“Hey how’s your day going?” Katie asks as I sit next to her.
Before I can respond, laughter from the other side of the cafeteria catches my attention. Nate sitting in the middle of it all with a cocky smile on his face.
I wish I could kiss that look right off of him.
“I’m ready for it to be over.” I sigh.
“You have plans after school?” Tiffany asks.
“The usual, go home, do my homework and study, have dinner, then get ready for bed.”
“That sounds boring,” Valerie says, sneering at me.
Out of all of them, Valerie has been the nastiest. I know it’s because I’m better at the stunts than her, but I can’t bring myself to care. I might have joined the team for nefarious reasons, but now that I’m cheering again, it feels right. Natural. Like this is what I’m supposed to be doing.
Even with all the shady shit, I’m actually enjoying myself.
“You sure that’s all you’ll do?” Tiffany asks with her head tilted to the side. “What about that foster brother of yours?”
“What about him?” I frown.
“Do you two have a thing going?” she asks, making me laugh.
“God no,” I say once I’ve calmed down. “First off, I’m pretty sure Ashley would not be okay with that, considering they’ve been dating for as long as I’ve known him. Second, he’s not my type. We’re strictly friends,” I assure her.
“Hmm,” she hums. “That’s too bad. He’s kind of hot,” she says, making me cringe.
“And on that note, I’m done.” I stand up, grabbing my tray. “I’ll see you guys later.”
I walk over to the trash and dump my tray. With one last glance, I look around the room before I slip out. Keeping my head down, I head toward the restroom. Once inside, I lean against the counter, staring at myself in the mirror.
I don’t even recognize myself anymore.
I turn, flipping my hair down, putting it in a messy bun. Looking in the mirror, I remove a couple pieces by my ears to frame my face.
That’s a little better.
I turn on the water and wash my hands as the door swings open. I don’t bother looking up until I hear a lock click.
“What are you doing here? You know we can’t be seen together,” I chastise.
“Everyone’s at lunch. The hall is empty. No one even knows I’m here. I’m still hiding out at home as far as they are concerned. We’re fine. Now tell me, are you okay?” Willow asks softly as she leans against the door.
“I’m okay,” I say, looking away from her. “I haven’t figured anything out yet though. I’m trying, I promise.”
“I know you are.” She pauses. “You need to hurry though. I don’t like sharing my best friends with those hags.”
“They aren’t all that bad.” I shrug, thinking about Katie.
“Oh god, they’ve already gotten to you. I’m going to have to start from scratch,” she groans, making me laugh. “There she is.” She smiles. “Now go, before someone notices. And remember to keep your eyes open and your heart guarded. If this ever becomes too much, pull out. It’s not worth it if you end up hurt.”
Too late for that,I think. If I pull out now, Nate will still hate me and it will all be for nothing.
“I’ll be fine. Now don’t do this again. You’ll ruin everything.”
I pick up my bag and walk toward her. As I step up next to her to slip out Willow surprises me and pulls me in for a hug. I soak it up, knowing that her hugs are few and far between.
“I’ll see you soon,” I murmur as I pull away and slip out the door.
