Missing Pages

Chapter 32: School Flow

I took a deep breath and turned around smirking. "You ready?" I whispered. My companion was ready indeed. I bursted through the doors, sending metal clanging against the wall for a more dramatic effect.

Carmen and I strutted down the crowded corridors like it was our runway, flashing million dollar smiles and turning heads along the way. We then parted ways only to visit our respective lockers. My heart was hammering in my chest and I pinched myself to be sure this was real. I hadn't gotten this much attention in a long while, and I felt alive.

We walked arm in arm to the next class.

* * *

For some unknown reason, we hadn't run into Nina all day, but I wasn't too worried because that was bound to change during lunch time. Carmen had been back for a couple weeks now, and I filled her in on what my current situation was when we weren't working with Barbara to devise a new plan. She went to school and was instructed to act 'normal' because she obviously didn't get suspended. Today was the first time she would be ditching that horrendous circle of friends she hung out with, which was a surprise to everyone.

As it turned out, I had missed a lot while being away from school. The entire cafeteria layout had been abandoned to conform with the new queen bee's credentials: Nina. Most everyone within a 10 foot radius was focused on the frail and damaged girl. Note the obvious sarcasm.

To get a better view, Carmen and I strolled up to the concentrated area to hear her everlasting story.

"... I-I had no idea what to do, and no one to turn to. I was afraid I would only make matters worse, and her nasty remarks led me to believe my life was at stake,"the girl sobbed. She hid her face with a damp tissue as one of my friends from our popular group rubbed circles on her back.

"Just remember you always have me to talk to," a small voice reassured her, earning a chorus of 'yeah' to echo from the crowd. I laughed. Really hard. It startled the nerds and jocks who were closest to me. Truth is, no one ever cared about her. If they did, then she wouldn't have been an easy target for a "bully" like me to chase after.

What they didn't know was that the whole predicament was the other way around. I was the true victim here.

"This only adds to the fact that Jasmine's a monster!" sneered a freak with a nasally voice.

"A very pretty one at that," I butted in, "Who also is BFFs with Rihanna."
Nina slowly lifted her gaze to my face in realization. The albatraoz was back in business.

"What are you doing here?!" she growled in a near whisper.

"Well, I came here to eat this genetically modified slop we call food, and y'know, GO TO SCHOOL, like any other adolescent on this planet,"
I explained.

"Why is Carmen hanging out with her? I thought she realized her true nature," the drama queen asked one of her groupies.

"So you're not brave enough to ask her yourself?" I gestured to my bestie.

"I realized how much memories this girl and I have together, and that I was being a total douche to one of the only friends that actually care about me," spoke Carmen, "And anyways she didn't do half the things you accused her of."

She was shocked, mortified, and most of all she just got BURNED to a crisp! Her next move was so predictable because she stalked out like a pro.

"Wait! Was it something we said?" I made a weak attempt to bring her back. I mocked confusion by scratching my head.

Mission accomplished.