Bridget and Brandi strolled along the hallways while Isabelle and Lauren tagged along right behind them. Brandi traced her fingers among the dry paint on the walls.

“Man, this brings back memories, wouldn’t you say?”

Bridget crossed her arms but didn’t reply. She knew where this conversation would go and wanted the day to end as soon as possible. Isabelle and Lauren watched them interact from behind the pillars, exchanging glances.

“So, why didn’t you answer my call?” Brandi asked.

“I was busy,” Bridget replied without hesitating.

“I also heard you made some friends,” Brandi mentioned, pointing back at the duo behind her.

“So, what? Why do you care?”

“I got to say, I’m rather surprised. I didn’t see you as the type that would make any.” Bridget’s blood boiled. “Tell me, do they tolerate you? Or are they only—?”

“Of course we do!” Isabelle chimed in, stepping closer to talk to her face-to-face. “We wanted to be Bridget’s friend.”

“She treated us with kindness and respect.” Lauren stepped out of her hiding place and added. “Not to mention, she was one of the few people who had put up with my attitude back then. But, in return, I betrayed her and everyone else.” She lowered her head and stared at her hands. “I didn’t deserve it, and I still don’t. I’m sorry.”

Isabelle’s face beamed. “See, there’s always a chance for forgiveness...” But when she turned, her expression fell, as Bridget disappeared from their sights.

“Bridget, where did you go?” Lauren called out to her.

Brandi could only groan in disbelief. “I hadn't finished talking to her yet...”

.-.-.-.

Bridget jotted down the stairs and stormed out of the school. She spotted a large tree in the distance. She sat down in a huff and placed her hands on her cheeks. Bridget wished she hadn’t left Midoricha behind to keep guard of her room while she left. Sure, she wanted to get away from everyone, but waiting for them for that long made her feel lonely without someone to talk to.

As she thought about it, something caught her eye. A small shining star shimmered and flickered in the air. A pit formed in her stomach. Any other occurrence, its beauty would mesmerize her, but she recognized it from anywhere. As if on cue, she turned to find Brandi walking around the school grounds and showing Isabelle and Lauren an ounce of her magic.

Brandi used her wand to dispel the mist, which consisted of tiny stars around them. Isabelle gazed at the scenery. It felt so real; she could almost touch it. She attempted to reach out and touch them, when the stars gathered and flew around their bodies. Soon after, they shot for the skies and dispersed into a multitude of stars up above.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

“Whoa, that’s so cool!” Isabelle exclaimed, not taking her eyes off the sky.

“I know.” Brandi acknowledged, as she put her wand away. “I specialize in astrology magic and the like.”

“And you won by yourself using only that?”

“Yep, pretty impressive, huh? I would’ve won sooner, if only my old group hadn’t gotten in my way.”

“Wait, you had—”

“Honestly, I don’t see it,” Lauren interrupted, shaking her head in disbelief.

“See what?” Brandi asked with her narrow eyes.

“Seeing the type of magic you displayed, it’s hard to believe you’re one of the best students around.”

“This is only a sample of what I can do. I can use more powerful magic, but I’d rather not risk blowing up a classroom again.”

“Hang on.” Isabelle brought up. “I heard you come from a line of elemental magic users. Why’d you change your curriculum?”

“Ah, that’s a good question,” Brandi said. “You see...”

Bridget sighed and got up. I should get going.

“Hey, there you are!” Brandi’s voice rang out from a distance.

Son of a ban—

Before Bridget had time to plan an escape route, her older sister ran over and caught up to her.

“Why’d you leave?”

“I had somewhere to be.”

“If that were the case, why’d I see you resting near this tree?”

“Are you saying I can’t relax?”

“You can always do that when I’m not visiting. I wanted to see you.”

“No way. I know why you’re really here. Don’t act like I don’t have a clue.” Bridget stormed over and pointed at her. “You’ve done this before when we were at other schools. I don’t want you stealing my reputation and friends again!”

“What?” Brandi asked, placing a hand on her chest. “Don’t be ridiculous. The higher authorities and your friends just asked me questions about myself. And since I’m talented, it’s only natural—”

“I didn’t ask,” Lauren pointed out.

“I’m getting sick of your attitude!” Brandi snapped around and glared at her. “I’d love to see you do better!”

Lauren clenched her fists, trying to keep her cool and resist the urge to punch her. The dark aura formed around her hands. Brandi’s eyes widened upon noticing that and stepped back.

“Hey, do you want to know something, Brandi?” Bridget asked. “Maybe the other reason I ignore you is because you constantly boast and show off your skills, and I’m sick and tired of it!”

“Like I said, they, or rather, Isabelle...” Brandi corrected herself. “Wanted to know what my powers were like, so I couldn’t help but comply. I mean, it’s been so long since I heard such acclaim, I just had to–”

“Had to or want to?” Lauren inquired. “Not everyone will praise and worship you.” She glanced at Bridget. “Isn’t that right?”

“Lauren, you need to stay out of other people’s business,” Bridget told her as she stormed off in the opposite direction, leaving the trio standing there alone.

Lauren lowered her head as Isabelle placed a hand on her shoulder.

“It’s alright, I’ll ‌talk to her.”