Sally
As I spun around the field, my pom-poms shaking wildly, I couldn’t help but grin. Cheerleading practice was my happy place. But when Coach Maya approached me afterward, her expression was stern, causing the look on my face to change immediately.
“Sally, why didn’t you want to come to practice today?” She asked, her voice firm but concerned. “Are you losing interest?”
I could only shake my head. Then, I glanced over at Yvonne, who was watching us with a sly smile, her friends flanking her like loyal minions. My eyes narrowed, and I felt a surge of annoyance.
Coach Maya followed my gaze, her expression softening slightly. “Fine, Sally. But I hope this won’t happen again. You’re one of our best flyers.” She paused, studying me. “Is everything okay?”
I forced a smile, not wanting to get into it with Coach Maya, then typed on my phone and showed her, “Yeah, everything’s fine.”
But it wasn’t fine. And as I watched Yvonne sashay away, I knew this wasn’t the end of it.
A few moments later, Coach Maya blew her whistle, signaling a break, and I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement. “Alright, girls! Take a seat and wait for the treats. We’ve got croissants and canned drinks coming your way!”
The team erupted into cheers and chatter, thrilled at the prospect of snacks. I glanced over at Yvonne, but she was busy chatting with her friends, oblivious to my gaze.
As I settled in, my attention drifted to Colby, who was playing ball on the sidelines.
I couldn’t help but smile as I watched him, his sweat-drenched hair messy and endearing. The way he kicked the ball with ease, his muscles flexing beneath his skin… My eyes lingered on him, my mind slowing down the scene like a slow-motion replay.
I just couldn’t tear my eyes away from Colby. He was so handsome, so damn hot. I was staring so intensely that the girl sharing the drinks tapped me and asked, “What are you thinking about?”
I forced a nervous smile, feeling my cheeks flush, and took the drink from her. I didn’t even realize that she had gotten to my side.
Soon, the hot croissants were passed around, and everyone was munching away. As I ate mine, I glanced over at Yvonne, who was eating with an air of superiority. I sighed deeply, hoping she wouldn’t force herself to puke like she did last time. Oh, yes! I’m still damn worried about her; it’s getting on my nerves.
But soon, my attention quickly returned to Colby. He was now standing, opening a bottle of water. As he drank, his Adam’s apple bobbed so sexily, the water gliding down his throat. I felt my heart skip a beat. He was so hot! I didn’t want to eat the croissant anymore; I wanted to eat him!
As I continued to watch Colby like a little baby, I was amused by the beauty of the mother, not until I jolted out from my reverie when I heard Yvonne whisper to her friend, “I’ll be right back; I need to see the restroom.”
I tracked Yvonne’s movement as she walked past me, a sense of unease growing in my stomach. I knew she might try to force herself to puke again, and I couldn’t let that happen.
I quickly stood up and started following her from behind, my eyes fixed on her retreating back. We reached the middle of the field, where the boys were playing, and she suddenly stopped and turned to face me. Her arms were crossed, and her brow was furrowed in a scowl.
“Why the hell are you following me?” she snapped, her voice low and menacing.
I quickly typed out a message on my phone and showed it to Yvonne: “I know you want to vomit what you ate. Can you stop harming yourself already?”
Yvonne’s eyes widened in shock, and she glanced around nervously, ensuring no one had seen the message. Then, she slapped the phone out of my hand, and it fell to the ground. “Are you crazy?” she yelled.
I picked up my phone, my anger rising, then signed to her face, not caring if she understood shit. “I want to help you, Yvonne. You shouldn’t be doing this to yourself.”
Yvonne’s expression twisted, and she let out a loud, intentional scream. She fell to the ground, grabbing onto me as if I’d pushed her. Her eyes blazed with anger as she glared up at me. “Why did you push me? What do you want from me? I didn’t even do anything to you!”
I was taken aback, shocked by Yvonne’s sudden accusation. I shook my head vehemently, trying to convey to the gathering crowd that I hadn’t pushed her.
Colby rushed over, helping Yvonne to her feet. “What happened?” he asked, his eyes scanning the scene.
Yvonne pointed an accusing finger at me. “She pushed me!” she replied, her loud, shaky voice filled with spite.
Look at what my concern got me into. Maybe I should really mind my business.
Colby’s frown deepened as he turned to me.
“Is that true?” he asked as he took a step closer.
I signed vigorously, desperate to convey the truth. “No! It’s a lie! She made it up! I didn’t even touch her, I swear.”
Yvonne’s face flushed red with rage. “How dare you! Why would I make up a lie like that?” She shoved me hard, causing my knee to graze the ground painfully.
A concerned figure rushed over to me. “Are you okay?” they asked, worry in their tone.
I looked up, shielding my hand over my face to block the sunlight. As my eyes adjusted, I saw that it was Harry, a friend of Colby’s from the football team. Before I could process what was happening, Harry extended his arm toward me.
Hesitantly, I took it, and he pulled me up with such force that I found myself colliding into his chest. Instinctively, I gasped and wrapped my arms around him for support.
My gaze shifted to Colby, who was glaring at us as if we were his mortal enemies.
“Let’s go, Yvonne,” he snarled, turning away and grabbing his sister’s hand to lead her away.