The End of Seventeen

Chapter Five

Monday morning came bright and sunny, filling Lizzy's room with warm golden light. She stretched and yawned, feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. She couldn't help but think about the previous days' events, the laughter and connection she shared with Parker. It put a spring in her step and a smile on her face as she got ready for school.

Downstairs, the house buzzed with activity as everyone prepared for their day. Jamie, still nursing a slight grudge from the previous day, barely acknowledged Lizzy's presence as they ate breakfast. Lizzy tried to engage her, asking about her plans for the day, but Jamie only gave monosyllabic responses.

Sighing inwardly, Lizzy couldn't dwell on Jamie's attitude for too long. She had other things on her mind — the possibility of seeing Parker again at school. The thought filled her with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

As Lizzy grabbed her backpack and headed out the door, she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror. She paused for a moment, taking in her appearance. She wondered if Parker would notice her today if he felt the same spark she did. She quickly shook off her thoughts and reminded herself not to get too caught up in her own fantasies.

Arriving at school, Lizzy scanned the bustling crowd, hoping to catch a glimpse of Parker's familiar face. Her heart skipped a beat when she spotted him walking down the hallway, talking and laughing with a group of friends. He seemed completely oblivious to her presence, lost in his own world.

Lizzy took a deep breath and gathered her courage. She had to take a leap and seek out the connection they had forged. As she approached Parker, her heart thumped loudly in her chest.

"Parker!" Lizzy called out, her voice filled with the nervous energy she felt.

Parker turned towards her, a surprised expression on his face. "Hey Lizzy, what's up?"

Lizzy took a moment to compose herself before speaking. "I had so much fun with you yesterday at the park. I was wondering if we could hang out again sometime?"

Parker's face lit up with a smile as he replied, "I had a great time too. I'd love to hang out again. How about this weekend? We could go to a concert or something"

Lizzy smiled, feeling a rush of excitement. "That sounds amazing! I'm really looking forward to it."

The conversation flowed effortlessly between them as they walked to their respective classes. Lizzy couldn't help but notice the quizzical glances from some of her classmates, but she brushed them off. This newfound connection with Parker was worth any judgment or gossip that might come her way.

Throughout the day, Lizzy's mind was consumed with thoughts of Parker. She couldn't wait for the weekend, imagining all the fun adventures they could have together. The hours seemed to drag on, but eventually, the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day.

As Lizzy made her way to her locker, she noticed a crowd gathering near the entrance of the school. Curiosity piqued, she walked over to see what was going on. Her eyes widened in surprise as she saw Jamie in the center of the commotion, arguing with Mariah, the captain of the cheer team.

Lizzy quickly made her way through the crowd, trying to get closer to the confrontation. She could see the frustration and determination on Jamie's face as she defended herself against Mariah's harsh words.

"What's going on?" Lizzy asked a nearby student.

"Don't you know? Jamie tried out for the cheer team and Mariah rejected her," the student replied, a hint of sympathy in their voice.

Lizzy's heart sank. She had no idea Jamie had decided to pursue her dream of joining the cheer team. She felt a mix of concern and anger towards Mariah for rejecting her sister.

Deciding to intervene, Lizzy stepped forward and confronted Mariah. "Why are you being so cruel to my sister? She has just as much right as anyone else to try out for the cheer team."

Mariah turned her eyes towards Lizzy, a smug smile playing on her lips. "Well, Lizzy, perhaps if Jamie had more talent and popularity, she would have a chance. But she's just not cut out for it."

Lizzy clenched her fists, fighting back tears of anger and frustration. She refused to let Mariah's words get to her. With a steely gaze, she looked directly at Mariah and declared, "You don't get to decide who is worthy or not. Jamie has more talent and determination than anyone I know. And she will prove you wrong."

With that, Lizzy turned on her heels and grabbed Jamie's hand, leading her away from the crowd. They made their way home in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.

Once they arrived home, Jamie collapsed onto the couch, tears streaming down her face. Lizzy sat down next to her, wrapping her arms around Jamie in a comforting embrace.

"It's okay, Jamie. You don't need Mariah or the cheer team to validate your worth. You are loved and supported, no matter what," Lizzy whispered, her voice filled with compassion.

Jamie sniffled and looked up at Lizzy. "I just wanted to belong, to be part of something bigger. But now I feel like such a failure."

Lizzy wiped away Jamie's tears and met her gaze. "You are not a failure, Jamie. You are incredibly talented and brave for putting yourself out there. Don't let Mariah's opinion define you. You have so much potential, and I will always be here to support you."

Jamie nodded, a glimmer of hope shining through her tear-streaked face. "Thank you, Lizzy. I don't know what I would do without you."

Lizzy smiled, squeezing Jamie's hand. "You'll figure it out, Jamie."

"You're stronger than you think," Lizzy said with a reassuring smile. "Believe in yourself and keep pushing forward. You'll find your place, I promise."

Jamie nodded a determination in her eyes. "You're right. I won't let this setback bring me down. I'll keep trying and prove to myself and Mariah that I belong."

"That's the spirit," Lizzy said, her voice filled with pride. "And remember, you're not alone in this. I'll always be by your side, cheering you on every step of the way."

The sisters shared a moment of understanding and support, knowing that together, they could overcome any obstacle that came their way. No matter what happened, they had each other's backs.

As the evening sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow in the room, Lizzy squeezed Jamie's hand again. "Tomorrow is a new day, Jamie," she said. "And we'll face it together, stronger than ever."

Jamie smiled, a glimmer of newfound strength shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Lizzy. I'm so grateful to have you as my sister."

Lizzy loved moments like these when the two girls could be there for each other. Even though they're not super close and Jamie is obviously the favorite Lizzy just likes being able to be there for her younger sister. And to watch her grow up doing the things she loves.