The Queenbee’s Downfall

5: Bashers and Press-con Part 2

The next day, I went to school early. 6 in the morning and I am roaming around the campus. I have some things to bring to my dorm, the clothes stored there are not enough.

Unfortunately, I encountered four monkeys smoking just outside the Girls’ Dormitory.

Heath was with his friend from the other day, the guy with the brown curly hair, but this time two unfamiliar boys were standing, leaning on the thick wall as they talk, smirk, grin, and chuckle while taking a puff at their cigars.

I stopped mid-tracks.

I noticed the bandaid near his elbow, must be the wound that I've caused him the other day. It still not fully healed? He has sensitive skin, huh?

Wait, why am I focusing on his wound? I should probably start today. Though it’s still not Thursday, I can shorten the period of this punishment. It’ll increase my beauty points. Mr. Hennigan will see me as a hardworking woman and he’ll suggest to the board members about exterminating the contract when that happens, certainly, I won’t even have to follow that boy every day!

I suppressed the grin that almost curved on my lips before deeply sighing. Then again, if I fail in stopping their smoking session, it’d tarnish my reputation even more. With heavy footsteps, I walked towards the Dorm building.

The boy whom Fawn had been fawning about, as I recall his name, Dante Romero, who happens to have a brown curly hair that seemed like it's never been brushed for decades— was the first one to notice my presence.

He elbowed his tall friend beside him, and when their eyes landed at mine, the two smirked. He whispered something to his friend first before putting his hands inside his pocket as he started walking towards me.

"Looks like I've gained another fan," Dante approached me. "Hello there, I'm Dante—"

"Not interested," I cut him off and walked past him which made his friend chortle as the guy tease him.

"That's hard bro," the dark-haired boy loudly commented as he pushed Dante who just flashed a smirk on his lips.

I was near the entrance building, almost inside, when the stupid, yet handsome, monkey blew a menthol breath mixed with the disgusting smell of a cigar on me. Something caught on my throat the reason I coughed so hard before I furiously looked at him. And he seemed to be not guilty about what he did.

My eyebrows furrowed. "Didn’t you know that smoking on school grounds is prohibited?"

He tilted his head. "So?", he said as if I am the most uninteresting being in the world.

I controlled my emotions that's about to explode again. I don’t want any misfortune adding up. I'm sure there are Eagle paparazzi everywhere, spying on me, waiting to let myself expose my bad side which I need to be careful about.

"What do you mean, so? You have violated the rules of this school, you should be sent to Detention.” Where are the minions of the Council?

They should be patrolling the school by now!

His eyes remained cold but his lips formed into a lopsided grin. "Sadly, no one can make me..”

My eyes narrowed. I was defeated in that part of the argument. Is this even his way for him to escape the Council? Because if it is, I am slowly understanding why not a single minion has succeeded in throwing him in the Detention room.

Why do they always give this kind of job to women? Of course, they’ll be prioritizing flirting first before anything else!

"I can always call for your parents' attention, wouldn't that be nice? Others would see you walking while being scolded by mommy and daddy," I mocked him as I arched my eyebrow.

Well, this tactic of mine somehow works to a lot of delinquents whenever I caught them doing something. I just hope it works on him.

"Try then, if you can,” he challenged.

The irritation in my system gradually reigned over me when his grin widened.

Calm down, Cait, calm down. You shouldn’t let yourself be affected by this boy. Even if one more poke from him and you’ll eventually shove that cigar inside his mouth. You need to let yourself cool.

For a moment there, I was planning to leave and let them be. But when he took a puff on his cigar and blew a breath at me again, the rope that’s been tying my patience had ripped in two.

I had a hard time breathing because of the vile smoke caught on my throat as I gasp for air in between coughing. When I took a deep breath after a series of coughs, I accidentally inhaled more cigar smoke which made Dante snigger as he snorted.

Furious about them being ill-mannered, I snatched the cigarettes from their hands and was about to throw and tramp on it but then, the smell attacked me again. Making me have another series of coughing. I used the wrong hand to cover my mouth, the reason why I accidentally took a puff from attempting to gasp for air.

Dante and his friend let out waves of laughter as they continue to watch and be entertained by my embarrassing ass. These jerks! The guy beside Heath lowly chuckled as he shook his head in disappointment.

I heard a gasp from somewhere that made me turned in that direction. I saw the two familiar faces of the lower years who had been persistent in admiring me, giving me gifts, as they watch me cough for air.

