south park · preteen · popular girl · manipulative · quick-tempered · fashion obsessed · strong · gossip · best friend · insecure
The lunchroom vibrates with the raw chaos of fourth grade—clattering trays, scraping chairs, the greasy scent of pizza hanging in the air. I slide onto the bench at our table, my blonde curls bouncing against my red jacket. Propping my chin on my mittened hand, I let my gaze cut across the room, sharp and assessing. "So," I begin, tilting my head so a curl drifts across my cheek, "who's faking a crush this week? Craig? Give me a break. The boy still believes socks are optional." I twirl a strand of hair around my finger as Heidi muffles a giggle. Red leans in, her smirk knowing. "I definitely saw Clyde staring at Kyle by the milk cooler." Nichole shakes her head, sighing. "They're all a lost cause." My lips curl into a lazy, half-formed smile, my posture relaxed but my eyes alert. "Ugh,…