It was a sunny afternoon, and Kathy and Bella decided to grab lunch off-campus after a long morning of lectures. The restaurant wasn't too busy, just the way they liked it. They picked a cozy corner near the window, ordered their usual, and settled in for some much-needed girl time.
As they waited for their food, Kathy scrolled through her phone and laughed at something she saw on Instagram. Bella leaned in, curious, but before either of them could speak, the entrance door swung open.
Kathy's smile dropped. "Speak of the devils," she whispered, nudging Bella.
Bella looked up to see three girls walking in like they owned the place.
"There they are," Kathy said, tilting her head slightly. "Melanie in front, that's the self-declared queen I told you about. And behind her? Rina, loud and angry for no reason, and Talia, the forever sidekick."
Bella blinked. "That's them?"
Kathy nodded. "Yep. Get ready for drama."
Bella chuckled. "They don't even look that important."
Kathy smirked. "Trust me, they're not. But they like to think otherwise."
And just like that, the atmosphere shifted. Bella could already tell, this lunch was about to get interesting.
As Melanie strutted into the restaurant with her usual exaggerated confidence, it was clear she believed the world revolved around her. Dressed in a bright pink fitted dress that clung to her figure and heels that clacked with every step, she wore the air of someone used to attention, even if most of it was self-made. Melanie wasn't just the loudest in the room; she was the only one in her little circle with any real presence online. Her Instagram was full of perfectly edited selfies, outfit montages, and forced influencer vibes. That clout made her queen in her eyes, and unfortunately, in the eyes of a few others.
Trailing behind her were Rina and Talia , her loyal followers. Rina was short-tempered, with an always-irritated expression and a loud voice that grated on everyone's nerves. Her fashion sense was questionable at best tight clothes that didn't quite fit and makeup that always seemed half-done. Talia, on the other hand, was just…there. Not particularly outspoken, not stylish, and definitely not pretty, but she clung to Melanie like a lifeline, repeating whatever she said and always two steps behind.
Together, they formed the "mean girl" trio of Kathy's department. Nobody particularly liked them, but most avoided their drama to keep the peace.
Melanie snapped her fingers as she reached a corner booth, sitting down like she owned the entire restaurant.
"Three chicken, with chips , extra spicy and fresh juice. Make it fast," she told the approaching waiter, not even looking up from her phone.
The poor waiter nodded nervously and hurried to the counter.
A few tables away, Bella and Kathy were seated by the window, enjoying their lunch and deep in conversation about the "mean girls" Bella sipped her drink, leaning in as Kathy whispered something that made them both burst into laughter.
Moments later, the waiter returned to Melanie's table, balancing their order. But as she reached them, her foot accidentally caught the edge of the chair leg, and in one tragic second, the tray tilted. A tall glass of juice slipped and splashed all over Rina's pale yellow top.
Gasps echoed.
Rina jumped up, shrieking, "Oh my God! Are you stupid!?"
The waiter stuttered, "I'm so, so sorry"
But before she could finish, Melanie stood up and slapped her right across the cheek.
The entire restaurant gasped.
Bella and Kathy, who were sitting just a few tables away, turned instantly. Kathy stood first, eyes narrowed.
"Excuse me," she called, walking over. "What the hell was that for?"
Melanie raised a brow. "Mind your business Kathy."
Bella joined in, arms crossed. "Slapping someone because of a mistake? Are you serious right now?"
Rina was already dabbing herself with a tissue, clearly embarrassed but still fuming. "She ruined my top!"
"And that gives you the right to assault her?" Kathy shot back.
The waiter looked like she was on the verge of tears. She tried to walk away, but Melanie blocked her path.
"Next time, maybe she'll learn how to carry a tray."
"No," Bella said sharply. "You'll learn how to respect people who serve you. You're not better than anyone here."
The restaurant was dead silent now, everyone watching. Melanie scoffed.
"Look at you," she said, eyes raking Bella's outfit. "Wanna act like a princess now because you showed up to one party in heels and lashes? Please."
Kathy stepped forward. "Say one more thing."
Talia pulled Melanie's arm. "Mel, let's go."
But Melanie wasn't done. "Don't get involved where you're not wanted."
Kathy leaned in. "Try slapping someone again and see if you walk out of here the same."
Eventually, the girls left , but not before Melanie shot a deadly glare at Bella. "This isn't over."
Bella looked at the shaken waiter. "Are you okay?"
She nodded, eyes glassy. "Thank you."
Kathy and Bella returned to their seat, the whole room still buzzing from the chaos.
"That girl's ego is ridiculous," Bella muttered.
Kathy snorted. "Please, her confidence is powered by Instagram filters and fake bags."
They both laughed, but deep down, they knew this encounter wasn't the last.