It was a usual bright day at Dudley High School. Sunlight spilled into the classroom through tall glass windows, casting a soft golden glow across the desks. Students chatted away, giggles and youthful voices echoing against the polished floors. In one corner of the class, Frances was laughing heartily, head tilted back in carefree amusement, her eyes twinkling.
Evie sat beside her, legs crossed casually on his table, twirling a pen between his fingers. His expression was smug, but playful.
"You can't believe it Frances, my mum just can't see me cry at all. I had to fake it so she can spare me some money for the painting," Evie said, tossing his golden hair off his face with a dramatic flick.
Frances burst into louder laughter, nearly doubling over. Her laughter was the kind that made others turn and smile even if they didn't hear the joke.
"Ain't you such a little menace? You will really be the end of my sweet aunty."
"I'm just a princess!" Evie declared with mock pride, sticking out his chin.
"A princess without a dress is a country bumpkin," Frances mocked, giving him a sly side-eye and a mischievous grin.
"I don't like wearing dresses. It wouldn't suit me at all. But I would love to make dresses and make women look beautiful."
"Aww, ain't you a precious little one?" Frances said sweetly, reaching out to caress his hair with a fond, almost protective touch. Evie leaned into her hand with a soft smile, eyes crinkling.
The two of them were a striking duo, Frances, bold and stunning, the girl with a reputation, and Evie, radiant and unpredictable, like sunshine and glitter in human form.
Frances had a lot of friends in school. In and out of her classroom, she carried an unspoken magnetism. Most of her friendships started from moments of conflict, bullying, rivalry, tension and then, somehow, transformed into bonds. That was her magic. She returned the energy she was given. Calm with the calm. Chaos with the chaotic.
Her closest circle consisted of Evie, Coco, Cora, Abby, Lawrence, and Morgan. each one unique, but all devoted to her in their own way. They would go to any length for her. But her best friend, undeniably, was Evie.
They'd been seatmates since the beginning of high school, and their bond had only grown stronger. Though Frances was a private person who fiercely guarded the details of her life, she was surprisingly big on friendship. She gave love just as much as she received it. But she could also be a total menace when necessary,, quick to cut someone down if they crossed a line.
Evie was the kind of pretty boy who caught everyone's attention, boyish charm, soft golden curls, and a presence that oscillated between elegant and boyish depending on his mood. He liked men and loved hanging out with girls, blending effortlessly into both worlds. His laughter was light, and his aura made others feel safe. He came from a rich family, the last child among many brothers, and was spoiled with affection. No one in his family batted an eye at his sexuality, they loved him just as he was. He dreamed of becoming a fashion designer and often scribbled ideas in the margins of his notes, showing them proudly to Frances.
Lawrence, Abby, and Morgan were significant figures in the school, tall, dazzling, wealthy, brilliant, and the definition of "popular." They were the big trio of the basketball team, the kind of boys everyone talked about, idolized, or crushed on.
Lawrence stood out for his charm. With his messy curls and confident grin, he was the school's favorite flirt. Girls trailed after him, but he never let it get to his head. Beneath the smooth exterior was a fiercely loyal friend who treated Frances like family, equal parts younger sister and elder sister. He teased her often but was always the first to back her up in any scuffle.
Abby was the quiet flame. Calm and composed, he spoke only when necessary, but when he did, people listened. Handsome and dignified, he was known for being drama-free, with no history of messy relationships like Lawrence. His close family ties with Coco's family had led to an arranged engagement between them, an obligation neither protested but also never truly embraced. Still, they remained close, bonded by a quiet friendship.
Morgan was bold and ambitious, restless and always striving to catch up with his friends in academics. Being an athlete, he attended a separate class, much to his frustration. His towering height and strong build made him the school's best basketball player, a true star. Though some people thought his fame came from his family's wealth, his skill silenced the doubters. He had a girlfriend, Camilla, a beautiful model from another school, and Morgan was fiercely devoted to her. He stayed far away from the girls at school, ignoring the attention they tried to throw his way.
Coco and Cora were the girls in the group aside from Frances.
Coco was the timid genius. Petite, soft-spoken, and often seen hiding behind Abby, she looked like a frightened kitten. She was the only one who got into the group by being bullied, unlike the others who often did the bullying themselves. Her round glasses and shy demeanor made her seem invisible to many, but she had a mind like a steel trap. Her family was deeply rooted in the judiciary, and she aimed to become a lawyer just like them.
