Chapter 96 - Meet The Plastics

It seems like the main events of the past will still happen in the present – in one way or another. 

Before Winter knew it, Bianca already had her cornered. She invited her friends over at her table, and with that, they completely surrounded her – the same seating arrangement, same meaningful expressions, and same approach as she recalled. It's the same game. The only difference is that they're the ones who joined her instead of the other way around.

"Do you have a moment, little sis? I want to introduce my friends to you," Bianca started, settling down on the seat beside her.

"Of course, big sister. It's my pleasure to meet your friends," Winter replied, forcing out a smile.   

There's no escaping this.

Just when she thought she wouldn't have to deal with her army of skanks today, they already marched on and instigated the attack. Now, she feels like she's being held captive. Gathered around her are these dazzling, shiny plastics.

"It's nice to meet you, Winter! The name's Lacey Park! I'm Bianca's best friend!"

Lacey Park. Shoulder-length brown hair, bright irises of the same color, a beauty dipped in branded make-up. Distinctive trait is that she enjoys wearing her most precious hoop earrings as a personal accessory. And she's also one of the Park's, a very wealthy family.

In school, Lacey is the gossip girl. She is Bianca's loyal right-hand woman as well.

"Hi there, Winter. I like your hat and your dress. Lovely weather we're having, ain't it? Also, the cakes here are wonderful. You can try some if you want."  

This one's an idiot. Just from that comment alone, anyone can tell it's an idiot.

Amanda Rockwell. Long straight blonde hair, light minty green orbs, often wears pink lipstick. Shown to be extremely ditzy and completely clueless on many occasions. Easily influenced by Bianca and Lacey. Her father is loaded – he sells engagement rings. 

Despite being the dumbest in the group, Amanda is nice and friendly. Back then, she's the only one who sympathized with Winter when she's being bullied or harassed, though she does turn a blind eye on it all the time. 

Aside from Lacey and Amanda, there's still a few more at the table. They're all attending the same college as Bianca. But for now, these two in particular are her main concerns. They're like her sidekicks, after all.  

"Say, don't you want to transfer to our school? I've heard that you applied for a state university. Why be with commoners if you're rich?" Lacey suggested, and going by the knowing glances she shared with Bianca and Amanda, Winter already knew what they were scheming.

"As much as I like to be with my big sister, I'm afraid I can't transfer schools. I already earned a scholarship at the one I applied in. It'll be a waste if I don't use it. And my friends are also there."   

"A scholar, huh? You're pretty smart. Heard that you even graduated Valedictorian. Congratulations, by the way." 

"Thank you." 

For every moment of silence that prevails among them, Winter knows that they're trying to look for some openings – some faults that they can use as insults against her. Lacey's suggestion of transferring schools also happened before, and unlike this time, she took it up because she was desperate to get accepted in their circle. However, she only lasted there for some time. She went back to her state university in the end –

And that's because Winter started to get bullied straight after getting recruited by this group of dazzling, shiny plastics. 

Them accepting her in their circle is nothing but a set-up to harass her. It was worse than when she was in high school. Their thoughtful and generous treatment were just a facade. In reality, they were moving behind the scenes and manipulating the student body to give her a hellish freshman year. 

'Not anymore. I'll get my revenge in one way or another. I don't even need to be at the same school as you to do that. In or out of campus – I'll make sure you'll regret messing with me,' Winter decided, faking a sunny, flowery smile all the while.   

From offending remarks to honey traps – all of which are subtle, they tried to bring her down. But they couldn't even embarrass her. Aside from her background as a commoner, which by the way is not something she is ashamed of, they can't figure out anything else that can push her buttons. 

That's until their leader finally steps in, drawing out her trump card.

"It's too bad that Mom and Dad weren't here..." Bianca began once more, making Winter pause. 

"If they were, they would definitely give you all sorts of gifts. It's what they used to do to me whenever I accomplished something commendable. Since you graduated as a top student, there's no doubt that they'd even give you a whole mansion as a present! They did give me a beach house when I graduated from high school. And I wasn't even a top student back then."      

"Oh, you're talking about the one we visited last summer vacation? That's so big and spacious! Then again, your parents gave you everything you wanted since you're little. They really love you!" Lacey commented, having been told to do so earlier as part of their scheme.  

"Mr. and Mrs. Middleton must've cherished you a lot, Bianca. I envy you. I wish my Dad would also give me a house like that…" Amanda chimed in, joining the act. 

"Speaking of, you're wearing the jewelry they gave to you on your birthday, aren't you?"

"Oh, you noticed? You're right. They gave them to me on my sixteenth birthday. They're sapphires. They chose these because they share the same color as my eyes. Aren't they lovely?"

"They sure are~!"

From that point on, all they talk about are their parents.

Winter stays silent throughout the conversation, pretending to listen. It seemed to her that Bianca was able to take note of her weak spot. She must've been observing her when she's greeting the other guests earlier. That's the last time she'll let her see something like that, though.

If her sister wanted to make her jealous by bringing up their parents, then she'd just have to return the favor and let her taste her own medicine.  

"Indeed, our parents must've really treasured you, big sis…" Winter spoke up at last, stealing back their attention.

"That's why I wonder why they didn't just give you the inheritances that they gave to me."

Bianca fell silent in an instant – everyone else at the table, too.

She could see that she even went stiff. It's obvious that she struck a nerve. But since she's good at acting, she's able to school her features so fast that it's almost like she saw wrong. She kept on a collected expression, calm and composed.   

"I mean, I was already more than happy to know that my family had been looking for me all these years. So, as soon as I learned that I'd be inheriting all of my parent's properties and even the company, I was very surprised. Perhaps, this is their way of apologizing to me for all the time they couldn't take care of me…" Winter continued - and Bianca felt like something snapped within her right then. 

"Just by knowing that, I already feel loved."

Winter knows all too well. Bianca has always been after the inheritances that Wesley and Jeanette passed down on their biological daughter. And she is also aware that none of their properties, assets and belongings was given to their adopted daughter – not even a single piece of jewelry.  

This fact is Bianca's number one source of insecurity.

'Anyone would also wonder the same. Why would Mr. and Mrs. Middleton not give the family company to Bianca even though they trained her to be the next head all her life…?' Winter thought to herself, smiling her innocent-looking, angel-like smile when no one made a retort.  

'Oh, I know! It's because she's nothing but their back-up plan. A mere replacement.'

As much as she wanted to say that out loud to all of them, she had to play the same game they'd been playing for a while now – being subtle. Besides, she might end up ruining the party if she is to blow Bianca's top. She might cause her to throw a fit if she provokes her too much. 

'As if I'd let you make a scene here. After greeting all the guests and making sure they're having a good time? That's a one-woman effort, you know. You didn't even leave your army of skanks for a second.'

Seeing that Bianca is almost close to fuming, Winter decides to leave it at that. 

She hasn't even said much yet, but she's already nearly taunted. Then again, she's smart enough to pick up what she's trying to get at. That must be why she can no longer further any utterance.

That being said, Winter finally stood up from her seat.

"Please, excuse me, everyone. I have to greet the other guests.. I hope you'll all enjoy the party."