The Magical Girl Wants to Bully Me

Chapter 3: Turning the Tables

I couldn't stop the laughter bubbling up inside me. Each snicker, each burst of laughter, seemed to zap energy right out of Selena Darkwood's aura. It was weird, feeling my joy literally drain her power, but man, it felt good.

Post-chem lab, Selena reverted to her usual Queen Bee antics. She cornered me with a smirk, "Aurora Sterling, just a heads up, the faculty's buzzing. Your project flops might just tank your GPA. No diploma for you at this rate."

I felt a flash of anger but shoved it down.

Selena looked way too pleased with herself.

"Maybe switch to something less brainy, like media studies? Way easier. Heck, you might even pull off a pass if you get creative with your 'resources', if you catch my drift."

She flaunted her latest iPhone, still smirking.

I snapped. I stood up and, in a move that shocked even me, slapped Selena Darkwood not once, but twice. "Buzz off," I said, ice in my voice.

Selena hit the deck, utterly gobsmacked.

The bystanders were first to react, a mix of shock and outrage. "Aurora Sterling, what the hell? You can't just slap her!"

Cool as a cucumber, I retorted, "She had it coming."

"You can't go around hitting people!"

"Oh, what? I should apologize?" I kicked my chair aside.

The chair skidded away, leaving one bystander wide-eyed.

"Shut it. You blind to Selena's constant crap? Where were you during her daily tirade?"

The guy was lost for words. "I... didn't catch that."

I snorted. "Then don't butt in. Scram."

Another peacemaker stepped in. "Easy, everyone. We're all in this mess together. No need for violence."

That chair got the same treatment. "You too, disappear."

Post-kick, I threw my head back, laughing like a maniac.

This is awesome! Telling people off rocks, and kicking chairs? So satisfying.

C'mon, anyone else wanna step up?

Before they could react, I ran off. Selena was a magical girl, after all, and I wouldn't stand a chance if things got physical.

But my spirits were sky-high, and Selena? She lost even more energy points. A whopping 100-point dive, nixing any gains from my project mishaps.

Her meltdown was epic. Shrieks, curses, you name it.

I knew Selena wouldn't let it slide. She was out for blood.

Come weekend, I'm stepping out of the library when Selena Darkwood and her clique block my exit, itching for round two.

Their eyes lit up seeing me, like I was the latest iPhone model.

"Look who it is, Aurora Sterling, the academic trainwreck. Here for more punishment? Save it. Why not snag a job instead of wasting air here?"

"Spot on! You'll never match up to Selena. Why even bother?"

"If flunking's your thing, go earn a buck. Your folks must be bleeding cash for your retakes."

I braced for a brawl, but all they had were words.

Bunch of clowns.

I zipped my self-defense pepper spray back in my bag and laughed. "Got nothing better to do? Go play in traffic."

The lead mean girl's face twisted. "What did you just say? Calling us trash? You're the trash, loser!"

She couldn't finish, 'cause I laid into her. Twice.

Post-slap, she just stood there, stunned.

Then, like a bad sequel, they lost it. Shouting, cursing, lunging at me.

But I wasn't sticking around. I bolted, cackling like a witch. "Try catching me now!"

The mascot's voice immediately chimed in.

"Aurora Sterling's mood has improved. Selena Darkwood loses 1 energy point."

"Aurora Sterling's mood continues to rise. Selena Darkwood loses 1 energy point."

"Aurora Sterling's mood is still improving. Selena Darkwood loses 1 energy point."

My laughter echoed down the hallway, Selena and her minions hot on my heels.

But I was buzzing with adrenaline, and Selena? She was just desperate.

Suddenly, Selena's voice cut through the chaos. "Stop! Just stop!"

Her gang froze.

Bewildered, they looked at her. "Selena, what's the deal? She's the one who hit us!"

Selena was beside herself. "Don't you get it? The more you chase, the happier she gets!"

They were floored. "That's twisted! How do you even know that?"

"I just do!" Selena Darkwood was at her wit's end.

Then, she turned that glare on me. "You're twisted, Aurora Sterling!"

I just smirked, playing it up. "Oh, keep the hate coming. Makes my day."

Selena backed off, a storm of emotions crossing her face.

The crowd's looks were priceless.

I couldn't help but grin, basking in the spotlight, untouchable.