Double Star

11 : My Choice.

PoV Noelle:

I strolled quietly down the hallway, my stomach growling in anticipation of lunch. Sarah was absent today, which had been bothering me all morning. I'd tried calling her several times, but her phone was off. The empty spot her absence left only deepened my loneliness, especially after Ashley disappeared right after class. She'd claimed she wasn't hungry, but I knew her too well to believe that. Something was up. Her behavior had been strange lately- daydreaming, doodling hearts on her notebook, and scribbling the letter "E" inside them. It didn't take a genius to guess she was meeting someone.

I couldn't help but wonder who had managed to capture her attention like this. Whoever it was must be just as complex as she is, considering Ashley isn't the type to fall for just anyone. I thought about asking her outright, but I doubted I'd get an honest answer. If she'd wanted me to know about her love life, she would've told me by now. Instead, she kept it all to herself, leaving me to question whether I was still her best friend.

Well, whatever. I had my own priorities, and right now, that meant food. Nothing could come between me and the promise of lasagna-the ultimate comfort food. Just the thought of it made my mouth water.

When I arrived at the cafeteria, it was as loud and chaotic as ever, packed with students who were just as excited about lunch as I was. After a few minutes of waiting, I finally managed to get a plate. My heart practically sang as I turned to find a seat, but disaster struck. I accidentally bumped into someone, sending my precious lasagna flying right onto their clothes.

Horrified, I looked up to see who had ruined my meal. My stomach sank as I recognized her. Of all people, why did it have to be her? The girl stared at her stained shirt, mouth agape in shock before her expression twisted into a glare of pure fury.

Meanwhile, my heart ached for my lost lasagna. Forget her anger; I couldn't stop mourning the plate of perfection now smeared across this girl's outfit. What a tragic waste.

"Oh no, my plate!" I exclaimed. Before I could react, Britney shoved me hard, and I stumbled back, clutching onto a chair to avoid falling.

"You had the nerve to dump your disgusting dish on me, and now you're acting like nothing happened? I'll make you regret this, you little bitch!" Her voice was sharp enough to pierce through metal, her red, furious eyes locking onto mine like a predator. It felt like she was ready to tear me apart.

Britney-my stepbrother's insufferable girlfriend. She used to barge into our house uninvited until my mom finally kicked her out. Since then, she'd made it her personal mission to ruin my life. And now, with everyone watching, I knew I was screwed. Taylor, my stepbrother, would undoubtedly take her side, as always. This humiliation would spread through the school like wildfire.

"Cat got your tongue?" Britney sneered, looking me over with pure malice.

"Sorry..." I mumbled, gritting my teeth. Apologizing felt like swallowing nails, but I forced the words out.

"Sorry? Too late, you pathetic loser! This shirt costs more than your entire life!" She lunged at me, but I sidestepped her, causing her to trip over her ridiculous heels. She crashed to the floor, and the room erupted in laughter.

For a moment, I froze, torn between amusement and dread. Her murderous glare sent a chill down my spine. As the crowd gathered, I decided to bolt, but someone blocked my path. My stomach dropped when I looked up.

Taylor.

"Finally, you're here, honey!" Britney whined, tears forming in her eyes. "Look what this idiot did to me!"

But instead of rushing to her aid, Taylor burst out laughing.

"What the hell is this mess?" he chuckled, his shoulders shaking.