The evil in-between- high school drama🥵

Are you going to the game Friday night? Yeah, absolutely. You're standing in front of the gate like you're about to enter a prison. How do you know it's not a prison? Because prisons don't have this much drama. That's not reassuring. Trust me, you'll survive. Easy for you to say. Why? Because you look like you've been here forever. Four years. See? Come on. Where? Class. What if I get lost? Then I'll laugh at you and help you find your way. That's oddly comforting. That's because I'm a good person. Debatable. Wow. Ten minutes and you're already insulting me. Anna! Oh no. What? Don't encourage him. Excuse me? Who's this? James. Future celebrity. Nice to meet you. Ew. New student? Is it tattooed on my forehead? No. You just have the look. What look? The please-don't-let-me-embarrass-myself-today look. That's exactly what I'm thinking. See? I never miss. Unfortunately. Who's she? New girl. Ooh. Someone's curious. Cute. That's the first nice thing you've said all week. Don't get used to it. Should I write it down? Stop. I'm serious. You're annoying. Yet here we are. You haven't said anything. She never says anything before lunch. It's weird. Everything about her is weird. She's friends with Anna. So? Nothing. That was helpful. So? Questions? About the school? About anything. Fine. Who's the funniest student here? James. Makes sense. Who's the smartest? Miriam. Who's Miriam? Quiet girl. Reads too much. Sounds like somebody I'd like. You probably would. Biggest troublemaker? James again. Impressive. Biggest ego? Let me guess. James. Surprisingly, no. So who is now the biggest ego? Aisha. Queen B of the school. Queen B? Self-made. Aisha. The girl sitting by the window? She looks expensive. That's because she is. What does that mean? Her family owns half the city. Seriously? Pretty much. And her friends? Sumaya is okay. And the quiet one? Zainab. What's she like? Honestly? I don't know. Are you- Joe's coming! And? And nothing. Liar. I'm not lying. You've liked him for years. Used to. Sure. I did. You literally confessed to him. Don't remind me. The whole school knows. Thank you for bringing back my trauma. You're welcome. Hey, how are you guys- Morning. Hi, Joe. Hi. Morning, Sumaya. See? He's nice. He's polite. Same thing. What are you two arguing about now? Nothing. Joe rejecting her. Sumaya! Sorry. That was years ago. I'd like to forget it. Me too. This is awkward. Extremely. I'm leaving now. Smart choice. Who was that? Joe. That's Joe? Yep. He seems normal. That's why everybody likes him. Why? Because he doesn't try. Strange reason. You'll under- Emergency! What now? The cafeteria ran out of meat pies. That's your emergency? This school is collapsing. You'll survive. No. He's dramatic. Very. I heard that. Good. I think I'm gonna like this school. See? Maybe. James is still here. Rude. Sorry. No, you're not. True. Yeah? Thanks. For what? Not letting me be alone today. That's what friends do. Friends? What? We met this morning. And? And you're already calling me your friend. Life's short. That's surprisingly deep. I know. Did you steal that quote? Absolutely. I knew it. All right, everyone. Settle down. Today we're starting a project. Your enthusiasm is inspiring. The project counts for 30% of your grade. I love projects. That's what I thought. I've already chosen the pairs. Yes! Anna and James. And better. No. Looks like we're partners. Try not to regret it. Same to you. Anna. What? Did you see that? See what? Jo and better. What about them? They look normal. That's because they're normal. That's exactly why it's suspicious. You're insane. Thank you. So? So. This is awkward. Extremely. Good. Why is that good? Because if you said it wasn't awkward, I'd think you were. Where do we start? Research. You sound excited. I'm not. Good. Why do you keep saying that? Because I don't trust people who enjoy school projects. That's fair. Why did you transfer here? New city. New school. Sounds dramatic. It was. You miss your old friends? Sometimes. Most of them forgot I existed. Yeah. For what it's worth, Anna won't forget you. I know. She talks about you constantly. Really? Constantly. That's embarrassing. Very. Did you finish your project? No. Me neither. Shocking. I know. Are we failing together? Obviously. Jo got paired with the new girl. So? Nothing. It's a school project. Exactly. He'll survive. How's the project? Fine. Just fine? What does that mean? Jo is practically a celebrity around here. He's just a guy. Don't let half the girls hear you say that. Why? Because they'd riot. That's ridiculous. I agree. He's nice though. They're what is? Na-na. Nothing. Do you need something? Has your mother ever talked about another child? Another child? A daughter. Maybe someone older? Maybe someone she never talks about? Why are you asking me that, Zainab? What are you talking about? Hey, Zainab. Why are you asking me those questions? You forgot your notebook. Again? Again. This is becoming a problem. A serious one. Thanks. No