Sky girl

in the complex social hierarchy of high school. Juliana and Carmen were no strangers to this dynamic, but this year felt different. They couldn't quite put their fingers on it, but the ai

ct waves. Her emerald-green eyes always seemed to sparkle with a mix of confidence and superiority, and when she walked into a room, all eyes naturally gravitated to

own figures in high society. Rita was popular without even trying, with a group of friends who followed her every move and admired her every word. B

rtyard near the large oak tree that overlooked the school's sprawling campus. It was their safe place, the spot

rnoon, the ca

tting loudly, their voices cutting through the air like the sound of expensive heels on concrete. Rita's sharp gaze immediately found Juliana and Carmen sitti

ita's voice was dripping with condescension as she stood just

her face flush with a mixture of discomfort and frustration. They had dealt with Rita's type before-rich, entitled ki

h on the table. "A peanut butter sandwich? How... charming. I would have thought you'd at

of her sandwich, keeping her gaze fixed on the ground, as if n

sure. She looked up at Rita, her voice shaky but defi

giggled behind their hands, as if Juliana's response were some sort of comedy show. "Oh, it's not my business?" Rita s

n her chest, but she kept it in check, not wanting to escalate things. She knew better than to e

ed her hair over her shoulder, casting one last judgmental glance at Juliana and Carmen. "Enjoy your lunch," s

erty, their laughter echoing in the distance. But the sting of her words l

softly, her voice steady. "She's just one of th

ing of being looked down upon. "It's just... sh

y this time. "But we're not beneath anyon

s cruelty hanging in the air. But it wouldn't be

na and Carmen walked through the school halls, Rita would find a way to make a comment-about th

ion this season, Juliana? I must have missed the memo," she said, eyeing Juliana's hand-me-down jacket with disdain.

something about Rita's constant remarks that made her feel small, insignificant. Carmen

hing that's actually comfortable, not just what's 'on trend.' Bu

laughed. "Oh, you two are so cute, trying to act all tough. Don't you

nything, Carmen stood up, glaring at Rita. "We don't need to be like y

hair, she turned on her heel and walked away, her friends trailing behind her. The cafeteria se

rmen," she

's not going to change, Jules. But that doesn't

s, Rita's remarks grew sharper, her insults more pointed. It was clear that she wasn't content with just ignor

ittle did they know, however, that this was only the beginning. Rita's bullying would soon tak