We're Still Human

Chapter 38: Our Dilemma

Kennie and I walk hand in hand down the stairs, trying to reach Stacy's room. We got back to school four weeks ago, and that gave Kennie, Nadia and I enough time to give Stacy a gift. I do think she'll be the next head girl, and as someone who is dating the current head girl, a little gift is something I think she'll appreciate.

Things have been quieter recently. I moved back in with my family, spending weekends there and other weekends with Kennie as a result. Sanele and I have been looking at some music programs that I've been wanting to possibly join over the break, and a few universities back in Sydney and a few here, obviouslyones that offer a music and a sporting program, and maybe even scholarship. Of course, even if I don't get one, it's still nice to apply for it.

Nadia and Kendall have patched things up, and even with them not completely being cool with each other, I appreciate both of them giving each other a chance. Nadia has also gotten on Joanna and Lynn's good sides (took so much cake and prosecco) which makes Riveria a lot smoother. Audrey hasn't really had contact with any of us, just lurking in the shadows everywhere. She can't stop staring at Nadia, Kendall and I, but that doesn't matter, she's not a priority right now.

Her revenge tour flopped anyway.

Nadia surprises us with a rose, and she hands it to Kendall and I, grinning. "For my ladies."

"I didn't know we were in an open relationship," Kennie jokes. "Yasmina must've forgotten to tell me."

"There's quite a bit she hasn't told you, like how when she was younger, she used to bite her right thumb nail till it was no longer visible."

I punch Nadia softly as Kendall bursts into laughter. "I was twelve."

"Speaking of," Kendall says, lifting my hand up to see for herself. "It does look shorter than usual, right Dia?"

Nadia nods, and I both flip them, as we walk down the hallways, talking about the end of high-school.

***

"Come on in," I yell, putting the medal back down as I tie my braids up.

The door swings open, and there stands Audrey, leaning on my door post. Her hair is more rowdy than her usual state, and her eyes have something in them, something that I haven't seen before from Audrey.

Acceptance.

I sigh, standing up. "So, what happens next?"

She shrugs. "What are you talking about?"

"Are we going to keep being childish? Or fighting? Or, I'm not sure, angry?" I question. "A whole two years will pass in a few months, a full two years of you thinking that you've tormented us when really...you only brought Kennie and I closer," I tell her, walking up to her. "So, what would you like to keep doing?"

"Gosh you really are Kendall's girlfriend," she scoffs. "I wanted to congratulate you. Figured I didn't do it then so here I am."

She pats my shoulder, and I catch her hand, squinting at her. "Alone? In my room?"

She pulls her hand back from my grasp, clearing her throat. "I'm not always the best when it comes to confrontations."

I nod. "And Sofia?"

"Huh?"

"Where does she fit in all of this commotion? You two really love shaking things up."

"I really don't know what you mean." Audrey stares at me, confused. "I thought you two made up."

"Maybe in another life."

Sofia stands behind Audrey, and I shrink back into my room, cornered by the bleached blondes, except, Sofia's hair is somewhat toned down, her platinum now reverting back to it's strikingly gold color. She stands next to Audrey, who clears her throat and moves away from her, showing the distance between the two former friends.

"This is ridiculous," I mutter. "If you guys want to say something, say it. If not, can you just see yourselves out?"

Sofia twirls her hair slowly. "I heard my name, that's the only reason I'm here."

Audrey rolls her eyes. "This was a mistake. Coming in here was."

"No, it wasn't," I whisper. "Look, we've each been through so much with each other, don't you think it's time we just call a truce? We won't see each other once this is all over."

"I'm good with hating you, thanks." Audrey yawns.

"You don't have any legitimate reason to even hate me. It's just been about status and I hate that. You know nothing about me." I shake my head at her.

Sofia's eyebrow raises. "Academy for Arts, huh?"

I blink back my shock. "What?"

She points behind me. "The pamphlet on your desk. Didn't know you were interested in going there."

I scramble to get the pamphlet and hide it behind my back, embarrassed. "Yeah um, it's nothing."

"Sure seems like a lot to me," Audrey mumbles.

I sigh, scrunching up the pamphlet and throwing it at them, no longer afraid. "Fine. I'm thinking about going to study music for a little bit, happy?"

"I mean, do you I guess."

"Get out," I snap. "No seriously, get the fuck out. I tried to form a truce but no, you can't do that because of your egos. If you don't want peace then get the fuck out of my room and leave me alone, I'm done letting you ruin my day or make me mad for nothing."

Audrey scoffs, but doesn't say anything else as she leaves. Sofia turns to do the same, but she stops, picking up the pamphlet and examining it.

"Perth, Sydney," she reads. "Are you planning on moving back?"

"Why would that be any of your business?"

She starts to fix the pamphlet up. "Because... I think it's pretty cool chasing what you want. You're better than me I suppose, you actually know what you want with your life."

I scan her face, and her eyes refuse to meet mine as she fixes the pamphlet even more. "I don't have it all figured out."

Sofia hands the pamphlet back to me, smiling a bit. "The tiny bit that you do have figured out is a lot more progress than I do. I don't even know what I'd do if my ATAR tanks."

I smile back at her, fixing the slightly tilted badge on her chest. "You're a smart one, golden girl, you always have been."

Her eyes widen a bit, before filling with tears that she tries to blink back. For a moment, it's calm, and the animosity that had been boiling between us for months finally simmered down to what I knew it would eventually be; respect. Sofia is a go getter, and as much as I hate to admit that, she deserves to have her crown fixed too, even if she tried to break mine before.

She smiles at me sadly, before turning away and heading out the door. She stops one last time, back turned. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry aboutthe lyrics and ripping them. I'm...yeah, I'm just sorry."

She walks away, leaving the heavy feeling that the lyrics were not the only thing she wa apologizing for.