Popularity is an Illusion

Who will be Queen

The birds chirped loudly outside, their melodies signifying the break of dawn, a rather adamant female lay asleep on her queen size bed unbothered by the songs from the birds, it wasn't until the alarm clock blared that Rosabella Primrose forcefully awaken from her alluring slumber. It was Monday the first day of school and the start of junior year for them all.

Elle yawns as she drags her legs out the bed, she usually starts her day with an affirmation, and today was no different, in fact, she needed it more today than ever before. The teenager chants her daily affirmations as she makes her way to the bathroom. halting in front of the mirror, she recites the last line of her affirmation after which she gives herself a genuine smile with her reflection smiling back at her. She came to a conclusion that the year would be perfect for her as the previous popular trio had gone to college, this was time for her to take the spotlight fully. Getting into the shower, she allows the warm water cascade down her body as she hums a Melody, finally taking notice of the chirping birds.

Winter Preparatory had a system of hierarchy just like most schools, where the two most popular students were mentally crowned the King and Queen. It was always crystal clear how to determine your place in the food chain.

From the very first day Elle set foot into the halls of Winter Prep and discovered about the system that ran in the school, she took an interest in the Queen title, setting it a goal to become the next Queen. She had always been ambitious in nature, something others failed to see or maybe she was just good at pretending.

Rosa Bella was born into a wealthy family with her family owning the famous winery La Rosa and they also lived at St Clare but in a school where ninety-five percent of the population were wealthy. She needed more than her parents statement of account to achieve this goal.

The blonde came up with the perfect plan. Which was to be friends with the reigning Queen or should we say the now emeritus Queen. So she climbed her way into Barbara's posse. They were so many perks of being Barbara Winters friend, she was immediately drawn into the spotlight and learnt from the Queen herself giving her the upper hand than others. Since Barbara had now graduated, the throne was vacant and soon a new queen would be crowned. For an outsider, or onlooker it seemed silly and insignificant but to Elle and a lot of students at Winter prep, it felt like their lives depended on it.

Elle stood in front of the vanity mirror adjusting the blazer of her school uniform when her phone chimed signifying he notification it had received. It was a post from Rumor Mill, immediately sparking interest within the female.

The Rumor Mill was a gossip website ran by a fellow classmate Ursula Johnson. To be honest half the school couldn't stand nosy Ursula, the girl meddled her way, constantly sticking her tentacles into peoples personal life and business. She held information that could make or break you and she knew exactly how to use it.

Rumor mill had grown to become a popularity booster as the students checked the website regularly to know the latest drama. Being in the spotlight could take you from the bottom of the food chain to the top after all, drama seeks attention .

She picked up her phone going straight to the website, today's tea was concerning who would be crowned the new Queen. Her eyes skimmed through the first three words and popular catch phrase of the website, "Rumor has it....". Her mood immediately became sour on reading the entire message.

Ursula had posted that they was a tie, a fight for the Queenship between Rosabella and Lullani. Apparently the duo were equally matched in popularity and events of this year would determine who will come out the victor.

This wasn't the first time she was in a competition with Lulla. Though she loved the girl like a sister, Elle didn't understand why she couldn't have something for herself without Lulla being added to the equation.

Ever since the red hair moved to Crimson Valley till date they always had a conflict of interest in their case they chased after the same things, her mom saw it as a friendly competition but it grew from wanting the same limited edition Barbie and Ken doll, to wanting the same boy.

She had spent two years as Barbara's posse girl, doing her bidding, offering to her house as a venue to host their exclusive cheer team sleepover, had the highest grade in their class, became a member of the student council and auditioned for the cheer team sophomore year slowly building a name for herself, still she couldn't escape the clutches of being categorized with her friend. It's was frustrating, she couldn't understand why Lulla would not allow her to be great. Her face creases with anger as the effect of her affirmation begins to fade off.

The post wasn't false though, the both girls were equally matched in popularity. While Elle was working her way to the top, Lulla also got her share of the spotlight, some scandals she was involved in the past earned her the title of the "designated school slut". A name she despised so much.

But as the saying goes "there's no such thing as bad publicity". Added with the fact that the head cheerleader Mallory Sinclair had taken a liking to Lulla. It skyrocketed her popularity.

It was as if the girls ended up becoming the Barbara and Mallory's mini me. Only one person could be queen and since Barbara succeeded. Elle could not careless if Lulla may have been her bestfriend, she was determined to win.

*****

The first half of the school day wasn't that bad but since Elle's mood was already sour nothing seemed to interest her. She met up with Lulla as they collected and cross matched their schedules finding out the classes they shared.

As usual Lulla was unbothered by the Rumor Mill's morning post, the position of the queen never interested her but still fate pitched them against each other once more.

The sound of the bell ringing signified it was time for lunch. This brightened up her mood immediately but not because she was hungry rather it was because their clique were going to inherit the trios former table.

It wasn't debatable that their clique even as juniors were the most popular circle in the school. The five individuals were prominent at the top of the food chain.

Having the both the son of the Mayor and the owner of the school with their siblings being the former monarchs respectively, the son of the second richest man in the country, Elle and Lulla the queen contenders had its perks.

It was the first time they would eat lunch together as a group. Contrary to popular beliefs they weren't a group of close friends, they just ran in the same circle.

She walked into the lunchroom with Lulla late enough for everyone to get settled in, basking in the attention they received. The boys had begun eating already, it was a change from the cheer table the girls usually ate.

"Real smooth, walking in like you own the place" Jake teased as she took a sit beside him.

She intended on giving a snarky reply but the screech from loudspeaker disrupted her.

"Principal Jackson speaking, all candidates who wish to participate in the upcoming student council elections should sign their names in my office before the end of the week".

Elle's mood immediately changed on hearing those words. She still had an ace up her sleeve, how could she forgotten. The blonde decided then that she would run for student council president.

"I'm running for president, would you be my vice?". She asked Lulla loud enough for the entire table to hear. It was her way of laying claim to the head position she wanted.

Keep your friends close, your enemies closer and your competition closest. She would rather have her friend in the same banner with her than against her.

"Belle sweetie I'll have to pass on that offer, I'll rather cheer you on from the sidelines". Lulla replied deciding it was best she stayed away from the spotlight and let Elle be crowned the Queen. As much as her friend tried to hide it, she could tell something was bothering the blonde and Lulla could swear it was Ursula's post.

"I could be your vice princess, you know the people love me" Jake interjected.

Elle was still mad at him from he Lana situation at the party but Jake as her vice was a splendid idea. It automatically meant having the vote of football team and his "annoying fangirls".

"Deal" She accepted his offer with a smile on her, maybe the day wasn't so bad after all.

Cheer practice came after school and Coach Heather appointed the both girls to be Co-Cheer captains. "Atleast they weren't against each other this time around" she thought.

When her driver pulled up at the parking lot, she immediately got in to the vehicle exhausted from the day.

Her phone chimed once more indicating a notification and she curiously entered the rumormill website to read the new post.

"Rumor has it that Crest Galani has been declared the King of Winter Preparatory".