I looked at Bianca with awe. In her triumph, she was irresistible.

"Did you know this would happen? That Irene would react this way to your absence and that you let Alisha shine?"

"You think I'm some evil genius plotting schemes? You have no idea how long I've had to fight for my position."

"Sorry..."

"No, no, you don't need to apologize. It's been a lot. I don't want to be a victim, you know? I don't want to be the Good Samaritan or someone who turns the other cheek for a blow. I don't want to justify myself. I took a risk, and everyone came out ahead. Alisha is an amazing gymnast — college scouts definitely noticed her. Irene showed her true colors, and the whole lousy team showed their rotten nature. And did you see the class rep? She's got a ton of new followers and supporters now. Do you think I did something wrong?"

"I'm on your side," I said, realizing I had my own secrets. I lie to Ishani, I lie to Bianca, I lie to my mom and sister by not coming out.

"Thanks, that means a lot to me."

I nodded.

"Want some onion rings?"

"You know, I'm not really a fan..."

"No way!!! Try them, this diner has the best onion rings in the country — heck, in the world!"

***

I got home on time. Mom had bought a ton of Korean food, and we finally all gathered around the table. For the most part, Jess was trying to convince Mom to give her smartphone back. Mom, like the true lawyer she is, countered every one of Jess's arguments with a perfect rebuttal.

"Heard there was a fight on the field with the upperclassmen," Jess said, realizing she had no more arguments and had lost the case.

Mom raised her eyebrow. "I hope you weren't involved in that, Mella Bella?"

"I was with Bianca. I told you about her yesterday. We were at the diner by Northwood Park, near the old chapel with the spire."

"How was practice?" Mom asked, her tone softer now.

"Great! The team's hilarious. Tina, the captain, is such a beast. We have a friendly match against Miller High in three weeks."

"That's wonderful," mom said, kissing the top of my head.

"Congrats," my sister grumbled.

"But how did you know there was a fight at school? Your phone is with me."

"You're so sharp, Mom! You never miss a thing," I said laughing.

***

Finally in my room, I immediately called Ishani.

"You missed everything!" she yelled her eyes are sparkling like black onyx in the light of a bright vlogging lamp.

"Shh, Ishani, you'll wake up your dad," I heard her mom's voice. "He just got back from work and had to operate on his day off, and you're shouting your lungs out! Say hi to Mel and Ms. Whiteriver," her mom persisted.

"Hi to you and your mom too," Ishani whispered.

"Thanks," I whipped back. "Come on, you can tell me now, I see you're bursting with it!" I urged.

"You can't even imagine the situation there— they even called in Sir Dick's and Irene's parents! Irene is just something else, like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. She's probably bipolar or something."

"How's Alisha doing?" I asked with concern, "and the class rep?"

"They're doing great, amazing. They're the stars of the school now — the class rep is top-notch, and Alisha was on fire, pulling off some incredible moves. Not on Bianca's level, of course, but she totally outshone Irene. Irene had no idea where her left leg was and where her right leg was. She's such a clumsy nonsense, for real!!!" Ishani's face was shining like her vlogging lamp. "Ready to party tomorrow? We'll swing by to pick you up with Lamar and Alisha at five. Sound good? Have you figured out what to wear yet?"

"I haven't decided yet. My stuff just got delivered, and it's all in boxes and covers," I said, realizing I could spend forever digging through boxes until I found the right thing.

"Just don't wear the leather skirt and white top."

"Deal!"

"Need help with your outfit?"

"I'll put together a few looks and send them to you."

"Sounds good! Well, see you tomorrow then. You need to rest up before the paaaaartyyyyy. Hopefully, the invitation is in the safe or in the bank vault, because without it, we won't get in."

"Don't worry — it's safe," I said with a sigh.

***

Left alone with my thoughts, I covered my face with my hands — so much had happened in just one day! Bianca is not straight which is insanely awesome, but she might also not be interested in me romantically since she didn't invite me to her birthday party, even after so many intimate moments together. Maybe tomorrow she won't be happy to see me. Maybe she already has a crush. Maybe it's Veronica or someone else, then it would make sense why she didn't invite me.

With these gloomy thoughts, I didn't even notice when I fell asleep fully clothed.

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