What's a good choice for an early morning read? Something lighthearted would be good, but I'm not into reading a full length novel. Maybe a novella? Some poetry? An epistolary novel?

Oh, this gives me an idea. Yesterday, Bree and I exchanged our letters. She has already read mine. Now, it's my turn to read hers.

"Dear Cathy,
I'm not the type who writes letters—I've always found them cheesy. However, since I was told I had to write one unless I wanted to face a harsher punishment, I just did it.

It's not going to be over the top or anything special, I'm just complying with the Principal's request.

I've always felt threatened by you since day one. Although I managed to climb the social ladder at a fast pace and became the squad's captain, I never forgot that it came with a great deal of responsibility. Unfortunately, I've missed the mark on some points.

I labelled you as a nobody because you weren't seeking for attention and didn't seem to have big aspirations. I was so wrong to judge you and influence other people with my judgement. I should've been a lot more careful about it.

I should've also taken your feelings into account. I called you names because I wanted to see a reaction in you, and felt they wouldn't touch you because you barely said anything. You just ignored me and I felt as if you despised me. When you snapped at me, I was aware that I somehow deserved it. I provoked you all the time; karma was at the corner, ready to strike. I guess I got comeuppance for once.

Please forgive me for hurting your feelings and taking you for granted. You're only the first person in a long list I need to apologize to for these reasons. I don't know if you'll forgive me or if you'll get back at me, what matters is that you at least hear me out.

Thank you for reading this letter and not tearing it apart.

Yours sincerely,
Bree Abeyta

P.S.: before you come up with strange ideas, I don't think we're ready to be friends yet, so you shouldn't ask at least for a while."

Kudos for her honesty. At least, she doesn't sound forced, she doesn't want to suck it up to me. I'm glad I can see a new side of Bree only a few people know about. I can consider myself lucky for that.

I'm ready to bury the hatchet with her for good. Now, it's time to tackle my other big issues.

***

School is bustling with students who are gathering in the halls to see the results of the Social King and Queen. (If you're wondering, this school hosts a sort of contest to decide who are respectively the most popular male and female student—where the heck is inclusivity?—on social media.) I, at first, didn't really care about it, but am slowly changing my mind about it because I really want Jenna to win.

I know, I'm biased, but she's my best friend, the person I've relied on the most during these school years, and one of the few who truly knows me.

On the other hand, Marietta and Bree are the top contenders; they have a large fanbase, boys are way head over their heels for them, the vast majority of the student body envy their style (well, I don't, but only because I believe I should be myself).

As I finally approach the boards, I'm pleasantly surprised to see that Jenna is the new Social Queen. It turns out her secret prayers, along with her literally begging Harry's friends to vote her and spread the word as much as possible, worked. Now, I'm curious to see Marietta and Bree's reaction to the loss. Why am I hopeful that they take it graciously? I've been used to thinking of them as sore losers that any other outcome would be a major shock to me.

Again—yeah, I have to bring it up—Ashleigh's life lesson is more than valuable. There's always more about a person than appearance and first impression. The clearest evidence of this is Marietta and Jenna shaking hands, smiling at each other. They then mutter something I can't really catch, before my best friend turns to me.

"This is the best day in my school life so far!" she exclaims, showing off her best grin. I can't agree with her more.

When we can finally get away from the crowd, she singles me out. "Cathy, listen, I'm sorry if we haven't talked much lately. It's that–"

I interrupt her. "You don't need to justify yourself. I'm more at fault than you think. I was too caught up with the letter for Bree, family problems, and then there's this girl I meet at the bookstore. But it's not an excuse. It's that–" I myself can't finish the sentence. It really looks like I'm making excuses. Why can't I just admit that I could be a better friend to Jenna?

I'm lucky that she's so understanding. That leaves room for the two of us to get more closure as we had before. "Let's change subject, shall we?" she suggests, much to my relief. While I do feel the need to talk to her, I know this isn't exactly the best moment to do so.

"First of all, what are you wearing at the party?" Oh, that. She already assumes that I've received the invitation. How can I tell her that Marietta's mom gave mine the letter on her way out of the grocery store without making a mess?

Before I can think of a convincing explanation, Jenna says, "Marietta has already told me that she invited you, too. She says it's a way to make amends, but I think she has ulterior motives."

"Such as?" I don't want to think Marietta has ulterior motives. I just want to believe that she's genuinely interested in showing me, as well as the rest, a better side of herself and work her way to fix things. I hope it works. She must know better than anyone else that judgement can be particularly harsh.

"Well, I don't know exactly, so I guess we're going to find out there," she answer.

"Or maybe we could just try and have fun?" I retort playfully.

"Touché." She's often right; however, I admire how she moves on without too many theatrics when she's in the wrong. Not that this is a serious situation, but still it's a sign of maturity.

When the bell rings, I realize I'm anything but eager to go to Maths class. It's particularly hard and doesn't really strike my interest, especially because it's mandatory. I really hope we don't have to go through another surprise test.

***

On my way to the bookstore, I realize that the party is tomorrow. I don't know if I'll have enough time to get ready by then. I need to find the perfect outfit, make sure my skin is healthy and, most importantly, improve my selfie skills. Marietta really values the use of social media, and I don't want to make a poor figure in front of her. That would mean going back to square one.

The shop today seems to be less empty than yesterday; there aren't that many customers, though. I need to start coming up with an idea to make this place more popular. After all, a few tips from Marietta could work, right?

I guess I'm talking too early.

Mr. Rickett, the shop's owner, is gathering all the employees for what seems to be serious news. I take my stance next to Holly, who glances nervously at the shelves, then at me.

Mr. Rickett clears his throat. "Ladies, gentlemen, unfortunately I have bad news. Our shop is facing severe losses. This situation has gone on for months, and I don't know if we can keep up like this."

Everyone gapes, shocked at the idea that this place might close. For me, it's not just a part-time job, but it's a magical place where imagination runs through the shelves. For many others, however, it's their best shot at paying the bills.

I don't want this place to shut down. I need to find a solution to save it as soon as possible.