Chapter 4

Here's the revised version, written more professionally:

*** AT LUNCH ***

I quietly packed my books into my worn-out white school bag, ignoring the murmurs and glances from my classmates as they filed out of the room. Some whispered to each other, and others snickered, but I pretended not to notice. 

I made my way to the cafeteria, grabbed a small salad and a bottle of water, and found an empty seat. I didn’t have many friends, apart from Rilynn Blonca Thompson, the headmistress’s second child. Despite her status, she didn’t carry herself with the same arrogance as most of the others.

As I began eating, I noticed Kaylle approaching with her group of friends—her so-called "clique." 

“Hi, Bella,” Kaylle said as she passed by. She only called me “Bella” when she was in a good mood. I felt a flicker of happiness but quickly suppressed it, not wanting to give her the satisfaction.

"Eww, she eats like a pig!" one of Kaylle’s friends, Cole, sneered.

"Pigs eat better than this one," Kaylle replied with a smirk. Their laughter trailed off as they walked away.

My smile faded, and I focused on my food. I wasn’t surprised by Kaylle’s insults—her words had long since lost the power to hurt me.

Moments later, a familiar voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Hey, girlfriend!" Rilynn called out, sliding her tray next to mine. 

I nearly jumped out of my seat. “Rilynn! You scared me!” I said, though I held back the harsher words that nearly slipped out in my frustration. 

Rilynn gave me a knowing look, the kind that made me wonder if she’d seen the exchange between Kaylle and me earlier. I felt a lump form in my throat and forced myself to smile.

She sighed and sat down beside me, her tray overflowing with food. “Why do you always eat like a rabbit? Get something better—yogurt, ice cream, pizza, anything!" she urged.

I laughed awkwardly, trying to lighten the mood. “Maybe I’ll become a model someday,” I joked dreamily, hoping to change the subject.

Rilynn rolled her eyes. “I’m serious, Anabella! You can't just survive on salad and water every day.”

"I don't, okay?" I replied defensively, although I knew she was right. But the truth was, Kaylle kept a close watch on what I ate, both at school and at home. I didn’t want to stir up any more trouble.

Rilynn shook her head, clearly unconvinced, but she let it go. We sat in silence for a while until another girl bumped into me from behind.

"Not again," I muttered, turning to see who it was.

Brim Collin stood there, flanked by her group of followers. She was the governor’s daughter, known for her entitled behavior and quick temper. No one ever dared to cross her.

“Anabella Andrews,” she said in a condescending tone, crouching beside me. “A little advice: stay in your lane.”

She smirked, then flipped her hair and sauntered off, leaving me with a mixture of anger and confusion.

Rilynn stared after her, wide-eyed. “What was that about?” she asked.

I sighed. “It’s Mr. Rios’s fault. He announced in class that I’m his new favorite student and that I’ll get extra marks in my exams. I guess that didn’t sit well with everyone.”

Rilynn’s face lit up. “Seriously? That’s amazing! You should be proud!”

I shrugged. “It’s not a big deal.”

“Come on, Anny. You’ve managed to impress Mr. Riot Square—something hardly anyone can do!” she said, clearly excited.

“I guess,” I said, smiling a little. “I just answered a question about reproduction, that’s all.”

Rilynn laughed. “Well, whatever you did, it worked!”

“Thanks, Ril. I just want to focus on being the best student I can be,” I said with determination.

“Then keep it up, girl. You’ve got this,” Rilynn encouraged.

The bell rang, signaling the end of lunch.

"See you later," I said, standing up.

“Catch you after class!” Rilynn called as we went our separate ways.

***

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