Fallen with my Rival.

CHAPTER 5: THE BETRAYAL OR THE BETRAYER

Vexain's first day at Willow Creek High was a whirlwind of new faces, confusing schedules, and a constant feeling of being hopelessly lost. She'd already managed to spill coffee on a senior's pristine white shoes (a moment she swore she'd never live down) and accidentally walked into the wrong classroom, only to be greeted by a chorus of giggles from the students inside.

But amidst the chaos, she found a glimmer of hope – a trio of girls who seemed to be navigating the school with a confidence that Vexain could only dream of.

There was Penny, the school's reigning queen bee, with her perfectly coiffed hair, designer clothes, and a smile that could melt glaciers. She was surrounded by a constant entourage of admirers, her every move followed by a swarm of whispering students.

Then there was Becky, the self-proclaimed "baddie" with her dark eyeliner, ripped jeans, and a rebellious streak that seemed to radiate off her like heat. She was always surrounded by a cloud of mystery, her lips perpetually curled into a smirk that hinted at secrets she wouldn't reveal.

Vexain watched them from afar, a mix of admiration and envy swirling in her stomach. They seemed like they'd been friends forever, their laughter echoing through the hallways, their inside jokes flowing effortlessly. It made her miss her own best friend, Y/N, even more.  They had been inseparable for years, but a family move had separated them, leaving a gaping hole in Vexain's life.

One afternoon, as Vexain was struggling to find her locker, she bumped into Penny.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry!" Vexain exclaimed, her cheeks flushing red.

Penny chuckled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "It's okay, I'm used to it. This place is a maze."

Vexain took a deep breath, her voice barely a whisper. "I'm Vexain, by the way. I'm new here."

"I know," Penny said, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "You're the one who spilled coffee on Mr. Johnson's shoes, right?"

Vexain groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Don't tell me everyone knows about that!"

Penny laughed, a sound that was both infectious and comforting. "Don't worry, it's not a big deal. Everyone makes mistakes. Especially on their first day."

Suddenly, Becky appeared beside Penny, her expression a mix of amusement and curiosity.

"Who's this?" Becky asked, her voice a low growl.

"This is Vexain," Penny said, her smile widening. "She's new."

Becky's eyes narrowed, her gaze sweeping over Vexain from head to toe. "Well, Vexain," she said, her voice laced with a hint of challenge. "Welcome to Willow Creek. We're the queens of this jungle, so you better watch your step."

Vexain's stomach lurched. This was it, the moment she'd been dreading. The moment she'd be judged, labeled, and possibly rejected.

But to her surprise, Becky cut in, her voice a low growl. "Don't listen to Penny. She's just trying to scare you. We're actually pretty cool, once you get to know us."

Vexain stared at Becky, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Really?"

Becky shrugged, a smirk playing on her lips. "Yeah, really. We're not all about drama and gossip. We just like to have fun."

Penny rolled her eyes, but then, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, she said, "You know, Vexain, you remind me of someone. Someone who used to be the best friend of one of us. Someone who... disappeared."

Vexain felt a chill run down her spine.  "Who are you talking about?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Penny just smiled, a knowing smirk playing on her lips.  "Let's just say, you might find out soon enough."

Vexain was left with a knot of anxiety in her stomach.  Who was Penny talking about?  And why did she seem so… amused by Vexain's arrival?

The next few days passed in a blur of confusing classes, awkward encounters, and a constant feeling of being watched.  Vexain found herself drawn to Penny and Becky, their confidence and sense of humor making her feel less alone.  But the shadow of Penny's cryptic words hung over her, a constant reminder of the mystery surrounding her past and the secrets that seemed to be lurking just beneath the surface.

Could Penny and Becky be hiding something from her?  And was it related to her best friend, Y/N?

Vexain knew she had to find out.  The truth, however painful it might be, was something she couldn't ignore.  And she was determined to uncover it, no matter what.