Chloe's Story

I wake up to the loud sound of yelling. I shrug it off, used to hearing the sound of mom’s shrill voice. I stand up, and nearly trip over the pile of dirty laundry beside my bed. I reach blindly for my phone in the dark of my spacious room, and find a text message waiting for me. 

 

    Matt at 7:01 am 

About yesterday, I never meant for it to be a public thing. Obviously our breakup was supposed to be private. I don’t know who took the video, or how it got around so fast. I guess I wasn’t anticipating any of that. I hope we can move on from all of this. 

 

    I roll my eyes, as a humorless laugh escapes my mouth. In a big high school like mine, you’d think people would care about other things, more important things.  If I had any idea that I was being recorded maybe I wouldn’t have yelled as loud as I did, or cried as hard, but there’s no use thinking about it now. No use thinking about our breakup, or the fact we’ve been together for 6 months. 

 

I’m about to put my phone away when i get another text. It’s Kaylie asking me to pick her up, I respond with a quick “sure”.  Kaylie. I almost forgot that I asked her to hang out with me a few days ago, thinking that she would decline. You could imagine the shock I felt when she said yes. I had always noticed she wasn’t overly happy being with Elaine, and their friends. I think she cherished their friendships, but she always looked embarrassed to be seen with them. People would make fun of them, and talk behind their backs all the time, and it looks as if it only took a toll on her. I didn’t know she was desperate enough to leave all of them behind, but I took the opportunity, and ran with it. I could always use another friend.  

 

I walk over to my large white vanity, and glance at myself in the large mirror. My bleached blonde hair (which is naturally brown) is sticking up, and dried clumps of mascara are plastered below my bloodshot eyes. I look like I’ve been to hell and back. 

After I’m done picking up all three of the girls in my white Mercedes, we speed into the school parking lot. I know Kaylie was the only one who cared if we were late, so I tried my best only to be 15 minutes late instead of thirty. She still doesn’t look too pleased. My eyes return back to the road, and my foot slams down hard on the brakes when I see something right in front of us. After a few seconds of shocked silence, I look up, and find Elaine Grey hunched over on the sidewalk, struggling to catch her breath. Had I almost just run her over? A loud laugh escapes my mouth, followed by others.  I don’t have to look to know that Kaylie was the only one not laughing. 

 

“How pathetic is she, almost getting run over? I feel bad for the poor girl.” Everyone nods in agreement as Elaine walks into the school building, not seeming to hear what we’re saying. I press on the gas pedal again, and Becca comments on how ugly her hair looks. Lily comments on Elaine’s worn shoes, and Katherine states that Elaine would look a thousand times better with makeup on. When we all look at Kaylie, she unsurprisingly comes up short. I make sure she sees my disappointed expression before parking.  We walked into the building, and split up walking to our classes.

 

 As soon as everyone is out of sight, I walk towards the girl’s bathroom, intending on staying there for the remainder of... What was my first period class again? Oh right, biology class. I think I’ve only gone to two in the two months that we’ve had school. My skipping was never an issue, because nobody cared. Sure Principal Wilson had noticed, but he was too lazy and careless to actually do something. My mom has had at least 6 emails sent to her about it from various teachers, but she’s too caught up in her job to pay attention. I often wish I could go back to the time when she and dad were still together, back to the time she actually cared for me. When they divorced, I was in 7th grade. I didn’t see it coming, which was the worst part about all of it. One day they were in love, and the next day he moved out, both of them crying. My mom wanted me all to herself, and was somehow able to limit my contact with dad. I never see him, and only talk to him on the phone occasionally. Last I heard, he had a new wife, and stepkids. 

 

At twelve, I’d never felt so lost and alone. I’d never had siblings, and my mom gradually lost interest in me. She wouldn’t come home from work until ten each night, and left early the next morning. In the middle of freshman year, she got a huge ‘life-changing’ promotion that would allow us to move into a much bigger house, even though I didn’t see why it was necessary. Maybe she just wants to start new, I thought to myself, (even though it had already been three years since the divorce). We moved into what was stereotyped as the ‘the rich neighborhood.’ this gave me newfound popularity, none that I had ever had before. People I didn’t know wanted to be friends, and  boys who were two to three years older suddenly took interest in me. By the beginning of sophomore year, I was already popular among the lower and upperclassmen. Everything I said and did was important, every opinion that I had would be noted. In order for things to remain the same, you constantly had to be intimidating and ‘cool’. 

