Miss nobody strikes back

Toxic twins

Chapter Five

After that stupid stunt Claire pulled, I tried my best to stay away from her as much as possible. Even though she continued to bully me in school, I had Jenny to stand up for me.

Jenny and I had become super close. She was different from other students—kind, funny, and a big drama queen, which was part of what I loved about her. She had friends whom she introduced me to, and we all got along remarkably well.

Jenny was a prominent social media influencer, which meant she was pretty rich. On top of that, her mom was a famous fashion designer who married Shane’s dad, the owner of a successful company. Shane’s dad adored Jenny and her mom, but he was clearly not fond of Shane; the kid was just a brat.

As time passed, I found myself getting over Shane and Claire. They tried to rub their relationship in my face, but I didn’t care. Part of why Shane broke up with me was that I refused to sacrifice my body for him. I was proud that I didn’t have Shane’s mark, which made me feel even better.

It was almost summer break, and students at Lincoln High were buzzing with excitement. Many bragged about their upcoming trips to Hawaii, Bora Bora, and other exotic destinations, while I simply wanted to relax and escape all the drama. I was looking forward to reading, binge-watching movies, and just enjoying a peaceful summer.

The bell rang, signaling the end of classes and time to go home. It was Tuesday, and Jenny and I had plans to unwind and have fun together. I was packing my books in my bag when three figures walked toward me. I looked up to see Claire and her minions.

God, can’t this girl leave me alone? I packed my bags and tried to leave when she blocked my path.

"God, Claire, what do you want?" I asked, feeling irritated by her presence.

"Mum wants you to buy my medication and stop by her buyer’s house to pick up something," Claire said, feigning innocence.

"And why are you telling me?" I asked, knowing full well she wanted me to do the job for her.

"Mom asked me to tell you, and besides, you’re not doing anything with your free time. You don’t have friends, remember?" Claire rolled her eyes at me. I wanted to slap that stupid smile off her face, but Jenny’s voice stopped me.

"Hey, Hanna, are you done packing?" Jenny called out, standing in the doorway with her eyes glued to her phone.

"Yeah, I was just about to leave," I replied, turning back to Claire. "I’m busy," I said, making sure my words registered in that dense brain of hers. I walked past them to join Jenny, and we both headed out of the classroom.

"We’ll see," Claire said with a smirk before walking out with her friends.

I had the time of my life with Jenny. We talked, watched movies, and bought ice cream. It had been so long since I felt this kind of warmth in my life. Jenny was so funny and lively that one could never be bored in her company.

By evening, Jenny and I bid each other goodbye before parting ways. I walked home smiling like a child who had just been given candy. Just as I stepped inside, Dad stopped me.

"Good evening, Mom, Dad," I greeted cheerfully, even though they looked surprised by my sudden happiness.

"Looks like you’re enjoying yourself, hun," Mum said. "Enough to forget to buy your sister’s medication. She almost passed out today. If not for her friends, who knows what would have happened to Claire?" Mum added.

"Seriously, Mum, a day without her medication wouldn’t kill her. She’s just exaggerating, like she always does," I replied, rolling my eyes. Just then, Claire walked in, her face puffy and pale.

"I’m exaggerating? Look at me!" Claire said, pointing to her face.

"Did you pay one of your friends to make your face look pale so you could convince Mum and Dad? News flash, actress: it’s useless," I retorted.

"You’re such a witch! You don’t even care about me!" Claire whined, her voice taking on a pitch that grated on my nerves.

"A witch is better than a self-entitled brat who is pitiful on the outside but a total devil on the inside," I shot back.

"Hanna, that’s wrong," Mum said, turning to scold me.

"She called me a witch first! What did you expect me to do, smile?" I snapped, turning to Mum. "Every time you and Dad fall for her stupid lies, even a five-year-old could lie better," I argued.

"That’s enough!" Dad interjected, walking in. "I’m tired of you two fighting. Clearly, you both aren’t mature enough," he added. We both stared at him, incredulous.

"You both need a break from each other. You’re both too toxic. Your dad and I have decided, Hanna, we’re sending you to your aunt’s place this weekend," Mum said.

"Yes, we’ve called your aunt, and she’s sending someone to pick you up on Sunday," Dad confirmed.

"Why can’t Claire go to Aunt’s place? I have lots of things to do here," I protested, feeling all my plans with Jenny slipping away.

"It’s final. Claire is here because someone has to take care of her and her medication. Besides, she tells me how your aunt favors you more than her, so you can stay with her," Dad added.

"But Sunday? I have a week before summer break! Can’t we wait? I can’t miss a week of class!" I pleaded.

"Hanna, a week’s absence from class wouldn’t make you dull. I’ve already spoken to your principal, and she has granted you permission," Mum said. I stared at my mom, my dad, and Claire in disbelief.

"You know what? I’m grateful you’re sending me to Aunt’s, so you both can spend quality time with your perfect daughter. I’ll stay with her; maybe she’ll be better at being a mom than you," I blurted out, anger coursing through my veins.

"Hanna, it’s not what you think! It’s for your own good…" Mum tried to calm me down, but before she could get close, I dashed to my room and slammed the door shut.

Three months away from my family and friends—that’s a long time. As much as I didn’t like my family, I still enjoyed being around them. Summer break in a different environment felt crazy and I'll be three months away from Jenny, oh talk about all my plans ruined.