Strings of Fate: The First Loop

CHAPTER 28

The halo-halo was almost gone, just streaks of melted purple, cream, and gold clinging to the sides of our glasses. My brain was finally starting to cool down when the universe decided to remind me that peace is always borrowed, never owned. Behind us, a group of girls giggled, loud enough to make sure we heard.

“That James is really something,” one of them sneered.

“Yeah,” another chimed in. “Total attention seeker. Always stealing Matt’s spotlight.”

“I bet he isn’t even loved at home,” said the third. And just like that, they burst into laughter--- shrill, mean-spirited, rehearsed.

The boys went stiff. I saw it immediately, Drake’s spoon paused mid-air, Corey’s jaw tightening, Tim staring at his half-melted halo-halo like it could drown out the noise. None of them said a word. I could hear my own knuckles crack as I clenched my fists.

“Babe, no,” Tim said gently, putting a hand on mine. “We’re used to it.”

But I wasn’t. Not today. Supergirl to the rescue.

I stood up so fast my chair scraped against the pavement. The girls went quiet for a split second, just long enough for me to channel every ounce of fury and fire in my bones.

“You know,” I began, voice steady, laced with that signature Inez sass, “you gossipers should really mind your own business.”

Their eyes widened. Oh, they didn’t expect a storm in sneakers and a ponytail.

“Instead of talking about James, why don’t you talk about your dry skins, your fake bags, and your tacky outfits?”

One of them scoffed. I didn’t care.

“You,” I pointed to the first, “look like a grandma at a discount rack.”

“You,” to the second, “are giving raccoon realness with those way-too-dark eye shadows.”

“And you,” I locked eyes with the last, “your nose is so skewed I thought it's a sundial.”

They blinked, speechless.

“So next time you open your mouths, make sure you’re not throwing shade from a broken chandelier.”

I turned around, halo-halo in hand, not missing a beat. “Let’s go!” I told the boys.

They all stood—Drake whistling low, Corey shaking his head in stunned amusement. Tim walked a little slower, then turned to the girls.

“Hey,” he called out casually. “That’s my girl.”

Then he jogged to catch up with me.

And as we walked away, I didn’t feel like a sidekick anymore. Today, I was the one in the cape. I am Supergirl. You're welcome.

That afternoon, the school court transformed into an arena. Not just for basketball, but for something messier. Older. Louder than cheers and heavier than silence.

I sat on the metal bleachers that burned a little under the late sun, warm through my skirt. To my right, Betty sat so still she might’ve been carved out of quiet. To my left, Corey hummed a tune under his breath, nervously bouncing his leg.

Out on the court, James stood like a shadow in sunlight. His hair damp from warm-up, his eyes focused like lasers trained on one mission.... win.

And maybe something more than that.

Tim, already grinning, glanced my way and blew a kiss like a corny prince. I screamed, “GO BABYYYYY!” with the full force of someone who refused to let quiet people steal the air.