Ploy Rattanakorn's Arc

Chapter 2 of 3

The wasp stings had faded by the weekend, but Ploy's anger had not. Ava walked around school like nothing happened. So Ploy planned the biggest birthday party in town. Her father rented the whole backyard party. She hired a real pop star to sing. And she made sure Ava was invited, because a party is no good unless your enemy has to watch you win. Ploy wore her rainbow heart dress with the gold chain belt. She rode in on a white pony with a pink mane and star clips. Every kid clapped. Ava clapped too, standing near the fence in her plain shirt and denim skirt. Ploy smiled at her like a queen smiles at a servant. "Happy birthday," Ava said, holding out a small wrapped box. "I got you a video game. It's really fun, because you can play with a friend." Ploy took it and dropped it on a chair without looking. "I don't play baby games," she said. A few kids laughed. Ava's face fell. The pop star climbed on the little stage. Sand still clung to her blonde hair. She wore a sparkly cover-up over her bright pink swimsuit. "This one is for the birthday girl," she called, and started her beach song. The whole yard cheered. Ploy stood in front, sure everyone was watching only her. Then Coral pushed through the crowd to reach her. Coral was Ava's best friend. Ava thought so, anyway. Coral wore her white Hello Kitty jacket and matching bows. She grabbed Ploy's arm like they had known each other forever. "You look perfect," Coral said. "Better than anyone here." She said it flat, like a fact. Then she leaned close. "Ava only came to copy you. She's been telling people the party is boring." Ploy blinked. "She said that?" "Once. I heard her." Coral did not blink back. Her braces flashed when she smiled. This was better than any plan Ploy had made herself. She turned to the party. She raised her hand until the music stopped. "Ava thinks my party is boring," Ploy announced. "She came to steal my ideas." Heads turned toward Ava. Ava's mouth opened. "I didn't—I never said that, because I don't even—" "Then why are you here?" Ploy said. Kids started whispering. Ava's eyes went wet. She dropped her paper plate and ran for the gate. Nobody followed her. Ploy grinned. She had done it. She had made Ava look bad and cry, all at her own party. Coral stood beside her, still holding her arm, watching her like she was the only person in the yard. "See?" Coral said quietly. "I'm always on your side." But Ava had left the video game behind. And she had left something else too. Her phone sat on the chair, screen up, still recording every word Ploy had just said in front of everyone.