MISS AMERICANA

“And what would I have to be jealous of? The school skank who had to resort to fucking someone born in the stone ages just to get an ounce of self esteem? I’m good. Your assumptions much like your double down, are weak." Chloe glared at Brooke once she got closer to her, making a mental note not to step back. It was a reflex for most people but Chloe knew she had to stand her ground She would not give Brooke the impression that she was intimidated, because she wasn't. Not in the slightest. The curly haired brunette threw her head back and laughed while swatting at the air in front of her. “Okay one, I’d change toothpaste brands because whatever you’re using clearly isn’t doing it for you, and two my squad is thriving right now while you’re doing what exactly? Sitting on your ass getting shit drunk all by yourself doing absolutely nothing. Which honestly isn’t that different from how you were at East Mount.”

Her brow arched at Brooke's next comment. That just made her hunger for winning grow even more. Competitiveness made Chloe dangerous. Even more so than she already was. There was a fire in her brown iris' as she spoke. “Oh, I’ll be crying alright, of laughter." We'll see who's the real basic bitch is around here.  "You can call me whatever you want Brooke, but one thing you’ll never be able to say I am, is a cheater.” And it was true. Chloe had never cheated on a boyfriend, whether it was through text, voice note or face to face she’d always made sure to break things off before running off with the next guy. Though of course that was only because she didn’t trust anyone and didn’t want word getting around. Chloe may be a cold hearted bitch, but one thing that everyone could agree on was that she was smart. Tactful. Calculated. She had a motive and reason behind absolutely everything she did. And if what she was doing made her seem kinder than she appeared to be, even though she was the farthest thing from kind, that was just icing on the cake. Chloe never slipped up. And even if she left a few tracks she was going to make sure they were covered. 

“I mean, you’re a much better person than me, right?” She asked taking slow steps towards Brooke. That was certainly how Chloe felt everyone else perceived her. One thing Brooke seemed to have that Chloe didn't was a moral compass. Surely she had to feel the least bit guilty and ashamed about what she did.  “Well little miss perfect, if you’re such an angel, why’d you cheat on Jake?” She asked slowly beginning to circle around her as she spoke. At this point, she was just playing mind games. Saying things she thought would get the other girl winded up. “Why’d you sleep with that professor when you knew there was a chance he’d get fired? I mean, was what I did really so awful? All I did was tell everyone the truth. Let people see the real you. And you can hate me all you want Brooke but you can’t deny that you’re in this position because of your actions. So go ahead, join the pathetic excuse for a team that your school has to offer. You’re a big girl, you can make your own decisions. But instead of playing the victim, I suggest you grow up and start acting like it. I’m not sure how far this whiny little poor me act will get you at your new school.”

"I'm sorry, a cheater?" She scoffed at the insinuation. Brooke didn't cheat on Jake with Mr. McKenna. However, she did cheat on Jake with Tyler once upon a time. Granted, no one really knew that besides their intimate group of friends and Tyler's ex, who bitchslapped Brooke when she found out. She never had the gall to release the info publicly because it made her look just as bad as Brooke, if not more so. There was a certain level of pride in managing to bag someone who's unattainable. Jake would know. Perhaps, that's why he was keen on holding her close, and was having such a hard time letting Brooke go.

Contrary to popular belief, she doesn't come around often. And frankly, she spreads her legs for very few.

There's a thing called standards, which Brooke suspected Chloe wouldn't know a thing about. Just look at the way she was dressed. Her party outfit looked like it was from the vault of a Limited Too.

"I didn't cheat on Jake with Mr. McKenna, you clout chasing rat. But, I'm not surprised you got your info wrong." That's what happens when you hang out with soon-to-be-nobodies, because that's what they'll be when Brooke is no longer their main hook up.

"And for the record," Brooke finally stood up to get face to face with Chloe. "I'm no one's victim. Say that again and you'll regret it."

"It's Isadora. And if you think your life is bad, try going through summer camp with the name Isawhorea after losing your virginity to someone you thought you loved." She rolled her eyes, her fourteen year old self was still traumatized. Brooke was a cute name. It reminded her of the model Brooke Shields. She started her docuseries on Hulu but has yet to finish it.

