Social Anxiety

Chapter 14: Scavengers

"This is a bad idea, Shawna. You need to calm down," Barb said as she followed Shawna at a brisk walk.

Shawna stormed across campus, heading for the fine arts building. More specifically, she was aiming at the fashion design department. Marla used the studio to work on projects. Shawna knew Marla would be there alone because she got the information from Sandra after a few choice threats. Barb understood why Shawna was looking for Marla, and she tried everything to stop it.

"I've had enough of her," Shawna said through gritted teeth.

"Don't pick a fight. Bledsoe is looking for a reason to get rid of you. Don't give him one," Barb said.

"I don't care anymore. Someone has to put her in her place."

Shawna stepped around Barb and entered the building. She found the elevator and rapidly pressed the button.

"Hitting it more than once doesn't make the elevator come faster," Barb said.

"Shut up."

When the doors opened, Shawna repeated her behavior with the second-floor button. Barb gave up trying to talk her out of it and chose to play peacemaker instead. She hoped she could prevent a fight. They exited the elevator and found Marla's room at the end of the hallway. Shawna opened the door and spotted Marla sitting at a table. Marla didn't seem surprised to see Shawna. Barb guessed Sandra warned her. Shawna was the one who felt surprised. She didn't expect Chloe to be there. However, Chloe's presence didn't deter her from her mission.

"Marla! I bet you think you're real funny, don't you?" Shawna hissed.

"Bitch, I'm hilarious," Marla replied. "I take it you got my text."

"You're not even going to deny it was you?"

"I was only trying to show you Felicia was fine and having a good time," Marla said sweetly. "You didn't believe me when I said I wouldn't hurt her."

"Yeah, right. I'm not falling for that. I know why you sent that to me."

"And why is that, Shawna?" Marla asked, but Shawna didn't answer. She bit her lip and scowled at Marla, making her chuckle. "You can't even say it. I thought you were out and proud."

"Shut up."

"Shawna, don't let her get to you. She's pushing your buttons. You said your peace. Come on. Let's go," Barb whispered.

"I once called Felicia your pet, but I was wrong. You're the little puppy dog in this relationship—or lack thereof," Marla said. "She's never going to love you. I was trying to help Felicia find somebody."

Shawna lurched, but Barb grabbed her. She held firm until she felt Shawna relax.

"Marla, leave her alone," Chloe pleaded.

"Stay out of this, Chloe," Marla said, returning to Shawna. "Honestly, you're setting a bad example for your pledges with this behavior. I won't have you teaching my sister to be so hotheaded."

Shawna looked at Chloe and sighed. She hated to admit Marla had a point, but she felt guilty about doing this in front of Chloe. Chloe couldn't hide her disappointed look. When Shawna saw it, she backed down. Barb gently rubbed her back and directed her toward the door. Unfortunately, Marla had more up her sleeve.

"I kind of like Felicia. She's a good kid, and I wouldn't want you corrupting her. Maybe I should call Felicia's mother and tell her about your little obsession," Marla said.

"Oh, that's it, you bitch!" Shawna yelled. She moved so quickly that Barb couldn't hook her arm. Shawna ran toward Marla, swinging her fist. What happened next baffled Shawna. She ended up flat on her back with the wind knocked out of her, but she didn't remember Marla throwing her. It happened too fast for Shawna's brain to register it. Shawna's head buzzed, and her ears rang as she looked at Marla's smirking face.