Chapter 4 Four

Ever since she entered this high school, she had set herself apart with her charisma and unique allure. First of all, there was her mode of transport: she rode her bicycle to school every day, which set her apart from most of her classmates who preferred cars or public transport. Her reserved personality also attracted attention. She knew how to be discreet, but her respect for herself and others made her even more fascinating. What's more, she had a full figure, which, in an environment often preoccupied with appearance, did not go unnoticed.

Her eyes were particularly often hidden behind a pair of glasses she always wore, which aroused the curiosity of Grégory and his friend Éric. They couldn't help wondering who she really was, and what stories might be lurking behind that intriguing façade.

One day, Éric had a surprising and slightly crazy idea. He proposed a rather special wager to Gregory: if the latter managed to get close to a girl he considered unattractive, a girl who didn't correspond at all to his usual tastes in beauty, Eric would promise him an incredible reward of one million dollars.

The conversation between the two men seemed, at first glance, to be a simple game between friends. However, it soon became clear that it was all a carefully orchestrated set-up. In order to get Gregory into the presence of this young woman who, according to their contemporaries' standards of beauty, didn't look her best, Eric and his accomplices had actually punctured a tire on her bicycle. They had planned the situation so that Gregory would have to come to the rescue of the girl in distress.

Meanwhile, in the canteen, Raya and Louisa were taking advantage of their break to exchange laughs and stories, oblivious to the tumult going on around them. On the other hand, Raya couldn't escape the looks of resentment and jealousy cast by Gregory's many admirers. They watched him with an intensity that could have made anyone feel uncomfortable.

Raya felt increasingly uncomfortable in this situation.

- If I'd known my life would take this unexpected turn, I'd never have accepted her help. She realized that this help had opened doors for her, but had also inflicted the weight of expectations and envious glances from her classmates.

- Concentrate on your own life and don't pay attention to other people's comments. You're new to this school, and it's best to avoid arguments with kids from wealthy families. Remember that we're not all the same.

- I'm not here to provoke conflict. Next year, I'll be a senior and I'm going to do my best to get an excellent average. I really want my father to be proud of me.

- I'm sure he will be."

Since they became friends, Louisa was the one who took the initiative to pay for food during their breaks. Raya was initially reluctant to accept this, finding it a little awkward, but as time went by, she gradually got used to the gesture. She understood that Louisa, with her strong character and determination, was not going to change her mind easily.

As they were quietly enjoying their meal, a slender young girl approached them with an air of curiosity. In a polite voice, she asked:

- May I sit down, please? The two friends exchanged questioning glances. Finally, Louisa, with her welcoming but frank nature, nodded and invited the girl to take a seat beside them.

- I apologize for interrupting, but I won't take up much of your time. Allow me to introduce myself: my name is Branella and I'm currently a senior in high school.

Louisa, intrigued by this unexpected interruption, replied:

- What can we do for you?

Branella continued with a serious expression:

- I'm here to warn you about your friend. Beware of Gregory, for he is not a person you can trust.

Louisa, visibly perplexed and a little annoyed, retorted:

- Are you wasting your time passing on nonsense?

Branella, seeing Louisa's reaction, insisted seriously:

- I'm not joking, and I know what I'm talking about. You can choose to listen to me or not, but the important thing is that I've done my duty by warning you.

Branella stood up, resolute, and strode away. She had been paying close attention to the conversation between Gregory and her friend, a discussion that worried her deeply. She simply wished to alert them to the dangers that lay ahead, for she knew that the world could be ruthless.

Raya was in a state of total confusion. Not so long ago, Louisa had warned her to beware of Gregory, but now it was their turn to be warned by someone else, which confused her even more. She hadn't expected Louisa to lash out so violently at the woman they'd met earlier in the day.

- What's the matter with you, Louisa?" she asked, a mixture of concern and surprise in her voice.

Louisa, visibly angry, replied brusquely:

- And now, what's all this about? We're already having to put up with the stares of the little bitches hanging around, and now it's the senior students who decide to get involved?

Raya tried to defend the situation by saying:

- But she hasn't done anything wrong.

Louisa retorted with obvious disdain:

- I couldn't care less.

Louisa slowly rose from her chair and strode resolutely into the center of the canteen, instantly attracting the attention of the other students. In a strong, determined voice, she addressed the assembly with an intensity that resonated throughout the space.

- Listen up, all the girls who have gathered around Gregory," she began with a certain hostility in her tone. If any of you have the audacity to question what happened this morning, you'll find me in your way. My friend isn't the type to make a scene in front of the parking lot to attract Gregory's attention, so I'd strongly advise you to stay where you are.