Chapter 6

I was genuinely excited for gym class because it’s one of the only things I'm good at. This week has kicked my ass in every possible way. Physical activity was the best way to blow off some steam. We arrived at the lockers room changing to the school's gym uniform sweatpants and loose t-shirt .

"This afternoon I'm trying out for the cheerleading squad. Jaye you have to come and cheer for me" Camila squealed dancing around from excitement.

"Do I have a choice?" I said half jokily. I already planned to spend my afternoon at home relaxing and far away from school. But I know that Jayelina would go support her friend instead of binge watching ‘The Walking Dead’.

"Do we get to run? I can't wait to run track aga- I mean running sounds fun" Almost gave myself away from my excitement to finally do physical activity.

"Yeah we do some running but you never participate because of your heart condition" We walked outside the locker room, entering a huge gymnasium equipped with a basketball hoop, volleyball net, and tennis court. My guess was that the track field was located outside.

"Ever since the surgery, you've seemed... different" It's weird that she said that.

"Why are you saying that?" I'm naturally a bad liar so I tried focusing tying my shoelaces to purposely hide my face from Camila.

"Well for one, you hate running actually anything that involves sweating" I shrugged at her because I really didn't have an answer. I don't know anything about Jayelina's life or interest.

"Like instead of a new heart, the doctors put in a different person" I froze in that kneeled position. Was my secret found out already?

"You know I can't remember some stuff. That’s right, I'm a different person Cam” I blurted out.

“I underwent a heart transplant and rigorous medical exam in a short time. I may seem not the same now but give me some time to adjust" I concluded adding a soft smile.

"You're right. I'm sorry Jaye. Let's go join the class" We ran side by side until reaching Dee who was dribbling a ball by herself.

"Class, pair up with your neighbor for warm up" The teacher announced. I noticed the petrified stare Dee was getting from the other girls. They were scared of her because she's different, people never failed to disappoint me.

"I'll find someone. You guys can be a team" I told Camila and Dee. Walking to the only girl without a pair.

"Hi, wanna be partners?" Rebecca removed one earphone rolling her eyes at me.

"I said WANT TO BE PARTNE- "

"I heard you the first time. Fine." She grabbed the ball, drilled once, and with full force passed it to me. I caught it just seconds before it landed on my face glad that I still had my reflexes. I don't understand why she's so mean to me. I don't think she and Jaye ever interacted in the past for her to act so hostile toward Jaye.

"Nice throw. You know, I sit next to you, my name's Jaye" I bounced the ball on one hand trying to break the ice.

"I don't care. Don't talk to me" That's it. I tried being nice and polite to her and in return all she did was be rude in return.

I passed the ball to her aggressively using all the strength. I could tell she wasn't prepared by her surprise face.

"Fine. But you don't scare me. Let's just finish this stupid exercise in quiet." The ice queen composed her posture, straightened back and squared shoulders taking five steps back. Without a warning m, she swerved the ball back to me. I was quick to bounce it back hard. The ball flew midair between us not landing once on the ground. My movements were precise while hers were aggressive. We grabbed the class attention by the time the teacher blew the whistle for us to stop. Adrenaline poured through my veins and this time, I hit the ball back hard using my forearms, sending the ball far left. Rebecca leaped forward, missing her footing and slipping forward. Everything happened so fast, the loud grunt from Rebecca falling to the crowd rushing to her aid.

"I'm fine! Don't touch me. I could get up by myself." I rushed over worrying, fearing she got badly injured.

"I'll go to nurse office"

Although she was in pain, she stood up and made her out of the gym by herself. I was concerned about her, guilt washing over seeing how her 'friends' only stood back letting her go to the nurse alone.

At the sound of the teacher's whistle, I walked joining Camila seating on the ground. Her face was pale and eyes widened from the scene.

"Jaye! What the hell happened? Did you just begin a war with the most powerful chick in school!" She was practically screaming.

"Shhh lower your goddamn voice. It was an accident, she slipped and fell. "

Dee gave me a reassuring pad on my shoulder. "I saw everything, she came at you first. Good job standing up for yourself."

"Don't say I didn't warn you," Camila said, her voice shaking.

Rebecca may be powerful, popular and rich. Yet I don’t fear her because I could see the brick wall she built. Rebecca might make people like Camila tremble, but I will not bow like the rest.

