Replacing a spoiled girl - Part 2 (Patreon)

Margaret sat next to Sandra in the old theater they'd frequented as teenagers. The velvet upholstery was still as plush as it had been in their youth, and the faint smell of popcorn and nostalgia lingered in the air, scents that immediately took Margaret back to simpler times. Sandra had always been a character who was larger than life. Her personality was overwhelming, and frequently destructive, but Margaret still loved her regardless. 

She often found herself drawn into Sandra's orbit, and while they'd been inseparable in high school, their friendship hadn't quite survived the transition into adulthood. Sandra was an acquired taste, a flavor that only a few could appreciate, let alone tolerate. Margaret was one of the few since she also came from a well off family, and even then, it was out of concern for what might become of Sandra if left to her own devices.

Yet, as Margaret waited for the beginning of the film, she noticed something different about Sandra. It wasn’t just the less makeup or new perfume. It wasn’t just the cute nails and softer hair. She was quieter, more composed, a stark contrast to the whirling dervish of a girl she'd known. Their conversation flowed easier than it ever had before, and Sandra's responses were thoughtful and measured compared to her chaotic past. 

She wasn’t on her phone as much, and she wasn’t constantly looking for a new boyfriend to mess around with. She never rose her voice or started an argument. Sandra was also dressing in more elegant clothing. Before, she used to prefer low-cut crop tops and short skirts. Now, she flaunted herself in expensive dresses and cute, sparkling jewelry pieces.

And whenever she did talk about anything, Sandra seemed to actually think about what she would say. Margaret listened as Sandra spoke about college. Her decision to drop out of school scared her entire family, but the investments she'd made had left her with a sizable sum of cash that could last her for years. She didn’t know what she wanted to do for school, but she figured that the big gains she made would help give her time to explore the world before making her decision. Sandra, who had once thrown caution to the wind, was now a picture of financial stability.

Margaret was both shocked and impressed. She'd always known Sandra was well-off, but she'd feared her friend would squander her wealth on frivolous pursuits, perhaps even dangerous ones. She had been big into cocaine at the start of college, and she apparently had to go to rehab a few times throughout her first year of college. But as Sandra spoke, Margaret's fears began to ebb away. The woman beside her was not the reckless teenager she'd once been, but a mature adult, making sound decisions and seemingly having her life together. A swell of pride rose in Margaret's chest. She was genuinely happy for Sandra.

Finally, the lights in the theater dimmed further, signaling the start of the movie. Margaret turned her gaze to the big screen, but not before offering Sandra a reassuring smile. As the film rolled, Margaret found herself occasionally stealing glances at Sandra. Each time she did, she found a sense of relief. The girl who had once been an embodiment of chaos was now a beacon of change, a testament to the power of transformation. Sandra was a better person now after living alone for so long. The obnoxious girl she'd known was replaced by a calm and collected woman, and for the first time in years, Margaret felt hopeful that they’d stay in touch this time.