The Serpent Queen

Aftermath | Part One

For the first time in forever, Phoebe watched the news while sitting on the sofa with her head in her phone.

"You know you're just like me watching the news. It's boring. Whatever I see on Instagram and Facebook grabs my attention more." Yasmine remarked.

Phoebe glanced over. Moon wanted this to be a civil introduction to her before the school year started. The blonde mean girl hadn't said a rude word about Phoebe or her home, though she hadn't apologised for anything. Moon was picking her up in the morning for school with Yasmine in tow. She figured the three of them would be spending a lot of time together as a trio of girl friends. Still, she found it weird for Yasmine to be in her home or around her at all.

"Same." She said. "How was Paris?"

"The sights were amazing...and by sights I mean hot guys. They were great to stare at." Yasmine said with a smile. "I would ask how your summer was, but Moon clued me in with the basics."

Phoebe turned to Moon and gave her a look.

"Only the basics." Moon quickly said. "The fight, the party and your rivalry. That's it. Nothing bad either."

"Don't worry, Phoebe. We're very much alike." Yasmine added.

"I doubt that."

"No really. Think about it. Fighting off a crazed bat and knife wielding psycho will give you popularity points with the other students. We're both blonde, rich, likeable, pretty girls. Besides, you got a serious injury from it. You can get a lot of sympathy cards from teachers and students. Nobody would want to get on the wrong side of you...or me. It's that simple."

Sophie and George were heading out, but not on a date. West Valley High were holding a community meeting in the school about the whole karate incident. They had to attend as parents of a student.

"Okay, girls. We're going now." George said.

"Have fun, Mr and Mrs Alexopoulos." Moon smiled.

"Thank you, Moon. But I doubt that. Nobody will be having fun. It's a very serious meeting from what I can gather."

"I'm glad you're expanding your social circle, Phoebe. But...Yasmine, is it?"

The other blonde turned her head. "Yes?"

"You're right about one thing. Don't mess with Phoebe. I'm sure you've seen what she can do. I wouldn't want to get on her bad side."

Yasmine caught what she meant. "Of course. It wouldn't end well for everyone involved...especially me."

"Exactly."

"I'll play nice. Don't worry, Mrs Alexopoulos. Did I mention that you look great tonight?"

Sophie chuckled, "Thank you."

George nodded at the girl, "I wouldn't want to have a conversation with your parents in the country club about any rivalry between you two."

"No, we wouldn't. Rivalries are so not cool anyway."

"We'll be back in a few hours, girls. Money is on the counter is you want to order in tonight. Whatever you want. See you later."

Phoebe waved goodbye to her parents as they closed the door. She turned up the volume with the remote when she saw a reporter, Maria Hill, standing in the foyer of the school with a microphone in her hands, next to the stairs reporting on the events that took place there, wearing a dark maroon wrap dress.

"It was two weeks ago today at West Valley High, where what can only be described as an all- out karate riot caught students and faculty off- guard, sending shock waves through the Valley."