I always thought high school drama only happened in movies. But then I met Aisha.
Back then, Jessi and I were inseparable. She wasn't just my best friend — she was my sister, my safe place. We'd sit at the same desk every day, doodle in each other's notebooks, laugh until the teacher gave us that look. Even Sara, who was part of our little group, felt like family.
And then… Aisha showed up.
At first, I didn't even mind her sitting with us sometimes. Maybe she was just lonely, I thought. I even smiled at her the first day she plopped into our circle at lunch.
"Hey," she said with her usual sharp grin. "Mind if I join? You guys always seem to have so much fun."
Jessi smiled. "Of course not! Sit!"
I forced a polite smile. "Sure," I said softly.
But over the next few weeks, it felt like she was always there. Every time Jessi and I started talking, she'd cut in.