LEILA {ongoing}

18

+++ TW: Panic Attack +++

Wednesday afternoon, Dani drops me at home after school with the promise that I have to help her with the Winter dance coming up after Thanksgiving.

Apparently it's a big thing.

The last time I went to a school dance, I was 14 and we mostly danced to music that had been choreographed. For a performing arts school, the recreational aspect was a bit stilted.

Now clubbing, that sent me giddy.

When I went out with my girls back home, it was so freeing. Just you swaying to the rhythm of the music, no pre-prepared moves, no stopping and starting. Just you and the dance floor.

Yes, you'd have to fend off the odd guy here and there but as we were a threesome, we looked after each other. One of us always being the designated driver and the designated 'get rid of the douche bag' helper. We had a good setup going.

I had told Dani about my new role helping dad and she couldn't be more thrilled.

Pretty sure her excitement wasn't entirely for me though.

"Ho, ho, ho. Those boys aren't going to know what's hit them. Oh my goodness, can I come watch. It's going to be hilarious watching you crack the whip on them!" Her eye's bright and wistful.

"Dani, I'm not some evil witch on the hunt to torture high school footballers..."

We both stare at each other in silence for a beat, then proceed to burst out laughing in unison.

"I'm totally the evil witch."

"You're 100% that evil witch!" She's basically cackling, holding herself, leaning her forehead on the steering wheel.

All day I've been tossing up whether to talk to Dani about Elijah but every time I chicken out. Sometimes ignorance is bliss... even if I'm feigning ignorance.

Once I'm upstairs in my bedroom I change into my matching MDV black and white tracksuit. Throwing my hair up in a high half pony I slip into my Nike runners.

As I walk past my mirror I contemplate whether I should show the slither of my stomach that's revealed between my top and pants. Doing a few jumps, high knees and stretches I accept that this is a safe outfit and my scars won't show.

Mum's home this afternoon so I don't have to worry about layering up to ride my girl. Instead, I hop into mums car and take myself back to school to boss around the boys.

I'm actually looking forward to it.

Parking in the lot closest to the field I hop out noticing dad standing with the team, probably giving them the 'let's train as well as we play' speech.

They're all turned away from me so no one notices when I come up behind them. That is except for Taylor who had been peering left and right, probably not listening to a word dad said.

He takes a quick peek over his shoulder and does a double take me when he see's me 20 meters away. A big smile growing on his face.

It's so infectious that I beam right back at him and step around the group, coming to a halt next to dad.

''Ah, you made it.'' Dad smiles down at me. ''Fella's, Leila will be joining us for the foreseeable future, helping with trainings and some management stuff-''

''I draw the line at washing you're smelly towels though.'' I cut in.

''Yes. She's not your slave boys. I expect you to treat her with respect like you do your team mates. Leila and I've been talking about what you all might need working on so listen up.'' Dad tilts his head, signaling it's my turn to speak.