Caroline's Cries

Chapter 4

Caroline's POV

Aside from occasional remarks from Bianca, school has actually been going steady. I was doing well in my classes, and I had healthy friendships

One day, I woke up late. I ran out of time and quickly grabbed a random outfit from my closet. I did the normal routine; grabbing a granola bar and keys before heading out the door for the bus. 

I instantly went to the back to sit with my two best friends. I chomped on my granola bar while Amanda told us about a butterfly she saw the other day. Suddenly Sarah nudged me. 

"What?" I asked. 

She pointed to two seats in front of me, where I spotted Bianca and another girl looking at me while whispering. Bianca looked at her and gave her an expression that said, "seriously?" and the other girl nodded. Bianca sighed. 

We got off the bus, I gave my goodbye hugs to Sarah and Amanda and walked over to my locker, where I was stopped by Bianca herself. 

"Caroline," She said while scowling, "My friend Sasha pointed out that your shirt is a designer shirt." 

"Oh, really? I just picked it up at Walmart." 

"Well it's designer and she wants to know if you..." She breathed deeply, "Wanted to sit with us at lunch. Just this once." 

I laughed, "No thanks Bianca." 

"Please, if you don't she won't shut up about it." 

I contemplated this. If I sat with them at lunch, maybe I would become a "popular girl". That seemed like the norm nowadays. But I already made plans to sit with Amanda and Sarah... but they wouldn't mind, right? If they were real friends they would understand. 

"Uh, sure." I said slowly. 

Bianca quickly nodded and stiffly walked away. Sheesh, it was so obvious that she was forced to do that. 

"What was that about?" Jake asked. 

I whipped around in surprise. I didn't know he was standing there.

"Oh, Bianca invited me to sit with her at lunch." I answered.

"Didn't you already tell Sarah and Amanda you would sit with them?" 

"Yeah but..." What was I going to say? Truthfully, I wanted to be popular. I wanted to be loved and surrounded by friends. That's like every girl's dream. But that would make me seem super shallow.

"Sarah and Amanda already know and they said it's okay." I blurted out. That wasn't the truth at all, but I couldn't take it back now. 

He eyed me suspiciously, "Okay then." 

The bell rang and I grabbed my stuff and speed-walked to my class, leaving him behind.

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Lunchtime came. I went into the bathroom to touch up my makeup and brush my wig. A million thoughts sped into my brain. What if they didn't like me? 

I pictured a puppy cuddling me, and did my three's. I was feeling a bit better. I walked out of the bathroom and headed straight for the cafeteria. 

"Caroline we saved a seat for you!" I heard Amanda yell. But I ignored her. I got my food, passed their table, and sat straight down next to Sasha. 

I looked behind me quickly and felt a pang of remorse. Sarah looked confused, and Amanda looked very hurt. I faced the girls surrounding me and tried to swallow down my salad but my stomach was going in circles.