The Mute and The Celebrity

VII

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joulo ↭ paula

As Paula walked down the school hallway, bitter gazes and hushed whispers followed. It didn't make sense - she hadn't done anything wrong, she thought.

But it soon became clear that the envious glances from everyone made Paula feel uncomfortable and anxious. She had managed to have the Audeux band accompany her, something that nobody has accomplished before. She did not knew they were famous to begin with.

Suddenly, a girl in a revealing outfit walked towards them. ❝Joulo! ❞ she said as they hugged, then turned on Paula with a spiteful look. ❝ Who's she? ❞she snapped, as she looked at Paula with disgust.

❝ This is Paula,❞ Matthew bluntly said. He had never been fond of Jamie's rude behavior.  ❝ Be nice! She's not like you,❞ he added, in which the others nods in agreement.

Jamie continued to give Paula the dirtiest looks while Joulo remained silent. ❝ Why is she hanging out with you guys? That's unusual,❞ she asked.

❝ Maybe because we prefer decent people,❞  Shawn replied in sarcasm, it was clear that he didn't Jamie.

❝ Joulo baby, tell them to be nice, ❞ whined Jamie, trying to save face.

❝ Can you walk me to class, please babe? ❞  Jamie flashed a smile and turned to Joulo impatiently trying to pull him away from them. Joulo nodded, and he accompanied Jamie to her class.

Paula was left alone with the remaining three boys. ❝ Ignore them, Pau-Pau. They're just being dumb, ❞ James reassured by patting her shoulder.

With a bright smile, Paula thanked her new friends for accompanying her to class. As they parted ways, Matthew thought to himself that maybe Joulo's toxic relationship was finally going to end.

❃ ❃ ❃

Paula, walked into the classroom, and everyone went crazy as they set their eyes on her. She stood there, not saying a word, and the class became even rowdy.

The teacher stepped in and said, ❝ Alright! Enough! We have a new student, her name is Paula, and she is welcome to this class. ❞ He smiled at her, and she smiled back, curiosity in her eyes.

❝ Settle down, class,❞ he continued. ❝ We will start the day by welcoming Paula to our class.❞

Whispers could be heard among the students as Paula stood at the front.

❝ Hey, did you hear that she actually sat beside the Audeux?❞ One of the students remarked. Another student replied, ❝ That's impossible! They never sit with girls. I tried once and got kicked out instantly.❞

The rude comments continued, ❝ She's ugly anyways, so I don't understand why they'd ever like her,❞ said one, while another added, ❝ Joulo already has a girlfriend. Besides, who wants a mute anyway?❞

Paula heard these remarks and tried to keep the smile on her face.

Just then, the teacher intervened ❝ Paula, can you please take a seat beside Belle? Belle, can you raise your hand?❞ He asked.

Paula looked for the raised hand in the room and saw a beautiful girl with blond hair raised her hand. Belle smiled at Paula, and Paula walked over to sit beside her.

Belle enthusiastically waved at Paula. ❝ Hi there, Paula! You're so adorable!❞ Paula smiled.

Trying to fet comfortable on her seat, she felt a bit awkward, but Belle quickly noticed and initiated to talk. ❝ I apologize for not introducing my friends. This is Karen,❞ she gestured to a girl with hazel eyes. ❝ And this is Aira," she indicated a shy girl nearby.