 

When my mom was gone on a business trip for the weekend, I would throw a massive party. A couple of the seniors would supply all the alcohol with fake IDs, and I would hire a well known DJ to play from our school. My house parties became famous quickly. My mom would always come home the next day, and the house would be clean by then. By last year, I was able to get a fake ID, and I used it often.

 

Transition  

 

Exactly one month before the end of school, I went to almost all of my classes because I was on the verge of failing everything, and that would give my teachers a legitimate reason to push for my expellment. The principal (even as lazy as he is)  would have to listen to them, so he didn’t get fired for not doing his job.  Twenty minutes into the class, I remembered why I hated it so much. I looked around trying to distract myself from the lesson. At first, I didn’t really notice him, even though it’s hard to miss someone that good looking. He was quiet, always focused on what we were being taught as if it was actually interesting. Gross, right? Not knowing that I was staring at him, he glanced over his shoulder, and we made awkward eye contact. I looked down at my expensive shoes, quicker than i ever have. I was visibly shaking, embarrassed I’d been caught doing such a thing. I wasn’t used to feeling nervous and embarrassed around guys, so this was completely new. I glanced up 15 minutes later, right before the end of class, and I found him smiling at me, with that perfect smile of his. I blushed, and moved onto the next class, feeling a surge of happiness rush through me. 

 

Two days later, (still skipping most of my classes) I decided the guy was worth going to the class for. Mr. Stone paired us up to be partners on this project, and I nearly fell over in my seat.This was my chance. The first day we met up, he ended up doing most of the work, (as I predicted he would)  because he was too busy talking to me to notice that I wasn’t doing any. For someone who was always quiet in class, I wasn’t expecting him to talk so much. He talked about what his favorite sports team was, where he wanted to go to college, and what his favorite subjects were. I nodded over and over again, pretending to be interested, even though that was the last thing I was. He asked me out on a date a day or two later. 

 

One date turned into 7 dates, and before I knew it, we were girlfriend and boyfriend.I learned to look past all of his boring qualities, and he looked past all of my horrible ones.  He knew that I was popular, but that didn’t seem to faze him in the least bit. Since our relationship was more of a “summer thing” he never really got to know what I was like in school, or the fact that I skipped most of my classes. When I saw him, it was mostly the two of us. Only occasionally would Becca, Katherine or Lily tag. There was always the rumor that he was more interested than me, and that was true at first. But the more and more I hung out with him, the more It wasn’t.

 

When school started again, all of it was over. I went back to skipping classes, and barely seeing him throughout the day. Our differences and our intentions became clearer and clearer. Somehow, those feelings I’d had for him faded away. When he broke up with me yesterday, I was expecting it. He said that  we were too different for each other, and even though I didn’t want to admit it, we were. My reaction to the breakup was the only thing that was unexpected, and it was all caught on video for everyone to see. 

 

    I stormed into the bathroom, retreating into the back corner. I looked at my watch and swore. I only had 5 minutes until the next bell rang. Did we really come that late? I started to text my friend Davis when two girls flew into the bathroom. They didn’t see me at all, and I couldn’t really see them. They probably would’ve been able to if they took the time to look around.

 

    “Did you hear that Kaylie Thompson is the newest member of Chloe’s Clique  Maria said she saw her leave school yesterday in Chloe’s car.”  I rolled my eyes. I knew this whole Elaine and Kaylee thing was going to involve me in drama that I didn’t feel like being involved in. To be completely honest, she made the decision to be friends with us, nobody forced her to. She brought this all upon herself. 

 

    “Are you sure Maria saw that, or is she just making that stuff up? You know she lives for the attention, we all know that. She’s probably benefiting big time from this rumor.” a squeaky voice added. A big sigh followed quickly after, the first voice considering the possibility. 

 

    “I don’t know, Jessica. She tells and spreads a lot of lies, but sometimes they’re also truthful.” This Maria girl wasn’t lying, which made me twenty times more annoyed. I drove Kaylie and the other girls to the mall, after school. I was in desperate need of the new brand of makeup that came out just a couple of days ago. We also got ice cream at the food court and flirted with some cute guys, (not that it matters too much.)  