I was dreading the next period being beside her with all this tension. After gym, I dragged my feet to the last class for the day. I peeked inside and saw Rebecca sitting down talking to someone. Her right ankle was red and swollen wrapped in bandage. Sigh, the exit door is only a few steps, I could easily slip out and go home. Mommy’s face appeared in my mind of her waking up extra early to drive me to school and all the hard work Jayelina went through in order to get into this school that I felt remote guilt from skipping school.

You can do it Alexa, just one more day.

Taking a deep breath in, I walked in and per usual everyone turned around except for Rebecca and Rye - their eyes buried inside a book. Rye was sitting on my seat again. Rebecca must’ve said something funny causing Rye to smile down at his book, dimples adoring his cheeks. God damn, the dimples made him look even more charming. Huh, I thought he wasn't capable of showing an emotion other than frowning. He must really like Rebecca because I've never seen him close with anyone else and nonetheless smiling with others.

"Ah. I get it now. Thanks." This time I didn't have to announce myself, he got up before I reached the seat.

After class I met up with Dee and Camila at the gym for the cheerleading tryouts. The judges panel consisted of the P.E. teacher, some lady and Rebecca. She walked normally to the table of judges as if nothing happened to her ankle.

"Hello Ladies and Welcome to the Cheerleading squad. This afternoon, we are holding tryouts for the semester. I’m Ms. Williams, ladies volleyball coach and to my left we have Mrs. Lopez, girls gym teacher, and cheerleading captain, Rebecca Harrison. Let's get started"

"You may begin Camila," Mrs. Lopez announced.

"Uh If it's okay, can I use an assistant?" Camila nervously asked.

"I don't see why not" Ms. Williams and Mrs.Lopez agreed.

Dee joined Camila on the floor. Camila clapped and stumped to the beat of the school cheer while Dee clapped in a squat position. Then, Camila got on Dee's hands raising her up in the air like she weighed on her palms while she stood up. Then suddenly, Camila lost her balance in her right foot slipping. Luckily Dee was able to catch her by the waist before she hit the ground. We all gasped together, Camila recovered quickly, doing a back flipped and ending in a split position. At this the crowd went crazy clapping and wooing including me amaze at their choreography.

"Now, settle down girls. Let the judges make their decision" The gym quiet down, the suspense filled the air while the judges whispered amongst themselves. I gave Camila a thumbs up to which she smiled and Dee stuck out her tongue.

"Ok. The judges have arrived at a decision. Camila, you got great moves, agility and flexibility. However, you have a lot to work on, and I believe being part of the team would benefit you greatly. Furthermore, we would like to welcome both of you to the Hoffintown Cheer Squad" at this, The room was filled with claps and cheer from everyone except Rebecca who remained with a straight face. Camila began jumping uncontrollably embracing Dee in a hug while Dee was standing still unresponsive.

"What do you mean both of us?" Dee responded first.

"We think you would be a great fit in the team. Your quick response on that fall was impressive. In addition, you're in great shape: strength and physique." The judges except for Rebecca -praised Dee on her performance and I couldn't agree more with them.

"Thank you for considering me. But I'm not interested" Just when Dee started walking away, Rebecca spoke for the first time since tryout started.

"Wait. Just because cheerleading is considered "girly", it's a competitive sport that requires an extensive amount of practice and discipline just like any other sports. Are you in any sport team?"

"No." Dee snorted.

"Hoffintown High is well known for its rigorous training and competitive courses. It would look great in your University resume to have in it the Hoffintown Cheerleading team. Having said that, I highly suggest that you reconsider." Rebecca took her seat wearing a smug expression.

"OK. I'll do it" Dee said hands flying in the air mocking some cheer moves.

"But if y'all put me in a skirt or some tu-tu ballerina shit, I will quit" I could tell Rebecca was amused by Dee's action because she smiled back.

"Very well. Welcome to the team. Uh, I didn't catch your name..." trailing on her words Rebecca said.

"D-E-E. But you can call me Denise" and with that exiting the gymnasium leaving some of the girls enchanted.

Camila rolled her eyes, joining me on the bleacher. The next contestants went on - Carlotta and Sasha made it to the team. We left shortly after their performance, Camila couldn't stop happily chanting the school anthem in my ear. It was a little past 4:30pm, the latest I've stayed out after school and decided to head home.

"No. You can't leave. We must celebrate! Pleaseeee Jaye" She whined and begged and eventually I gave in.

"Fine. What do you want to do?" I didn't know what they did for fun because I'm sure our definition of fun was totally different.

"yay!" Camila exclaimed while dragging me away from the school building.