The next day at school, Haley walked toward her locker with her head down, the girl trying to avoid being the center of attention from both her classmates and her friends. She'd been getting enough of that from the news, internet, and media outlets, she didn't need any more of it at school.
"Haley, I just wanted to congratulation you on making runner up this year in the Instant Star competition. It takes a lot of, 'talent,' to make it that far without any real singing abilities."
The mysterious girl gave Haley a nasty look. Haley nervously looked up in reply, noticing Kristen standing diagonal from her. Haley looked awkward and uncomfortable.
"Thanks, I guess, but you do realize you've still got to go up against me tonight, right!?" She asks, conflicted.
"Exactly." Kristen batted her hair back, rolling her eyes before walking away. "Good luck." She yells from behind, sarcastically.
"Whoa, what was that about?" Brandon walks up to the brunette with a confused face. Haley was still uncomfortable talking to her best friend.
"Oh, you know, Kristen being Kristen. The usual." She replies awkwardly again.
"I hear that! Look, you bolted home kind of quick yesterday. I just wanted to let you know that Sam and I have got your back 100%. We know you'll win this." He smiled, almost weakly.
"Have my back? More like stabbed me in it." The girl gives her own nasty look to her best friend before walking past him.
Brandon looked entirely confused.