Baddas
1154 Words
The rest of the school day went by uneventfully, though Emily couldn’t stop thinking about what had happened earlier. Vivian’s words echoed in her mind, not because they hurt—but because she was tired of always being the quiet one. Always relying on Harper to defend her. She appreciated her friend more than anything, but deep down, she wished she could stand up for herself too.
Later that evening, Emily sat on her bed, books spread out in front of her, though she hadn’t turned a page in ten minutes. Her thoughts wandered until a message popped up on her phone.
*Harper:* *Still thinking about today, aren’t you?*
*Emily:* *A little.*
*Harper:* *You handled it better than you think. Want to go for a walk?*
*Emily:* *Sure. Be there in 10.*
Fifteen minutes later, they were strolling down a quiet street just outside campus. The breeze was cool, the sky streaked with shades of purple and gold. Harper held a small paper bag in one hand.
“What’s that?” Emily asked, curious.
“Snacks,” Harper grinned. “Emergency therapy snacks. Chocolate and sour gummies.”
Emily laughed, already feeling better. “You think of everything.”Harper shrugged. “But seriously, Em. I know it’s not easy. You don’t have to change overnight. But I also know you have strength in you. You just haven’t let it out yet.”
Emily looked at her, surprised. “You really think so?”
“I *know* so,” Harper said firmly. “You’ve been through more than most people, and you’re still standing. That’s strength.”
For the first time in a while, Emily believed it.
Just as they were about to turn back, they saw flashing lights and loud music coming from a house nearby. It was Vivian’s party.
Harper nudged her. “Want to crash it?”
Emily blinked. “Wait—*what?* Are you serious?”
“Not to stay. Just to show up. Walk in, grab a drink, act like we own the place, and leave.”
Emily hesitated… then something inside her shifted.
“Let’s do it.”
Harper grinned wide. “Now *that’s* the spirit
---
The music thumped louder as Emily and Harper approached the sprawling house. Lights flashed from the windows, and the sound of laughter and chatter spilled into the street. Students crowded the front yard, drinks in hand, already well into the night’s chaos.
Harper leaned in. “You sure about this?”
Emily took a breath. “Yeah. Let’s just make an entrance.”
They walked in side by side—Harper confident as always, and Emily, though nervous, holding her head higher than usual. As they stepped through the door, a few heads turned. Whispers followed.
“Is that Emily with Harper?”
“What are *they* doing here?”
Vivian, standing near the kitchen with a red cup in hand, froze when she saw them. Her eyes narrowed.
“Well, look who decided to show up,” she said, striding over. “Didn’t think you had the guts, Emily.”
Emily smiled politely, but there was steel in her voice. “Guess I’m full of surprises.”
Vivian blinked, taken aback by the calm confidence in her tone.
Harper chuckled. “We’re just here for the drinks and to make a statement. And clearly, it worked.”
Vivian scoffed. “This isn’t your scene.”
“Maybe not,” Emily replied. “But I don’t need a scene to belong.”
"Vivian opened her mouth, but Harper cut in. “Relax, Vivian. We won’t be staying long. Just wanted to say hi to the fans.”
With that, Harper grabbed two cups from the nearby table, handed one to Emily, and raised hers mockingly. “To surprises.”
Emily raised hers too. “And to walking in like you own the place.”
They clinked cups and turned to leave. The room had gone quiet for a second—but before long, the music resumed, and the buzz of conversation returned.
As they stepped outside, Harper bumped Emily’s shoulder playfully. “That was badass.”
Emily smiled, adrenaline still buzzing through her. “Honestly… that felt amazing.”
“Told you it’s in you,” Harper said. “You just needed a little push.”
Emily laughed. “Well, keep pushing.”
And with that, the two girls disappeared into the night .
---
The hallway buzzed with the usual morning chatter as students rushed to their classes. Emily was walking peacefully beside her locker when Harper suddenly tapped her hard on the shoulder.
“Ow! Ash, that hurt!” Emily winced, rubbing her shoulder. “Why did you beat me like that?!”
Harper rolled her eyes. “Beat you? That was a *tap*. Don’t be so dramatic.”
Emily frowned. “A *tap*? That felt like a shove. You could’ve just used your *mouth* like normal people. Was that really necessary?”
Harper raised her hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright! I’m feeling bad already. Jeez, what’s with you today?”
Emily shot her a playful glare. “Maybe I’m just not used to your *aggressive affection*.”
Harper chuckled and stepped in front of Emily, suddenly grinning from ear to ear like a child with a secret.
Emily narrowed her eyes. “Okay… what is it this time?”
Harper gasped. “You *seriously* don’t remember?”
Emily blinked. “Remember what?”
“I can’t believe you forgot,” Harper groaned, placing a dramatic hand on her forehead.,Emily stared at her, utterly confused. Then, as if something clicked, her eyes widened and she covered her mouth with both hands. “No. Don’t tell me you want us to sneak into the teachers’ room again to get your hair accessories. Harper, we *talked* about this! That’s stealing!”
Harper burst into laughter. “No, no, calm down! We’re *not* doing that again. If any teacher seizes my stuff again, they can keep it. I’ve accepted my fate.”
Emily lowered her hands, relieved. “Then what is it?”
Harper let out an exaggerated sigh. “I can’t believe this… Damon’s having a match today.”
Emily blinked. “So?”
“So,” Harper said slowly, “I want us to go watch.”
Emily groaned. “Not again. We’ve watched *all* of his matches, Harper. Can’t we sit this one out for once? It’s not like we’ll get penalized.”
“I *know*, but…” Harper’s voice dropped into that sweet, pleading tone she always used when she wanted something. “I really want to see him play today. Just this once. For your beautiful best friend?”
Emily raised an eyebrow. “You *always* say ‘just this once.’ And we *always* end up going. Don’t you remember how I *literally* fell asleep at the last match? That’s how *boring* it was!”
- Writer
