Jayden dashed after Lucretia, his mind spinning in confusion. He could sense something was off, but every time he tried to understand, Lucretia just brushed him off. As she neared the classroom door, she abruptly came face-to-face with Mimie and Crystal.
“Hey, Lucretia!” Mimie’s cheerful voice broke the tense air, but Lucretia only glanced their way, her expression distant, as she brushed past them.
Mimie and Crystal exchanged glances, a mix of surprise and concern.
“What’s going on with her?” Mimie asked, perplexed.
“I have no idea. She’s usually so... open.” Crystal’s voice was laced with worry as she watched her friend move to her desk, her face clouded.
Jayden joined them, and Mimie quickly grabbed his arm, pulling him aside. “Jayden, do you know what’s wrong with Lucretia? She’s been acting strange.”
Jayden sighed, looking over at Lucretia sitting alone at her desk. “I wish I knew. She was fine just a few minutes ago.”
“Could it be mood swings?” Crystal suggested, unsure.
“I don’t think so,” Mimie disagreed. “She’s always been cheerful, even on her worst days.”
“Whatever it is, maybe I’ll try talking to her after class,” Jayden muttered, feeling the weight of helplessness.
“Alright, we’ll go grab our geography textbooks,” Crystal replied. “See if you can find out what’s bothering her.”
“Will do,” Jayden said as Mimie and Crystal hurried down the hall.
Halfway to the locker room, Mimie and Crystal heard raised voices from the washroom. Crystal grabbed Mimie’s arm, whispering, “Is that… Daisy’s voice?”
Mimie nodded, her eyes narrowing. “Let’s get closer. I think she’s talking about Lucretia.”
The two leaned closer to the washroom door, careful not to make a sound.
Inside, Daisy stood with her arms crossed, a self-satisfied smirk playing on her lips. “Girls, the time to finally teach Lucretia a lesson has come,” she announced with a glint in her eyes.
Nikita and Nelly exchanged nervous glances. “But, Daisy… Philip is close with Lucretia. Won’t he get mad?” Nelly asked cautiously.
Daisy scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Close? Please. Philip’s not talking to her anymore, and he’s with me now. I just need to push things a bit further, make sure they hate each other for good.”
“What’s your plan?” Nikita asked, her curiosity piqued.
Daisy’s smirk widened as she clasped her hands together. “Simple. I’ll make sure Lucretia thinks Philip’s turned his back on her completely. A few well-timed lies, and they’ll be out of each other’s lives for good.”
Mimie clenched her fists, unable to contain her anger. “That snake!” she whispered fiercely.
Crystal placed a hand over Mimie’s mouth, whispering, “Shh! We don’t want them to know we’re here!”
But Daisy’s sharp ears picked up the noise. “Is someone there?” she asked, moving towards the door. Mimie and Crystal bolted down the hallway just in time, barely escaping Daisy’s gaze.
----
Sooner than later, Mimie and Crystal returned to class just before the bell rang, slipping into their seats behind Lucretia. They exchanged worried glances, unsure of whether they should tell her what they had overheard.
Lucretia turned, sensing their unease. “What’s going on? You two look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
Mimie hesitated, glancing at Crystal, who subtly shook her head. “Uh… It’s nothing, Lucretia. We’ll tell you later.”
Lucretia raised an eyebrow, but before she could press further, the teacher entered the room, instructing the students to open their textbooks. The lesson dragged on with group discussions and activities, but Lucretia found her mind wandering, her gaze shifting toward Philip now and then. Each time, she caught him casting cold, dismissive glances her way, a reminder of the chasm growing between them.
Finally, the bell rang, signaling the end of the class. Everyone packed up, stretching after the long lesson.
“Let’s go to the canteen,” Philip said to his friends, taking Daisy’s hand as they walked out together, followed by Mike and Eugene. Lucretia watched, a pang of sadness crossing her face as she saw Philip so close to Daisy.
Jayden noticed her expression and stepped forward, gently taking her hand. “Are you okay, Lucretia?” he asked softly.
She nodded, forcing a smile. “Yeah… I’m fine.”
Mimie nudged Crystal, whispering, “Did you see that? I think she finally accepted Jayden’s feelings.”
Crystal smiled, relieved. “I noticed. Maybe he’s just what she needs to get over Philip.”
Jayden glanced at the girls and nodded. “I’ll catch up with you at the canteen. I just need to talk to the principal first.”
“Alright,” Lucretia said, giving him a small smile.
Once Jayden had left, Mimie and Crystal rushed to Lucretia’s side, their faces lit up. “So, does this mean you’re finally with Jayden?” Mimie asked eagerly.
Lucretia laughed, her cheeks flushing. “Yes… I think so.”
“Wow!” Mimie clapped her hands in excitement. “This is amazing!”
“Alright, enough,” Lucretia chuckled, feeling a slight warmth despite the heaviness of the morning. “Let’s get some lunch. I’m starving.”
As they walked down the corridor, Crystal remembered what they had overheard. “Lucretia, is it true you and Philip aren’t on good terms?”
Lucretia’s face fell. “Yes… He’s been avoiding me, but I don’t know why. It’s like he’s mad at me for something I can’t figure out.”
“Have you tried talking to him?” Mimie asked, concerned.
“I did, but he keeps brushing me off.” Her voice grew quiet. “I think Daisy has something to do with it.”
Crystal’s face grew serious. “Actually… we overheard something earlier. Daisy is planning to make sure you two stay enemies.”
Lucretia’s eyes widened. “Are you serious?”
“Yes,” Mimie confirmed. “She’s trying to turn Philip against you completely.”
A fierce look crossed Lucretia’s face as they reached the canteen. “Well, she won’t get away with it.”
As they neared an open table, Crystal spotted a seat near Daisy and her friends. “There’s an empty spot over there.”
“Perfect,” Lucretia muttered, determined to show Daisy she wasn’t afraid.
As they walked toward the table, Daisy, seeing them approach, extended her leg into Lucretia’s path. Not noticing, Lucretia tripped, her tray crashing to the floor, spilling food all over her.
Daisy laughed mockingly. “Oops! Maybe you should watch where you’re going.”
Lucretia slowly stood up, her expression icy as she stared at Daisy. Without a second thought, she raised her hand and slapped Daisy across the face, the sound echoing through the canteen.
The entire room fell silent. Philip, who had just returned from the restroom, saw the slap and rushed to Daisy’s side, glaring at Lucretia. “What’s wrong with you, Lucretia?”
Lucretia’s face twisted in disbelief. “You didn’t see what she just did to me?”
Philip’s gaze hardened. “That’s no excuse. You’re acting out of line.”
Tears sprang to Lucretia’s eyes as she looked at him, the betrayal cutting deep. Without another word, she turned and stormed out of the canteen, ignoring the calls of Mimie, Crystal, and Jayden, who had just arrived.
“Lucretia!” Jayden called, running after her as she disappeared through the hallway doors.
Left behind, Daisy smirked, putting on a facade of hurt as she looked at Philip. She had managed to drive a wedge between them, and now, all that remained was to make sure that wedge never came out.