Paris Dewitt stood at our table, blabbering about something. I could recognize that girl anywhere. Her shirt was still as tight since her childhood days, giving off the impression that the buttons would pop out if she made one wrong move. The flaming red hair looked like the dried bristles of a used toothbrush or a bad ombré. She actually had really nice jet black hair before she dyed it golden blonde and got a hair cut similar to Rachel Green's bob. She looked nothing like Jennifer Aniston; not that she was supposed to but you get what I mean. On some days, she pretended to be Rachel.

Jenna was clearly uncomfortable as she squirmed in her seat. Any minute now, a permanent frown would be visible on her face but nothing bothers Paris. Unless you refuse to pay for her food and that is when she turns into the devil. Her stink-eyes are legendary for making people guilty even if they are not at fault. Whenever we had group hangouts in the past, minus Jenna, there was an unspoken agreement that someone would step up and pay for her meal. It was usually Anna who had to take the fall. And this is why Paris loves Anna. Not me. 

Jenna noticed that I was still standing near the restroom and watching the scene unfold. She glared at me and I almost convinced myself that I should let her deal with devil on her own. I seriously want to know if she can stand her own ground. But that would decrease my chances of finding out who her love interest is. So what do I do? Mustering up my non-existent courage and pasting a sugary sweet smile, I walked towards the duo.

"Oh My God! Paris! Is that you?" I squealed once I was close enough. Another thing about Paris: she loves over the top greetings. Why? She wants to catch other people's attention so that they stop their activities to watch her instead. And to think that once upon a time, I considered her a really good friend. We even played "Red Hands" : the game where you slap the other person's palm fast and hard until it turned red. She made my hand burn most days and I have really, really soft delicate hands. How the times have changed! By the way, I knew it was her. You already know that. I am just really good at faking things: it's a talent really.

"Leila! It has been way too long. I don't see you in classes anymore. It's been ages since we've hung out and you haven't changed at all! I see you're still in love with blue specs." Paris scrutinized my appearance from my head to my toes. Of course I haven't changed! You just saw me the other day when you interrupted my conversation with Anna and dragged her away. I wish I could have screamed that to her face but Anna says that I should be more patient and flatter my way up to the top tier. Now you might ask why I had to go through all this trouble. It's because Anna wanted to hangout with popular people in expensive restaurants. Paris then proceeded to give me a hug that almost took my breath away. And I am so glad that Paris and I were the same height. Anna was a tad bit shorter than me and Paris likes giving out free, unwanted hugs. As a result, Anna often had her face squished within Paris's breasts.

"Most of my time is passed in tuition classes and it is so painful. I am still bad at math. Can you believe that? We are almost done with high-school and I still suck at anything that involves calculating! And my mom loves blue so..." I let out a fake sigh. Now, mind you, I do suck at calculating. However, I had this odd habit of pretending like I can't do it. That excuse helps me cheat from my smarter friends during exams. I also get a lot of pity for my so-called flaws.

"Leila, don't mind me saying this but I think you need to book yourself that laser appointment again. The baby hairs on your upper lips are staring me right in the face." Paris brought her face closer to mine. I am pretty sure she just zoomed into my face.

"And I see that you've coloured your hair again. That must have been so exciting." My reply was sarcastic as usual but luckily she never got it. It was just so easy to get away with a snide remark because she always thought I was complimenting her.

"Thanks love! I feel like Jennifer Aniston already and all I need is a guy as hot as Brad Pitt, minus the shitty things he did to her! Or I need to get a Ross to my Rachel. That reminds me, I was just telling Jenna here how the principal chided me when she saw the new hair. That woman is such a bitch!" Oh, by the way, no one ever disagrees with Paris because when you don't agree with her, the claws come out and she's turns into a pissed off cat who's ready to put people through hell.

"Weren't you dating that guy who just went to Italy? I really don't remember his name." I did know his name. I just wanted her to feel a bit embarrassed. She did date her best friend's, Nora Campbell, ex-boyfriend after all. Nora had a meltdown when she got the news. It was sad and heartbreaking.

"His name is Vincent, Leila. I cannot believe you don't remember that. He was my Ross: studious, awkward at times and treated me like a princess. He even got me that pink drink from Starbucks everyday and he was such a good photographer. I really miss him. He recently went to Italy for his higher studies. We're doing long distance now." She had that starry eyed look again.

"I am so glad you are happy. I do have another question though. Isn't he back with Nora again? Last time I checked, they looked cozy in Italy." I wish you could have seen Paris's face. I swear a vein on her forehead pulsated and I have never been so proud of myself. Needless to say, she stormed out of the café without so much as goodbye or a wave.

"You're going to make her mentally unhappy. I sort of do feel bad for her." Jenna chimed in.

"Do you want me to get her back? I can totally do that and you can have all these amazing, heart to heart conversations. Besides, it isn't my fault that she doesn't follow the 'sisters before misters' code of conduct. It's totally on her. Want me to bring her back? You can share the rest of your macaroons with her." I knew her answer before she even said it. She has never been a fan of Paris.

"Fuck you, Leila. let's just take these macaroons and go home."

I know how to play dirty.

Hope you guys enjoy this chapter.

Word Count - 1205 words

Next update - 11th December, 2021. (Saturday)