They were looking at me and then at my hand. It took a few seconds for me to understand and realize everything. I was adamant about throwing away what I had confiscated from Heath and his friends— I even heard one of them winced in pain but I ignored it.

All I care about is them! My supporters. Who were now giving me those expressions that are starting to make me nervous. Frightened for my future. Scared of what's to come. But as soon as I attempted to walk towards them, they gave me this look that made my world break into pieces.

Disappointment.

I can see it in them. They are disappointed in me, and it's evident in their eyes. Their face says it all!

I wasn’t able to do anything but watch them as they ran inside the Dorm building, but what they said did not escape my ears

"I told you, we should've never admired someone like her."

Someone like me? Why, what do they see in me? What do they see when they look at me?

A delinquent?

Are they really gonna believe that stupid school newspaper instead of listening to my side of the story? They did not even ask me if all of it were true if what Eagle Press-con published about me were true, and now they’re believing every word printed on it?

"Kids...” Dante said with a laugh.

His voice snapped me back to reality. I noticed how my breathing is uneven, not because of the vile smoke, but because of anger, frustration, and dismay building up inside me. And before I could even control myself, I hit Heath hard on his arm using my Chanel shoulder bag before glaring at him.

"Losers," and with that, I walked away from them.

I could hear him complaining and a few times he called me, but I choose to ignore him. Serves him right!

*.*.*

"Caitlyn! What's going on? Why are there so many protestors on the soccer field?", Talulah spat as soon as she entered our room.

I did not attend any of my classes, not because of how embarrassed I am... I’m still in House Arrest, however, I asked Mr. Hennigan if I could stay here at the dorm.

"Why is Eagle Press-Con asking for a Press Conference?", Fawn added.

I just looked at them in the eye, for a moment, before burying my face on my pink pillow.

"I am in so much trouble!", only muffled sounds can be heard from my voice.

"What? We can’t understand anything."

Groaning, I got up and turned around to face my best friends.

"Two students caught me holding loads of cigarettes."

"What the hell?”, Talulah said calmly.

“You smoke?!", Fawn freaked out.

"No, I don’t! If I did smoke my teeth should’ve been yellow by now and my gums would gradually turn to pitch black. Like seriously? Do they even listen when it’s Science period? Specifically, Biology. It has been discussed with us already. How come they are accusing me of smoking when my mouth is, obviously, clean from the symptoms?"

Worry flooded their faces after each of them sat beside me.

"Do you want us to tell Mr. Hennigan that you’re not feeling well the reason why you cannot attend the Press Conference?", Fawn suggested.

"You can’t. My followers will only believe what’s written in the articles and the Eagle news about me if ever I choose to decline any interviews. I don’t want that to happen.”

"So, you're going to boldly face them?", Talulah asked.

"Yes. What time would the Press Conference start? I need to ready myself."

"2 pm. The school decided to postpone our classes for today since students couldn’t focus listening to the Teachers’ lectures because of the revelation."

The TV caught our attention when the Eagle News broadcasted about what happened.

"Good afternoon, from the Studio 1 Newsroom at Eagle Press-Con Headquarters, good to be with you. I'm Chloris Rivera. Hundreds of students are marching up to the Soccer Field today as they shout, quote, "Bring Her Down" and "Dethrone Caitlyn Montero". Here is Daniela Marasigan, reporting live from Liberty University. Good afternoon, Daniela."

"Good afternoon Chloris, students had been piling up here in the Soccer field shouting, screaming, begging, the attention of the school while holding out banners that are directed to our school's Queen Bee, Caitlyn Montero. These all started when words spread across the school from two girls, stating that they saw their idol grabbing loads of cigarettes from the hands of four boys who are quietly smoking not quite far from the girl. Other witnesses claim that some of the students caught the Queen Bee on tape numerous times smoking cigarettes before this particular incident. They could not upload everything on social media because of the threats they receive from the girl in which resulted in, students dropping out from high school, and transferring to another school because of the trauma the girl had caused them."

"Wow, that is some Queen right there."

"Indeed Chloris, however not all of the girl's followers turned sideways. Some had been defending her but most of them are started bashing her, calling her names that you could never believe they can say that to the girl. You can even clearly hear the name-callings all of them are shouting. Others tweeted, and I quote, "Our eyes are not closed anymore, we are extracting ourselves from the delusion that Caitlyn created. #KeepYourEyesOpen #LiveInRealityAndNotInFantasy". This is Daniela Marasigan, reporting live from the Soccer field. Back to you Chloris."

