"Really?" Susan said, folding her arms. She was the eldest among them, and her voice carried authority. "I just hope she won't mess things up. You know we dance to earn money. We can't afford anyone disgracing us at tomorrow's party."
"Come on, Susan," Angela replied calmly. "Elsa is different from us. She only wants to learn. She's not here to dance at clubs or parties."
"Then we can't accept her," Susan said bluntly.
"No, Susan… I'm sure she can do it," Jane added gently.
"No, Jane," Susan snapped. "Don't argue with me over this. Angela, this girl is not joining us."
The atmosphere grew tense.
"Calm down, girls," Elsa said softly, glancing at Angela. "It's okay. I'm sure Angela can help me personally."
"Of course, Elsa," Angela said, giving her a reassuring smile. "I'm really sorry about this. I'll try to talk to her."
"There's no need," Susan cut in, her tone firm. "She can't join us if she's not willing to dance at parties. We need more members to earn more money."
Angela sighed quietly but said nothing more.
The next day at school, Angela felt a mix of emotions.
She was happy to be back, but the thought of her punishment weighed heavily on her mind.
At least I have someone to talk to, she thought, smiling faintly as she remembered Elsa and Mr. Matt.
"Angie!" Elsa called, walking toward her with a bright smile.
"Elsa… I need your help," Angela said.
"What is it? I'm always willing to help you," Elsa replied warmly.
"I need you to explain yesterday's lessons to me after class," Angela said. "I'll miss a lot because of the punishment, and I really need to keep up."
Elsa's face lit up.
"Angela, that's a great idea," she said. "You're really smart, you know. I'm sure you'll catch up quickly. Of course, I'll help you."
"Really? Thank you so much," Angela said, relieved.
"And I've already made a plan for us," she added. "We can meet on weekends for dance practice. I'll teach you salsa, ballet.."
"Ballet?" Elsa gasped excitedly. "Oh, I love that! My ballerina dreams are finally coming true. I'm going to tell my mom as soon as I get home. Thank you so much!"
Angela laughed softly.
"Alright, I need to get going. I have to start cleaning," she said.
"I wish I could help you," Elsa said.
"No, you should go to class," Angela replied. "I'll see you later."
With a small smile, she turned and walked away.
As she headed toward the garden, something caught her attention.
She slowed down.
Fiona and Chris.
They were walking side by side, hand in hand, heading toward the sports field. They looked relaxed… happy.
Angela's steps faltered slightly.
"Wow… I didn't know she was one of Chris's girls," she murmured under her breath. "Too bad."
She shook her head and continued walking, pushing the thought aside.
At the garden, she was glad to see Mr. Matt.
"Good morning, Mr. Matt," she greeted, picking up a broom.
"Glad you came on time," he said. "Mr. Brandon was here earlier asking about you. I told him you had already arrived."
"Thank you so much," Angela replied gratefully. Then she hesitated. "But I just saw Fiona outside… isn't she supposed to be doing her punishment too?"
Mr. Matt shrugged slightly. "I really don't know."
"It's fine," Angela said, forcing a small smile as she began sweeping.
The sun was high, and the weather was hot.
Angela had been working for hours.
Sweeping. Gathering leaves. Cleaning every corner of the garden.
Sweat trickled down her face, and her body ached with exhaustion.
"I think I need a break," she muttered, holding her head. "My head is already aching."
She walked to the tap, washed her face and hands, and then headed to the cafeteria, hoping to see Elsa.
After eating, she quickly returned to finish her work.
Meanwhile, Chris and his friends were passing by when they noticed her.
Angela was bent over, packing dirt into a container, completely focused on her task.
"Is she helping the gardener now?" Jerry said with a frown. "Isn't that his job?"
"Who knows?" Liam replied. "But she looks like a student."
"Too bad for her then," Jerry added. "She's probably on punishment. Fiona told me everything."
Liam let out a short laugh.
"I heard she's some kind of cheap prostitute," he said carelessly. "That's what Fiona has been spreading around the school."
"She did?" Angela asked in astonishment.
She had been listening to their conversation all along.
"What are you going to do about it?" Jerry asked, laughing carelessly.
"I'm not a prostitute," Angela said coldly, her voice steady despite the storm building inside her.
"Sure, you're not," Liam replied with a smirk. "Just one of those cheap, loose girls, right?"
They burst into laughter. Angela felt her chest tighten; her eyes slowly filled with tears as their words sank in.
So, this is what Fiona has been telling everyone…
She lifted her head slowly and looked at them, anger burning beneath the tears that threatened to fall. Their laughter echoed in her ears, sharp and humiliating.
Then her gaze shifted to Chris.
He was quiet, he wasn't laughing.