It didn’t take long for Mrs. Bustier’s class to notice that Ashley wasn’t paying any attention to Lila. Even when Lila went out of her way to include Ashley in the conversation. Ashley was never rude to Lila, but she was never interested in any of Lila’s stories. They were all very curious about why that was. Lila has the best stories and they were always so interesting, so why did Ashley not seem to care.
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One day, Rose decided to satisfy her curiosity and just ask Ashley. After school, as Ashley was packing up her things, Rose stayed behind to talk to her. “Ashley? I wanted to ask you, why do you never seem interested in any of Lila’s stories. She has done so many cool things, but you never seem interested in hearing about it.” Ashley, still clinging to the vain hope that she can avoid drama with the class liar, tried to be careful about what she said. “They are interesting stories, but I have enough interesting things going on in my life to focus on someone else’s life. I got to go, see you tomorrow Rose.” Ashley gathered her things and went into the hall, where she was confronted with an angry looking Alya.
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Alya had been standing outside the classroom during the quick conversation and was infuriated. To Alya, it sounded as though Ashley thought she was too good for Lila! As Ashley left the classroom, Alya stopped her still fuming. “You don’t listen to Lila’s stories cause interesting things are happening in your life? What? Do you think you are too good for Lila? At least Lila listens to other people’s stories.” Alya continued to rant for several minutes, about Ashley and how she isn’t any better than anyone else. Eventually though, Ashley had enough. At this point she had given up on not getting involved in drama, clearly she wasn’t going to be avoiding the drama. “I don’t think I am better than Lila, Alya. I am just not interested in her stories. I’ve got to go now.” Ashley went around Alya and quickly left the school, leaving Alya speechless.
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Alya still fuming, went to the park where she knew Lila had just wrapped up a photo shoot. Alya saw the young Italian and rushed to her side. “Lila! You won’t believe what Ashley said!” Alya filled her in on everything Ashley said, and Lila was infuriated all over again. She isn’t interested in my stories?! Lila controlled her anger and pretended to be hurt by what was said. “I don’t know why she doesn’t like me. I haven’t done anything to her! And to basically say my stories are boring! That is so mean!” Lila started to fake sob into Alya’s shoulder, and it didn’t take long for Alya to suggest what Lila was hoping she would. “Lila, why don’t we teach Ashley a lesson. She can’t get away with hurting you like that.” Lila tried to hide the smirk, wiping at her fake tears. “That sounds like a good idea. And I have an idea on how to do it.”