Chloris giggled. "That's some hashtag there, I quite like that."

Daniela smiled. "Gotta retweet that hashtag."

"Indeed. And there you have it Eagles, once again this is Chloris Rivera from Eagle TV here at the Eagle Press-Con Headquarters sharing remarkable and exciting news for everyone. Keep your televisions on and stay tuned for more Eagle News."

"Don't believe everything that's being aired on TV, you know it's not true," Talulah tried comforting me.

"That’s the point. Only I know about the whole truth while my supporters are left with nothing but full of lies, aired and published by Eagle Press-con. Even if I explain my side, nothing would change. It would never change the fact that they are starting to believe that I am the Queen of the delinquents.”

"Still, you have to show them that they are wrong,” Fawn said.

"Fawn’s right, Cait. You can also request CCTV footage of where the incident happened. You should try asking for it to Mr. Hennigan, I’m sure he’ll give it to you."

I shake my head in disapproval. "Eagle Press-Con is giving the world entertaining events, they cannot allow even one single evidence of the truth to out in the public. The ratings of the channel would decrease, it’ll tarnish the image of Liberty University given the fact that they allowed that kind of organization, or club, to even exist from the very beginning."

The three of us went silent. There was nothing I could do but to face them, besides, I still have few supporters. I'm sure they’ll believe me, and I know that they’re not too immature to believe biased news.

"What time is it?", I broke the silence.

"It's already 1 pm. Around 11 am, the students left their classrooms even if the lectures were still on-going. The teachers couldn’t stop them, probably because they might be trampled on once the students choose to shut their ears and continue to walk, as if some zombie, even if the teachers were in front of them," Fawn explained.

"I also saw it in their eyes. Their faces were stern and grim while walking towards the soccer field. Numerous people lunged at me, fortunately, the bodyguards hired by the school quickly appeared and pulled them away from me."

My head harshly snapped at Talula, furious at what I heard. "What?"

"Even me. Luckily, the LU bodyguards came. If ever they didn’t show up, probably I’d be a lump of dead meat."

I can sense Fawn is trying to make the atmosphere better, but it didn't help my mind at ease.

When I scanned their whole body, I saw a bruise on Talulah's right arm. Fawn had a small scratch on her thin and pale neck. It was as if a torch lit up the burning rage inside me.

Because of me, they had been brutally involved with my mess. Now, will they be okay as our academic year continues?

I want to bawl my eyes out because they might just be attacked due to my reputation, but I did not let my friends see how weak I am. I don’t want them to be discouraged or frightened.

I have to look strong for them to be stronger in facing this obstacle.

I stood up and got my Louis Vuitton purse.

"Where are you going?", Fawn curiously asked.

"Auditorium."

I heard them gasped, but I quickly ignored them. It's time to face the dragons.

For months I have been avoiding Eagle Press-con because of the issues they’re creating just to ruin me. They’ve asked for an interview with me countless times, but I always turned them down.

I thought to myself that it would be better and a wiser decision to pay no heed to their nonsense for me to have a peaceful life. I am certain that they would give every meaning of my words to increase their ratings if I choose to talk.

But I can't take it anymore. I am fed up with their load of crap.

I hurried out of our room and walked straight to the ground floor. I have encountered many of the students, scurrying off, they’d slow their pace down whenever our distance shortens.

The girls were holding banners, which they quickly hid behind them.

"Isn't she—"

"Shh, let's just go. We still have a lot of work to do."

My bashers put a lot of effort into everything they do, huh? I am slowly appreciating them already.

I walked past them and never threw them a glance. Many of them started whispering as I reached the ground floor of the dorm building, but no matter how many times they destroy my dignity. Tarnish my image. Taint my womanhood. Trample on my achievements, they can never ruin a bold and fierce Queen.

I ignored all of them as I walked out of the building. I felt the presence of my friends behind me, keeping their distance in tailing on me. They silently followed me as we walk towards the Auditorium. The place is not far from ours. Next to our dorm building is the boys’, and next to them is the Auditorium where every issue heightens the world’s excitement.

This Auditorium is specially designed for the Eagle Press-Con. Whenever they have visitors from outside of the country or other important guests that wants to sign a partnership with them, that’s where the official signing of contract takes place.

Suddenly, students swarmed at us. All of them seemed to have been patiently waiting for my arrival, LU bodyguards formed a circle. Protecting us from the angry mob.

