19 - Girls Like You

JUNE’S POV

JULES : OPEN YOUR PHONE RIGHT NOW!

I stared at her message for three whole minutes before replying.

“Good morning to you too,” I typed back.

She sent me a picture of the party.

JULES : I know you would never touch him, what happened??

I could see my yellow dress. I was holding James’ hand in the picture and he was uncomfortably close.

But people obviously didn’t read it that way or care enough to understand.

“See you at school.” I texted back.

Mum nearly burned the toast because she was dancing in the kitchen.

That alone should’ve warned me something was wrong.

By the time I got to school, three people had already stared at me strangely.

The fourth whispered, “That’s her?”

“Adrien Hayes’ girlfriend?”

I kept walking like I didn’t hear it.

“She and James looked very comfortable last night. Wanting James and Adrien is kind of greedy, no?”

I stopped in my tracks and passed a deadly glare.

What exactly was going on with everyone today?

Jules was nowhere to be found so I headed for my class.

Lunch break came in no time and I finally found Jules and Savannah.

“Hiiii.” I said as I sat down.

“Where have you guys been?” I asked.

“This morning was busy at the press club and of course, Savannah was late.” Jules explained.

“I still have to run, I’ll catch up with you guys later.” Jules added, eating her food faster before she left.

“I didn’t see you yesterday, why didn’t you come?” I asked Sav as I brought out an apple I took from home.

“I did, you just left early.” She said.

“I don’t party like you people. Can’t blame me.” I said and let out a small laugh.

We talked for a while before she took me to her locker.

“I want to show you something.” She said as she led me through the crowd.

“I was working on something yesterday and I wanted you to be the judge of it.” She explained.

The air suddenly tensed around us.

“Nice dress yesterday. James seemed to like it.” Lori commented as she walked towards me with two of her friends.

I ignored her.

“You’re new to this kind of attention aren't you?”

I felt her walk closer to me.

“Don’t let her get to you.” Savannah whispered.

“Lori, are we still intimidating other students? I thought we retired from that behavior last semester.” Savannah spoke.

“Intimidating?” She laughed. “I’m just having a conversation.” She added. Her minions chuckled behind her.

“That would be believable if you weren’t blocking my locker.” I said flatly. I felt eyes on us already.

“Oh June. Westbridge can be difficult for people who don’t naturally fit in, whether it’s in school or even at parties.” She mocked.

I felt my hands ball into fists.

I was used to this type of comments already so why was it suddenly getting under my skin?

Maybe because we were already older and too smart to push these harmful stereotypes.

I shut Savannah’s locker carefully.

“I’m serious though.” Lori spoke.

“Thanks for the warning.” I deadpanned.

“For your own sake, don’t get too comfortable. Adrien gets bored really easily.”

“You would know.” Savannah scoffed beside me.

Lori ignored her completely. I was getting bored.

I took Sav’s hand and turned to walk away to avoid any more of whatever this was.

“Girls like you always think it means something.” She added.

Girls like you. Not even subtle, I felt my grip tighten around my bag strap.

Savannah let go of my hand and walked back.

“And what is that supposed to mean?”

Lori tilted her head innocently and looked straight at me.

“You know. Scholarship girls. Temporary girls, basically ynonymous.” She commented.

For a second, I got reminded how people disappeared inside schools like Westbridge. Through comments wrapped in fake concern.

“You seem pretty invested in my relationship for someone who supposedly doesn’t care.” I held her gaze.

“He’s never going to choose you.” I added.

One of her friends choked on a laugh. Lori’s smile faded for the first time.

Lori stepped back like nothing happened after she spotted Adrien walking in.

Interesting.

Me and Sav walked away.

I felt Adrien grab my hand. “Are you alright?” He asked, quietly observing the room.

“Yeah.” I faked a smile and moved to the courtyard with Sav.

“Don’t let…” Sav started but I cut her mid sentence.

“No, I don't want to talk about it.” I said and she didn’t push further.

I knew I was looking for trouble with what I said to Lori, I’d just have to be ready to face it.

I was glad to go home and end the day after my shift at the cafe.

The first thing I noticed was that both my parents were home. That rarely happened.

The next thing, my mum bought Chinese food.

“Are we celebrating?” I asked, smiling.

“Your father got a new job!!” She practically burst with excitement as my dad joined in.

“Seriously??” I asked.

“Yes!! He’s starting this week!!” She added. It must’ve been a nice job if we were celebrating.

I was too excited to ask.

“Okay sit down.” My mum said after we just finished a mini celebration.

“We know how rough everything has been for you. And your father insisted because he knew you’d refuse if we asked.” She started.

She pulled out a wrapped box from under the table and handed it over to me.

I felt the weight under my fingers.

Carefully, I opened the wrapping paper.

“No way, you didn’t have to.” I said, feeling tears sting my eyes.

“None of that. You work so hard, you deserve it princess.” My dad spoke up this time and hugged me so tight I considered letting my tears fall.

Later that night, I imagined how the next few months were going to be like as I stared at my brand new phone.

For the first time in a long time, things were starting to look brighter.

I stopped myself from getting too excited.

That was the dangerous thing about hope. Once you allowed yourself to feel it, losing it becomes terrifying.

And disappointment is even worse than any mean girl.