Sally
A sudden noise made me turn my head, but there was no one around. Even Harry was looking around, perplexed. “Did you hear that?” he asked, and I nodded in response.
I typed on my phone and showed him the message: “Maybe we should leave.”
He nodded, standing up hastily. Before I could get up myself, he had already extended his arm towards me. He was quite the gentleman, offering enough reasons to go on a date with him regardless of the outcome of Saturday’s game.
I smiled as I took his hand, and he pulled me up. Together, we left, his hand still holding mine. He showed no signs of letting go until we reached the field, where he hesitantly released my hand.
“Bye,” he waved.
I smiled and waved back before returning to the girls who were warming up for the second round of practice. As soon as I arrived, one of Yvonne’s friends approached me, a wicked glint in her eyes and her arms crossed over her chest.
I wondered what she wanted, but if she thought she could bully me, she had better think twice.
“Have you seen Yvonne?” she asked, her voice laced with concern. “She hasn’t come back yet.”
My eyes widened as my mind raced with intrusive thoughts. What if she had tried to force herself to vomit and became too weak? What if she had hurt herself in the process and fainted in the bathroom?
I turned around quickly, preparing to leave, but then I saw Yvonne approaching us, her movements delicate and almost elegant as she dabbed her mouth with a small napkin. Relief washed over me-at least she was okay. But it was apparent that she had indeed left to purge.
Oh, Yvonne…
She walked up to me, scoffed mockingly, and purposely bumped into my shoulder as she passed. Then, she joined her friends, calling out to them in a loud voice, “Hey girls!”
“Where were you?” one of them asked.
“I told you guys I was going to the restroom,” Yvonne replied.
“And once again, you ended up sleeping in the restroom, right?” another joked, but Yvonne just laughed it off.
“By the way, are you alright?” the first girl inquired, her tone shifting.
I turned quickly, curious about their concern, only to find them glaring at me as if they were eager to pounce and tear me to pieces. I gulped hard, fear rising in my chest, and took a step back, terrified by their hostile gazes.
“What do you mean?” Yvonne asked, picking up her pom-poms from the floor.
“That witch tried to knock you down. Are you alright?” her friend clarified, prompting Yvonne to turn and face me. I held her gaze, not batting an eyelash.
“Well, I guess I’m fine,” Yvonne replied, turning back to her friend. “You don’t need to worry about me.”
“No talking, girls! Let’s get back to practice!” Coach Maya yelled, clapping her hands. We resumed our cheer routine, dancing, moving around, lifting the girls, and waving our pom-poms.
As we practiced, I couldn’t help but notice something strange about Colby. He had been glaring at me relentlessly, sending chills down my spine. What was his problem? Did he really hate me that much? Maybe I should try explaining to him that I didn’t push Yvonne.
His gaze never wavered, not even for a second. When practice ended, everyone began heading home in groups of one, two, or even three.
“Hi,” a soft voice said from behind me. I stopped and turned to see one of the quietest cheerleaders smiling at me.
I smiled back and waved. She held up a piece of paper in her hand, and I stared at it, wondering what it could be.
“Are you Colby’s sister?” she asked, quickly adding, “Step-sister?”
I nodded, and her smile grew even wider. “Please, can you help me give this to him? It’s a love letter.”
My eyes widened slightly, but I quickly regained my composure and gave her a nod, smiling as I took the letter from her.
“Oh my goodness, thank you!” she exclaimed, her voice full of excitement. “Please don’t forget to give it to him.”
I gave her a reassuring thumbs-up, and she smiled, nodding her head. “Thank you so much!”
“I was going to give it to Yvonne first, but I know how she would’ve reacted,” she continued. “She might’ve torn up the letter, saying I’m not good enough for her brother. But you’re different. I can’t thank you enough.”
I simply shook my head, and she chuckled, waved, and ran off. I waved back, watching her disappear into the distance.
As I walked past the field, I noticed that the boys were still practicing. I knew they would likely be there until evening, so I figured it would be a good idea to give Colby the letter now.
I approached him, feeling his intense glare on me the entire time. His almost-evil eyes made me nervous, but I pushed through my apprehension.
“What do you want?” he asked as soon as I reached his side.
I signed immediately. “Look, about Yvonne, I really didn’t push her,” but then I paused and let out a deep sigh before continuing. “You know what, fine. I’m sorry. I apologize for pushing her. I shouldn’t have.”
“What are you doing here, Sally?” he asked, ignoring my apology. I stretched my hand towards him, and he looked at my palm and then at my face.
“What’s this?” he asked, slowly and reluctantly taking the note from my hand.
“A love letter,” I signed.
He scoffed and pocketed the letter before grabbing my hand. I moaned, trying to pull away, but as usual, he was too strong.
“Just shut up and come with me,” he growled.
I watched helplessly as he pulled me away, walking at a rapid pace like a madman. He didn’t even seem to notice or care how hard I was struggling to keep up with him. I had no idea where he was taking me.
To my surprise, Colby led us to the boys’ changing room, locking the door behind us.
“What the hell is this?” I signed, my face contorting with anger.
He moved closer to me, and I instinctively took a step back, swallowing hard as I wondered what he was planning. But before I could react, he wrapped an arm around my middle and pulled me against his body. My chest collided with his, and I gasped at the sudden contact.
“These fucking lips belong to me, baby, and you know it,” he growled, his thumb tracing my lips and making them part in response to his electrifying touch.