A chorus of enthusiastic “Thank you, Coach Sierra”s and enthusiastic agreement rang toward me. The soles of their sneakers squeaked as they hastily scrambled to grab a brownie. I’d gotten up even earlier than usual to bake them before anyone else woke up.
I took malicious, petty pleasure in knowing that the entire sorority house woke up to the delicious scent of chocolatethroughout the building, only to discover there were no baked goods to be found.
Because they sure as hell didn’t deserve my kick-ass brownies, finished with a sprinkling of edible glitter because, why not?
My sparkle might be dulled at the moment, but my volleyball girls definitely deserved it.
I lingered for a moment, watching them giggle and file out. As I returned their waves and smiles, I felt a bit better about myself. Seeing those girls today had helped me to realize that not everything completely sucked.
Not the entire fucking world was evil. Grabbing my duffel, I took a deep breath and walked back into the chaos waiting outside the gym doors.
***
With finals over and done with, May was winding to a close, and it finally felt like I could breathe again for more than one reason. Aside from the obvious relief of getting through exams, the house was gradually emptying out.
Girls were packing up, heading home, or jetting off for summer internships. The fewer people left around, the less I had to worry about who I could or couldn’t trust.
Still, I was constantly on edge. The girls involved in all this weren’t done with me, no fucking way. I was the wild card in their neat little operation, and I kept bracing for the moment someone would finally stop pretending and confront me.
I was halfway through reorganizing the explosion finals week had left in my room — folding laundry into neat piles, trashing old note cards, and sorting receipts into labeled envelopes — when a knock rattled the door.
Pausing mid-step, a stack of highlighters in one hand, my head snapped toward the door.
Through the wood, I could already hear the sugary tone of the President’s voice. “Sierra? Hey, girl. Can we come in?”
Julia’s voice followed, lighter but laced with something sharper. “We figured you’d be in. Thought we’d catch you before things get too… hectic.”
I opened the door to find them both already halfway through their signature step-in-uninvited maneuver. Courtney wore her usual pleasant smile, while Julia’s was thinner — tight-lipped and assessing.
The door clicked shut behind them, soft but final. I slowly straightened, suddenly hyperaware of every open file on my laptop and every note still taped to the wall behind my desk.
Their heels clicked against the hardwood as they moved farther in, still smiling. But the air felt different now, heavy and oppressive. It was as if someone had drawn an invisible line across the room, and we were all waiting to see who would cross it first.
I’d always liked Courtney, our president, and always thought she was a person of impeccable character.
She’d been one of the reasons I had chosen Zeta Gamma Gamma. At the time, she had seemed fair, generous, and kind.Today, though, I knew better.
Julia, the VP, was of a different caliber. I was acutely aware she had a rather unpleasant side. You never knew where you stood with her.
We’d always danced around each other carefully, knowing it would be unwise to catch the other off guard. I could be as vicious as she was, and she waswellaware of that.
“What can I do for you?” I asked, refusing to give them an opening. I wanted to see them squirm.
“Let’s not beat around the bush.” Julia raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. “We know you had a conversation with Jas.”
I inclined my head. “I’ve had plenty of conversations with Jas. You’re going to have to be more specific than that.”
Courtney sighed. “Come on, Si.”
“Sierra,” I shot back.
“I see how it is,” Courtney said, her lips pursed in disdain.
“Do you? I don’t feel like you see anything but yourselves.”
“Don’t be so dramatic, Sierra.” Julia rolled her eyes and leaned against my closed door.
Silently, I stared them both down, pleased when I detected at least small signs of unease. Good.