problem. You know, Ana was wrong about one thing. What's that? She said you barely talk. I don't. You've talked more this week than most people. That's because most people don't ask interesting questions. Was that a compliment? Maybe. Wow. Don't get used to it. What? Nothing. That's Zainab's line. Shut up. Why are you smiling? Why are you asking? Because it's weird. We finished the project. That's true. Which means we don't have to spend hours researching anymore. That's supposed to be good news. It is. Then why do you sound disappointed? I don't know. Oh. Yeah. We can still talk, you know. I was hoping you'd say that. You've been watching them all morning. No, I've been watching him. You said you were over him. I lied. What are you thinking? I'm thinking she arrived three weeks ago. He waits more. He waitresses when she's absent. Do you know how many years I've known Jo? Mind if I sit? It's a free country. You're quiet today. Just tired. You always do that. Do what? You don't force people to talk. My dad used to say if someone trusts you with silence, don't ruin it. Your dad sounds wise. Sometimes. Anna. Hey, your friend. Betta? Yeah. Tell her to be careful. Because people are starting to notice her. She's not doing anything. Just watch Zainab. Why? Because every time Jo talks to Betta, Zainab watches. You're imagining things. I hope so. Didn't like the decoration? You did this. Can you prove it? If you have something to say, say it to my face. You really don't understand where you've walked into. Then explain it. This school has people who belong and people who don't. And you think you decide that? I don't have to. People already have. You're confusing fear with respect. There's a difference. What happened? Nothing important. Was it Aisha? Jo, we need to talk. I was hoping you'd... Whatever problem you have with Betta, it ends today. What? I've seen enough. Anonymous notes. People whispering every time she walks past. You don't have to admit it. I already know. You're accusing me over a girl you've barely known? You like her. I know she's a good person. That's enough for me. After everything, you still chose her. This was never a competition. Hi, mom. Hello. How was work? Busy. Mine too. That's nice. I got 98 on my exam. Wonderful. Did you hear me? Of course. What did I say? Zainab, I'm working. Right. Thank you. Yeah. You won't believe what happened. Don't start. Can I help you? Interesting. What is? You didn't waste time. What are you talking about? First week and you're already standing like you belong beside him. Aisha, don't. No, let her answer. We're doing a project. Of course you are. You're making it weird for no reason. For no reason? I watched you ignore every girl in this school for months. And now suddenly we're literally just talking. Don't lie to me. Stop. You're defending her? Yes. You think you're special because he finally looked at you? What the hell is wrong with you? Say something now. You're insane. That's it. So that's it. Now I understand. You didn't even have to try. This isn't over. No. That was unnecessary. Yeah, it was. I won't let that happen again. How dare she talk to me like that? No one has ever done that. She would not get away with this. That's enough. What do you mean? You are becoming the obvious villain. Come to my house. I have something that will benefit both of us. You're still writing? We already finished that topic. I'm making sure I understand it. That's what I like about you. You say things so casually. Because I mean them. Aisha, let's go. What are you doing? No. What? He made this for her. Aisha, please put it back. He made this for her. Please put it back. Two years, he never even bought me water. Don't do this. Aisha, please stop. Listen to me. I still don't understand why people think exams are harder than chemistry practicals. Because you've never opened your chemistry textbook. That accusation hurts. Aisha, stop, please. Why do you have my bag? Eat it now. What is wrong with you? You think you can steal everything? I didn't steal anything. You're a liar. Aisha, stop. Stay out of this. These... Ask her what she's been doing. I already know. What? I packed that lunch. For better. And since you seem determined to hear it, yes. I like better. No. Listen carefully. If you ever touch her again, or humiliate her again, or lay another hand on her, we're done speaking. Forever. Come on, let's get you cleaned up. I cannot believe she actually did that. She thinks she is better than us. No one is going to talk to her. Come on, I want to show you somewhere. This place is beautiful. I've been here for months and never found it. Most people don't. That's why I like it. When everything gets too loud, I come here. Can I ask you something? Why do you always look like you're carrying something heavy? My dad wasn't always like this. When I was young, he laughed a lot. Then business started failing. He started drinking. Sometimes he doesn't even recognize me. My mum keeps everything together. She