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This chapter's song
Dangerous Woman by Ariana Grande
"Somethin' 'bout you makes me feel like a dangerous woman Somethin' 'bout, somethin' 'bout, somethin' 'bout you Makes me wanna do things that I shouldn't Somethin' 'bout, somethin' 'bout, somethin' 'bout"
***
"I am sorry."
Alyzza knows she has repeated that sentence so many times to look like a lifeless machine, but she must prove to Allene that her feelings are true. But how, if she has to face such a stubborn girl?
"You know, Allene, I am very sorry for screwing up. I swear I won't do it again." Alyzza's eyes are filled with tears. She can't even imagine what could be her fellow colleague's reply. She may give her the silent treatment as much as she can treat her poorly or forgive her.
So, there are no expectations about Allene's behavior. She is just standing still without saying a word. Her arms are crossed and she is glaring at Alyzza, who keeps crying.
'What a little dickface and a crybaby!' Allene is rolling her eyes. 'Do you want my forgiveness? Go and earn it like anybody else: working the hell out of yourself!' Alyzza can easily perceive who's supposed to be her friend's nasty thoughts and negative feelings. She is done with all this humiliation and the self-harm she is subject to. She needs Allene to talk.
"Again, Allene, I am sorry. I don't know how else to say. I swear, I will do anything to repay you, to earn back your forgiveness."
"Why should I believe you?" asks Allene, furrowing her eyebrows.
"Allene... I am sorry. You know. It was all an accident. I could never, ever do anything like that on purpose."
"Oh, yes. So, the argument with Aubrea was just an accident. And the one with the customers. No, Alyzza, I am not taking this as an excuse. You did it on purpose." Allene's sarcasm isn't sitting well with her former colleague-to-be.
"How dare you?" explodes in fact Alyzza. "I won't let you insult me with your stupid accusations, you little big dickface!"
"Dickface to me? You know what, Alyzza? You're dismissed. Aubrea will take your place. See you never."
Alyzza is furious. Not only has she just been sacked out, but she has also been replaced! And not with a random girl, but with the Aubrea Lievsay, whom she hates. However, she won't give Allene the satisfaction of having the last word. She wants her payback.
"Perfect. Go and tell your precious new protegée I am no longer employed in that shitty shop. And, another thing, Allene. I won't ever approach it, only because of you! Don't talk to me ever again! I am off! See you never!"
With that, Alyzza reaches the entrance, leaves the house and slams the door furiously. "Little daughter of a bitch!" she yells. "I wish I could burn your house, so that you actually get to know what sufference is!" Then, she restarts crying. The worst day in her life has brought her to a path she would never consider taking.
Yeah. Silent treatment. Since now, she is going to pretend not to even know Allene. Let's leave her in her shit with Aubrea. She doesn't need a job. She doesn't need a shitty colleague. She doesn't need a bitchy boss. She just has her friend.
Now, Alyzza's new priority is to calm down and try to earn Annaleigha's trust. And possibly to tell Alanis the truth about the dismissal.
But how? She has no clue on how to do so, and she isn't even in the mood to talk to anybody. So, she just chooses to go home and stay there for the remainder of the day.
***
Alanis is sitting at her desk, checking her laptop. She opens the browser and logs in Facebook. And, then, the stinging realization that makes her pissed off.
Ainsley Penland wants to be your friend
'No, it can't be. Ainsley hates me. She doesn't care about me,' is what Alanis thinks. She doesn't trust Ainsley Belle Penland. The most conceited, diva-like girl she has ever met and dealt with. Better say, her stepsister.
Alanis has already been extremely unhappy about being forced to see her father very little due to his job, but what's worse is that her mother remarried, and, naturally, had the stupid idea of not telling her daughter beforehand that the groom has a daughter, too. Therefore, Alanis and Ainsley have since been living in the same house, and, as of now, are even sharing what was exclusively Alanis' bedroom. Now, 70% of the room belongs to Ainsley. Alanis only "owns" the remaining 30%. What's scary, anyway, is that her own mother prefers Ainsley over her. That little brat is perfect. She isn't.
Alanis is definitely feeling uncomfortable, and, what's worse, the request on Facebook arrived just when she's supposed to get ready for the night downtown. She and Alyzza are having dinner together and then they're going to the karaoke.
Nice plan, isn't it? But, as of now, Alanis has a problem that's even worse than not finding the right outfit.
Facing Ainsley.
But she doesn't know how to act, and decides to just ignore this matter. She, instead, struck by curiosity, decides to search for Annaleigha on the social network.
She digits 'Annaleigha McCallister' and easily finds her. There are no other girls named like her, so she, after opening the page, clicks the button 'follow request'.
Now, she only has to wait for Annaleigha to accept her request, and look for an outfit for tonight.
***
Although she is saddened by what Allene did to her, Alyzza must try to cheer up a little bit and get ready for the party.
She takes a nice short black laced dress with no sleeves and a heart neckline and wears it. Then, she adds a pair of black flats and start doing her hair and makeup. 'God, I must call Alanis. We need a lift.'
After getting herself prepared, Alyzza takes the phone and calls Alanis. The answer comes shortly after.
"Hello, Alyzza. I was about to call you to remind you of the party. How are things with Allene, now that you let me think?"
"Can we just change subject?" is Alyzza's irritated reply. "We are supposed to have fun!"
"Perfect! So, are you coming or what?"
"Uhm... ok. But who's gonna give us a lift?"
"I'll tell my mom. But now move! We mustn't be late."
"You're right. Ok. See you later!" With this greet, Alyzza hangs up the phone call and, after taking her phone, her keys and her purse, she starts leaving the house.
