In the chemistry classroom, a tense silence reigned. The seventh graders watched breathlessly as Anna confidently wrote the formula for a complex reaction on the board. The chalk left clear white lines, and the teacher watched approvingly as her favorite student successfully tackled the task.
«Well done, Annechka. An A plus!» Valentina Sergeevna looked at her with noticeable admiration.
From the back of the classroom came a demonstrative snort. Kristina, always impeccably groomed, with perfect hair and manicure, twisted her lips into a disdainful grimace.
«Show-off,» she said loudly enough for others to hear, «forgot to even do her hair, but knows the formulas.»
Anna mechanically adjusted her simple ponytail and tugged at her gray sweater. Her cheeks flushed. She preferred to remain silent, clutching her notebook tighter and quickly returning to her seat by the window.
«Now to the board will go…» Valentina Sergeevna scanned the classroom, «Kristina.»
«Oh, can I do it another time?» Kristina flashed a charming smile. «It’s my birthday today, and the girls and I have been preparing a celebration…»
«Your birthday is next week,» sighed the teacher. «Go to the board.»
Kristina slowly stood up, showcasing her pink blouse with ruffles that shimmered in the sunlight. Anna couldn’t help but admire her—so bright, confident, as if straight from the cover of a fashion magazine.
«Well, Kristinochka, solve the next problem.»
The class fell silent in anticipation. Kristina fiddled with the chalk, staring blankly at the empty board.
«Valentina Sergeevna, maybe a poem about chemical elements instead?» she proposed with an enchanting smile.
«No, dear. Write the formula.»
The bell rang. Kristina relievedly placed the chalk on the windowsill.
«Oh, the bell! So next time.»
«Stay. A D. Sit down.»
Anna watched as Kristina’s face turned to stone. She slowly turned, throwing Anna a look that made her uneasy.
«Couldn’t drag out the time at the board any longer,» Kristina muttered through clenched teeth.
The girl knew: the consequences would be serious.
Indeed, during the break, Kristina surrounded herself with her usual entourage of popular girls in the class.
«Did you see our smarty’s new sweater?» she asked loudly, pointing toward Anna. «Mom probably bought it at the market. My grandmother wears the same.»
The girls laughed. Anna shrank in her seat, trying to become invisible. The sweater was indeed bought at the market—home finances were tight, and any new item seemed like a gift from fate.
«And the hairstyle? Just look at these ‘icicles’!» Kristina theatrically threw up her hands. «Maybe we should all chip in for a comb?»
The laughter echoed through the hallway, and Anna felt a tightening inside from pain and offense.
New bursts of laughter spread through the corridor. Anna’s eyes stung treacherously, but she stubbornly buried her face in her textbook, trying to ignore the taunts. Moments like these made the breaks feel like real trials.
Months turned into years. Anna continued to receive top grades, participate in science olympiads, and dream of her own future. Kristina never missed a chance to hurt her dignity.
In their final year, the situation reached its peak. As usual, sitting alone at a desk, Anna heard a whisper behind her:
«Imagine? She’s fallen for Dima.»
«Our Dima? The captain of the football team?»
«Exactly.»
Anna felt the blood drain from her face. Of course, she had feelings for Dima—a handsome, confident guy who sometimes gave her timid smiles in the school hallways. But those emotions remained only on the pages of her personal diary, hidden deep in a drawer at home…
«Hey, Dima!» Kristina’s voice sounded loud and challenging. «We need to discuss something important!»
Anna turned around in horror. Kristina stood in the center of the class, showing off her phone to everyone.
«Attention, friends! Here comes an exclusive.»
From the phone speaker came Anna’s trembling voice: «Dima, I really like you… I’ve wanted to say this for a long time…»
The class erupted in laughter. Dima blushed and turned away, hiding his embarrassment. Kristina, triumphantly smiling, watched as Anna shrank in her seat.
«Thought it would stay a secret?» Kristina hissed, approaching closer. «Did you really think such a guy would notice you?»
Anna jumped up from her seat and ran out of the classroom, unable to hold back her tears. The mocking laughter of her classmates still rang in her ears. It was now clear: Kristina had accidentally overheard her rehearsal in an empty classroom and recorded that moment.
That’s when Anna made an important decision for herself: this situation would not break her. She would achieve everything she had long dreamed of, and no one could ever humiliate her like this again.
After graduation, their paths diverged. Anna enrolled in one of the country’s most prestigious universities and fully immersed herself in her studies. The intimidated girl from the school corridors disappeared, replaced by a confident young woman with clear goals. There were style, new friends who appreciated her intellect and determination.
Years flew by quickly. Having graduated with honors, Anna decided not to limit herself to job searching. Taking a loan, she took a risk to start her own business. The first beauty salon opened in a regular residential area. Anna personally controlled every aspect: from hiring masters to choosing equipment and serving clients. Over time, the business began to grow—second salon, then a third…
Today she owns a whole network of successful establishments across the city. Anna can afford expensive outfits and jewelry, but remains the same practical, hardworking personality. She is still ready to replace a sick administrator or help with cleaning if necessary.
That day Anna was performing the duties of a cleaner in her first salon. Draping a simple robe over her elegant dress, she methodically wiped the mirrors when the doorbell chimed a familiar ring.
«Good afternoon!» the voice made her freeze.
Anna slowly turned around. At the threshold stood Kristina—still as striking, though time had left its mark: wrinkles around the eyes and gray hair carefully masked by light shades. Her fashionable coat and impeccable hairstyle contrasted with the salon’s interior, where every detail spoke of taste and success.
Anna continued to clean the mirror, casting quick glances at the unexpected guest. Today, an interview for a new manicure master was supposed to take place, and she had come early to prepare everything for the arrival of the candidates.
