What's gotten into her!?

"Becca, what are you doing?" I asked her.

As she turned towards me, she grabbed my elbow and pulled me down, causing me to make a thump on the table as I was forced to take a seat. "This is Raven. Raven Dawnson," she introduced. I quickly seized my arm back from her grip and stared down at him. "Hi," I said, sounding off and mockingly waving to him.
"Okay," he replied coldly. I rolled my eyes and looked away.

"See? Now we're all acquainted with one another." she chimed.
The others soon joined us and introduced themselves to him.

This is not part of the plan, and I won't go along with this.

The freshmen finally came over and gave us our lunch, the young boy stood next to me with my lunch trail. He was so frail. I looked at the tray, making sure he did everything perfectly right, except there was milk on the tray.
"Why is there milk on my tray?!" I asked him.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. It won't happen again." He spoke in a small shaky voice.
"Yeah, it better not," I said coldly. The kid picked up the milk carton and threw it across the room, hitting the wall. He left the tray in front of me and bowed, then swiftly left my presence.

I looked down and started to eat my lunch. Then the others began eating their lunch as well. We ate in silence for a few minutes. I ignored both of them and said nothing. Suddenly, without warning, Becca spoke up, breaking the silence. 
"I think he should be one of us."
I stopped eating immediately and dropped my fork, clattering against the table. Amanda and Layla stared at her confused.
"No. Absolutely not." I said sternly.

"C'mon, Raven. He's not even a freshman, he's in the same grade as us! He's just new to the town-" she begged me.

"I said no!" I said my voice echoing, getting up from my seat and throwing the tray in the trash along with the food. I stomped out of the cafeteria walked to the girls' bathroom, the door swinging behind me, and stopped before the sink. My breath was heavy and my heart thumped in my ears. I splashed cold water on my face and tried to breathe. She is not acting like her usual self. Why is she trying to undermine me?! Does she like him?! All these questions swirled around in my head. I paced the bathroom back and forth, picking at the skin of my lips, trying to figure out what I should do.

Just then, the bathroom doors swung open and Becca casually strode inside. She crossed her arms and looked disappointed at me. I tried to keep the fury inside before it boiled outside of me and it poured out in an explosion of rage and anger. She watched me silently pace back and forth, her eyes never letting go of me. When I noticed this, I halted and looked at her.

"What?!" I said agitated.
"What was that?" she asked me.
"What was what, Becca?" I asked her annoyed.

"That back there, you stormed out of there without another word and left us. Everyone watched you storm out. What's gotten into you?!" she exclaimed furiously.

"Excuse me?! What's gotten into you?! You undermined my plans and you went behind my back, introducing yourself to him! What do you have a crush on him?!" I yelled back.

"What?! No! I do not!" she yelled.

"I saw you! I saw the way you looked at him. You blushed! Don't deny it!" I screamed at her, pointing at her.

"I cannot believe this! You're acting like a selfish bitch right now." she scoffed and looked up at the ceiling, a gasped.

"Wow. That's twice now you've called me a bitch. Would you like another go or is that the last one!?" I said with a mocked astonishment.

"You know, maybe it is time we give up these silly games. I'm tired of these rules!" Becca snapped at me, her face blazing red.

I stumbled backward, guffawed that she would suggest such things. Silence filled the air between us and I could feel the distance growing wider as time went on. Becca sighed as a look of discomfort crossed her face. We rarely disagreed, and it felt strange to argue. I didn't know what to do or say.