Cora was fire. A rebel with a sharp tongue and brightly colored hair, she wore makeup to school, strutted with arrogance, and once ruled the corridors with her own gang. Her family was deeply entrenched in the drug business, and she was guarded by multiple bodyguards who trailed her like shadows. But despite her flamboyance, she was brilliant and surprisingly serious with her studies. Frances had bested her in multiple clashes, fist fights, verbal spars and eventually, Cora folded. Since then, she became Frances' loyal ally, albeit a mischievous one. She was like the female version of Lawrence. wild, flirty, and reckless, but oddly loyal.
Frances' group was the heart of Dudley High, the notorious ones, the dazzling elite. They weren't just popular; they controlled the school. Only Coco stood apart as the quiet one among them. The rest? Nothing short of chaotic brilliance.
And at the center of it all was Frances.
She wasn't the richest, nor the most brilliant, nor the most talented. But she was the one they all followed their glue, their fire, their unspoken leader.
They admired her for her strength, her clarity, and the way she could pull everyone together. Where others would crumble under pressure, Frances stood tall and made others stand taller too. She could scream and comfort in the same breath. Love fiercely and fight harder.
Each of them had power. Each came from privilege, wealth, and influence. But they chose to follow Frances, not out of fear, but out of respect and love.
They would go to war for her.
That's how much they all loved Frances.
While Frances and Evie were chatting and laughing, the warm, golden sunlight streaming through the classroom windows caught the glint of Coco's glasses. She was hunched over her book, shoulders stiff, her pen scribbling aimlessly as if her mind were far away. The usual sparkle in her eyes was missing.
Frances, mid-laugh, suddenly paused. She furrowed her brow, leaned closer to Evie, and nudged him gently with her elbow. Her voice dropped, curious but concerned.
"What's wrong with Coco? She is oddly quiet today."
Evie followed her gaze and tilted his head, watching Coco for a moment as she absently rubbed the edge of her book, her lips drawn in a thin line.
"I don't know! Did she have a fight with Abby or something?"
"I don't think so. Abby is hanging out with the boys. I'm not sure they had a fight. See how she is sighing so deeply? Something must be wrong."
Evie gave a small nod, his brows lifting in silent agreement. Frances didn't waste time. She stood up and strode over to Coco with quiet urgency, Evie followed and crouched to sit in front of Coco's desk.
Coco didn't even notice them at first, her head bowed and her pen still moving in tiny circles. But as Frances leaned closer, she caught sight of her face and gasped. A tear had slipped down Coco's cheek. The girl wiped it away so quickly it was almost invisible.
"Frances, do you need something? I will help you get it!" Coco said hurriedly, blinking fast and looking away.
Frances leaned forward, her voice soft and serious.
"Are you crying?"
"I'm not! Why would I cry?" she laughed, but her voice trembled like a cracked window in the wind.
"I just saw you clean your tears just now."
"Oh it just came out. I'm not crying at all."
"You look dull, Coco. You're always chattering. You're so quiet today."
"I… I'm fine… I'm fine…" The words dragged like a record slowing down. Her lip trembled and then it all broke. Her body quaked as sobs erupted from her chest, and she covered her face with her hands, crying hard.
Evie looked up slowly, alarm written all over his face.
"Oh my, what is wrong with Coco?" he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Without hesitation, Frances reached out and took her hand gently, pulling her up. "Come on," she whispered. Evie followed closely behind as Frances led Coco out of the classroom, ignoring the curious glances thrown their way. Cora, who was perched on a desk across the room, giggling and twirling her hair while flirting with a new boy, didn't even look up.
Outside, they found a quiet, shaded corner behind the school's garden wall. Frances sat down and gently pulled Coco down with her, letting the girl bury her head on her lap. She stroked Coco's back soothingly, her palm warm and steady as Coco cried into the fabric of her skirt.
Time passed slowly. The wind rustled the leaves above them. Coco's sobs slowly faded into sniffles.
Just then, footsteps echoed on the pavement. Prettysaint appeared, holding a bottle of water. Her eyes lingered a bit too long on Coco.
