"Girl, are you serious? No way! Get out! Really?" Ishani exclaimed as she glanced at the handbook I carefully tucked into a transparent folder and brought to school the next day to show to my new friend. "Girl, you're something else! First, she helps you out at the lockers, then you find this birthday invite, and now you rescue her from embarrassment at the mall! Girl, you've fully integrated into school life better than anyone else! You're catching the queen bee's attention, for sure."

"Stop it. It's just a coincidence," I blushed like a tomato.

"Don't play humble! What part of 'queen bee' don't you understand? Bianca is the most popular and influential girl in our social group. She's often seen as the leader, with others looking up to her and wanting to be like her."

"It's more likely they want to be in her shoes..."

"You're right, the queen bee is under threat. I always knew Irene was a jerk, but to this extent... phew... For once, I'm glad I'm not in Bianca's shoes."

"You think they want to harm her?" I whispered, lowering my voice.

Ishani shook her head. "Of course they do, it comes with the territory for anyone who's successful."

I hung my head, unable to mask the emotions on my face as I feared for Bianca.

"I need to warn her..."

"Why? She already knows everything. I'm sure she'll get back at Irene and Sky on her birthday. And I want to see it!" Ishani looked pleased, rubbing her hands together.

"She invited you to her birthday?" I stared at her wide-eyed.

"Hush, let's go somewhere with fewer people."

As she pulled me out of the bustling cafeteria, the sounds of high school life echoed around us. The clatter of trays hitting the metal counters, the chatter of students discussing everything from last night's party to the upcoming math test, and the occasional burst of laughter filled the air. The smell of greasy pizza, overcooked vegetables, and sugary desserts mingled together, creating a distinct aroma that was both familiar and oddly comforting. It was a sensory overload that reminded me of my old school – the chaotic but vibrant world of almost adult kids.

"Is Ms. Thompson okay with us being here?" I asked as we entered the art class.

"She allows me and a couple of other kids to hang out here during the big break or when we're feeling down."

"She deserves an award for that!"

"Exactly!"

We settled on the floor behind the easels to talk. I felt restless. I couldn't stop worrying about Bianca.

"I wasn't invited to her birthday, but we're still going."

"How so?"

"It's elementary, Watson! You have the invitation."

"It's not mine, I mean, Bianca didn't give it to me, I just picked it up from the floor."

"What does it matter where you picked it up! We know when and where the party will be, we know the address, we know what theme she wants for the gifts. It's perfect!"

"But why, I mean, what if we get caught..."

"Mel, admit it, you want to go more than I do? Don't deny it. We need this: for you, as the newbie, to fit into the new school, but not as a loser or an invisible girl, but the one who gets invited to cool parties, and for me to get rid of the status: the Indian girl who stopped being friends with one of the cheerleaders."

"I'm not sure. Maybe we shouldn't..." I was terrified to go there, even though I badly wanted to.

Ishani put her hand on my shoulder, "You want to thank Bianca for her help and prevent Irene from trying to set her up again, and I want to see Bianca crush Irene's reputation against the wall."

"Maybe you're right. There will probably be a lot of people there."

"Of course! It'll be packed, and no one will even notice us. We'll dress up, put on makeup, and go there to have a blast. Maybe even sneak in some alcohol. I don't want to go to the game on Saturday, and only cheerleaders, athletes, and cool kids are invited to the sports party on Monday – we definitely don't have invitations for that, and why would Bianca wait so long to settle the score with her enemies. Bianca's birthday is much, much more important than any game, any prom or any other event in our school."

"Are you sure Bianca will fight back? Maybe she just won't invite Irene to the party," I naively asked.

"They're all like that – it's their world. Trust me, you know it too. I saw their girl group in the morning. They were kissing each other on the cheeks and giggling like idiots."

"I didn't see them in class. Honestly, I wanted to give her the invitation myself. I was sure she would invite me to her party."

"Forget it. Today is Wednesday. They and other volunteers help put up banners and decorations for the game and sports party."

"Right, I forgot."

"Yo, chillax, we'll just scope out the scene, snap a few selfies, and flex on our socials with hashtags like #PartyVibes or #GirlsJustWannaHaveFun. C'mon, pretty please!"

"How can I even front on that!"

Ishani quickly and tightly hugged me, pulling me up.

"We're gonna have epic weekends!"

Maybe Ishani is right. I need some action. If I constantly sit in the corner and wait for a miracle, then the miracle might not come to me.

I didn't spill to Ishani about the joking friendship bracelets Bianca and I swapped. Nor did I mention our cute texting yesterday. It felt too personal, and I didn't want her thinking I'm thirsty for Bianca's friendship. But low-key, I totally am.

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