Sweet Like Revenge

19 - Party Politics

Getting Poppy out of the picture was supposed to clear the way to Sienna Hawthorne. After all, the flame-haired psychopath usually guarded her best friend like a literal guard dog, as if anyone else getting close to her master threatened her position in Irvine's delicate social hierarchy. I truly believed that once the Queen's guard was gone, a position would open up in her cabinet. A position fit for a secret agent just like me.

But it seemed that I wasn't the only one who sought to benefit from Poppy's absence. Kirsty, Chontelle, and Kat made every effort to capture Sienna's attention, to be the 'new' Poppy, and attain the kind power and status that came along with being the Queen's very best friend. It made for a new and interesting dynamic in Irvine's inner circle, where behind the pearly-white smiles and over-the-top displays of affection lurked bitter jealousy and toxic competition.

"That was my seat," a frustrated Kirsty told Chontelle just as the second half of Saturday's football final was about to begin.

The petulant pageant girl had disappeared with Astor during halftime, giggling and whispering like an excited schoolgirl as he led her under the bleachers.

"Is it that big of a deal?" Chontelle asked, knowing fully well that it definitely was that big of a deal. "I've already moved my stuff over."

"So? Move it back."

Sienna poked her head out from the seat next to Chontelle's. "Girls. The game's about to start."

Kirsty let the matter rest. Vying for Sienna's attention was one thing, but challenging her authority was another. Kirsty silently conceded to her new position between Kat and me, simply throwing her stolen seat next to Sienna a forlorn glance.

The Panthers won the Interschool Games in a stunning and unexpected comeback, after finishing the first half with only a handful of points on the scoreboard. Their opposition had started out strong, and rightly so, considering they were Irvine's stiffest competition.

But from the second half onwards, each player became more and more skittish, more erratic, and motivated by blind excitement rather than logical strategy. It was a descent reminiscent of Kirsty's in the lacrosse semi-final the day before.

Maybe the rumors were true. Maybe the Interschool Games really were just too much for some students to handle.

"There's my good-luck charm!" an elated Astor exclaimed as my friends and I joined the boys on the field to celebrate.

He charged towards us to scoop Kirsty up in his arms, then whisked her away to present to the rest of the team as if she were a newborn Simba being showcased before the African plains.

To think, Kirsty had been so self-righteous about me being inappropriate with her best friend's boyfriend. I suppose, as far as she was concerned, it was acceptable for Astor to have a wandering eye, so long as that eye was fixed firmly on her.

What a screwed-up web the Irvine elites weaved.

A figure flashed in the corner of my eye, stealing my attention from the fanfare on the field. It walked towards me, stopped, then quickly turned to retreat. But, even from behind, the shaggy brunette hair was an instant giveaway.

"Cameron?" I called over the crowd.

The figure stopped. It hesitated for a moment, considered its options, then turned to face me with a forced smile.