“We used to do more than just hold hands.”
Ew. Ew.Ew.
I scoffed, a hint of bitterness coloring my voice. “Did you need something or…?”
“Mason’s having a party the night of the homecoming game. You guys are invited.”
Meredith’s eyes lit up. “Mason’s hosting?”
“Yeah.”
“We’ll definitely be there.” She smiled brightly.
“Good. Then, I’ll see you there.” He arched his eyebrow, curling his lips upward. “Clarke.”
Without waiting for a response, Ryan walked away. Just my luck that the biggest party of the year was being hosted by the football team.
“Ugh.” I shuddered. “Could he be any more repulsive?”
“At least he’s hot.” Meredith shrugged. “You guys used to be so cute together. What the hell happened to him?”
His testosterone surged? His ego got too big? His brain decreased by ten sizes?All of the above.
I huffed, blowing a strand of hair away from my face. “You know what happened.”
“Do you think he’s changed? Maybe it was an honest mistake.” Meredith prodded further.
“Look, I’m not going to waste my breath talking about Ryan, so just drop it.”
Lettuce snapped underneath Meredith’s fork as she repeatedly stabbed her salad while mumbling something under her breath.
My temples throbbed as I massaged them in slow circles. Once she stopped pouting, all I could hear was the annoying sound of her chewing.Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.
“Oh my god, knock it off with the lettuce.”
“My lettuce never did anything to you, so how about you redirect your anger somewhere else?”
I balled my hand into a fist, resisting the urge to sock Meredith right in the jaw.
BEEEEP.
The tip of my pencil snapped by accident as I jumped slightly in my seat. The piercing ring of the evening bell marked the end of the first week. Friday couldn’t have arrived soon enough. I hastily tucked away my pathetic excuse for a self-portrait and walked toward the gym alongside Meredith and Kendra.
“Okay, so we have our plan?” Meredith asked.
“Teach everyone a thirty-second routine, have them perform in groups of four, narrow it down to the top twelve, where they get to freestyle a stunt for ten seconds and choose the top eleven cheerleaders.”
“Couldn’t have said it better myself, Miss Cheer captain.”
“Actually, she forgot the most important part,” Meredith corrected, nudging Kendra with her elbow. “Make sure you and I are in the top eleven.”
“Yeah. Got it.”
We rushed into the locker room, quickly changing into casual athletic gear in preparation for tryouts.
I could feel my skin beginning to heat up as beads of sweat formed under my armpits. Digging through my bag, I pulled out a roll of deodorant and applied it generously, trying to combat my perspiration. As I shoved it back inside, my fingers brushed against something hard. Glancing down, I saw my journal sticking out. I flipped it open, eyes landing on the dedication inside:
To my sister—I hope you find the words to heal your soul.
