Rising tension

Lexi and I unconsciously became rivals when she moved into my neighborhood. My mom escalated tensions by mistaking us as friends.

“Oh it’s Lexi! Let’s give her ride to school.” my mom exclaimed vibrantly as we left our house for the morning commute. I quietly rolled my eyes knowing I couldn’t dissuade her. Instead I made sure to claim the front seat to prevent Lexi from swiping it from under me.

“Hey Lexi! Hop on in!” my mom yelled to Lexi who headed over expectantly smiling a smile only I knew that was intentionally smug. Lexi took advantage of my mom’s kindness time and time again, it was beyond malicious. She is evil.

“Thanks for the ride Ms. J” she thanked her in a tone which almost sounded sincere.

“Oh no problem sweetie you’re my daughter’s bff! It’s literally no sweat off my back!” My mom replied oh so naively.

“Even though you’re gentrifying hoe.” I couldn’t help but quietly interject as the anger whelmed up within me.

“Oh, so we are bff’s?” Lexi laughed smugly. I turned to her and narrowed my eyes at her and she smiled and cocked her head at me. A manipulative devil.

“Oh Jez lighten up. You should be a morning person like Lexi.” My mom disregarded our spat as friendly ribbing. I grumbled and returned to a forward facing position intent on ignoring her at least until my mom was out of the equation.