BANE OF HIS EXISTENCE

Chapter 5: HORRID VOICE AND BAGGY HODDIES.

**MAYA**

"Watch me take it up, then I break it down

I don't play sports, but it's a touchdown

I don't blend in, I-I'm a black sheep

And even then, ha, they still follow me

I rock the race stripes, go, go, and check my closet

Never share the gap, go and check my wallet

I'm a comet, out of this planet

Sitting on the throne, and these haters can't stand it"

Sasha belted out the lyrics to Becky G's 'Play it Again' at the top of her lungs, her voice echoing with unrestrained enthusiasm as the infectious melody flooded the room from my home theatre, the bass thumping vibrantly in the air. Just as I was about to lose myself in the rhythm, Eric groaned in exasperation and abruptly silenced the music with a flick of a switch, plunging the lively atmosphere into an uncomfortable stillness. At that moment, Sasha's shriek pierced through the silence like a banshee's wail.

"Hey! I was listening to that!" she shouted, her frustration evident as her eyes narrowed at Eric.

"Maya, tell him to turn it back on!" she implored her expression a mix of annoyance and desperation.

I paused, feigning deep contemplation. Sure, I could side with Sasha and urge Eric to restore the music, but why should I endure yet another round of her less-than-stellar vocal performance? (The mere thought sent a shiver down my spine.) Absolutely not!

With a playful smirk, I turned to my best friend and quipped, "I thought trying out outfits for tonight's party was your main reason for coming here—rather than showcasing your completely atrocious singing skills?" Her response was swift and classic: she shot me a middle finger while sticking her tongue out, a playful gesture that only made me chuckle more.

“Bitch, please! You know my singing is so flawless that even Beyoncé would feel a pang of jealousy!” I scoffed, rolling my eyes at Sasha’s immature antics.

“Oh really? Do you think Beyoncé is aware of your existence? Or that she would be jealous because you can sing?” As I posed my question, Sasha, with a flash of mischief in her eyes, launched a soft pillow at Eric, who couldn’t help but chuckle. I couldn’t resist grinning widely at the playful exchange.

"Honestly, watching you sing is even more excruciating than your attempts to transform Maya into a refined lady with all that makeup and nonsense,” Eric remarked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “It’s like trying to teach a pig how to use a fly swatter,” he added, muttering the last part just loud enough for us to hear.

Ouch! That was a low blow.

I have to admit, I see his point on that one. The comment didn’t bother me at all. While I don’t fit the traditional mold of what many might call ‘ladylike,’ I admire Sasha’s tenacity. She is someone who refuses to back down from a challenge, determined to face it head-on, no matter the obstacle.

It’s truly impressive to witness her energy and drive when she’s engaged in something she cares about deeply. However, there’s a downside—schooling simply doesn’t spark that same fire in her. It’s a shame because if she channeled her formidable spirit into her studies, she could achieve remarkable things.

Sasha shot us a sharp glare, her brows furrowing in annoyance. In response, I playfully stuck my tongue out at her, a mischievous grin creeping across my face. Then, I dove headfirst into my closet, tossing aside hangers and rummaging through the colorful assortment of outfits. The thrill of the hunt ignited in me, a reminder of the reason behind our gathering today.