 

    Before Jessica could respond, I walked out of the bathroom, ignoring their stunned faces. The bell rung, and I walked towards the main hallway. From afar, I could see Kaylie and Elaine. Weird. I picked up speed, and approached them quietly. Elaine was just regaining balance from colliding into Kaylie, and had a look of hurt and confusion on her freckled, pale face. Kaylie, definitely acting more superior, wore a look of pure disgust. I smiled. “Doesn’t she look extra ugly in her plaid shirt?” When Kaylie nodded in agreement, Elaine’s jaw dropped to the floor in surprise. I laughed loudly, finding all of this to be way too funny. Elaine flipped the both of us off, and walked away. When it was time for Kaylie to go to her next class, I could tell she was a bit disappointed in herself, the pride she had moments before, gone. 

 

    Twenty minutes before the last bell of the day, all five of us get into my car, and drives to my house to change before going out to get coffee. I could tell Katherine  wants to talk more about my recent breakup since I haven’t mentioned it all day, but I just wanted to forget about it. We’re all in my large room seconds later, and Kaylie and I are searching through my expensive crop top collection. After I put on a different shirt, I go downstairs and grab an opened bottle of wine, and some glasses. A little bit wouldn't  hurt, right? I brought it up, and everyone’s faces lit up, everyone except Kaylie’s. I took a small sip, as did everyone. I saw Lily offer a  small glass to Kaylie, but she declined with a shake of her head, and walked out of the room. I was left in shock considering the fact that she was willingly trying new things. I know we were pressuring her, but I didn’t think she’d get that freaked out. The mood was instantly ruined following her exit, and I put mine down having barely drank anything. 

 

    “Maybe right now wasn’t the best time, especially cause we’re getting coffee soon.” Lily mutters. Everyone puts down their untouched glasses, and leaves my room to jump into the car. I’m upset, because I had just had a long day but, admittedly, now wasn’t the time to do stupid stuff. We arrive at the coffee shop ten minutes later. Not bothering to look around, I went straight to ordering my favorite coffee. I glanced at Kaylie, and noticed that she was visibly bothered,  I walked right up to her, turned around for the first time, and saw why. Elaine and her three incredibly weird friends were staring at us like we had just ruined their day. Fantastic. I hope they knew everyone was welcome here, even people they didn’t like. I saw Brian’s ridiculous shirt, and I couldn’t help myself. I quietly mentioned that he must’ve gotten it for a dollar. Really, it looked that cheap.  She looked behind us, and to my surprise, gave a smirk directed towards Brian. A couple minutes fly by, and Kaylie receives her large strawberry smoothie. I’m about to start walking to the entrance, when all of a sudden i feel a hot liquid poured all over my head and clothes. There’s a moment of confusion before I look up and see Elaine Gray’s angry face, and the empty styrofoam cup in her hand. 

 

    A loud shriek sounds from my mouth. I don’t want to look down and see how damaged my shirt and jeans are, if I do, I might have a panic attack right here and now. I refuse to believe this idiot ruined my expensive clothes over a choice that I didn’t make. Yes, I love teasing and making fun of them occasionally, but I don’t deserve any of this. I force myself to take calming breaths, as I stare ahead at the gathering crowd of people. Some girls in the corner take out their phones, awaiting our reactions. I wasn’t going to give into this until I was out of sight, even though I wanted to slap that redhead. Elaine was about to speak when Kaylie beat her to it. 

 

    “How dare you? What makes you think you can just walk up and do that to us, when all we’ve done is leave you alone?” Elaine was about to speak, but Kaylie effectively cuts her off again. Embarrassment blooms on Elaine’s face. She deserves to feel all of the embarrassment. “It’s sad to think that I was ever even friends with you, I was always too good for you. You should care that nobody likes you, I know I would. Start caring, and don’t ever look or talk to me again.” Kaylie finishes off, walking right out of the building with me in tow. As soon as I got to my car, burning hot tears started to flow down my face, and I couldn’t stop them. Becca, Katherine, and Lily all rushed to my side. It was all too much. The breakup, the viral video, the kaylie drama, my ruined clothes. I’m used to dealing with all of this stuff, but it’s never been this much all at once. I just wanted to move on from these past two days, forget about all of the bad stuff that has happened. Through glassy eyes, I glance back at Kaylie. She nods towards the car, looking sad, and I understand immediately. We need to get out of this place.