picture: leave the perfume on the shelf, that you picked out just for him

It was unnatural for Inez to get exhausted after a shopping spree. Usually, it excites her spirits, sprinkling well-known satisfaction that she gets after spending her shit-of-a-father's credit, over her dirty soul. But after her summer dresses purchase today, she needed more than Alison's company to keep her interested. Maybe it was the heat. As if some unknown diety had heard her inner turmoil, Alison strutted towards her from the direction of the mall bathroom, her eyes glinting with mischief. It immediately lit up Inez' insides.

"You won't believe what I just saw!" She squealed like a school girl. Inez could picture her almost clapping her hands.

"Please be gossip, please be gossip," she mirrored her enthusiasm.

"Umhmm. So, I was heading out the bathroom and I saw this sexy shade of lipstick by the kiosk, okay? So I walk up there and test it out on my hand. Now, while I'm doing this, I'm obviously also aware of everything going around me, right?"

"Is this story going anywhere interesting?" Inez interrupted her.

"Hush, yes. Hear me out." She lightly slapped her arm. "So, I knew I saw someone, and I turn around and it's James. You know, the guy who –"

"Skateboards. Yeah, I know James." Inez was practically feeding off the excitement radiating from her friend. "Then what?"

"You know how he and Betty had a thing going on for the whole year, right?" Alison pushed on.

"They are dating. Exclusively and all."

"Yeah that's what I thought! But apparently not." She was full on grinning now and Inez bet everyone passing by them could hear how loud she was.

"What do you mean?"

"James is here with August." Alison dropped the bomb. But something in Inez snapped as she heard that. Disbelief, she guessed.

"August?" She gasped, "The head of the Art Club?"

"Yes! Her!"

"No? Really? I don't believe that." She shook her head, "When did they break up?"

"I don't know, but James was all up in her business," Alison smirked with that comment.

Inez raised one eyebrow. "Care to elaborate?"

"They were sharing a milkshake," Alison said in a tone that implied it was obvious. Only a duh was missing out of her sentence.

"Oh come, Alison. I heard Betty telling she's spending the summer at her step-dad's farm or something. Maybe James is just hanging out with a friend."

"Yeah. Right. Friends don't share one milkshake."

Inez couldn't tell why, but hearing this news – even if it was remotely true as to what Alison implied – didn't make her gossip cells ignite to life. She wouldn't admit it but it almost made her sad.

Inez didn't personally know Betty, nor were they friends, but she knew enough to know that she is one of those sickeningly good girls. A-grades, clean profile, teacher's pet and surprisingly classy taste in clothes. But apparently, not in boys.

"Let's go see."

The duo, shopping bags in hand, made their way across the mall to the café Alison saw James and August at. Keeping themselves hidden from the view behind a column, appearing to be inversed in a conversation, Inez let her eyes discreetly follow in the direction of the aforementioned pair. Sure enough, she saw James. And August. But they had progressed from their shared milkshake and now were sharing salivary fluids. She looked back at Alison who had an 'I told you so' smug plastered on her face. Inez sighed.

"Guess you're right then." She looked at August again. The girl was pretty, no doubt about that. Gorgeous even, if Inez' ego allowed her to admit. And definitely attractive enough for James. Attractive enough to cheat on your girlfriend while she's away for the summer.

But not when the girlfriend is Betty.

Inez couldn't help but feel sympathatic towards her. In her twisted mind, it's acceptable if something bad happens to people like her. Getting on the bad side of half the school, karma was bound to take her down. Most times, she dismisses the matter concluding that she deserves it. She's strong enough to face the consequences of her bitchy actions. But Betty? Betty doesn't deserve anything less than rainbows and happiness and all that crap. The story about her father walking out on her mom isn't new to the town. It was quite the gossip back then. But through middle school, it was evident from the dark circles, hollow if not tear stained cheeks and regular leaves that Betty herself had taken the abandonment very hard. Still, Inez had to wonder if this was common knowledge among everyone, or if her heightened observation skills is how she knew this piece of information.

Looking at Alison now, her demeanor excited to spill the rumours before school commences, Inez could practically read her mind. She decided on something.

"Look, I don't think it's such a good idea to let everyone know about this." Alison's mouth opened in protest but she continued, "I mean, what if they broke up? And we don't know? It'll back fire. And we will be the stupid ones."

"But what if they didn't? What if James is a lying, cheating, backstabbing whor–"

"Then we will say. There's just a week left for school anyway. We'll wait till then. Plus Betty will probably be back in a couple days. We'll get all the details, then make our move! How's that sound?"

"Alright, that's fair enough." Alison pouted, "But since when do we play fair?"

"It won't hurt to have a heart once in a while," Inez shook her head with a half smile.

"Who are you and what have you done to my queen?" Alison made a finger gun and pointed it at Inez' temple.

"Your queen's still right here, girl. Still here."

~•~

Short chapter but I'll make up for it in the next :D

xx