"Announcement, everyone! It has come to my notice that the portrait on our wall was done by Miss Griselda Willows. Thank you, Miss Griselda, and maybe you should start using your skills—you never know where this could take you," the principal announced.
Clap! Clap! Clap!
"Go, Griselda!!!" Barbiee cheered, clapping loudly, and most of the students joined in—everyone except the usual trio.
After that moment, I walked into class feeling an incredible sense of relief.
"Griz, why don't we go to my dad's hotel after school? It's basically my home now. My family wants to meet you," Barbiee said, and I nodded.
After class, I got into her car, and we drove to the hotel.
Oh, I'm telling you—the hotel was fire. The Spring Hotel—that was its name.
Barbiee led me to her family suite.
"Hey, girl, where've you been?" a beautiful girl with black-brown hair asked Barbiee.
"Sasha, I didn't know you were coming. Where's your mum?" Barbiee asked.
"She's at work. Your friend?" Sasha glanced at me, and I waved.
"She's my best friend, Griz," Barbiee said, holding my hand.
"Did you just say your best friend? Oh my God! Griz!" Barbie, Barbiee's mum, exclaimed excitedly.
I recognized her—I had seen her on the news once or twice.
"Hello, I'm Griselda Willows. Nice to meet you," I said, shaking Barbie's hand.
"Same here. My husband won't be joining us today, so let's have some girls' time, okay?" Barbie said, and we all chimed, "Yes!!!"
We ate, chatted, and played for three hours.
"I have to go," I said, glancing at my wristwatch.
"Okay, I'll take you home," Barbiee offered, reaching for her keys.
"Get home safe, okay? And feel free to visit anytime," Barbie said.
"Bye!" Sasha called out from the bathroom. I have to admit, she seemed a little mean, but turns out she can be sweet too.
In the car, I wondered about Sasha's connection to Barbiee.
"Who's Sasha?" I asked.
"She's a family friend. My mum says their family helped her a lot in discovering her true self," Barbiee explained.
"Aha! Barbiee, why did you leave me the moment we stepped into the school building?" I asked suddenly, turning to look at her.
"Well…" Barbiee hesitated.
Barbiee's POV
When I walked into school with Griz, I knew the students wouldn't believe she'd done the artwork everyone admired.
So, I went straight to the principal's office.
"Miss Barbiee, what brings you here?" he asked.
"I just wanted to let you know that the portrait in the school hallway was Griz's work," I said.
"What? Griz?" he said, clearly surprised.
"I'm not lying, Mr. Peters. Please, do me a favor and let all the students know—she deserves it," I insisted.
"Okay, fine," he said, typing on his computer.
"She's in a tight spot right now—no one believes what she did. Can we move to the broadcast room so you can make the announcement?" I asked, looking him straight in the eyes.
"Okay, lead the way," he sighed and closed his laptop.
In the broadcast room, he announced:
"Announcement, everyone! It has come to my notice that the portrait on our wall was done by Miss Griselda Willows. Thank you, Miss Griselda, and maybe you should start using your skills—you never know where this could take you."
"Are you satisfied?" he asked me.
"Of course. Thank you, Principal—you're the best," I said and ran away.