Questions

Chapter I

Who Is My Partner?

I'm not ready. I'm not ready at all. I hate school, why did summer have to end so soon? I wish I could just stay at home and do absolutely nothing. But it's not like I have a choice. Here I am, getting ready for the most awkward day ever. Maybe I'm being a little dramatic. My school life isn't that bad, well it wasn't before. I'm co-captain of the cheerleaders, I have good friends, and a boyfriend. But this year, my mom decided that I wasn't allowed to be on the team anymore. And it's my senior year, the year that I'm supposed to have fun. How am I supposed to tell my friends that I quit the team? Maybe they already know since I haven't attended any of the summer practices. But actually, saying it aloud, it just sucks. I'm just going to drive to school and get it over with. It's not the end of the world.

The drive to school is always relaxing. But I feel too nervous, my life has changed a lot in these past months. I've kind of ignored everyone, not completely because I don't want to be rude. But I'm usually more sociable. I guess I don't want to burden my friends with my problems. I also don't really like it when people pity me, and that's exactly what they'll do. It's better if I keep it to myself. I do have to admit the idea of not cheerleading bums me out. It might seem silly, but I just love it so much. It comforts me for some reason. I love the pep rallies, the football games, the competitions. I've been doing it for years, so I'll miss it a lot.

Thinking of this, I park at school. Worry is heavy on my shoulders as I get out of the car. Maybe if I head to first period quickly, I can avoid talking to people, at least for a little while. The hallways are filled with happy greetings, and loud giggling. Every year I usually meet up with my best friend, Leila, in front of the cafeteria to take pictures. I know that I should've sent her a text telling her that I was going straight to first period. But I really didn't want to face her. She's going to be so disappointed that I'm not going to be co-captain with her this year. I don't want to see the look on her face when she finds out. I had to beg our coach to not tell her.

First period was math, boring. But I'll manage, I looked around the classroom, and I didn't see anyone I was particularly close with, that's a good thing. I don't have to talk to anyone. The teacher was some old lady, she seemed nice. But she was rambling about how math is the most important thing ever. I could care less but if that makes her happy, who am I to judge? I just stared at the clock, waiting for the bell to ring.

And when it did, I rushed through the hallways. I saw some familiar faces but acted as if I didn't see them. Suddenly, I felt someone pull on my bookbag, I turned around, and there she was. Leila was looking at me with the light behind her eyes she always had. She had blonde curly hair, and soft skin. She always somehow glowed. "Where were you? I didn't see you at the cafeteria," She asked, smiling widely. "Oh, I rushed to first period, sorry," I frowned, I felt so guilty. "It's okay, text me next time," she shrieked out of nowhere. "I can't believe that we're co-captains, we've been dreaming of this forever," her excitement brightens her face. How am I supposed to tell her? "Leila, I have to tell you something," I started but then I felt an arm around me. I didn't even have to look; I knew exactly who it was. It was my boyfriend, Johnny. His shiny blue eyes looked right at me.

"Are you ready for the Senior project?" Johnny asked. Johnny and I have been dating since sophomore year. We were the typical highschool sweethearts, he was a football player, and I was a cheerleader, very cliché. "Oh, not at all, I'm scared of who my partner is" I sighed. "What if I have to work with some jerk?" Johnny laughs, "I feel bad for the loser that has to work with Art," even though he was laughing, I could still feel the heat behind his words. Art was this guy in our school that Johnny despised for some reason. I have never met him, but he couldn't be that nice of a person if someone like Johnny hates him so much. He doesn't exactly have the best reputation.