bestfriend
I stood quietly, taking in the sight before me—*Ethereal Realm High*. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I’d be standing here, let alone as a student. The school was nothing short of magical. The ivy-covered walls, the perfectly trimmed hedges, and the gentle breeze that carried the scent of blooming flowers—it all felt like something out of a dream.
But even in the middle of all that beauty, my thoughts wandered. *What if my best friend didn’t come from such a powerful family?* *What if she didn’t own a conglomerate?* Would I still have made it here? Would I be attending the school I’d always wanted, or just settling for whatever came my way?
I was so lost in thought that I didn’t hear footsteps behind me until a voice snapped me out of it—sharp and unmistakably familiar. I turned around quickly, startled.
It was her.
My best friend.
*"Harper,"* I whispered with a smile. It was really her—the reason I was able to attend *Ethereal Realm College*. She stood there, sunlight catching the edges of her hair, her smile effortlessly beautiful as always. Just looking at her made something in my chest soften.
If I could ask for anything else in this world, I’d still choose her.
Dad was gone. All I had now was Mom… and Harper.
“Hey, what are you thinking about?” she asked, nudging me gently, pulling me out of my thoughts.
“Oh,” I blinked, caught off guard. “I was just wondering if…”
“heyy.. Harper cut in quickly, raising a brow. “
I stayed quiet, guilty smile tugging at my lips.
You think about lots of things that don't matter
I laughed softly. “I know. I’m sorry. It’s just… this place still feels surreal. Like magic.”
“Well,” Harper grinned, mischief twinkling in her eyes, “good thing I brought something magical too.”
I turned to her, curious. “What now?”
Her grin widened. “You’ll see.”
And just like that, the weight on my chest lifted—just a little. Being with Harper always had a way of making everything feel… lighter.
“No way… don’t tell me—” I gasped, eyes lighting up.
“Yes,” Harper said proudly, pulling out a small wrapped package. “It’s chicken. Just the way you like it.”
I laughed, shaking my head in disbelief. “You’re impossible.”
“Correction,” she winked. “I’m thoughtful.”
After some light chatter and laughter, we finally made our way toward class. As we walked through the hallways, I could already hear the whispers starting again.
“There they go again…” someone murmured.
“Those two are always together.”
“Emily is so lucky. Befriending a conglomerate like Harper? That’s not something that just happens.”
I pretended not to hear them, but the words clung to me like perfume I didn’t ask to wear. Harper just smiled like she didn’t notice—or maybe she was just used to it.
Either way, I stayed close. Because no matter what they said, Harper was more than what they thought. And to me, she was home.
After our first P.E. class, Harper had gone off to use the restroom while I returned to my seat, still trying to solve a question from earlier. My shirt clung to my skin from the sweat, so I gently towelled my face, trying to focus.
That’s when I saw them.
Vivian and her usual group of girls were making their way toward my table. The moment I caught sight of them, a familiar heaviness settled in my chest. They never approached me for anything good.
Vivian didn’t waste time. She leaned in with a fake smile and said, “I’m having a party today… and I’m inviting you.”
I looked up at her, calm but firm. “Thanks, but I’m not interested.”
A scoff escaped her lips almost instantly.
“You’re not interested?” she repeated, her voice sharp. “Is this some kind of joke? Honestly, I’m not even interested in inviting you either. You should know you’re no match for us. We’re just doing you a favor, so take it while I’m being nice.”
She tapped my shoulder in that overly sweet but clearly condescending way. I felt the sting—not physically, but emotionally.
I wanted to push her hand away. I wanted to speak up.
But I didn’t.
Not because I was afraid of her—but because I didn’t want trouble. I didn’t want to be dragged to the teacher’s office. I didn’t want my mom being called to school over drama I didn’t start.
So, I swallowed the anger, bit my tongue, and stared ahead.
Let them think they won this time
But it was getting harder to stay calm.
Vivian didn’t stop. She kept throwing jabs—this time about my family, as if that wasn’t crossing a line. Her words stung, but I bit down on every rising emotion, trying to hold it together.
Then suddenly—
“What do you think you’re doing?” Harper’s voice cut through the tension Like a blade
Inviting Emily to a party, Vivian lied
And how exactly did you do that, politely,Vivian answered.
thats rich coming from you, I'm just going to say this once so listen carefully, the next time u mess with my bestfriend, it won't end with just words, mark my word, I don't care about who your father is,maybe it's time for u to know who my father is instead,haper spoke while leaning very close to Vivian's ears
Vivian scoffed and left clearly embarrassed with her possess in tow
Harper looked at Emily, you don't have to remain silent in situations like that.”
I know but I don't know what to say Emily replied
“You don’t have to,” Harper said, draping an arm around her shoulder. “That’s why you’ve got me.”