Kristina leisurely walked around the salon, her heels clicking on the impeccably clean floor. She attentively examined the vases with flowers, expensive furniture, flawless mirrors, and then her gaze settled on Anna’s figure, bending over a bucket.
«Lord, Anya? Is that really you?» Kristina squinted, as if trying to recognize the old acquaintance under the simple robe. A feigned surprise slipped through her voice. She theatrically leaned on the administrator’s counter, crossing her arms. The golden rings on her fingers glittered brightly.
Anna straightened up, meeting her gaze calmly and confidently. Over the years, she had learned not to react to such provocations. No one could make her feel insignificant anymore.
«What a meeting!» Kristina displayed a wide, condescending smile. «And here I thought you’d moved on further after school… You were always a top student, went to olympiads…» She demonstratively glanced at Anna’s simple robe.
Anna clenched the rag in her hands. Old resentment stirred deep inside, but now the feeling seemed different. She looked at Kristina and saw the same spoiled, arrogant girl who took pleasure in humiliating others.
«And yet you’re here…» Kristina continued, clearly enjoying the moment. «Studied all A’s, and now you’re cleaning floors. Well, work is work… Someone has to do it.»
Anna merely nodded, hiding a smile. Let Kristina think what she wants.
«I’m actually here for an interview,» Kristina took out a miniature mirror from her purse, adjusting her already flawless hairstyle. «They say this place is good, decent clients. You know, I have my connections, regular customers…»
Anna removed the rubber gloves and carefully placed them on the edge of the sink. Meanwhile, Kristina did not stop talking:
«Of course, you wouldn’t understand. You’re just a cleaner. And I…» She proudly raised her chin. «I have a special approach to people. I don’t just paint nails, I create moods! By the way,» she lowered her voice to an intimate whisper, «maybe you could put in a good word for me with the management? After all, we were classmates…»
Anna slowly removed her work robe, revealing an elegant sheath dress underneath. Kristina blinked in surprise but quickly composed herself:
«Oh, I see you decided to dress up! For a cleaner—that’s quite decent. Though probably on credit?»
Anna confidently walked to her office, flung open the door, and gestured for Kristina to enter. She demonstratively switched to a formal tone.
«Please come in. Let’s start the interview.»
«Interview?» Kristina frowned skeptically. «And where’s the management?»
«I am the management,» Anna calmly replied, settling behind the desk. «Owner of the entire chain of salons. So, show me your resume, Kristina. Let’s see if you fit us.»
A tense silence hung in the office. Kristina froze at the threshold, as if encountering an invisible barrier. Her face began to pale, and her fashionable coat suddenly seemed overly ornate, and the golden jewelry—too cumbersome.
«You…» Kristina swallowed hard, «you own this salon?»
«The entire chain of salons,» Anna clarified calmly. «Please, take a seat, Kristina. Let’s not waste time.»
Kristina hesitantly sat down, clutching her purse in her hands. Her previous haughtiness was gone. Anna deliberately paused, enjoying how her former classmate squirmed in her seat.
«So,» Anna began, folding her hands on the desk, «tell me about your qualifications. You mentioned regular customers… Where exactly have you worked before?»
Kristina licked her suddenly dry lips:
«I… Mainly took clients at home. I have many regular visitors…»
«At home?» Anna raised an eyebrow. «Was there official employment?»
«No, but…»
«Understood,» Anna briefly noted something in her notebook. «Any professional education? Certificates? Diplomas?»
Kristina grew even more nervous:
«I took courses… Three months…»
«Only three months?» Metallic notes appeared in Anna’s voice. «In our network, only masters with diplomas and at least two years of experience in licensed salons work.»
Kristina’s face turned even paler. Her hands, adorned with expensive rings, trembled noticeably.
«I can learn quickly,» she stammered. «My clients are always satisfied…»
But Anna cut her off with a cold tone:
«We only cooperate with the best specialists. We have high standards: regular qualification improvement, participation in competitions, creation of a quality portfolio.»
Kristina lowered her head. Anna saw her shoulders shake under the expensive coat. A strange feeling of satisfaction arose inside her: the bully was now before her, humiliated and bewildered.
Kristina struggled to raise her eyes:
«Maybe… Maybe for old times’ sake…»
«Old times’ sake?» Anna allowed herself a light, almost mocking smile. «What kind of friendship, Kristina? The one where you did everything possible to humiliate me in front of the entire class?»
Kristina flinched, as if slapped. Fear flickered in her eyes—she remembered everything all too well.
«We’ll call you back,» Anna coldly cut her off. «The interview is over.»
Kristina stood up, trembling all over. Her face burned with shame, and her posture was tense, as if she was trying with her last strength to maintain her dignity. She silently headed for the exit.
«And one more thing, Kristina,» Anna added as Kristina stood in the doorway. «Next time, if you decide to come for an interview, don’t be so dismissive of the staff. Even those who are cleaning.»
Kristina froze at the threshold but did not turn around. Her shoulders slumped, then she hastily slipped out of the office.
Anna leaned back in her chair, feeling a pleasant warmth inside. No gloating—just a sense of justice, restored after years. Kristina’s resume went into the bin, even unprinted.
Closing the salon in the evening, Anna lingered at the display window. In the reflection, she saw a confident, beautiful woman in a stylish dress. Not a trace remained of the frightened schoolgirl who once feared her own shadow.
«Who’s laughing last now?» she quietly said to her reflection.
The click of the lock marked the end of the day. Ahead were new meetings, new opportunities. The past—along with all its grievances—remained behind, sealed under the weight of her success.