"Yes, this side of the room is mine, and that side is my roommates. She's whatever. We're not really friends." Isa opened her closet revealing a neatly stored line of clothing. There were a few items from Jujus but she tried her best not to overdo it. As she stated earlier, the students at Westham could be very judgmental. It was best to dress down. "It's a costume party but we can still look hot as fuck. Take anything you want. I have extra masks on the shelf because I'm so indecisive." She turned around and headed to her nightstand, moving with purpose as if she belonged on a runway.

"Here, babe, you should take one of these." She grabbed two pills from her drawer. One for Brooke and one for herself. They were a gift from River, her drug dealer and occasional fuck friend. "It'll help you to relax. Trust me, I have a feeling we're going to become best friends."

It was sweet. Even though, Brooke knew it would take a lot more than a few high school war stories to feel better about the situation. Brooke didn't sleep with just anybody. She was banging her teacher. It was scandalous because it was slightly more taboo. She gets why everyone's gossiping about it. But, she doesn't think it's fair to be labeled a whore or a homewrecker when she was under the impression that their professor was single. He manipulated her. And yet everyone sought to victim blame her by telling her she pretty much deserved it because she was asking for it.

In what world would she have wanted to get kicked out of school? It doesn't make much sense.

"Wow." Soon as Isadora opened her closet, Brooke's eyes lit up. She was always such a huge fan of fashion. It's what she hoped to pursue and build into a career one day, so any time she got to sift through someone's wardrobe she was happy.

Eventually Brooke settled on a cute, sparkly mini dress. It was strapless and a little see through around the stomach area. It looked classy but also not overly priced. Plus, it was black, so it would easily go with any of the masks Isa had on hand.

Just as Brooke took it off the hanger and turned around, she was greeted with an open palm holding a pill. It instantly reminded her of a year ago, when Brooke hung out with Tyler. They took similar pills while they were together, which always led to bad decisions. So, she wasn't sure doing so now would be a great idea. At the same time, she needed a way to relax. The last thing she wanted to do, was show up to a party and become an emotional wreck. "What the hell." Taking the pill, Brooke popped it into her mouth and swallowed. Then held up the dress while she waited for it to kick in. "Do you mind if I borrow this?"

By the way, I hear you and Jake are a thing now. Chloe was grateful she didn’t have any of her drink in her mouth because she surely would have spit it out. She simply blinked at Brooke, her expression still holding up her poker face. Her stomach dropped slightly at the mention of Jake texting Brooke, but she wouldn't let her know that. Chloe knew exactly how she was going to play this. She wouldn't confirm or deny. Who knows, maybe Brooke had only told Chloe that just to freak her out. "It's so cute how invested you are in my personal life, even to the point where you'd get lost in your own delusions. You don't have to be bitter hun, but hey, maybe cheating on someone does that to a person. Guess you were too busy riding the profs coattails to think about that. Though I'm sure you have plenty of time and room to do that now. I've heard those classroom desks are super un comfy. Maybe its the back pain that's making you so cranky." Where did she hear that? Were there students giving her this information or did Jake tell her that himself? Either way Chloe was going to find out. “I couldn’t afford it? Sweetie, look at where you go to school. I could buy the building just by pawning my purse. And I could buy your outfit just by pawning one of my scrunchies, but I wouldn’t put myself through that. We all know no one can do basic like Brooke.”  

Basic wasn’t a word many would've used when often describing her. Not until now, that is. And sure, maybe Chloe’s opinion didn’t matter all that much because she was truly the more bitter one between the two. But, if that were also the case then why did the insult trigger such a knee jerk reaction?

On top of that, Brooke was well aware that while her instagram account and social media presence remained stagnant, Chloe’s was climbing to new heights. She hadn’t necessarily passed Brooke yet but she was well on her way. Rather than do something about it, Brooke was too busy feeling sorry for herself. She was sulking because of her new miserable life at her new miserable school. When what she should’ve been doing was learning how to cope with it.

