Mirror Image

Press press press press!

Keira stepped onto the curb, her parents walking beside her, their smiles wide and proud. She hugged them visibly, holding her mom a beat longer than usual, as if trying to soak in the moment.

The photographer, leaning slightly out of the car across the street, clicked rapidly, eyes alight with excitement. “Come on, move slowly! Make sure she’s framed perfectly” the photographer called to their driver.

Her dad laughed softly, ruffling her hair.

“Cuídate, mi niña” (Take care my girl)

Her mom waved “Te quiero” (I love you)

Keira smiled, letting the last hug linger, then moved gracefully around the Cadillac. The driver opened the door for her, and she slid into the seat, adjusting herself effortlessly.

“Now, get a shot as she waves” the photographer instructed. Their driver eased the car forward, keeping pace, while the photographer clicked frame after frame, capturing Keira Keira leaving the boutique, the proud glow of her parents, and the effortless poise of a rising star. Perfect for new social media headline.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Shanaya was dancing like she owned the night—-hips swinging, hair whipping , drink in hand. The bass hit so hard the floor shook under her heels, neon lights strobing across faces like flashes of fire. She slid onto the velvet lounge, laughing, letting the music flow through her veins, wild, untouchable.

Then she heard it—quiet, venomous, dripping with envy.

“She always everywhere with her…thinkin’ she got it all…dressing like she got money she don’t even make…clingy little wannabe…”

Shanaya froze in mid-sip, eyes snapping to the source. She didn’t need a name. She knew. Her lips curled into a dangerous grin.

“Hold up…Hold up, hold up” she said turning in her seat to look at the two girls behind her .Voice low but sharp as she asked “Is you talkin’ ‘bout me, or my best friend?”

One of the girls reacted. With a smirk, leaning back like she owned the moment. “Girl, i’m just sayin’…some people really just—“

Shanaya cut her off, teeth flashing , eyes wide: “Some people really what? Is you crazy? Some people tryna talk like they know me. I don’t need a job to get my own money, baby. I got my own bag, my own moves and i ain’t sliding on nobody. You feel me?”

The girl laughed, low and venomous , stepping closer, chest out. “Baby, i’m just saying…stop hangin’ around her , stop trying to stunt off her shine. You actin’ like you all that.”

“And who is you to be givin’ me advice whatna? Who is you b***h?” Shanaya retorted and laughed when she knew she had pinched a spot by calling her the B word. She went on; “Actin’ like I all that? Baby i do me. Clothes, cash, style,—mine. Don’t get it twisted. I know you can’t relate.” She added “But come to think of it, why I gotta sit here, explaining myself to somebody like yous two”

“You just a local ass wannabe be—w***e”

The tension snapped. Both girls eyes locked in, breathing hard. You could feel the storm brewing. The inched towards eachother, ready to throw hands, every insult hitting like a clap.

“Say that again” Shanaya hissed, voice low, dangerous. “I dare you”

The girl’s smirk didn’t falter—not even a little. Her fingers twitched like she wanted smoke. The crowd around them buzzed, phones out, recording, whispering, some cheering, some gasping.

Security arrived, cutting through the chaos, hands gripping the girl, trying to drag her out. She didn’t back down —she fought, cursed, spit words sharp as knives at Shanaya the entire way.

“You think you scary? No baby, you not ghetto enough. You should thank your stars this motherfuckers saved you ho’, i would beat up you broke ass” she shouted, still wild, still untamed, as the security led her out of the club.

“I woulda loved to see you try, weak ass b***h. Those yellow ass teeth in you mouth woulda drop to the floor infront of you Goddam eyes!” Shanaya retorted “Try me next time boo. I’m outside any time, any day”

Even as the girl disappeared through the club doors, her voice echoing. Shanaya slumped back into the velvet chair and ran her hand through her hair smoothly as she took a sip of her drink.