chapter 4 Cracks In The Crown

One week later, After trying my best to avoid the two like a plague, but the universe has a plan of its own (arghhhhh 🤧). I found myself in the student lounge curled up with my notes trying to look invisible. Lily had gone to grab coffee leaving Amily and me with the background hum of chatter and the smell of burnt espresso suddenly the noise died down all of a sudden that's when Danielle swept into the room. She didn't just walk - she arrived, every step deliberate every flick of her hair calculated. Her two shadows trailed closely behind: Amelia and Camilla. I'd seen them before always at her side laughing at her jokes, carrying her books, orbiting her like satellite.

"ugh, he texted me again," Danielle announced loudly dropping onto the couch."can't he take a hint?" Camilla leaned in, her voice syrupy."well, you are irresistible, Danielle" Amelia echoed the laugh but her eyes slid sideways, the kind of look that wasn't meant to be seen. Except I saw it sharp, irritated almost resentful.

Danielle didn't notice it. She was too busy scrolling through her phone."he's cute I guess. But not my type. Too....... Clingy. You know what I mean?" Camilla nodded eagerly, though her smile didn't reach her eyes. Amelia's nails tapped against her cup restless. I lowered my gaze to my notebook, pretending to scribble something. But my ears strained towards them anyway. It was like watching a performance. Everyone is playing their part, but no one truly meaning it.

Lily returned just then handing me and Amily our coffee, asking for anything new that she missed while she was away while Amily was updating her about what Danielle just said, I was trying to figure out if the boy they were talking about was Nuel. Then Lily dragged Amily with her for one of her plans or so.

So I was left alone after Lily and Amily left me behind while I was trying to put the pieces of what I just witnessed together. Nuel walked in. The whole energy shifted. Danielle straightened instantly sliding her phone away, her smile transforming into something brighter, softer, almost innocent. What an act 😒."Nuel!" she called, waving him over

He smiled back -of course he did - and made his way to her couch. Camilla and Amelia exchanged a look, quick sharp before plastering their fake smiles back on. Looking at their act of friendship and love I wonder what is wrong with these friends why the fakeness why the hidden emotions there must be something they are holding against each other ,something huge for all this fakeness display here. Amily returned just then, she forgot her phone. She followed my gaze lips tightened "see what I mean?" she whispered."shiny but not sweet" I tried to look away, tried to remind myself not to care. But as Nuel sat down beside Danielle leaning in when she spoke, the ache in my chest returned sharper than ever.

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