Her reputation wasn’t ruined completely. It was just going off in a new direction. And what she should have done, is lean into it. Stick it to the man, or to Chloe and the entire student body at East Mount. If they all truly thought she was a slut, she’d be the biggest, skankiest, hottest slut there was. Let Jake forge a relationship with Chloe and then when the other girl least expects it, Brooke will swoop in and fuck her boyfriend.

“I think it’s YOU who’s more invested in MY personal life.” Brooke gave a sarcastic, almost bored yawn. “Is that all you’ve got? So, I fucked our Professor, big whoop. He had a huge dick and knew what to do with it. That’s more than I can say for any of the prepubescent creeps you hang around with. But, if you enjoy mediocre sex and faking your orgasms, then that’s on you. And I feel sorry for you.” Though, Brooke was beginning to wonder if Chloe’s ever even had sex. Considering how perverse she made Brooke feel about enjoying it.

“Maybe you’re just jealous because he picked me and all the guys you’re interested in, wanna fuck me over you.” It wasn’t mentioned outright just then, but she was implying Jake again. “Nobody’s bitter but you, hun. Because deep down you know, if I was still there —-“ Brooke paused momentarily to lean in closer to Chloe’s cheek, so she could whisper softly in the other girl’s ear “—you wouldn’t have any of this.” Meaning their squad, her newfound popularity, and someone to keep her on her A game.

After leaning back out, Brooke took another long swig of her drink before she looked over at Chloe, accepting her challenge. “You know, I think I will join Westham’s cheer squad. Just so I can watch you cry at Regionals when we wipe the floor with you. Then we’ll see who’s the real basic bitch around here. My guess is, that’s going to be you.” It wasn’t usually like Brooke to use such profane language. She was much more classy than that. But Chloe brought out the viciousness in her.

Yet, these last few days, he just kept reappearing in her life. If he wasn't haunting her in her dreams, little reminders and tethers to him popped up everywhere. Dom was just another one of them, unbeknownst to her. They were never really introduced but, they were from the same town. She knew a Lakewooder when she saw one.

"No, I just---- I didn't realize you go here now." She didn't know whether to be suspicious, comforted by the fact, or downright confused.

Either way.... "And I wasn't calling you ugly, by the way." If her taste in Tyler was anything to go by, and their striking similarities, she'd dare say Dom was attractive. "I mean, you're hot, but you just kind of...." she doesn't really know where she planned to go with that sentiment, and so she dropped it altogether. "Do you wanna dance or something?" That's what people do at parties right? Granted, at these sort of ragers, they grind on each other more than they actually dance. "Or you and I can just make out." The last part was tacked on as a joke. But, she might not be opposed after another drink.

She pouted her lips playfully. “Aww, that’s too bad. Maybe you two could facetime after he’s done grading papers." Chloe out a short laugh. “I’m good love, my grades are just fine. I don’t need to scrounge for extra credit like some people." She responded with a smirk giving Brooke a once over.

Well that, and the little digs that followed suit.

Brooke tried her best to look and feel unaffected. But, deep down she was seething and frothing at the mouth. This game of catty remarks, Brooke knew all too well. She'd had the privilege of learning from the best. The best being Bianca, who like Chloe, wasn't Brooke's biggest fan right now. Although, at least Bianca had a valid reason. Brooke slept with her boyfriend (sorry, ex boyfriend.) Whereas, Chloe was just a bitch. Basic in every way and simply begging for any scraps of popularity she could find.

Good luck with that.

It was almost as sad as it was pathetic.

"No, you're too busy riding my coattails." Speaking of that.... "How's it feel to know you're only captain now because I left? And, not because you actually have the talent OR the admirers." Cheerleading was a lot like their social ladder. You're only as good as your competition, and without Brooke there to keep her on her A game, Chloe was bound to only remain in power until she graduates or someone better comes along. The latter being much more likely, given how awful she was at tumbling.

If Brooke truly wanted to, she could join Westham's cheerleading squad and wipe the mat with Chloe at Regionals. Who knows? She just might.

