Conflicted Friendships

GIANNA

"MAY I TAKE YOU HOME?" Scarlett spoke in hushed tones.

I was a little concerned because some members conversed with me while preparing my belongings. The dance practice had already ended, and I was preparing to leave.

"Oh, you surprised me," I said, relieved. I thought one of the club members recognized me.

"Sorry. Can we go home together?" Scarlett inquired yet again.

"Um... Maybe next time, Scar." I need to get somewhere after this. You go home first, okay?" I told her. I'd finished packing my belongings.

"I see..." she said, still standing in front of me. "Anna, may I ask you a question?"

Scarlett is used to calling me by my first name. People usually call me Gianna, but Scarlett prefers my first name.

"Of course." Scarlett is wearing an odd expression. I'm glad she spoke to me now because she was just staring at me for the duration of the practice.

"Are you going on a date... with Madison?" she inquired.

I was taken aback for a moment, but I answered her once I regained control of my tongue. "Oh, no. "I just need to run a personal errand," I reasoned. She has no idea where my new home is. Isabella, I'm sure, is at home as well.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, "I mean, you take care, okay?" she said sweetly now. My friends are getting weirder all the time.

"Yeah, you as well." "Then I'll see you tomorrow," I said.

"Can we walk together until we get to the gate?" "Did Aria tell you that she completely forgave me?"

"Yeah. "I'm glad Aria found forgiveness in her heart."

"Me, too. Super!" Scarlett was ecstatic. "Does that mean I can hang out with you in public?" She was feeling upbeat right now.

I notice a smile forming on my lips. When it comes to my friends, everything is going so well.

"Of course. If that's okay with you."

"Why, yes!" That's fine with me. "I'd been looking forward to this for a long time."

"It's not a problem with me, Scar. But what will you do about The Bewitcher if they find out? They might not like the fact that you are friends with me. Again."

"Oh..." She seems to understand what I'm saying. "I'll just explain it to them." Paisley and Claire were our elementary school classmates, aware of our friendship. They had no idea why I had started bullying you. However, I am willing to clear things up. Anna, I'll tell them. Please let me hang out with you in public and be friendly with you even when we're at school."

This is why I can't stay mad at Scarlett for too long. She is sincere in the friendship she is now offering. I hope she never changes.

"That's fine with me, Scar. Aria has fully forgiven you, and there's no reason why we can't be friendly in public," I said sincerely.

"Thank you, Anna!" she exclaimed as she hugged me.

"You're always welcome, Scar," I said as I hugged her.

I'm overjoyed and overwhelmed. I am content when everyone else is content.

~*~

I WAS HOME, and Isabella was nowhere to be found. She could be in her room. I went to my room as well because I needed to rest. Even though I was hungry, I didn't feel like eating dinner. My body is so tired that I'd rather sleep than eat dinner.

I went inside my room and was surprised to see someone there. Isabella was on my bed. She is lying down, looking at her phone. She gave me a glance before returning to what she was doing on her phone when she saw me.

Is she ignoring me? But why is she in my room if she intends to ignore me?

"Hey," I said.

"Hmm..." she said, nodding, her gaze fixed on her phone.

I didn't bother talking to her. Instead, I went to the restroom. I'm going to take a quick shower and then go to bed. I'm exhausted.

When I was done showering, I went outside with my robe and closet. I changed into my pajamas and went to bed beside Isabella, still on her phone.

I didn't bother her, but my hand instinctively hugged her and used her as a human pillow. She, on the other hand, said nothing. We've been doing it for years. I know I'm taking advantage, but who cares? I hugged her tightly and pressed my nose against her neck. She has a beautiful scent.

I became drowsy after a few minutes and fell asleep when Isabella spoke.

"Are you going to bed now, Luna?" Isabella inquired. I just moaned for an answer. "Did you already eat?"

"No. I'm completely exhausted. "I just want to sleep," I said, slurring my words and refusing to budge from my stance. "Have you eaten?" I asked her, my eyes closed and my body lightening as if I was about to pass out.

"Um, yeah. "Are you that tired?" Isabella inquired again.

Isabella, please accept my sincere apologies. I can't answer you correctly right now because I'm too tired. I can hear Isabella talking and saying something, but I can't understand what she's saying because my mind is going blank, and that's when I realize I've been sleeping.

I got a good night's sleep because Isabella cuddled me and smelled so good. I had a wonderful dream that I wish didn't end.

My dream, as usual, was about Isabella and me. My wishful thinking.

Isabella and I were a couple in my dream, and we were so sweet with each other. It felt like I was floating on cloud nine when she kissed me. The kiss was quick, but it was the sweetest kiss I'd ever had and a perfect one that could only happen in my dreams. My consolation is that it happened even if it was only in my dreams. I know I'm that simple-minded when it comes to Isabella. But, once again, it makes no difference because we will never be lovers.

That pleased me; I meant with my dream. That dream recharged me.

~*~

"GOOD MORNING, Anna," Scarlett said as I entered the classroom. She was earlier than I was.

She was smiling so sweetly and innocently. But she's in the way.

I was surprised by what she did, but I believe Claire and Paisley, and our classmates were more taken aback by Scarlett's demeanor.

"G-good morning, Scar," I responded. I don't want to offend anyone.

"Do you mind if we have lunch together later?" She inquired.

Paisley and Claire gasped, which I noticed and heard in my peripheral vision. Isabella doesn't appear to be reacting in any way. She's aware of what's going on, so she's not surprised.

"Sure," I said.

"Great! "Good morning, Aria and Madison." Scarlett enthusiastically greeted my two companions, one of whom I believe is now on my back.