runs her company, comes home exhausted, still cooks, pays bills, and checks if I'm okay. Sometimes I wonder how she's still standing. I'm sorry. Don't be. Everyone has their own story. What about yours? Mine is almost the opposite. My parents are annoying sometimes. My mum still calls me five times if I'm ten minutes late. My dad acts like I'm still six years old. Sounds nice. It is. I'm their only child. Thank you for bringing me here. I guess it's not just my place anymore. Joe always liked blue. He never agreed to go to prom with you. This one makes me look elegant. I think you're planning a future Joe never promised. He'll understand eventually. Mrs. Williams, we've been discussing this partnership for months. I'm glad we really made time for dinner. So am I. Exactly. A partnership should feel like family. Joe, how's school? Busy. We've started preparing for the Founders Gala and prom. Still keeping to yourself? Not as much as before. He used to spend every lunch break with me. That was a long time ago. You make it sound like we're strangers. People grow up. They've known each other since they were children. Your mum still makes the best jollof rice. And your mother still spoils everyone with desserts. Maybe after this partnership, we'll have dinner together more often. That would be nice. Joe, can we talk? Of course. Tonight felt like old times. We're together again. Maybe this is our chance. Aisha, that's different from how I feel. You haven't even tried. I don't need to try to know how I feel. I know how I feel. You deserve someone who chooses you. There's really no chance? I don't want to lie to you. No. How many times has he rejected me now? This is the 115 times now. 115 times now? Aisha, I am really worried. Just leave Joe alone. You don't really understand. Joe is the only family I have. And I loved him with all my heart. And if I can't have him, no one will. Dad, can we go on a vacation? Aisha, I don't have time for this. You can go with the nannies. Likewise, just focus on your book. He the left. Are you sure we should meet here? She said not to be late. Everything I need is here. Where she sits. What time she eats. Who she walks with. You really don't play. I don't play. I finish. And Anna? Anna wants to belong somewhere. That's all we need. Sumaya, you will handle that. You're running out of time. For what? Don't do that. Go ask her. Better. Say yes before he changes his mind. I'd love to. Better. Promise me something. What? Don't be alone with Aisha. Or Zainab. Especially Zainab. You really don't trust them. No, I don't. I think so. I studied all weekend. Your father needs surgery. And it's a huge amount. I can help you with that. Just take it. You know you need this. No one is getting hurt. Fine, I will do it. Hurry up. We don't have all night. A little deeper. This is enough. Not yet. Tomorrow. Better. Can I show you something? Sure, what is it? I think someone dumped all decorations behind the science block. You like collecting weird things. Thought you'd want to see. Lead the way. We are almost there. There. Go a bit further. Believe me. It's done. Anna, the hospital just called. Your father's treatment has been paid for. Every cobo. We don't know who did it. James! Anna? I made a mistake. A very terrible one. Please, don't let her die because of me. Where's Beta? Behind the science building. Please. Beta! Joe, please help me. Here, grab onto this. Okay, I have got it. Now, all together. Safe. You are safe. Don't call the principal. The people who know how to investigate. If this goes through the school, they'll bury it. Before anyone speaks and reviewed evidence. Photographs. Phone records. Witness statements. I need to tell the truth. They came to me after they found out my father needed expensive treatment. They promised the hospital bills would disappear. If I helped, I thought Noah would get hurt. Everything they planned, I helped make it possible. Anna lied. Your location places you on school property. I... I wanted to stop. I should have stopped. I'm sorry. Would you like to say anything? No. After a thorough investigation, the school has reached its decision. Aisha, Sumaya. Your actions violated our safety. You are expelled. Do you understand what you've thrown away? We warned you. Every night, we asked you to choose wisely. You didn't listen. There's something we've hidden from you for years. What is it? Zainab is your half-sister. What? When you were both younger, Zainab's behavior became increasingly dangerous. We never imagined the resentment would follow. She wasn't trying to defeat me. She was trying to erase me. I don't deserve forgiveness. I know that. Every day, I kept asking myself one question. Why wasn't I enough for my best friend? You were. I was the one who wasn't strong enough. That doesn't mean I trust her again. Forgiveness and trust aren't the same thing. Maybe one day. See? I told you you'd look amazing. You say that every five minutes. She's right all five times. May I have this dance?