A Deal For Popularity

THE DAY AFTER

I stepped into the school, a rush of exhilaration coursing through my veins. The hallways buzzed with whispers, and for the first time, I was at the center of it all.

"Did you see her pendant? So unique!" I heard one girl say, her voice carrying over the chatter. I glanced at them, feeling a mix of pride and disbelief. This was it—I had finally done it. I was popular.

As I walked down the corridor, the attention felt intoxicating. I watched as figures in green and white approached me it was the cheerleaders, Beckie at their forefront, she stopped in front of me a frown on her delicate face as she looked me up and down.

"Did you get your hair done, those highlights are so pretty," she giggled before proceeding to invite me to join them at lunch. "We should totally hang out!" she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. I nodded, feigning a smile, I could the warmth of their acceptance enveloped me. This was the first time Beckie had even bothered acknowledging my presence.

Throughout the day, I engaged with my classmates, reveling in the attention that was long overdue. Boys who  had never even spoken to me before or let alone looked in my direction offered me shy smiles, but one in particular caught my eye—Gareth, the guy who had always had a soft spot for Diamond. I noticed the way he glanced my way, a curious smile playing on his lips, and the thrill of being noticed by him sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach. I had longed for this day more than any anyone could ever know.

"Hey, Sandra! Love your pendant! It's so cool!" Gareth called out as I walked by, and I felt my cheeks flush with warmth as I blushed.. "Thanks!" I replied, trying to sound as casual as possible, trying to not give away that my heart was currently racing just at the smallest amount of attention he had given me. I had long day dreamed of this moment, the moment he would look my way and now it was finally reality.

As the final bell rang, I grabbed my backpack and headed toward the exit, my head held high, It was as a scene right out of movie, it was as if everything stilled as all attention was focused on me, and I enjoyed it to the fullest. Things were really looking up for me.

 But as I caught a glimpse of Diamond across the courtyard, my feet stilled, as my heart seemed to beat nervously in my chest.

Flashbacks of the abandoned asylum flooded my thoughts—the darkness, the whispers, and that feeling of something ominous lurking beneath the surface. I shook my head, pushing the memories away. Surely, Diamond would understand. After all, it wasn't fair of her to have kept all of this attention to her self all this time.

She stood with the  group of cheerleaders and jocks as usual , her expression unreadable. I rushed over, excitement dimming as I approached. "Hey, Dia! You won't believe how amazing today was!"

But Diamond's brow was furrowed, her gaze shifting between me and her friends. "What's going on, Sandy?" she asked, her voice tight.

"What do you mean?" I asked her, hesitation flickered on her face for a brief moment, a small frown on her lips as she seemed to be observing us.

"Sandra, you're having lunch with us right?" Lacey said as she threw her arms around me. Diamond seemed as if she had something to say before deciding against it, the frown returning to her face.

I waved my hand dismissively. "I don't know! Maybe I just finally got noticed." I said.

The school day had felt surreal. As I chatted with our friends and even made new ones, I noticed how Gareth kept glancing my way, a smile on his face, and a rush of warmth flooded my chest. But then I looked back at Diamond, who stood a little apart, her usual confidence replaced by uncertainty.

"Are you okay?" I asked, trying to lighten the mood. "You look a bit tired,."

"I didn't sleep well," she admitted, her voice low. "And I don't really remember much about last night."

A chill ran down my spine at her words. "What do you mean?"

"I just... I feel like I'm forgetting something important," she said, biting her lip.

"Maybe you just need a break," I suggested, forcing a smile. But I could see it in her eyes—something was troubling her, and it made my chest tighten.

Suddenly, Emma, chimed in. "Let's go grab smoothies! Sandy, you should totally join us!"

The offer hung in the air, and I glanced at Diamond, who looked torn. "You should go, Sandy. I'll catch up with you later," she said, her voice almost too casual.

I hesitated, but the excitement of my new popularity tugged at me. "Alright! I'll see you later, Dia!"

As I joined my new friends, I caught Gareth's eye again. This time, he smiled wider, and the rush of warmth flooded my chest once more. Maybe I could have it all—popularity, attention, and even the guy I wanted.

But as the laughter and chatter filled the air around me, I couldn't shake the feeling that something precious might be slipping away. The shadows of that night in the asylum loomed over me, and I wondered if the price of my newfound status was more than I had bargained for.