I confirmed it when they responded to Scarlett's greetings. I walked to my seat, looking down because the eyes of my classmates were puzzled.

Who would have thought that my long-time bully, Scarlett Moore, would befriend me again? I mean, she's been mean to me since middle school. So, who would have thought she'd change, right?

I overheard Scarlett telling Aria to meet for lunch, and Aria responded with a neutral "Okay."

Aria and Madison went to their seats as Miss Amelia arrived and the class began. Paisley was looking back in our seat as if she was ready to fight me at any moment. I'm sure she was enraged by what she saw, but why is she enraged at me? It's not my fault Scarlett became so friendly in public.

Anyway, I focused my attention on Miss Amelia's lecture instead. It's Friday, the last day of school for the week. Dad and Mom will be home tomorrow, and we will celebrate my victory in the quiz bee competition. Aside from that, I'm just excited to see them because I miss them so much.

The first half of the day had ended, and it was time for lunch once more. We were about to leave the classroom when Scarlett joined us.

The Bewitcher was nowhere to be found. I can see the other students' judgmental looks when they see Scarlett walking with us rather than The Bewitcher.

"Oh, guys, come here. Gather everyone together. Do you want to take a picture with me? "Don't be shy," Madison said to the students we passed on our way to the cafeteria. They were oddly staring at us. Because of this, I'm feeling very uneasy.

"Don't be too arrogant, Kim. "They're not looking at you; you know that," Aria said casually.

"Are you sure? "I am famous and a celebrity," Madison explained.

"So?" Aria stated.

"So, they're looking at me because they're my fans," Madison is narcissistic at times.

"No, it's not always about you, Madison. "They're looking because Scarlett is walking with us instead of her usual friends," Aria explained.

"Oh," Madison said.

"I'm sorry, guys. I know this is bothering you, especially with Anna, who isn't used to being the center of attention. But I'd like to hang out with you. So, please, don't get angry," Scarlett pleaded.

"Oh no, it's fine. "Don't worry about those people," I advised. Scarlett smiled, relieved. "But are your friends going to be okay with this?"

We are close to the cafeteria.

"I'm not sure." I believe Isa and Claire will be fine, but I am concerned about Paisley. But that's all right. "I'll take care of that," Scarlett assured.

We went to the cafeteria and sat at our usual table. Scarlett joined us after she finished her meal.

Scarlett was chatting and talking with us as if nothing unusual was happening. Meanwhile, everyone in the cafeteria is staring at us. What a jerk.

"Oh, look what we've got here," someone said as they approached our table.

Jack's basketball team captain was the most handsome guy in school when we looked up. Four of his teammates were on his back. They resemble his minions, especially when they wear the same varsity jackets.

"Your presence isn't required here, Jack," Scarlett said calmly. We resumed our meal.

I don't want to pass judgment, but he's one of those guys who has all the looks but none of the brains. He can only pass his classes because his fans helped him with his homework and projects. Some teachers are aware of this, but they ignore it because he was good at basketball. He is always the most valuable player and the ace of the basketball team that led Justice High to the National League.

"You're so rude, Scar. "As usual," Jack stated. Even when I'm not looking at him, I can tell he's wearing that irritating smile.

"What exactly do you require?" Scarlett inquired, her tone cold.

"Well, I was just passing by and heading to your usual table because I needed to check on my baby Isa." I was just wondering why you were seated with these, Uhm, you know..." he trailed off.

"Be careful with your words, Jack," Aria said, still eating. She didn't even bother looking at him.

"What I was saying was... with these lovely ladies, Miss Lee." Anyway, send my regards to the Mayor, by the way," the guy said. He even chuckled, which irritated my entire being. Not only that, but I want to strike this fork I'm holding in my hand because she was calling Isabella "my baby." "Anyway, it's your life, Scar. In any case, they're a good catch. I'm not sure about the Mayor's daughter or the singer, but I'm not sure about the nerd. Anyway, bye..." When he turned his back on us, he even laughed. And his boys were laughing at what he said. What's funny about that?

I was ready to let it go, but I didn't expect Scarlett to do what she did. "Don't ever insult my friends like that," she said as she poured her orange milk on Jack's face. You don't even have a fraction of what they have. I meant the brains, Jack. Just concentrate on basketball because that's what you're good at. And don't come near any of us. Nobody wants a selfish guy who keeps saying "anyway."

The crowd let out a collective 'ooohhss.' Jack, smolder. Burn.

Jack was taken aback by what Scarlett did. Even his minions are astounded by what they are witnessing. When Jack realized what was going on, his face turned red, and he was about to punch Scarlett. But my seatmate was so quick to throw the carton of her chocolate milk that it landed on Jack's forehead.

Jack was tall on the basketball team, but the carton of chocolate milk that hit his forehead made his knees tremble. Fortunately, his minions were there to catch him as he was about to fall to his knees.

"Aish. Jack, you're showing your true colors. "You have no regard for women," Aria said. Yes, she was the one who threw the carton of chocolate milk in Jack's face. Bullseye!

She's so cool!

"Waah... You're so cool, Bonnie!" Madison expressed what I was thinking.

On the other hand, Miss Amelia appeared just as things were about to get out of hand. Jack was taken to the infirmary, and the four of us were taken to the Principal's office.

Don't worry, we were not chastised. We explained to the teachers that Jack was the one who started everything. The Principal believed in us because we were not troublemakers. But best wishes to Jack. I'm not sure he can get away with what he did so quickly.

But let's take a moment to thank my friends for their bravery. I consider myself extremely fortunate to be friends with such strong, independent women! I am so proud of them!