Chapter 34
Chapter 34
I know it was a weak, placating thing to say, but it was a victory mom was trying to comfort me.
Ava scoffed, stabbing her bowl of cereal. “I didn’t mean it like that! You’re twisting my words!”
I sniffled, wiping my eyes with my napkin. “It’s okay, Ava. I know you didn’t mean it. We’re sisters. We say things we don’t mean sometimes.”
I stood up, my chair scraping the floor softly. “I should get my bag”
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It’s history class, and my group surrounded me for last–minute preparation of our project.
“Okay, I printed the slides,” Sarah said, handing us each a copy.
“And I brought the clip,” Madison added, holding up her phone. “The one where Regina explains the rules of the Burn Book.”
“Perfect,” I said, scanning our notes.
Mr. Henry called our group first. “Alright, let’s see what you girls have for us.”
We took our places at the front of the room. I stood in the center while Sarah clicked to the first slide.
“Regina George: A Case Study in Modern Machiavellianism.” I began
A few kids snickered while Mr. Henry leaned forward, probably intrigued.
“We often think of power as something physical–armies, laws, crowns. But some of the most effective rulers in history, and in fiction, wield a different kind of weapon: social manipulation.”
I nodded to Sarah, who clicked a slide comparing a quote from Machiavelli’s ‘The Prince‘ to a quote from Regina George.
Madison took over, explaining the ‘Burn Book‘ as a tool of information control, likening it to medieval monarchs controlling the press. Then it was my turn again.
“And one of her most effective tactics,” I said, my eyes scanning the room and landing briefly on Ava, “is something we call ‘social triangulation.‘ That’s when you spread different, conflicting pieces of information to different people in a group. You tell Person A that Person B hates them, and you tell Person B that Person A is plotting against them.” I paused, smiling briefly. “The goal is to create so much distrust between them that they both turn to you, the manipulator, as their only source of truth and stability. You become the center of their world, and they become isolated from each other.”
We stood together and bowed.
The class erupted in whispers as they applauded.
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“An exceptionally creative and analytically sound presentation, ladies,” Mr Henry said, clapping. “You made the concepts of realpolitik accessible and, frankly, a little terrifying. A
“Thank you sir” we siniled, going back to our seats.
The rest of the day was a little hectic as people I barely knew came up to me in the hall.
“Hey, great presentation.”
“That was seriously cool, Avery.”
“I love your presentation”
I just gave them all a small smile. “Thanks. I’m just glad you love it.”
When I got home, I went straight to my room and pulled out my phone. The E–Girls Coven chat was blowing
- up.
Sarah: WE FREAKING DID IT!!!!
Madison: Mr. Henry’s face when you explained triangulation LOL
Sarah: My parents are taking me shopping, it’s the first time I got an A+
Me: You guys were amazing! I couldn’t have done it without you.
I scrolled to Lily’s account and messaged her.
Me: Hey Lily. Are you doing fine?
Her reply was almost instant.
Lily: Yeah! Is everything good now?
Me: kinda. And… I have a weird question. Has Mrs Rachel said anything to you guys since that day?
I waited patiently, my thumb tapping against the screen.
Lily: No? Why?
Me: No reason. Forget I said anything.
I put the phone down and started my homework. I really need to talk to Mrs Rachel soon and without Ava knowing.
About an hour later, my door creaked open without a knock. Ava stood there, glaring at me.
“You think you’re so clever,” she spat.
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Chapter 34
I closed my textbook slowly. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
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“The presentation. The little performance in the kitchen this morning about how much ‘you love me? She lifted two fingers to make air quotes around the word, her lips curling. “You’re not smart, Avery. You’re just a good copycat.”
I stayed silent, just watching her.
“You think you’ve won?” she continued, taking a step into my room. “You think you’ve turned everyone against me? You haven’t. You’ve just made me angry. You’re lucky daddy is not around because I don’t know what you did to my mother to make her believe your crap” She leaned forward, her hands on my desk. “Enjoy it while it lasts.”
A chill went down my spine, but I didn’t let it show. I met her gaze, my own equally cold. “Is that a threat, Ava?”
“It’s a promise,” she whispered. Then she stood up straight, a fake sweet smile plastered on her face. “Sweet dreams, sissy.” and left, closing the door softly behind her.
***
The next day at school, I was on high alert. I watched Ava constantly but she surprisingly was acting… normal.
I was heading to my locker when I saw Sarah and Madison laughing with Chloe. They stopped talking when they saw me and their smiles towards me were fake. Are we back to square one?
“Hey, guys,” I greeted, my brows furrowed.
“Hey, Avery,” Sarah said, not quite meeting my eyes.
“Everything okay?” I asked.
“Yeah, fine,” Madison said quickly. “Just… tired.”
Something was wrong. That was a brush–off. A clear, unmistakable brush–off.
I got my answer when I got home and checked my phone. There was a message in the E–Girls Coven chat from hours ago.
Chloe: Sarah, are you sure what Ava said is true? About Avery having a crush on Kyle?
My blood ran cold. Kyle was Sarah’s exclusively dream boyfriend. The one everyone knew that she was ridiculously, possessively in love with since kindergarten.
Sarah: She said she saw Avery talking with him in gym class. Said she was flirting and he was acting sweet to her.
Madison: That’s surprising. Avery had never shown interest in any boy.
Sarah: yeah but Kyle is hot, what if he likes her back?
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Chapter 35
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
