The Insecurities We Have

Chapter Four

Tysm 4 reading
Who will do it?

I was seated by the bleachers watching as Prince played basketball. I tentively looked as he dribbled the ball and passed it to another player. He quickly ran forward and discreetly motioned for the player to pass him the ball. He jumped into the air and simultaneously aimed for the net in order to shoot.

A jump shot?

I rolled my eyes when Prince blew a kiss my way.

Prince was so good at basketball. And everyone knew for sure that next year, when all the seniors were gone, he would become the captain of the basketball team.

I finally decided to take out my sketch book. I visualized the art piece I had done in the art room and started to draw it using my pencil.

I was so absorbed, I didn't notice Prince approach the bottom of the bleachers untill...

"Candice," he announced his presence. "Practice will be done in the next fifteen minutes."

"Okay," I nodded without looking up. From the corner of my eye,  I could see him linger for a moment before he left.

As soon as he left, I could see Atida approach from the corner of my eye. She came and sat next to me. She was followed by a bunch of her cheer friends. I mentally cringed at their presence.

I quickly closed my sketch book and shoved it into my backpack. I then innocently turned to face them.

"Hello, ladies," I greeted.

It was followed by a bunch of heys and how are you.

"Hey, Can," Aty said. "So, me and the girls are making a get well soon gift bag for August."

Of course, August's number one fan club wants to do something special for him.

I looked at her intently, "Okay," I mumbled.

"And we want your help in making the cards, since you take art, right.?" A voice that clearly did not belong to Aty said.

It was Genevieve. Urgh,  I really did dislike her.

She was the one who ran the school blog. And she had tons of followers on TikTok. She was like your basic 'it' girl. She was pretty and rich and smart. Perfect, in other words.

But the main reason why I hated her was because she was obsessed with the School Vandal. Apart from gossip, her blog was filled with theories of who the School Vandal was.

"Um, yeah, I take art," I mumbled. "But I'm not that good. My art's never been put on 'the wall of fame'," I said,  referring to the creative wall.

"Well, either way,  you will have to do. We aren't going to talk to a rando nerd when we've got you," Genevieve said.

I know she didn't mean any harm or to offend anyone,  but...

"Are you calling me a nerd?" I asked.

I could see Genevieve blush a bit as I outed her.

"Of course she isn't!" Avery answered for her. "You're best friends with Prince and Aty. Your brother is the literal quarterback and captain of the football team. If you're associated with those people, you legit can't be uncool!"

I mentally rolled my eyes, "Sure, guys, I was just kidding!" I playfully dismissed.

Even though it may have seemed as though it didn't bother me that much, it did.

Imagine being surrounded by all these cool people,  and then there's you...

I forced a smile and changed the subject. "What is this about August?"