Whispers of the Past

Chapter 5

Rule #5 - Avoid Drama Queens

The next day, I walked into the cafeteria, still thinking about my plan to check out the old bookstore with Ethan. I was actually excited, which wasn’t my usual default mode at school. Just as I was about to grab my lunch, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

Turning around, I was face-to-face with Cassie. She was tall, with perfectly styled hair and an attitude that screamed, “Look at me.” Cassie was known for two things: her obsession with Ethan and her knack for making drama out of thin air. Not exactly my favorite combo.

“Can I help you?” I asked, hoping she’d get the hint and back off.

Cassie gave me a long, unimpressed look before crossing her arms. “Look, Felicita, I don’t know what kind of game you think you’re playing, but Ethan isn’t someone you just…mess around with.”

I blinked, trying not to laugh. “Game? I’m not playing any game.”

“Oh, really?” She leaned in closer, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Because you’ve been hanging around him a lot lately, and it’s kind of pathetic, you know? He’s way out of your league.”

I could feel a dozen pairs of eyes watching, probably hoping for a cafeteria showdown. I kept my expression cool, not giving her the reaction she wanted. “Well, thanks for your concern, Cassie. I’ll be sure to take your advice to heart.”

But Cassie wasn’t done. “Just stay out of his way, got it? Ethan deserves someone who’s…worthy of his time, not someone who just showed up here and acts like they own the place.”

It took everything in me not to roll my eyes. Instead, I shrugged. “Got it. But maybe you should take your own advice and stay out of other people’s business.”

With that, I turned back to my lunch, pretending she didn’t exist. Cassie let out an irritated huff and finally walked off, leaving a silence in her wake.

Just then, Ethan slid into the seat next to me, completely oblivious to the showdown that had just happened. “Hey! Did I miss something?”

“Nothing important,” I said, keeping my tone light. “Just someone giving me unsolicited advice.”

He smirked. “Well, good thing you’re great at ignoring advice.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. As I watched Cassie fuming at a nearby table, I realized Rule #5—Avoid Drama Queens—was broken, thanks to Ethan. And somehow, I knew this wasn’t the last I’d be seeing of her.