Chapter 20: Chapter 20. News
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After that incident, Esther head off to her home exhausted yet content. She finally had her revenge on Genesis and Lilith Clay.
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It was 8am at Brightlingsea High School, and the atmosphere was electric. The news of the evening party the previous night had spread like wildfire in the school forum and groups. Lilith, Genesis, and Esther were at the center of attention, with people criticizing them left and right. Lilith was getting the most flak, with many calling her out for her hypocritical mindset. "How could she pretend to be Esther's friend while plotting against her?" people were saying.
Those who were fans of Lilith and Genesis were defending them, saying that Esther was the one who had planned everything and was a "two-faced monster." The school was heated that morning, with everyone taking sides.
As Esther made her way to class, she didn't let the gazes of the students spoil her mood. She had a purpose for attending school, and she wasn't going to let anyone bring her down. Besides, she was not looking forward to spending her afternoon with Lachlan, and she wanted the day to go as slow as possible.
I can enhance the chapter with more sensory details. Here's an example:
The classroom was abuzz with the murmur of hushed conversations, the scratch of pens on paper, and the occasional rustle of pages turning. Esther sat at her usual seat, her head buried in her book, the scent of fresh paper and ink wafting up to her nostrils as she turned the pages. She enjoyed the criticism about Lilith and Genesis' behavior, her eyes scanning the pages with a mixture of curiosity and amusement.
Unexpectedly, Andy Ibarra approached the girls who were mocking Lilith, her heels clicking on the floor, her long, dark hair swaying with each step. She wore a fitted white blouse with a delicate lace trim, her skirt a modest length, but fitted enough to accentuate her curves. "You can't taunt classmates like that—that is low for people like you." Her voice was firm, but her eyes betrayed a hint of uncertainty.
Vanessa, one of the girls, looked up at Andy, her eyes flashing with amusement. She wore a bright yellow sundress, the vibrant color a stark contrast to Andy's more subdued attire. "Sister Andy, don't be a hypocrite as well—we all know what Lilith and Genesis did was devious, yet you dare try to advise us on our criticism. Where was that advice this morning, when those bitchy girls were taunting Esther. Do you only stand up for the rich and neglect the poor." Her voice was laced with sarcasm, her tone dripping with disdain.
She had a principle for supporting what was right—no matter what. She didn't have sides—and if tomorrow Esther was in the wrong, she wouldn't sit back as well. This was why Esther admired her—but dared not make friends.
Why? Because Vanessa was easily manipulated by trending news—and wouldn't investigate any matter of public interest before debating on it. Although the rumour speculating in school—was legit, the fact that she was taking the right side didn't mean that she was knowledgeable.
Andy was taken aback by Vanessa's claim. She pouted softly before responding, "I didn't mean it that way. I just wanted us..." But Vanessa cut her off. "Didn't mean what? Is it because of the young master you're backing up for Genesis? Do you think that supporting them would increase your chances of getting closer to the young heir? Is that it, Miss Andy Ibarra? Don't be ashamed. Everyone has a crush once in a while, but taking the wrong side because of it is seen as shameless if no one thought you so."
Being read like an open book made Andy flutter. She didn't expect Vanessa to be so knowledgeable about her feelings. "I..." she stuttered, but Vanessa wasn't done yet. "Cat got your tongue? Where is Miss World Peace?" The girls around her burst out laughing, and Andy's fans jumped to her defense.
"That's enough, Vanessa. Your rude behavior won't be tolerated," one of them said.
"You're just jealous because Martin likes Andy."
"You stand against the wrong when you practice so. As for Andy backing up Genesis and her crush on Lachlan, how is that your business?"
"Last time you were against Esther , and this time you are supporting her, what kind of hyprocisy is this."
"Exactly,you want to be a journalist right, yet you don't behave like one."
"Do you have any evidence to back up your claim."
"Do tell, we are piqued."
"She wants to look good, by using this opportunities to ruin Andy's name and make her look bad Infront of Martin."
By now someone was making a live video, feeling excited to get views with such drama. The person was belated to get more likes and followers from today's daily drama.
But Vanessa wasn't having it with Andy's backers.
Vanessa's words reverberated in everyone's ears,. "It seems that Andy had really influenced you people that you can't see she's been using you all. Remember when she claimed she knew Lilith Lan? I looked into that matter, and sorry to say Andy Ibarra is nothing but a liar. Lilith Lan had never once met the Ibarra family, not to talk about her. My uncle works in Quinze Cooperation, and he told me the Ibarra family has never collaborated with their cooperation. Also, my aunt, who works in Eastbourne Pavilion, filled me up, and the same, the Ibarra family has never collaborated with Lilith Lee. Isn't the Ibarra family into the estate and clothing field? So tell us Andy Ibarra, how did you two meet?"
The room fell silent, and everyone awaited Andy's response. But Andy was too speechless to speak. "Well, Andy, prove me wrong," Vanessa said sarcastically. Esther, who had been watching the exchange with interest, was piqued, waiting to hear how Andy would back herself up. She wanted to hear Andy's made-up story, which would make her day.
Just then, Andy spoke up. "My birthday is around the corner, and I gave invitations right. Lilith Lan would be there, and you would know if your little claim was theoretical or not." Andy didn't dare accept or deny it, leaving everyone in suspense. The drama was far from over.