Copycat Chapter 3:The confrontation

After the family dinner fiasco, Ardania’s discomfort and frustration with Saevana continued to build. Everywhere she went, it seemed like Saevana was there too—dressed like her, talking like her, even hanging out in places she frequented. Ardania’s friends noticed it too, especially Krishina, who couldn’t hide her irritation.

“Isn’t she taking it too far?” Krishina muttered one day, eyeing Saevana from across the school cafeteria, where she sat, mirroring Ardania’s exact outfit—again.

Ardania sighed, feeling a heaviness settle in her chest. She had tried to ignore Saevana’s behavior, tried to convince herself it was just a phase, but this wasn’t just admiration. It was something deeper, something that made her skin prickle with discomfort.

“Maybe she just doesn’t realize how weird this is?” Luna suggested, though even she sounded unsure.

“No,” Ardania replied quietly, shaking her head. “She knows. And I think it’s time I finally do something about it.”

Her friends nodded in support, their expressions resolute. They knew it was time for Ardania to reclaim her sense of self, to draw a line that Saevana wouldn’t be able to cross. And Ardania knew she couldn’t just ignore it anymore. This behavior was affecting her friendships, her sense of security, and her life.

The Confrontation Begins

Ardania spent the weekend preparing, rehearsing what she would say to Saevana. She wanted to be firm but fair, assertive but not cruel. By Monday morning, she felt ready. She spotted Saevana in the hallway, surrounded by her own friends—Aurora, Ishaira, and Patricia, who seemed oblivious to the way Saevana was behaving.

Taking a deep breath, Ardania walked up to Saevana and gently tapped her on the shoulder.

“Saevana, can we talk?” Ardania asked, keeping her voice as steady as she could. Her friends stood a few steps behind her, lending silent support.

Saevana turned, her eyes widening for a brief moment before a slow smile spread across her face. “Of course, Ardania! I’ve been wanting to talk to you too. We’re so much alike, after all.”

Ardania forced a smile, even as her frustration simmered beneath the surface. “Actually, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about.”

They walked a few steps away from their friends, and Ardania took a deep breath, summoning all her courage. She felt her pulse quicken, but she steadied herself, remembering that this was her moment to take back control.

“Saevana, I’ve noticed that you’ve been…imitating me lately,” Ardania began, her tone careful. “And while I understand that friends can inspire each other, this feels different. I’m starting to feel like you’re not respecting my boundaries.”

For a moment, Saevana looked genuinely surprised, as if the thought of crossing a line had never occurred to her. But then her face hardened, and she let out a soft, dismissive laugh.

“Boundaries?” she repeated, arching an eyebrow. “Ardania, I just admire you! Is that so bad? I thought you’d be flattered.”

Ardania shook her head, keeping her tone gentle but firm. “Admiration is one thing, Saevana. But this isn’t admiration—it’s copying. It’s making me feel like I don’t have space to be myself.”

Saevana’s smile faltered, and for a moment, Ardania thought she saw a flicker of anger flash in her eyes. But it was gone as quickly as it had appeared, replaced by a calm, practiced smile.

“Oh, come on, Ardania,” Saevana said, her voice light. “You’re overreacting. If anything, you should be honored that I want to be like you.”

Ardania’s frustration flared, and she took a step back, her patience wearing thin. “No, Saevana. This isn’t about honor or admiration. It’s about respect. I need you to stop copying me.”

to be continue.........

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