Passion is a Game

Chapter 4: Try-Outs

The rest of the morning went as well as it could've only having to introduce myself around 100 times. It was now lunch time and Mia insisted I sit with her and a group of her friends.

"Guys, this is April, she's new and she will be sitting with us. Oh, and also she is trying out for the squad after lunch so she will fit in just fine." She rubbed my arm and indicated for me to sit down. I smiled around at the other girls around the table who all returned the gesture which made me feel less anxious. Only one other girl spoke to me who I later found out was the friend who Mia told me about, the victim of Jackson's game.

"How has your first day been so far?" I turn my attention to the black haired Cassie next to me.

"It's gone really well so far actually. I'm just excited to get to try-outs and show Ruby what I've got!" I beam.

"Oh god, you've already met Ruby then. I'm surprised you're still here, she can be brutal." I start to feel a wave of anxiety overwhelm my body. I already made one enemy at my old school and we all know how that ended, I really don't feel like making another one.

"Yeah she was intense. I just plan on staying out of her way. I've had my fair share of experiences with bitchy girls and I always end up on the losing end." My mind flashes back to the vile posters around school.

"To be honest April, I'm not so sure you'll be in the clear completely. Especially now that Jackson has set his sights on you and from what I can tell by your physique, you're going to impress us with your cheer skills too. She will see you and your pretty face as a threat. Why can't girls lift other beautiful girls up instead of tearing them down?" Mia bows her head in thought whilst I almost spit my chocolate milkshake all over her face.

"Jackson Davis has not 'set his sights' on me Mia! We had like a one minute conversation. How can you tell from that? Plus now I know his deal, he can stay well away" I let out a huge burst of laughter at Mia and her imagination.

"April honey, I've known Jackson for as long as I can remember. I know all his moves and methods of how he wants a girl and how he's going to get her, just ask Cassie. He pulled a 'stage one' as I like to call it on you today. He planted the seed by tamely flirting with you and using his wink and wicked smile. His sarcasm kind of came out but he doesn't want to give you too much too soon. Let me guess you've thought about him a couple of times since you spoke?"

I'd be lying if I said no. Damn him. "Maybe once or twice, why is that important?" she rubs my hand in sympathy.

"Stage 1 is working on you. That's what he wants, just for you to think about him maybe once maybe even twice. Just whatever you do, don't let him know that he's been on your mind. He thinks these little stages work, if you show him they don't work on you, he will want you even more! Gosh this is so exciting! WE, my friend, are going to play Jackson Davis at his own game...." she rubs her hands together, depicting an evil villain which triggers a laugh from the table from me and Cassie.

"Oh I don't know Mia, I don't feel like being on Ruby's bad side and plus Jackson seems like a player and like he hurts people. I'm not in the mood to get my heart broken." It's true, I've already had one man in my life break my heart, that man being my Dad, I don't feel like adding someone else to that list.

"Number one, who gives a flying fuck about Ruby someone needs to show her her place; which is down here-" she gestures to the floor, causing me to stifle a laugh.

"Number two, Jackson is a player but we-" she gestures to me, Cassie and herself "we are playing to win..." .

Cassie chimes in, " it will only be a bit of fun April, don't worry we will make sure you don't get hurt. Plus, me and Mia have known Jackson forever so we know exactly how he operates."