"By the way, I hear you and Jake are a thing now." Just saying it out loud, makes Brooke feel like she's going to hurl the liquor she just consumed. "You should probably know, he's been blowing up my phone saying he wants to get back together." Given Chloe's immense crush on Jake, Brooke couldn't resist rubbing the little detail in her new sworn enemy's face. "You may wanna hold off on planning the wedding. Not that, you could probably afford it anyway."

Then again, so was the douchebag Brooke found to make out with in order to piss him off and make him jealous. They'd been in a social media bidding war ever since he dropped her off at Westham and basically told her she belonged there. It was the equivalent of calling her trash to her face. And, if that's how he truly felt then... Brooke would show him what a trashy slut really is like. She'd dance on tables, let other guys hands wander under her skirt, and even make out with strangers if that's what it takes.

Her plan was clearly working, too. She'd gotten a rise out of him. Enough that he drove all this way just to 'talk' to her. Unfortunately for him though, Brooke wasn't in the mood for talking. However, she was in the mood for something else.

Upon standing from between her new male friends, Brooke let her hand creep up Jake's chest. "What's there to talk about, huh?" What could he possibly have left to say before she makes him regret every last word he's ever said to her? "Did you come here to tell me more about those girls on your instagram?" Yeah, she saw his pathetic stories, too. "Ooh, better be careful Jake. Chloe's here. Though, I already told her what you've been up to. But, don't worry. She's still desperate. I'm sure she'll be back."

Until Chloe changed that by turning their entire school against her. Brooke learned she was the originator behind the spray paint on her locker and the hate spewed about her online. She was always jealous of her. She was probably even mad that Brooke bagged their professor before Chloe could. "Look what the cat dragged in." Strays were always fond of rats weren't they? Makes sense why Chloe was there. "Yeah actually," Brooke crossed her arms over her chest, clearly annoyed and she hated that. She hated that Chloe was able to get a rise out of her. But, her annoyance went beyond deeper than some cheer squabble or petty vandalism. Chloe was going after Jake. It's like, she had no tact at all. "I know how much you love my leftovers so feel free to give him a call."

"Hey, at least my version of trouble will be fun. There's nothing fun about heartbreak. I would know. Last year, I was the new girl. I left my home in Atlanta and said goodbye to a toxic relationship of my own. The guy was a total narcissist. Now I only do no-strings-attached. You should try it." She would have the perfect opportunity to do so tonight. The sorority house was throwing a masquerade party and anyone could attend. It was a tradition of theirs. A way to meet new people and hit it off without prejudice. Everyone gets a clean slate. "There's actually a costume party tonight. You should totally come with me." The only problem was her clothes. They were way too designer. She would have to knock it down a peg to fit in.

"Oh, you didn't interrupt. Kevin's premature ejaculation interrupted me from getting off way before you showed up." Isadora had no filter even around people she's only known for five minutes. She loved to gossip and talk; it was the journalist in her. "But hey, if you don't want to be a black sheep. You might wanna think about a wardrobe change. Dior? Chanel? They won't make you popular here. I learned that the hard way. I was labeled a stuck-up rich bitch my first week at Westham. I have some super cute clothes you would look stunning in. We look around the same size. Follow me."

"Atlanta, huh?" She was a long way from home. New York must've been a culture shock for someone like Isadora. It was for Brooke at first. Even though, she traveled to New York often with her mom when she was younger, she never really got used to the city. It could be dirty, and unkind to newcomers. But at the same time, if you knew were to go, it could be a blast too.

"I don't know if I'm up for a party." Who's to say, someone wouldn't recognize her? She wasn't that infamous but, still. It felt like the whole world hated her right now. It didn't really put her in a party mood. At the same time, if the alternative was sitting in this dingy dorm room, she wasn't sure she was looking forward to that either.

Perhaps that was the only reason Brooke swallowed her pride, and her bruised ego and followed Isadora to her room. Her dorm looked significantly cooler than Brooke's. There were posters on the walls, hot pink neon lights strung around one bed and a cool sea salt lamp on one of the two desks. "I don't think I even caught your name. If I'm gonna borrow your clothes, I should probably give you mine. I'm Brooke. And your room is super nice. Are all these posters yours?"