Frances snapped up, her eyes narrowing.
"What are you staring at? Give me the water and go away!" she barked, her voice like a whip.
Startled, Prettysaint snapped out of her daze and quickly handed her the bottle before walking off without a word.
Frances twisted the cap open and held it out.
"Here. Drink."
Coco took the bottle with shaky hands.
"Thank you, Cici."
Frances tilted her head, brushing Coco's hair from her cheek.
"Do you feel better now?"
"A bit. I'm sorry for breaking down that way."
"Aiya, why do you apologize? You are human. If you're hurt, you cry."
Coco sniffed and gave a sad little laugh.
"But you don't used to cry, Frances. Since when I have known you, you have always been alone. You are not like the rest of us who are surrounded by people. You have no family and do nothing in particular, and I have never seen you cry before."
Frances' face softened, and she looked down for a moment, a ghost of a smile on her lips.
"I have no heart, no feelings. What do I have to cry about?"
"Don't say that! You have a heart. You care about every one of us."
"Okay, I do, I do. Now tell me, what happened to you, my cutie?" Frances whispered and caressed Coco's hair lovingly.
Coco hesitated, then exhaled.
"It's Abby."
"Abby? You guys had a fight for real?"
"We didn't."
"Then what? Did he tease you again?"
"It's not! We went to Abby's family yacht yesterday for his dad's birthday."
"I know right!"
"It was an intimate family gathering, so there were very few people around. Abby's father announced that we will have an engagement ceremony after our graduation."
"Don't you want that?"
"It's not that! After the announcement, there was no reaction from Abby. He doesn't even look interested at all. He was busy talking to Georgia."
Frances recoiled like she'd tasted something sour.
"Georgia? That lotus flower moonlight garden green tea?"
Coco let out a helpless laugh, even through her tears.
"I'm serious, Frances!"
"Why was she even there? Isn't it a family gathering?"
"She got invited by Abby's sister. After all, they were close friends. I was so mad when I saw her, so I left the party angrily and went to the restroom. When I was in the restroom, she came to meet me. She said all sorts of words to me. She said I'm shameless and keep hovering around Abby when he is not interested in me. She said Abby likes her and will never acknowledge me and that I should break the engagement."
"She said all that? Is she crazy?" Frances's hand curled into a fist.
"I was so mad, Frances. She stepped on my gown and broke my glasses. Then she lied to Abby that she was trying to hold me back from tripping."
"What did Abby say to that?"
"Abby just said, 'be careful.' He said it so casually! He doesn't care if I'm hurt! It hurts me so badly, I couldn't sleep well. How can Abby be hanging out with Georgia and leave me all alone? I thought we were friends," she choked out, crying again. Frances leaned forward and wrapped her arms around her.
"This damn Abby! How could he treat you this way? He is crazy."
"He hurt me, Frances! My heart hurts."
"Coco, would you like to break the engagement?"
"No way!" she said hurriedly. "Ain't no way! If I break the engagement, Abby will follow that girl."
"Do you love Abby?"
"I do! I definitely do."
"Why don't you tell him then? You guys have been engaged since a long time ago. You can't just get married without building anything up, right?"
Her face fell, her hands twisting in her lap.
"It was only me who liked Abby. He doesn't like me."
"How would you know? You didn't confess to him. How would you know whether he likes you or not?"
"You can see Abby, big sis. He is tall and handsome and every girl likes him. He is very popular in school. While me… I'm just timid. I'm sure he wouldn't take a liking to me."
"How could you be so sure?"
"Georgia said that Abby hates girls like me the most. Girls who pretend to be weak and pitiful. I look like a nerd and don't dress up like the other girls. He wouldn't take a liking to me at all."
Frances shot up to her feet, her eyes blazing with fury.
"That Georgia! If I catch her, I would crush her into ashes! Go to class, Coco. I have something important to do, okay?"
"Where are you going?"
"Never mind! Just go! I will ask Prettysaint to send you some snacks. Do not cry again, okay?" She leaned in, kissed Coco's forehead, and gently caressed her hair before turning on her heel and walking away with fierce determination.
Coco sat there a moment longer, "Frances is such a spoiler" a small, touched smile rising to her lips. Her eyes still stung, but something felt lighter. She stood up and made her way back to class.