Hell and back [Dukesaw fic]

Cheer practice?

Heather Dukes POV

After school, and even the next day, I didn't run into JD at all. I still saw him in the hallway, and every time he always gave me ominous side glances, and creepy smiles. He never went up to me at lunch, or tried to talk to me as I was getting in the car. I'm glad he's leaving me alone, but it's still kind of worrying. What Veronica said still sits on the back of my head. Her constant stress of "if he's not doing anything, he's probably up to something" plays on loop in my mind.

On Friday, I get up like usual, and eat breakfast with Veronica in my room. We chat a bit, and pull her in for a gentle hug before I head off to school.

"Be careful, okay?" She reminds me as I'm about to walk out the door.

I turn around to look at her. Her eyes are always so kind, and caring my heart literally melts, and I catch myself staring for a second.

"I know, I know Veronica, I'll be careful," I reassure her as I leave, tossing my bag over my shoulder, "I promise."

I quickly arrive at school, and make my way through the crowded hallway towards my first class.

"Hey, Heather, wait up!" I hear McNamara shout from behind me. I swiftly turn around and stop to face her and she rushes over.

"What is it?"

"I was wonder if you wanted to come to cheer practice with me, and hang out afterwards," She asks enthusiastically, playing with her fingers, "kind of like we used to."

I take a bit of time to reply, and her enthusiasm fades.

She adds on, "I just thought it would be nice to do some of the stuff we used to. Like, before Heather died..."

It would kill Veronica if she knew I stayed at the school after most people had left. Like Veronica keeps talking about, JD is smart, and there's no doubt he's figure out that I was still at the school. And that would definitely not be good.

"Heather, I'd love to but I cant," I answer her, "it's just-"

She cuts me off quickly, "No, no it's fine, I get it, you're busy!"

She starts to walk off, but I dart in front of her, and try to talk to her "listen I do care, it's just I told Veronica I'd come right home after school."

"Well can you call her and tell her that your going to be home late? Or you could invite her to come with. JD won't be there." She adds on.

Dammit, why does this have to be so complicated! I don't want to let her down, and have her hate me anymore than she probably still does. But Veronica would freak, and I can't risk running into JD again, which could easily happen if I stayed here after everyone left.

"I've gotta get to class. I'll talk to you at lunch, alright?" I give her a quick wave, and dash back down the hall.

"Alright." She repeats quietly. I can hardly hear her as I'm walking away.

I don't want to just leave her, but I have to! This is all just so hard, and I can't explain any of it to her either. I'm starting to see why Veronica was so stressed about all of this.

A/n I've been a bit slow with updates, so I'm breaking this chapter up. That way I can at least post some of it, instead of waiting to finish a really long one if that makes sense. Anyways, g'night y'all (or whatever time it is for you)