Griz's POV
It's me again, you guys. After Barbiee's heartwarming speech, I couldn't help but feel like I was partly to blame for everything that's been happening to me.
We planned to sneak out at night to hang a portrait at school, but there was no need to sneak since my dad called to say he'd be late.
By 7:00 p.m., we took out the portrait-a beautiful depiction of our school and its activities-and headed out.
The mission was going smoothly until Mr. Lan, the security guard, shone his torch at us and shouted, "Come here, you little brats!" But we didn't budge; instead, we held hands, giggling, and ran straight to Barbiee's car.
She dropped me off at home and zoomed off.
The moment I stepped into the living room, my dad asked, "Where were you?"
"I... I went back to school to hang a portrait with Barbiee," I stammered. I wasn't a good liar-definitely not like that jerk Steven.
To my surprise, my dad smiled and pulled me into a hug.
"You're back to the Griz I know," he said warmly.
"Yes, Dad. And I forgive you. I'm not mad that you have a girlfriend. Do what makes you happy," I said, still wrapped in his arms.
"Aww, here's your ice cream-and I got one for myself too. So, want to watch a movie with me? I'll get the popcorn," he chuckled.
"Dad, I'd love to watch a movie with you-but not today. I need to prepare my mind for something huge tomorrow," I told him, hugging him again.
"It better be something huge," he said with a laugh, and we both smiled.
The next day, Barbiee picked me up. "Are you ready, my talented artist?" she asked.
"Absolutely," I replied.
As we walked down the hallway, we saw a crowd gathered around my artwork.
"Who did this? This work is amazing!" I heard compliments all around.
"I'll be right back," Barbiee said and walked away.
I stepped forward, feeling nervous, and said, "I drew it."
Everyone laughed. Then a girl sneered, "Ugly duckling, you flirt! What are you doing here?"
I walked up to her, my voice low and threatening. "Call me ugly duckling one more time."
The crowd parted. The girl was speechless.
I challenged them, "You all call me ugly duckling, but can any of you point out one thing that makes me ugly?"
No one answered.
Then I spotted Steven with his group-and Nikki with hers.
"Steven! Don't you think you owe me an apology?" I shouted. Heads turned toward them.
Nikki charged at me. "Ha! Ugly duckling wants to act tough because she thinks Barbiee's gonna back her up!" she mocked, and the crowd laughed.
"Hmmm, Nikki, Nikki. Tell me one thing that makes me ugly," I said, watching as the laughter died down.
As expected, Nikki couldn't say a word.
"See? You're just jealous," I told her, glancing at Steven, who immediately looked away.
"Ugly duckling..." Whack! I slapped Tia the moment she said it.
Everyone gasped.
"What's happening here? Griz, are you okay?" Chloe asked, grabbing my hand.
"You should be asking her," I said, pointing to Tia.
Chloe looked at Tia, quickly understood the situation, smiled at me, and stepped back.
"How dare you!" Nikki yelled.
"From today, I'm no longer Ugly Duckling! I'm not ugly, and even if I were, no one has the right to call anyone that. Got it?!" I yelled, and everyone nodded, feeling like I was possessed.
"Steven, tell everyone what really happened, and I promise to forgive you," I said, my voice cold.
Steven stepped forward. "Um, I suggested we go to your house to clear my head from the issues I was having with Nikki, and you agreed. Then I discovered your amazing art talent-oh my God, did you paint this?" He stopped mid-sentence, staring at the portrait.
"I did. Continue," I ordered, and everyone's eyes locked on him again.
"Well, I wanted to work on my art assignment with her. I can't keep pretending anymore. I'm sorry, Griz, I really am," Steven confessed.
"And what about me?" Everyone turned to look at Rina.
"I'm sorry, Rina. You were being a good friend to me," Steven apologized, his hands trembling and his body tense.