Bradford.

31. Stocks.

Chapter 31. Stocks.

"Ugh." I groan as I stretch in my bed. Blinking twice, I yawn before I get out of bed.

My back hurts.

Since I was out 'partying' for the most part of last night. I spent the early hours of this morning writing my paper. I slept at 4am.

What time is it?

I lazily stretch my arms as I grab my alarm clock from my night stand. I almost have a heart attack as I stare at the clock in my hand.

It's 10:50am.

I've missed two classes already.

Slipping into my bunny slippers, I grab my laptop and backpack before I rush out of my door. I feel like I'm forgetting something, but whatever I forgot can wait.

I arrive at my third class five minutes later. It's psychology with my favorite professor, Mrs. Kaori.

"Miss Stone!!!" Mrs. Kaori shrieks, totally frightened.

"What?" I ask her as I stare at her.

The rest of the class just stares at me.

"I'm afraid you won't be attending my class dressed in that." She says, staring at my outfit.

Looking down at what I'm wearing, I realize that I am still in my pajamas. And I'm probably sure my hair is a mess. I forgot to shower and change.

What is wrong with me?

And thanks to Bradford's stupid dress code, I'm going to have to change.

Ugh, I hate it here.

I hand her my assignment and she nods. I tell her I'll be back in ten minutes. Turning around, I head for the door.

"Can't I just sit at the back. You won't even notice me." I plead with her.

She stares at me and her cold demeanor falters. She nods and gestures for me to sit at the back.

This is why I love this woman.

***

"Look who decided to show up." Rebecca says as I walk into the dance studio.

"I know, I know. I'm not wanted here. I just came to turn this in." I say, holding up the clip that said 'Captain'. "I'm quitting cheer." I tell them.

"If you do that we won't be able to go to regionals. We need a captain." One of the girls tells me.

"I know that, but I can't do this. My mental health is at its wits' end. I'm failing at everything. I can't drag you guys down with me. Rebecca will be your new captain." I tell them as I hand Rebecca the clip.

"I can't take this, I'm sorry." Rebecca says, putting it back in my hands. "We want you, Valarie. You just need to be more present. Regionals is three weeks away. We can catch you up on the dance routine. You got this."

I don't know about that, but okay.

"I'll try...for you guys." I tell them and they cheer.

"Okay, ladies. Sorry I'm late, this took a while." Estoban says, pointing to his sparkly outfit.

He plugs his phone into the speakers and "Like a G6." by Far East Movement plays through the speakers.

"We'll start from where we left off. Valarie, you're up front so try to catch up." He tells me and I nod.

The girls are in formation and I'm at the front with Rebecca and Tessa.

"And a five, six, seven, eight." Estoban says as he starts moving. I try to copy his steps, but I trip over.