Chapter Two: Animosity in High School
The animosity between Brielle and Annie was as sharp as glass. By the time they entered Ridgewood High, the memory of their middle school friendship was just a ghost of the past. Brielle had risen to social royalty, effortlessly maintaining her spot as one of the most popular girls in school, while Annie carved out her own empire.
But Annie wasn't content with being merely admired—she wanted to win.
---
First Day of High School
Brielle breezed into the halls of Ridgewood High on the first day, her black curls bouncing as she walked. Jaxon and Cassidy flanked her, cracking jokes about who would dominate the senior class in a few years. Brielle smiled but felt the weight of someone's gaze on her.
Turning, she locked eyes with Annie.
Annie stood across the hall, leaning casually against a locker, her designer heels clicking softly as she shifted her weight. Her signature blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders like liquid gold, and her gray eyes sparkled with something between amusement and malice.
"Well, well, well," Annie said loud enough for Brielle to hear. "If it isn't her highness herself."
Cassidy frowned, already bristling. "What's your problem, Annie?"
Annie smirked, ignoring Cassidy and keeping her gaze on Brielle. "Oh, nothing. Just admiring how some people manage to stay on top... even when they don't deserve it."
Brielle didn't flinch. She refused to give Annie the satisfaction of seeing her rattle. Instead, she smiled sweetly and tossed her hair over her shoulder.
"Funny," Brielle said. "I could've sworn jealousy wasn't your color. Guess I was wrong."
Annie's smirk wavered, but she quickly recovered. "Don't worry, Brielle. Everyone falls eventually. Even you."
---
The Social Divide
By their sophomore year, the divide between Brielle and Annie had become common knowledge. Where Brielle ruled the hallways with confidence and charm, Annie had perfected the art of subtle sabotage.
It started with small things—rumors whispered during lunch, snide comments that only Brielle could hear. But it escalated. Annie teamed up with people like Cassidy's ex-best friend, Maya, and planted seeds of doubt wherever she could.
"She's not that perfect, you know," Annie told Maya one afternoon, her voice dripping with feigned concern. "Jordan only sticks around because of her dad's money. Everyone knows that."
Maya, eager for a chance to knock Brielle down a peg, ate it up.
---
The First Public Clash
It was during Spirit Week when the animosity boiled over. Both Annie and Brielle had been nominated for Homecoming Committee, and the tension between them spilled into the voting process.
On the morning of the announcements, the entire school gathered in the auditorium.
"And the Head of the Homecoming Committee is..." the principal began, opening the envelope. "Brielle Kingston!"
Cheers erupted, but Annie didn't clap. Instead, she leaned over to Maya and muttered just loud enough for others to hear, "Guess her daddy must've paid for that too."
Brielle, standing on stage, heard it. She turned to Annie, microphone still in hand.
"At least I don't have to beg for attention by tearing other people down," Brielle said, her voice even but cutting.
The crowd fell silent, eyes darting between the two girls.
Annie smirked, unbothered. "Enjoy it while it lasts, Brielle. It's only a matter of time before people see the real you."
---
The feud was no longer subtle. Lines had been drawn, and it was clear that high school wasn't big enough for both of them.