I’m writing a series of novels: the Seeking Scylla series. Some characters dance on the edges of the narratives. Some never make it in. In Beyond Scylla blogs, I share stories and vignettes about these characters.
This table is not for you.
—Tamara? We’re all sitting over there, at our table. What are you doing at this table?
—Talking to Sue.
—You should be at our table.
—In a minute. I want to talk to Sue.
—Oh really? What could you possibly need to talk to Sue about? Where her mom finds her hand-me-downs?
—Ignore her, Sue. That’s rude, Jennifer.
—It’s true though. Last week she was wearing my sister’s old skirt from a year ago. I bet she gets all her clothes from Goodwill.
—Why do you care?
—Why do I care? Because no one’s going to talk to you if you keep talking to Sue. You don’t belong here with her. She’s trash. Come back to our table.
—Sue, I’m so sorry.
—You’re apologizing to her?
—It’s okay, Tamara. I don’t care what Jennifer thinks, not that she has many thoughts anyway.
—Now who’s rude, Tamara?
—You, Jennifer, still you. Just go away.
—Well, I hope you like it here because you’re not coming back to our table.
—Your table’s boring. I never liked it anyway.
—I can’t wait to tell Danny about this.
—Leave Danny out of it.
—When he finds out your new bestie is Sue, I’m sure it’ll get him out of your pants.
—He’s not in my pants, Jennifer, and guess what. He already knows I talk to Sue.
—Where are you going, Sue-be-do? Running off? The hot truth too much for you?
—I’m not running anywhere, Jennifer. I’m walking away from your tiresome drivel.
—Maybe you should check out early, go peruse the fineries at the thrift store.
—Sounds like a solid plan, Jenn. We can talk later, Tamara. Sorry your lunch spoiled. This table is normally peaceful and drama free. See you in class.
©Pennie Nichols. All Rights Reserved. 2023.
Mean girls. Some things never seem to change, do they? Good for Tamara! We need more people like her.
She might be rare, but she’s needed.
Certainly reminds me of my high school days, lol.
Yeah.
Wow! We need more ‘Tamaras’ in this world!
Indeed
Why were the popular girls always the meanest and snobbiest?
I don’t know…. never was one. 😉
Love the example of standing up to bullying. Sadly, the reality is that’s rarely how it goes.
The ones who stand up are a rare breed of indifference. It’s hard to stand in that indifferent space.