Tangled In Lies

Chapter 10

The first day of the pop-up café had finally arrived, and the air buzzed with anticipation. The group, still reeling from the recent debacle between Clyde and Felix, had managed to pull together for an emergency meeting nights before. The atmosphere was tense at first, but the collective decision to share the cleaning duties eased some of the strain. Clyde, having been effectively sidelined, faded into the background. Surprisingly, the absence of his authoritative presence allowed the group to function more smoothly than ever.

Among the diverse personalities in the group, the Sinclaire Sisters stood out. Sofie, Aria, Charlotte and Bella Sinclaire, all shared similar features. Aria and Charlotte, were as intimidating as they were beautiful. Their sharp wit and brutal honesty had earned them a reputation for being both admired and feared. Bella was soft spoken but very clearly the mastermind behind her siblings decisions and Sofie tried very hard to shine amongst the rest. Her talents very clearly dimmed by her sister's ability to do better than her.

Last year, they had taken Violet under their wing, a move that seemed kind at first but soon turned sour.

Violet, with her quiet demeanor and soft-spoken nature, had been drawn to the Sinclaire Sisters' confidence and boldness. Initially, she enjoyed their company, reveling in the sense of belonging. But as time went on, the Sinclaire Sisters' true colors began to show. They grew tired of Violet's presence, viewing her as more of a burden than a friend. One day, they decided to make their feelings known in the cruelest way possible.

It started with snide comments and backhanded compliments, subtle at first but growing increasingly blatant. They would criticize her clothing, mock her ideas, and exclude her from conversations. The final straw came when they openly told her she wasn't welcome in their group anymore. The public humiliation shattered Violet's confidence, leaving her feeling isolated and vulnerable.

Desperate for a sense of belonging, Violet gravitated toward Brianna, Estelle, and Ava, who had already formed a tight-knit bond by that time. While they welcomed her, the dynamics were already established, and Violet often felt like an outsider. She tried to blend in, but the inside jokes and private conversations reminded her that she was a latecomer to their friendship. She found it a lot easier to simply be in the presence while she entertained her boyfriend in Ohio. That way she felt more at ease.

The Sinclaire Sisters, meanwhile, continued to stir drama wherever they went. They thrived on chaos and loved manipulating situations to their advantage. Their influence in the group was undeniable, but this time, they seemed less interested in causing trouble and more focused on the success of the pop-up café.

As the day began, the group busied themselves with last-minute preparations. The pop-up café, set up in a bustling part of the university, looked inviting and vibrant. The tables were neatly arranged with products, colorful banners hung overhead, and a cheerful sign welcomed customers.

The morning rush started slow but soon picked up as curious passersby stopped to browse. The group worked seamlessly together, each member finding their role naturally. Felix, surprisingly cooperative, handled customer inquiries with ease. Brianna, ever diligent, managed the cash register and kept track of sales. Estelle and Ava flitted around, ensuring everything was in place, while Violet handed out flyers to attract more customers.

The Sinclaire Sisters, despite their reputation, proved invaluable. Their charisma drew people in, and their persuasive skills turned many onlookers into paying customers. They were the face of the pop-up café, engaging with visitors and creating a lively atmosphere.

The shop faced its fair share of challenges throughout the day. Mid-morning, a sudden gust of wind knocked over one of the display tables, sending a pie tumbling to the ground. The group scrambled to pick everything up and reset the table, trying to maintain their composure as onlookers watched.