My phone

SISTERLY HATE [CHAPTER 5]

As I zoned out in English class, my mind wandered to the unfolding drama at home. I was consumed by thoughts of everything except the lesson being taught in class. Suddenly, Ms. Lee the English teacher cut through my trance. When she called my name, the entire classroom fell silent and everyone turned to face me with their eyes fixed expectantly. I felt a surge of pressure as I struggled to respond.

Ms. Lee: Ava, I said, what alternative would you propose for the story we just read and why?

I felt my heart sink as I fumble to gather my thoughts.

Ava: (stuttering) Uh, well... I think... the best alternative is...

Ms. Lee: (concerned) Ava, Are you okay? You seem bit preoccupied today. Is anything the problem?

Ava: (a forced smile) Oh, no, I'm good. Just a bit... tired. That's all

Ms. Lee: Are you sure? If you feel unwell you can go to the nurse's office.

AVA: (Anxious) No, Ms. Lee, I'm fine. Really.

Just as I thought I'd implode from embarrassment, the lunch bell rang, saving me from further questioning. As the class erupted into chaos, I ran out the hallway, where I met my friends Zoe and Mia coming out of math class, and we merged into the bustling flow of students flooding the cafeteria. As we joined the crowd, I breathed a sigh of relief, grateful to have escaped the awkward moment with Ms.lee.

In the cafeteria it became whirlwind of chatter and clinking trays. My friends and I settled into our usual spot on the bench, ready to dig into our lunch.

Zoe: (huffing) Ugh, today's math class was mind-bogglingly impossible!

Mia: (nodding vigorously) Totally! I thought I was the only one lost in space.

Zoe: (giggling) Did you see Remi's face when Mr. Rogers dropped the solution like a bombshell?

Mia: (laughing) Her expression was priceless – like, How did he even..?

Zoe: (laughing) Yeah, I know, right?!

The laughter died down, and Mia and Zoe noticed my gloomy mood.

Zoe: (concerned) Ava, what's wrong? You look like you've lost your last friend.

Mia: Yeah, I was going to ask the same thing.. what's wrong? You look gloomy.

Ava: (sighing dramatically) There's just so much drama in my life right now... And I'm super stressed.

Mia: (intrigued) What happened?

Zoe: Yeah, spill the tea – what's going on?

Ava: I'm about to share something personal, not a gossip, why the tension?

Mia: (laughing) we know, just bothered on what has turned our energetic friend into a moody queen.

Ava: (exasperated) Okay... I'm all moody, sad and gloomy because my dad smashed my phone into a gazillion pieces... And it's basically Zoe's fault!

Zoe: (shocked) What? How is it my fault?!

AVA: (dramatic flair) If I hadn't snuck out to attend that lame ass party of yours, my phone would still be intact!

Zoe: (sheepishly) Oh, so you got caught

Ava: (making a silly face) Yeah, I got caught! I shouldn't have listened to you

Mia: (smirking) I told you something would go wrong! that's why I suggested you tell your dad you were attending the party, but no, you had to go with Zoe's brilliant idea of sneaking out!

Zoe: (defensively) Hey, it worked for me several times! I thought you said you were extra careful, so how did you get busted?!

Ava: (rolling her eyes) My sister ratted me out.

Zoe: (curious) But why would she do that?!

Ava: (shrugging) I have no idea... maybe she's just jealous?

Mia: (intrigued) Jealous? Why would she be jealous of you?

Ava: (frustrated) I seriously can not tell. She's been acting super mean and crazy lately... it's so unlike her.

Mia: (concerned) The Ava's sister I know is sweet and nice, when did she become toxic?

Ava: (throwing her hands up) I know, right?!

Zoe: (supportively) Hmm, that's not cool. Have you tried talking to her?

Ava: (sighing) Not really...

Mia: (encouragingly) Maybe it's just a misunderstanding? Try talking to her, it might clear the air.

Ava: (resigned) Okay, fine.. I'll try.

Zoe: (apologetically) Ava, I'm really sorry about your phone.

Mia: (echoing) Yeah, me too.

Zoe: (guiltily) It's all my fault.. I didn't think it through.

Ava: (laughing) No, no, it's not entirely your fault, I was just being silly.

