I don’t believe Jules. He said he had never liked me at all and that he just wanted to fit in, but I don’t think that’s true. I’m not particularly awful nor gorgeous. I do wear a lot of makeup just like every other girl, but I’m not different. People believe I’m like a barbie, looking like a blonde-haired blue-eyed bitch, all fake. 

They’re not wrong. I did change my hair color though my eye color is natural. Does this really make me a pick-me, a doll? Not really-well, I don’t believe those telling me it’s the case. Jules wasn’t my first boyfriend. And yet Nora made me incredibly frustrated when she took him away from me. I hate her for that main reason. 

I also hate how she managed to fit in so easily. I’m jealous, and yet I can’t always admit it to myself. It’s stupid, I know. But I can’t help myself. They all say I’m a two-faced barbie who only thinks about her own cause. 

I do care. I hide my tears with waterproof mascara, and I keep smiling, pretending I’m fine although I am not. My parents are complete assholes. My siblings don’t even care about me. Stephany and Riley follow along like lapdogs, and I can’t be sure if they appreciate me. I am grateful for them to stick alongside me though. 

It’s always easier for some, and harder for others. As a girl, it’s overly complex, and yet it doesn’t look too harsh on Nora. It’s as if she was teasing me, saying See, I have a boyfriend, friends, and a loving family and not you! She lost her mother. Whatever, I’d prefer having no family to having to deal with my own parents. 

I am not heartless. I do give personalized attention to those who deserve it- preferably great one, and yet this girl attracted my bad attention. She’s in more trouble than she believes she is in. Whether Jules loved me or not, I know I’ll have to get him back no matter what. 

Nora’s angry? I don’t mind. She wouldn’t hurt a fly, considering how weak she is with her deceased mom. Riley keeps on telling me I mustn’t spill my anger on her, yet I disagree. She’s the reason I feel weak in the knees and valueless, losing the only person who was important to me. Reputation is crucial to keep, and I just know I’ll have to work on it. 

It seems like she doesn’t get it yet-she hangs around him and looks at him with lovey-dovey eyes, which he doesn’t share, obviously. Jules has always been a good liar, and I know he still loves me. I always loved this about him. So, I decided to trick Nora and to make her understand she doesn’t stand a chance nor is appreciated. I wanted Jules to see, to be proud of his ex-girlfriend who would quickly become his again. 

He’ll be mine, I’m sure of it. And Nora’s just part of the deal, she’s just too good at getting into trouble. I have my plan, and I’ll make sure she won’t disturb our perfect couple ever again. I’ll do whatever it takes. 

As soon as she steps outside of the classroom, I rush next to her and walk in front, pushing her against the wall. My eyes are wide with fury as I stare at her with a smirk on my face, enjoying her confused expression. My eyes flicker as I step closer, clenching my jaw-she must see how furious I am and how she must step back. 

“Nora...” I purr, my voice smooth and honeyed, “Sweetie, didn’t you get your lesson already?” 

She looks back at me, puzzled, her breathing ragged as she bites her bottom lip-a nervous habit of hers. She then arches a brow, trying to act confident. I know her better than she believes I do, which makes me feel even better. 

“My lesson about what? You’re the one who should be understanding you can’t get in my way anymore...” My nemesis retorts, the corner of her lips twitching as she tries to smile-but she can’t. 

“Oh, but that Jules is mine, of course.” I snicker, my eyes shining with mischief as I glance at him from afar, “He’s just playing with your heart, you know. We’re still together.” 

Nora’s expression saddens, but only slightly. I scowl at the way she barely reacts, and so I smirk, trying to make her feel vulnerable. Like a little kitten. She then regains her composure, not wanting to look affected by my words. And yet she is, and I know it. 

“What the fuck, Ann-Marie? I thought we talked things out. I talked with him too. Everything that happened was last year; it’s like you’re stuck in the past. Get over it, he’s not with you anymore. Snap out of it.” 

I freeze, my eyes widening slightly. I then look away, shaking my head as I scoff. Deep inside, I know she’s right. I AM stuck in the past. And yet I can’t help myself, Jules deservers to be mine and he’s not with Nora. He loves me, and not her. I just know it. I feel it. 

“Whatever, you know I’m right...” I snort, pulling away from her, glaring at her, “Don’t say I didn’t warn you. He’s cheating on you with me.” 

I walk off, releasing her wrist. I feel my nails digging into my wrist, and my entire body shakes with anger, my blood boiling. Fuck, why did I have to react like this? As soon as I walk past my boyfriend, he rushes to Nora, doing the perfect boyfriend act, worrying about her, and whispering reassuring stuff in her ear. 

My mood gets better instantly, and I find myself swelling with pride. He’s such a good boyfriend... 

*** 

I stand there, looking in front of me, my gaze completely blank. Ann-Marie always found a way to disturb me in some way, to make me flinch. Even though I’m convinced that what she’s saying is complete bullshit, I can’t help but overthink things some more. Jules rushes over, but I don’t really look at him. I’m still affected by what she said. 

“Nora, don’t tell me you believed her...” He warns, his voice soft and gentle as he cups my chin, please don’t. I don’t love her anymore.” 

I try to look away from him, but it’s too difficult. He’s acting like a pup, making bambi eyes as his gaze says I’m sorry. What would he be sorry for anyway? I don’t think he is-he just feels bad about the way she has been treating me lately.  

“No, I don’t believe her,” I mutter, my expression softening, but my gaze remaining sad, “You would never cheat on me, would you?” 

Jules’ eyes widen, and it’s like I’ve just committed a crime. He sighs, his expression hardening slightly, and he looks at me like I did a crime, like it’s something that I never should’ve mentioned, that he had tried so hard to forget. 

“I would never! Why would you ever think that?” He ponders angrily, eying me with sad eyes, but he does look genuine. 

“What? No! I never said I thought that; I just--” 

“Okay then” Jules sighs, shaking his head, “Sorry, I know she can be convincing at times, but I want to make sure you know that I’d never do something like that to you nor anybody, alright?” 

“We’re going to be late” I mumble sheepishly, wanting to avoid the subject. 

“Nora!” My boyfriend complains, frowning, “Do you understand what I just said?” 

“Yes.” I retort, rolling my eyes, “Now, let’s go, we have science right after, in like three seconds.” 

And so, we rush there...