Don’t trust so easily.
The voice in my head isn’t my own. It’s Willow’s.
I smile at Katie. “We got this. I know this is only my first practice, but the routines are good. Tiffany might not be a coach in the official capacity, but she’s doing a damn good job at it.”
She beams back at me. “I wasn’t sure you’d feel that way. I know we haven’t always been the nicest to you in the past.”
I wave my hand at her. “It’s in the past. If this is truly a sisterhood, then I want that. I need that.”
“You’ll fit right in then.”
I can only hope.
-
Six
Nate
“Willow!”I bellow as I slam the door walking into the house.
“Shut up! Willow is sleeping,” Chase hisses as I walk into the living room.
I cringe knowing that she hasn’t been sleeping that great since she got hurt.
“Not anymore,” Willow says, hurrying down the hall. “What’s wrong?”
“Have you talked to Hailee lately?”
Willow looks at Chase and they share a look. I don’t miss it.
In the back of my mind, I wonder if they knew about this. If they knew Hailee had turned her back on us.
“Have you?” I demand, needing to know.
Part of me is hoping that this is all a dream. That Hailee didn’t really go against us. That there is a logical explanation to explain why she made this decision. That part is the same part that needs her.
The other part burns with hatred for her. That familiar feeling of abandonment swelling inside.
Chase is the only person who has ever stayed, but even then, I still feel the insecure thoughts that one day he will have his own family with Willow and I’ll be left alone.
Hailee gave me hope that she would be by my side. I wanted her to stay with me, but now?
Fuck her. I’d rather be alone.
Liar,that nagging voice in my head calls to me. I ignore it.
“Why do you want to know?” Willow asks as she shifts on the couch.
“Because today she declared war on our family.” I can’t help but pace as I think back to the way Hailee backed away from me at school.
I showed up a little earlier than normal, knowing she would finish her practice and go to her locker. I had been craving her kiss all night. When I leaned in and she backed away? I felt gutted. She might as well have put a knife in me.
“How so?” Chase asks, sitting back on the couch touching Willow.
That familiar burn of envy heats up from within as I watch them together.
“She joined the cheerleader team, and I heard her talk shit about how Willow isn’t her friend anymore since she’s with you.” I point to Chase. “She said we aren’t her family anymore. She wants nothing to do with us.”