Zoe: Hey, you scared me there for a second. And I did heard you say lame ass party. (smirking) Girl... Don't play dumb, the party was lit and I know you had fun. It was literally the best night ever.

Ava: Fine, it was okay, I guess.

Zoe: (teasing) Okay? You were dancing on the table!

Ava: (blushing) Shut up, that was one song!

Zoe: (giggling) so... how was the kiss with Max, was it good?

Mia: (choking) huh... kiss!?

Ava: (embarrassed) Jeez! Zoe, ewwwahhh... we didn't...

Zoe: Ugh... it's us, you don't have to pretend because I saw you too walk inside the laundry room at the party. So, spill the beans.

Ava: And you assume we made out. Please, there is nothing to spill, drop it.

Zoe: Yeah, I suppose even more happened in there...

Ava: (blushing) Stop it, that's disgusting... we didn't, period.

Mia: Ava why is your face turning red?

Zoe: Yeah, that's because she is blushing!

Ava: I'm not blushing, I'm just... warm. Don't tell me you believe her mia.

Mia: But you are blushing..

Ava: No, I'm not!

Mia & Zoe: (laughing) Yes, you are!

They both started banging the table, screaming "Tell the truth" profusely.

Ava: Can you guys stop it, you're acting like 8-year-olds! plus everyone is staring, jeez!

Zoe: (laughing) Tell the truth or we won't stop!

Ava: Fine, I'll leave then.

Mia: No, please tell us!

Zoe: Yeah, come on, we're dying to know!

Ava: Fine, w-we might have kissed... happy now? But it was just kissing and nothing more.

Mia: Oh...

Zoe: (squeals) I knew it! How was it?

Ava: Not bad, he is good at it.

Mia: Hmm... How would you know when it is your first time.

Ava: Because it felt good.

Zoe: So-

Ava: (cut in) Jesus! I don't want to hear it zoe.. (sighs) It was good, okay? Can we move on? Please. (mumbling) I just escaped one yet another awkward moment..

Mia: (teasing) Good? That's all we get?

Zoe: (laughs) Yeah, Ava, you're such a secret keeper!

Ava: Yeah, sure, say whatever.

zoe: Well, congrats on your first kiss. So... have you texted him (realizes) Oh, forgot, your phone is...

Mia: (commiserating) But your dad's punishment is kinda harsh.

Zoe: Tell me about it! Dads can be clueless sometimes.

Mia: (laughing) Clueless? That's an understatement.

Zoe: I can't even imagine a day without my phone..

Ava: Preach! I'm losing my mind without mine. I literally cry myself to sleep last night about how my mom surprised me with my iphone 14 on my birthday... and now it's just a pile of broken glass thanks to Dad's rage smashing skills.

Zoe: Girl, I feel you... your face looks pale and drained. I'm still disbelieving that my idea led to this. My baby's been crying and I'm the culprit.

Mia: (jokily) yeah, next time you should go with Mia's genius idea...

Zoe: Ugh, spare me!

Mia: (Winks) So, what about your mom? Is she back from her trip?

Ava: (signs) Nope, Not yet back..

Mia: (concerned) Aw okay.

Ava: (longingly) I miss her so much! if she were here, Dad's wouldn't have smashed my phone. She would have even distracted him while I snuck out.

Zoe: True! I'm low-key jealous – Your mom is literally the coolest... Sometimes I wish she was my mom too.

Mia: Keep dreaming... Okay, girls, let's finish up – it's almost history class!

Zoe: (sarcastically) Joy! History class is literally the worst. Who cares about ancient stuff?!

Mia: (laughing) The past matters, Zoe.. Finish your lunch, Ava – you barely ate anything.

Ava: (picking at my food) Lost my appetite.

Zoe: (encouragingly) Eat up, Girl everything will be fine!

Mia: Yeah, you'll be fine... I think I just know what might cheer her up a little... (excited) A hug! (Standing up) Come on, On your feet!

Mia and Zoe both open their arms for a group hug.

Zoe: (smiling) Group hug!

Ava: (laughing) ...Okay, okay.

After hugging tightly for a moment the bell rang, and we reluctantly walked to our next class.