Free Caught Up in the Drama by Reshonda Tate Billingsley

definitely going to have to play it today.
    Camille had walked into the Good Girlz meeting without speaking to anyone. After everything that had gone down at school today, I honestly was surprised to even see Camille here. But judging from her sequined tank top, low-cut skinny jeans and high-heeled boots, I coudn’t help but wonder if she was going to an awards show when she left the meeting.
    â€œWell, hello, Camille,” Rachel said. “So nice of you to join us.”
    â€œHey,” was all she said.
    Rachel eyed her funny, then looked at us. I kinda shrugged. Tyeesha had a nervous smile.
    â€œOkay, does someone want to tell me what’s going on?” Rachel said. When no one responded, she continued, “Camille?”
    â€œNothing,” Camille replied nonchalantly, removing her sunglasses.
    Rachel set her pen down, folded her arms and walked around to the front of her table. “I’m going to ask again. Does someone want to tell me what’s going on?”
    â€œAsk Tyeesha what the problem is,” Camille snapped.
    â€œWhat did I do?” Tyeesha responded.
    â€œYou’re trying to steal my man.”
    â€œFirst of all, he’s not your man anymore. Second of all, I didn’t try to steal him. I didn’t flirt with him. I was just laughing at something he said. But now that I know you two used to date I won’t even do that.”
    â€œSee, Camille,” Angel interjected, trying to smooth things over. “It’s not that serious. Tyeesha’s cool, don’t be upset with her.”
    Camille cut her eyes but didn’t respond.
    â€œYou haven’t been here,” Jasmine said nonchalantly.
    â€œI haven’t been here because of the video. I thought you guys understood that. In fact, you were the ones encouraging me. Now you want to punish me for it.”
    â€œOkay, here comes Camille the victim,” Jasmine groaned.
    â€œOkay, girls. Enough,” Rachel said.
    â€œNo, Miss Rachel,” Camille said. “It’s not fair. They were the main ones encouraging me.”
    â€œCamille, I think they just want you to find a balance,” Rachel said gently.
    â€œYeah, Camille, find balance,” Jasmine sneered.
    Miss Rachel cut her eyes. “That’s the last time, Jasmine.”
    She shrugged apologetically.
    â€œCamille, you can accomplish great things without stepping on anyone to get there,” Miss Rachel continued. “Remember that the same people you step on on your way up are the same people that you will see on your way down.”
    â€œI’m not stepping on anyone,” Camille cried.
    Miss Rachel sighed heavily. “You know what? I have to run into my office and make a call. I want you all to discuss this like the mature young ladies that you are. And I’m confident that when I return, you all will have resolved this on your own.”
    She left, and we sat in silence before Tyeesha finally spoke up. “Okay, since I’m new, let me play mediator.”
    Camille turned up her top lip, but Tyeesha didn’t let Camille faze her. “Okay, Jasmine, we’ll start with you. What’s your problem with Camille?”
    Jasmine used her hand to flick the question off, but Tyeesha was persistent. “Come on, y’all. Miss Rachel is expecting us to have worked this out. Let’s show her that we are indeed mature and can come to a resolution on our own.”
    I smiled at Tyeesha. We officially had a new mediator.
    â€œI’ll go first,” I said, stepping in when Jasmine still didn’t say anything.
    â€œCamille,” I said, turning to face her, “no one is ganging up on you. We are so happy for your success. We just want you to remember who was there for you before you made it big.”
    â€œYeah,” Jasmine said, finally speaking up. “Who was there when your mom had a heart attack? Who was there when you were crying your eyes out behind Keith,