I've known this girl my whole damn life, and let me tell you, we were tighter than a pair of skinny jeans on a hot summer day. Her name? Deanesh. But to me, she's Dae. We shared birthdays, secrets, and even our first cuts, for crying out loud. Our moms were like two peas in a pod, besties from the get-go, so naturally, we followed suit.

But then, the bombshell dropped. Right after junior year ended, there she was, plastered all over Instagram with the guy of my freakin' dreams. Travis. The dude I'd been low-key pining over since forever. And she knew it. They weren't just hanging out, oh no. They were full-on making out, like some twisted scene out of a teen drama.

I tried to call her, hoping for some rational explanation, some shred of decency from my supposed BFF. But nada. She'd ghosted me faster than a cheetah on Red Bull. Blocked me on every damn platform. I was seething, boiling with rage.

All summer long, I wallowed in a pool of self-pity and resentment, scrolling through a never-ending feed of them, together. It was like some sick, twisted reality show, and I was the unwilling audience. But guess what? Karma's a real bitch, and she's got a VIP seat reserved for Deanesh.

Fast forward to senior year. I should've been pumped, ready to rule the school. Instead, I was dreading it. Seeing them together, facing the whispers and the stares. Travis, the hottest idiot on the planet, and my so-called best friend, the ultimate traitor.

But hey, I'm not about to let them ruin my senior year. I'll walk those halls with my head held high, serving looks and slaying hearts. Because in the end, I refuse to let them steal my shine.

As the first day of senior year rolled around, my mom's voice cut through the chaos, reminding me she was off to work. I barely registered her words, too lost in my own whirlwind of emotions. But hey, bring it on, senior year. I'm ready for whatever curveballs you throw my way.

I dragged myself out of bed, knowing I had to get my little brother ready for school. With Mom away and Dad off in some distant country handling business, it fell on me to play caretaker. After rustling up some breakfast for us both, I hustled my brother into the car and dropped him off at his school before heading to mine.

As I stepped onto the school grounds, the tension hit me like a wave of heat. I wasn't ready for this drama, but I had no choice. I parked my car and stepped out, only to come face to face with the source of all my troubles Deanesh and her clueless sidekick. I couldn't resist calling her out, even though I knew it would only lead to more trouble.

"Some friend you are," I spat out.

"Oh, hey," she responded casually.

"Can we talk in private?" I pressed.

"I don't think so. Say what you want in front of both of us," she retorted, her tone dripping with arrogance.

"Fine. How could you just block me like that without giving an explanation?" I demanded.

"Really? That's what you wanted to talk about? Pathetic," she shot back.

"You know what's pathetic? Being a fake," I seethed.

"Well, get used to it," she quipped, a smug smile playing on her lips.

I stormed off to class, feeling humiliated by the whole encounter. Everyone's eyes followed me, whispering behind their hands like I was some kind of circus freak. And just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, I opened my locker to find it coated in paint. The work of Deanesh and her new posse, no doubt. I was beyond fed up.

After changing into a clean shirt, I found myself in the bathroom, trying to cool off. A girl I vaguely recognized entered, giving me a sympathetic look.

"What?" I snapped, my frustration boiling over.

"Nothing. You just seem stressed," she observed.

"Stressed doesn't even begin to cover it. My so-called best friend just screwed me over. How am I supposed to deal with that?" I ranted.

"Damn, I heard. I'm sorry," she offered sincerely.

"I guess. But don't be," I muttered.

"You know, you could come hang with me and my friends since you and your bestie are no longer friends," she suggested.

"Thanks, but no thanks. Besides, I'll be busy with cheerleading duties," I replied, brushing off her offer.

"Okay then. But the offer still stands," she said, giving me a small smile before leaving.

I sighed, feeling a glimmer of gratitude for the unexpected kindness. But for now, I had bigger fish to fry.

Leaving the bathroom behind, I strutted to my next class, ignoring the daggers shooting from every direction. I wouldn't let their judgment break me. Physics class breezed by, and of course, I aced it effortlessly. I've always been the brains of the operation, after all. In class, Noah, the resident nerd, tried his luck with some feeble attempt at flirting. Sorry, buddy, but your charm isn't working today. I'm feeling just as crappy as you are, if not worse.

With classes dismissed for the morning, it was finally lunchtime. Stepping into the cafeteria, I expected to join my cheerleading squad at our usual table. But their frosty glares told me everything I needed to know. Turns out, they'd stripped me of my captaincy, handing it over to none other than Deanesh. Seriously? Could this day get any more twisted? Anger simmered in my veins. What else could she possibly take from me?

Feeling utterly abandoned, I slinked off to eat alone. Watching Deanesh and Travis flaunt their new romance was like salt in my wounds. I couldn't stomach it. I ducked into the bathroom and let out a silent scream of frustration. Tears threatened to spill, but I refused to let them see me weak. If Deanesh wants war, she's about to get it.

After powering through the rest of the day's classes with a steely resolve, I sought out Karissa. Swallowing my pride, I accepted her offer to hang out. A sleepover at my place sounded like just the distraction I needed. I needed to escape my own head, even if just for a night.

With evening descending, I hit the store for sleepover supplies. As I roamed the aisles, my eyes locked with a tall, striking jock. Normally, he'd be just my type, but after the whole Travis debacle, I was so over men.

Back at home, I transformed my room into a cozy haven for our gathering. I whipped up snacks, making sure to grab my brother from school on the way. With everything set, I braced myself for the night ahead. If nothing else, at least I had Karissa and her friends to keep me company. And who knows? Maybe a night of laughter and fun was exactly what I needed to forget about Deanesh and her betrayal, if only for a little while.