Worth it?

Worth it? Part 4

Alarm rang. The three girls woke up, and as usual, Bella was already talking even before her eyes were fully open.

Bella: Someone among us is trending. What a long day ahead!

Hattie: Just shut up, Bella.

Bella: I was just saying… I’m preparing you for the day.

Hattie: No need, but thanks.

Eunice rolled her eyes and cut in.

Eunice: Can we hurry up before we’re late?

Bella: Ye matron (laughing)

Eunice: You're so dumb

They got dressed, grabbed their things, and headed to the Dining Hall.

The DH was quieter than usual not everyone bothered to eat breakfast but there was still the sound of trays clattering, students chatting, and chairs scraping across the floor. After eating, the bell rang, and everyone made their way to the assembly.

Hattie could feel eyes on her. She knew people were talking, whispering, and stealing glances. It wasn’t exactly new she was used to attention but this time the stares felt heavier.

Classes started, lessons continued, and in the background, i********: was on fire. Bee and Chichi had posted a poll: Who’s better for Louis his current girlfriend or our Beyoncè? The results were brutal. Hattie had the most votes.

For Mia, that was the breaking point. She was already upset, but now people were actually laughing when they walked past her. She decided to confront the situation head on. She texted Hattie on i********:: “Meet me by the library benches. We need to talk, please.”

Hattie told her friends that Mia wants to see her by the library and they accompanied her but stood far.

Eunice: Obviously it’s about Louis. (eye roll)

They all agreed, and Hattie left.

Mia was already at the benches when Hattie arrived.

Mia: uhmmm Hi… I hope you’re good. I don’t even know where to start, but it’s about the i********: post. (voice shaking and eyes all over)

Hattie: “I know. All I can say is… it’s not what it looks like. (looking down)

Mia: Then what is it like?

Hattie: What’s your man saying?

Mia: I’m coming to you as a girl, Hattie. You know how men are.

Hattie: We met at the laundry. One machine was broken, so we combined clothes.

Mia: That’s all?

Hattie: Yeah.

Mia: So the picture is… AI generated?

Hattie: Oh the picrure, obviously not. After laundry, we got ice creams from a street vendor and sat under a tree to chill. That’s it.

Mia: You came to the DH together.

Hattie: We just met on the way. Pure coincidence.

Mia: If you say so. Thanks for your time.

Hattie went back to her friends.

Bella: What did she say? (whispering)

Hattie: She asked if I’m dating Louis.

Eunice: She must be going through hell. Why would she date the menace what is she expecting? (laughing)

Hattie: Stop it! (laughing)

They were still joking around when a new i********: notification popped up.

It was a picture of Mia and Hattie at the library benches posted on Leaders High School Confessions. The caption read:

“#BondingSession — Louis’ polygamy, deciding where the man will sleep tonight.”

The girls burst out laughing and some people looked at them. Hattie rolled her eyes. Louis saw it too but didn’t care. The comments section was chaos, with everyone throwing in their “hot takes” about the drama. Hattie sighed so hard "This is far from over, I swear" They laughed again. Chich heard them since he was passing by "It's about to go down" said Chichi, they laughed again.