It had been a few weeks since that messy incident at the cafeteria. The entire cafeteria had been buzzing about it for days. Though Bella and Kathy didn't care much for drama, they knew the trio, Melanie, Rina, and Talia weren't done. Especially Melanie. That girl had a score to settle.
It was a bright Thursday morning. As usual, Bella and Kathy were in Bella's sleek black car, music playing softly as they chatted about their upcoming lectures. Bella looked effortlessly stylish in a nude corset top and wide-leg jeans, edges laid and gloss on. Kathy, in a baggy tee and biker shorts, paired her look with a high puff and oversized sunglasses.
"Drop me at my department and I'll see you later in the day," Kathy said, reaching for her bag in the back seat.
Bella pulled up in front of Kathy's department and parked. As they both got down from the car, Bella's eyes caught a familiar sight ahead.
"Look who we have here," Bella said quietly, leaning closer to Kathy's side. "The mean girls, in full formation."
Kathy glanced up and rolled her eyes. There they were , Melanie at the center, as always, her arms crossed. Rina was on her left with her ever-resting b*tch face, and Talia on the right, chewing gum like it owed her money.
"They've been waiting to glare at someone," Kathy said under her breath, tossing her braids behind her shoulders.
The trio were standing directly in front of the entrance to the building. Clearly intentional.
Kathy didn't hesitate. "Excuse me, I need to pass."
Melanie smirked and didn't budge. "You're not passing anywhere," she said coolly.
Bella folded her arms and moved closer, now standing beside Kathy.
"Are you okay?" Bella asked. "She said she needs to pass."
Rina scoffed. "Is this the part where you try to act all superior again because you drive a fine car?"
"I mean… it's not acting," Bella replied, smiling sweetly. "And speaking of cars, you girls still taking bikes or is Uber treating you well these days?"
Talia stepped forward. "Y'all walk around like you're the only ones that dress nice. So because you wear Zara and gloss, you think you're better?"
"Oh please," Kathy fired back. "You? Always tagging fake accounts on IG and using beauty filters from 2019? Girl, bye."
That struck a nerve.
Melanie narrowed her eyes. "You think you're untouchable, don't you?"
"I don't think," Bella cut in. "I just am."
"We'll see," Melanie said, voice low, venom dripping. "This is just the beginning. You both are gonna learn. I'll make sure of it."
Kathy stepped forward again. "Just move and let me go to class. I don't have time for Barbie villains this morning."
"See you inside, basic," Rina muttered as she stepped aside.
Bella glanced at Kathy. "I'll text you later. Hold your temper."
"I'm calm," Kathy said with a tight smile. "Just annoyed."
She turned and walked into the building. Bella lingered for a few seconds, just long enough to make it clear she wasn't intimidated. Then she turned, walked to her car, and slid into the driver's seat.
From the corner of her eye, she saw Melanie watching. She didn't even bother hiding it. Her gaze was sharp, but beneath it, there was something else , jealousy.
As Bella drove off, Talia whispered, "I heard her dad got her that car. It's like… the latest model or something."
Melanie scoffed. "So? My dad's just been taking his time. He said he'll get mine soon."
"Sure," Rina said, flipping her hair. "But when? 2030?"
Melanie shot her a look. "Don't be stupid. I said soon."
Deep down, she hated the feeling of watching Bella and Kathy get all the attention, their clothes, their class, their car. It didn't help that people around school actually liked them. It was threatening. And Melanie wasn't one to be threatened.
"This isn't over," she muttered again.