"You liar! You’re the reason why my sister is now a slut!"

"It’s because of you my boyfriend doesn’t want me anymore!"

"Girl, even before this cigarette issue happened, your ex would never love you again. Judging from your personality, he’d love the rebel Queen more than you."

"Shut up! She should be ousted from being the Queenbee! She never contributed anything good to this school but her foul behavior."

"You don’t belong in Liberty University! You’re just an epidemic that’s been infecting the school by your rotting personality! I should’ve never idolized you! I regret not listening to my best friend!"

"OH MY GOD GIRL, TRUE. My best friend and I fought because of her."

"Same! My boyfriend and I broke up because of this self-centered girl!"

"Hashtag Dethrone Caitlyn!"

"Tweet it, girls, NOW."

"Hashtag, Oust Caitlyn!"

"Expel Caitlyn!"

"Disgraceful Girl!"

"If only humans are allowed to punch faces, they would’ve been sent to the Infirmary already," Fawn whispered.

"Just let them. Don’t succumb to their immaturity."

"Right. I forgot how narrow-minded the people of our country have."

I was never surprised when the LU bodyguards held out their umbrellas in front of them. The angry mob had started throwing eggs, tomatoes, and pastry dough towards us.

I may be irritated by how the system of this school works, I can’t deny the fact that Liberty University gives its all in protecting a popular girl like me from the brutal and wicked hands of my former supporters.

Only then we could breathe in relief when we were inside the Auditorium. It’s a good thing that there were no food stains on my floral dress. I will surely make them pay if ever that happens.

We witnessed how busy the Eagle Press-con staffs were in arranging the venue for this Exclusive Interview. If the bodyguards didn’t start situating themselves in front of us, I wouldn’t be able to notice the reporters that were already inside the place.

"Ms. Caitlyn, is it true that you're doing drugs?"

"A legit source circulated on the internet that you've been involved in a firearms illegal transaction, is this true?"

"Do you consider yourself innocent given the fact that a lot of articles and people who you've threatened ascended from being silent for years and now are strongly, and boldly, fighting back against you?"

"Caitlyn! Do you agree with legalizing abortion in our country?"

"Facts say that you've been against the town's governance, do you claim this to be false?"

"Please, step aside, if you don’t want your camera lenses destroyed including your faces." The bodyguard menacingly threatened the annoying people.

They seemed to be frightened when they notice how stern and grim the looks on the LU bodyguards’ faces. The reporters quickly made a path for us, but they didn’t stop giving malicious questions as I started walking.

They completely stopped barking when I sat on my velvet royal chair. I can see how eager they are in gaining information from me. My friends have been escorted backstage, away from my limelight.

"We should start," I declared that made everyone in shock, especially the Eagle Press-con staff.

"Aren’t you rushing things, Caitlyn?" A familiar husky voice echoed through the empty corners of the Auditorium.

I glanced in his direction. "Don’t you want to see how your viewers would react, Vaughn? Who knows, the ratings of this episode may increase at least 30%. It would be a dream come true for the corporation to diversify, right?", I said knowingly.

I secretly grinned when I witnessed how his expression suddenly changed. He’s thinking about what I suggested. It’s a good thing that I listened to our Business class, at least I know a little about it.

Vaughn is a 4th year College Student. He’s one of the founders of Eagle Press-Con after the Founder graduated. I can't deny the fact that he's super smart. Smarter than the former founder and other successors of the club. Vaughn managed to turn a broadcasting club into a big corporation.

In all of the previous students who had become President of the broadcasting club, only Vaughn had the power to let thrive in the wonders of multiple countries. I read Liberty Facts Book at the library, it was indicated there that no student had wanted to join the club. But because the former Founder put a nerve-wracking twist, many had decided to join.

Aside from receiving a big credit from the club that would help your academics, you’d have the privilege to be an intern in one of the most influential and big countries such as America, the UK, Japan, and Russia. It's a great catch, however, the disadvantage of it is you have to be a monster for you to earn that kind of privilege.

You have to destroy someone's life first before you can be chosen for that big of a role.

"Stop the arrangements... “ Vaughn declared after a moment.

"But sir—"

"Just do as I say.”

Without a word, the staff obeyed him.

Vaughn's expression right now can make a girl's knees weak, not because of how handsome he looks, but because with just one word from him, you can be out of his corporation.

I pity them.