Anwar sat at his desk in his room and stared at his laptop screen. It was Sunday night. This weekend was really dragging itself out. Anwar sent Nayla and Madison apology texts, but neither of them were replying. He had decided that he would just stay out of their way till they approached him. Why had he gotten involved anyway? Their beef literally was beyond their generation.

Anwar spent the entire weekend sulking in his room. His house was a war zone since Azim left for Indonesia during winter break.
His mom was being extra strict on religious duties and prayers and signed him up for religious school every day except for when he had basketball practice. It was such a bother. And when Azim sent a postcard saying, "I just met Farrakhan," it had sent his mother into tears.

She had a mental breakdown every couple of weeks and freaked out at the mention of Azim. She had entered a vicious cycle of yelling, crying, and then stress eating. Anwar's dad was flying out to come help out next week.

***

The next day Anwar woke up relieved that he could finally leave his house. The past weekend had dragged on and on. He was finally free.

"Take out the trash," called his mom on his way out.

He gave her a thumbs up and went out the backdoor to take out the trash.

Because of his detour, Anwar arrived to class a couple of minutes late. He could actually feel the tension in the air. It was a miracle it wasn't choking him. And based on the looks everyone had on their faces, he could assume they knew what was going on.

Anwar sat in his seat and listened to Mr. Blake go on and on about The Great Gatsby. And then he listened to Ms. Watson go on and on about the Medieval Times. Anwar was convinced that someone had slowed down the clock. He snuck looks at Nayla and Madison every now and then. Madison looked downright exhausted and Nayla just looked pissed. Nayla was wearing her usual attire and going about as normal, but as for Madison... well, she looked different... She wasn't dressed as she normally was. She had come to school in sweatpants and a hoodie that he thought was vintage? Her hair was in a messy bun, but not the trendy kind. It looked like it hadn't been washed for days and Madison looked like she hadn't slept for days. It was a sight for sore eyes.

Anwar turned back to face the front and listened to Mr. Green go on and on about DNA Replication. Anwar didn't want to go home, but he didn't want to be in class as well. It was like being in a limbo of depression. He jumped out of his seat when the lunch bell rang. He needed a break, even if it was for 30 minutes.

He sat down at his usual table and started catching up with Jace and Asher. "So did you ask Betty out yet?" asked Jace, giving Asher a slight nudge.

They looked to where Betty and Veronica were sitting. Betty caught them staring and gave a little wave. Anwar noticed Madison sitting a little farther away than usual from them just staring at her phone with her eyes glued to the screen.

Jace laughed, "Dude she's so into you."

"I don't know," said Asher, biting his lip.

"Just go for it," said Anwar through a mouthful of chicken soup. "Shoot your shot."

"But don't airball it," said Jace.

Asher punched him in the arm, "Not cool bro."

They all laughed and started punching each other. "Hey, cut it out." called a lunch monitor from the back. They sat back down and continued eating their food.

"Bro, look," said Jace, pointing at his phone. They leaned in to look at his phone, but their phones starting buzzing too.

Anwar took a look. Madison had airdropped Nayla's Wattpad book to everyone, and she didn't even do it anonymously. Oof. He felt partly responsible.

"Wait," said Asher, turning towards Anwar. "I think this is about you."

"Really?" asked Anwar. He had skimmed through the book, he thought would've recognized if anything were about him.

He read the chapter that Madison had sent out.

To The Boy I Met Today:

when I saw you I had to put down my book
you and your fashion sense left me shook

my jaw dropped
I couldn't believe my eyes
a cute boy talking to me
that I didn't despise?

my heart flipped a beat
you're just so sweet
I can't comprehend
why you're being such a good friend

to someone like me.
can you see
that you and I are meant to be?

you complete me
you and I are like two videos in synch
we talk and breathe simultaneously
and leave people in awe easily

I don't know you that well
but you're the highlight of my day
the sun that brings out my rainbow
and I hope you're here to stay

-Nayla ❤️

Anwar read it and reread it. Whatttt, how had he missed this? Was it about him? He shook his head and tried to play it off, "I don't think so," he said. And before they could argue with him on it, everyone's phone buzzed yet again.

"Wow, the drama's hot today." said Jace, scrolling down on his phone.

Anwar looked at his. It was from Nayla. She hadn't bothered to do it anonymously. There was no point in it anymore he guessed. Everyone knew the two were beefing. He read over the note she had airdropped.

"Listen to this," said Jace. He read the note off of his phone trying not to laugh as he spoke. "Are the Zaviers who you think they are? Or should I say the Brekkers?" He paused for dramatic effect. "John Brekker was put in prison for helping out an immigrant family. He is remembered as a hero, but I can't say the same for the rest of his family."

"Dun, dun dunnn." said Asher, butting in. He cleared his throat and took over. They were really enjoying themselves with this one. "Madison Zavier, a stupid entitled brat, has been bullying the child of the family her dad had so willingly helped. She apparently blames the child for her father's wrongful imprisonment and wants revenge. Her antics are stupid and her logic is impaired. Madison seems to be suffering long term dim-wittedness because of her life at home. Not to expose her or anything, but Madison's mom that owns the coffee shop a couple of blocks away from the school isn't really her mom, it's her aunt."

"What?" said Anwar. Now he was confused. He had seen Madison's mom multiple times at school during conferences, bake sales, and at the prison.

"Yes," said Asher as he continued on. "It's her aunt. Brooklyn Zavier. Madison's mom's name is Bailey Zavier. They are identical twins. Madison's real mom is currently pretending to be at an AA meeting whilst she's off drinking with her 'buds' and not doing any real work. This might come off as a shock to you all, but Madison is a liar. She has lied about her past and her family a countless number of times and has continued to lie about other things, just like her student council campaign. Everyone knows she can't do any of those things, and she didn't. Needless to say, Madison Zavier is a liar and a skank. #exposed." Asher finished reading the letter and it seemed like everyone else was done reading it as well.

There were a couple of people that didn't have their airdrop on and were oblivious, and there were a couple of teachers that were in on the tea. Anwar looked over at Madison as she finished reading the letter that Nayla had sent out.

Anwar laughed as Madison calmly stood up. He could tell from her set face and largely paced steps that she was about to do something mad shit crazy. The entire cafeteria was silent as Madison strode over to Nayla. It was like everyone was holding their breath waiting in anticipation for something to happen. Madison stood beside Nayla for a moment not doing anything. And then she just flat out smacked her.

The entire cafeteria erupted in chaos as Nayla stood up and tackled Madison to the ground, "OHHHHH!"