A few minutes later, the class teacher left the classroom. Instantly, the room buzzed as students began discussing the cultural wears they'd put on that day.
"I'm going to wear agbada and a cap," a boy said, laughing.
"That'll actually fit you," a girl replied, grinning.
Charlotte sat quietly, watching her classmates chatter and laugh about Cultural Day. Then she saw Vivian walking toward her desk.
"Hi Charlotte. Can I see you, please?" Vivian asked sheepishly.
Charlotte looked up, astonished. "Okay, Vivian," she said, but didn't get up.
"Can we talk outside? Just for a few minutes, before the English teacher comes in," Vivian added quickly.
Charlotte sighed. "Alright, let's go."
"Thank you," Vivian said softly.
They stood by the classroom entrance, peeking out to check if the English teacher was coming.
"Charl… I'm sorry. For everything," Vivian said, eyes wet.
"For what exactly?" Charlotte asked, arms folded. Her heart was doing nonsense.
"For doubting you. For picking some random gist over my bestie. Please forgive me."
Charlotte blinked. "Wait. Who told you?"
"Caleb called me last night. He told me everything," Vivian said, staring at the floor.
Charlotte laughed bitterly. "Ah. So _that's_ why you've been begging."
"I messed up, okay? I'm really sorry. Please," Vivian begged, grabbing Charlotte's hands.
The hallway went quiet. Charlotte stared at her for a long second.
"...It's fine, Viv. I forgive you. Let's just leave it in the past," Charlotte said softly.
Vivian's face broke into a smile and before Charlotte could react, she was being hugged. Tight.
"Thank God. I love you, Charl," Vivian said.
Charlotte froze, then smiled into it. "I love you too, dummy."
"Are we still besties though? Like for real for real?"
"Obviously. Who else will I drag with me to Cultural Day?" Charlotte chuckled.
"Thank you. I owe you. Big time," Vivian grinned.
"You better," Charlotte teased.
Footsteps. "Viv, teache's coming. Inside, now," Charlotte hissed.
They scattered back to their seats like nothing happened.
---
The lesson ended, and it was break time. Charlotte and Vivian were sitting together at the cafeteria, eating and laughing. Princess walked in and froze at the sight of the two best friends reunited — the same girls she had tried to separate.
"Is that not the two best friends eating together?" one girl asked, bewildered.
"Yes, it is. I guess they're friends again," another girl said softly between bites.
"I thought Princess said Charlotte was dating Caleb?" the first girl asked curiously.
"I wonder where she got that from," the second girl replied nonchalantly.
"Here she is. Let's ask her," the first girl said coyly.
Princess entered the cafeteria carrying a tray of fruit, salad, and water.
"Hi, Princess," the first girl said, smiling coyly.
"Hi," Princess replied dryly.
"I thought you said Vivian and Charlotte weren't friends anymore. That it was because of Caleb," the second girl said, nodding toward Charlotte and Vivian.
Princess looked across the cafeteria at the two girls chatting and laughing. Shame burned in her chest, but she said nothing.
"Princess? You're awfully quiet," the first girl said, surprised.
"It was a misunderstanding. Excuse me, please," Princess mumbled, embarrassed. She got up and moved to another seat quietly.
"That's weird," the first girl said, displeased.
"She's changed. This isn't the Princess I know," the second girl admitted, bewildered.
"Let's just ignore her," the first girl said, going back to her food.
Charlotte and Vivian noticed everything.
"What a chameleon. Serves her right," Vivian said, smiling triumphantly.
"Just ignore her, please," Charlotte said, chuckling.
"Yeah," Vivian agreed. Then she asked suddenly, "Charlotte, what are you wearing for the cultural dance?"
"I don't know yet. What about you?" Charlotte asked.
"Why don't you come to my house today and help me pick a dress?" Vivian suggested softly.
"Are you _sly_ asking me to follow you home?" Charlotte grinned.
"Duh. You got me," Vivian laughed.
"I knew it," Charlotte said, smiling.
"So? Will you come, Charl?"
"Yes, of course," Charlotte chuckled.
"That's my girl," Vivian said, hugging her tenderly.
At that moment, Caleb and Adam walked into the cafeteria. They'd ordered rice, beans, spaghetti, plantain, eggs, and bottled water. As they looked for a seat, they spotted Vivian and Charlotte laughing together.
Caleb's face broke into a grin. "Yo. Thank God," he said, walking straight to their table.
Adam slid in beside Charlotte like it was his assigned seat. "This is what I like to see. My girls making peace." Adam said, smiling as he sat beside Charlotte.
"Guys, I'm sorry for the drama. For believing rumors. I already apologized to Charl," Vivian said quickly.
"We're just glad you guys are cool again. No hard feelings. Apology accepted," Adam said.
"Facts. Welcome back to the group chat, Viv," Caleb added, sitting beside her. "You had me worried, you know." he said smiling softly at her
Vivian looked down, smiling. "Sorry I worried you."
Charlotte caught it and raised a brow at Adam. "You see them?"
Adam smirked and leaned closer to Charlotte, voice low. "I see _us_ too. Missed sitting next to you like this."
Charlotte felt her cheeks heat up. "Adam, stop."
"What? I'm just saying," Adam said innocently, but his eyes were not innocent at all.
Caleb cleared his throat, but he was still looking at Vivian. "So… are you two coming for the cultural dance or what?"
"Obviously," Vivian said.
"Good," Caleb said. "Because I'm not dancing with anyone except my bestie. And maybe my bestie's bestie if she behaves," he added, glancing at Charlotte.
Adam laughed and nudged Charlotte. "You heard him. That means you're dancing with me, Charl. No arguments."
Charlotte rolled her eyes, but she was smiling. "We'll see."
"We will," Adam said, and winked.
"What a naughty boy."said Charlotte cheerfully
The table felt lighter. Like nothing bad ever happened between her and best friend.
And for the first time in days, Charlotte felt good again.