Wrong target, Fatal mistake

Collision of Tempers

Chapter 1: Collision of Tempers

“Hey! Can’t you see? Are you blind? You bumped into me and pretended like nothing happened!” Wumzy snapped, her face flushing red with irritation.

“And so what? Did I intentionally bump into you? It was a mistake, and I don’t think you deserve an apology,” Tessa shot back, her tone sharp and unyielding.

Wumzy’s hand shot up, aiming for Tessa’s cheek, but Tessa caught it effortlessly, twisting her wrist with ease.

“What do you think you’re doing? If that slap had touched my precious face, I would have made sure you spent a week in the hospital. Rubbish!” Tessa hissed, yanking her hand free and storming off.

“Tessa! Why aren’t you in class? What are you doing outside? As far as I know, it’s not break time!” a teacher called, her voice sharp.

“I’m sorry, teacher. I went to the restroom. I’ll head to my seat now,” Tessa replied, straightening her uniform as she returned to her seat.

“You too, Wumzy. No need to explain, just go to your seat,” the teacher added, trying to regain control of the room.

A hush fell over the students, broken by the teacher’s voice again. “Students, I have some good news! Everyone, a round of applause for Wumzy, Mina, and Tessa! The competition you participated in, you won!”

“Woah, our school won?” murmured a few students, eyes wide with surprise.

“Congratulations, Wumzy, Tessa, and Mina! We know we can count on you!” someone added, clapping enthusiastically.

“And there’s more! Three of you have been awarded scholarships to study in either Korea, New York, or Mexico. Another round of applause for our champions!” the teacher announced.

The classroom erupted in cheers.

“Wumzy, congratulations! You’re going to your dream country. You deserve this and so much more,” Lonia said warmly.

“Thank you, Lonia. God will make your dream come true too,” Wumzy replied, her smile bright but nervous.

“Mina, congratulations! I’m so happy for you… but I’m also sad. I’ll miss you,” Diana said softly, her eyes glistening.

“It’s okay, Diana. Don’t worry, we’ll keep in touch,” Mina said with a reassuring smile.

“I trust you, Mina. And congratulations to you too, Tessa,” Diana added.

“Thank you, Diana,” Tessa said curtly, a small smirk tugging at her lips.

“What the hell, Diana? Why are you congratulating her? She and Wumzy just got lucky. I worked for this!” Mina snapped, fists tightening.

“Oh, you worked for it? Does that mean I didn’t? And what’s wrong with my classmate congratulating me? Got problems, Mina? Or maybe, a mental problem?” Tessa said, eyes glinting with mischief.

“What! Did you just call me mentally ill? I swear, if I don’t tear your mouth apart, my name isn’t Mina!” Mina shouted, stepping closer, chest heaving.

“Do you dare? I might as well break all your bones. What good are they for if not to fight, and shut your mouth, since nothing good comes out of it!” Tessa fired back, her calm dangerous.

“Tessa, are you crazy? Did you forget your medicine or did you take the wrong one?” Mina began, but Diana cut in quickly.

“Mina, stop. This fight isn’t worth it. You think you know Tessa and Wumzy, but you don’t. They are… not bad people. Tessa only strikes back when she must,” Diana said firmly.

“Thank you, Diana. Let her know she’s the one with the problem. And kindly ask her, what color is her problem?” Tessa said slyly.

“Color of my problem? Black or maybe purple, instead, i***t,” Mina said, sarcasm dripping from her words.

“Oh wow… she’s barking again. We’re still talking, and she’s already showing her true colors. Bombastic element,” Tessa said, raising an eyebrow.

“Me, bombastic element? And what does that make you? Stupid, senseless, brainless… fool!” Mina shot back.

“You better be careful not to get hypertension so young. If I heard everything correctly, all of them mean the same thing. Now I know who the fool is,” Tessa replied, a dangerous smile curling her lips.

“Hey, girls, keep your argument for later. Teacher is still here. And you, Tessa, I’ll settle the score with you later. I’m too happy to fight now, but can you please…” Wumzy started, only to be cut off by simultaneous shouts.

“Shut up! It’s not your turn!” Tessa and Mina barked in unison.

“Wumzy, Tessa, Mina… is everything okay?” the teacher asked.

“Yes, ma’am,” the three replied together, their eyes glinting with tension.

“You’re born dogs! Look how they’re backing each other. I’ll stay out of this and settle my scores later,” Wumzy muttered under her breath.

“Better,” Tessa said.

“Back to you, do you know you’re stupid…” Mina started, but Diana interrupted.

“I’ve seen enough drama for one day. Mina, let it go. Yes, Tessa insulted you, but you started it too,” Diana said calmly.

“I’m tired of your lectures! You’re always not behind me, always taking the outsider’s side. I bullied her first, insulted her first. I’ve never heard you say Mina is the victim. I’m always the bully in your eyes! Tell me, are we even friends? You saw how she insulted me. Clearly, you started it!” Mina spat, voice trembling with rage.

“First, she is not an outsider. We are all classmates. Friends, remember?” Diana said gently, but Tessa cut in.

“Thank you… let her know, but I don’t support that friendship. Impossible,” Tessa said firmly.

“Could you let me speak, Tessa?” Diana asked, and Tessa fell silent.

“Even if Tessa insulted you, you insulted her back. And if it wasn’t written by God that you, Tessa, and Wumzy should be friends, why would you always rank first, even when John snatched first place last term, the three of you still rank second. It’s fate. It would be good if you made up and stopped causing trouble for each other,” Diana explained calmly.

“Are you done?” Mina snapped, storming off.

“Good. Since you’re done with the lecture on fate or should I call it preaching, tell me this, fate made me an orphan, and now fate wants me to be with my enemy? Come on! Stop this nonsense! Everything is fate, fate, fate!” Mina shouted, voice cracking.

“Mina, you get angry easily. Stop calling yourself an orphan. Your uncle and aunt are here for you, they’re more like your parents now,” Diana said gently.

“What are you even saying? They are not my parents. They can never give me the fatherly and motherly love I deserve. You just reopened an old wound. I can’t forgive you for that today,” Mina said angrily, tears threatening to spill.

“Oh really? Do whatever you want, Mina. I don’t understand you anymore. I don’t think our friendship will work,” Diana said softly.

“Fine! That’s where I want to end it. I’m done with this friendship. I don’t need a preacher or a teacher lecturing me all the time. I’m going my own way. This friendship is exhausting me. I’m tired!” Mina shouted as she stomped away.