𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬

19

It's official—Teddy Parker is now my nemesis. The plan to distract him at his game was a total disaster; he had the audacity to call me a whore.

I storm into biology, pushing the doors open with more force than necessary, my frustration boiling over. I slump into my seat, feeling a mix of anger and humiliation. Moments later, Damian and Virginia slide in beside me. They're practically glued to each other, whispering and sharing shy smiles.

It's painfully obvious they're getting closer, and I can't help but feel a pang of jealousy mixed with resignation.

Yesterday, after the incident with Teddy in the meeting room, I was visibly frustrated, and the girls could sense it.

On the drive back to campus, I let everything pour out. I recounted the drama with Kimberly and Summer and all the chaos that unfolded over the summer. It brought me even closer to Catalina and Virginia more than anything else.

The relief was palpable, as if a massive burden had been lifted off my shoulders, allowing me to finally breathe easier and feel a sense of peace.

The professor is speaking, but my mind is wandering to other things. I really need to sign up for the dance tryouts, so I discreetly pull out my phone and do it right then and there. I text Dixi to let her know I finally signed up, and she quickly sends me a thumbs up emoji. A wave of guilt hits me, knowing I promised her I'd do it yesterday.

Finally, class ends, and Virginia and I walk out together.

"Damian is so sweet," she says, sighing dreamily, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

"Only for you," I smile cheekily at her, watching as a rosy blush spreads across her cheeks. We make our way to the dining hall, the warm afternoon sun casting long shadows on the path. The anticipation of meeting Dixi and Catalina adds a spring to our steps, and I can already hear the lively chatter and laughter that awaits us.

᯾

Dixi and I stand outside the football stadium, feeling the nervous energy build up as we clutch our dance bags. The sun is warm, and the air is filled with the scent of freshly cut grass. We made it just in time, and the stadium looms large in front of us, its entrance bustling with other hopefuls.

As we wait, Dixi glances around and asks, "Do you think Kimberly and Summer will be here?"

I nod, "Probably. And Lena's probably here too," I add, rolling my eyes. The thought of facing Lena adds a bit of tension, but we're determined to push through and give it our best.

But here we are, standing at the entrance, patiently waiting to get in. We finally make it to the front. A petite girl with straight hair and bright eyes, dressed in a blue and white dance uniform, greets us. "Names?" she asks Dixi and me.

"Alina Lewis, and she's Dixi Moore," I speak up, smiling.

She softly smiles back, handing us our numbers. "Here are your numbers. They're supposed to stick to your back. Go ahead and warm up," she instructs, pointing to the football field filled with girls warming up. The nostalgia hits me hard, and I can't help but feel a bittersweet ache as we prepare to step back into a world that once meant everything to me.

Lena and her new friends, of course, walk in like they own the place to warm up. God, she's so flexible.

A pang of jealousy hits me hard as I watch her effortlessly stretch and move, her short limbs bending with such grace and ease.

Her confidence radiates, making it impossible to look away, and I can't help but feel a twinge of envy at how naturally it all seems to come to her, even with her short legs.

Dixi notices them as she's doing a split.

"Are they serious?" she says, rolling her eyes. "Kimberly and Summer only made the dance team because you were the captain."

It's true—they were nowhere near as good as Dixi and me. It's almost like they've always had it out for us.

"Alright girls, let's dance!"

The captain, with her hair slicked back into a tight bun, strides out confidently onto the football field, flanked by two girls holding clipboards. Her presence commands attention, and there's an air of authority about her.

We all cheer excitedly, our voices echoing across the open field. The excitement is electric, and I can feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins. The energy is contagious, and it feels like we're all on the brink of something incredible. The green grass beneath our feet and the vast sky above make the moment even more exhilarating.

᯾

The captain walks down the line, her eyes scanning each of us critically. My heart pounds in my chest as I stand tall, trying to catch my breath. Dixi gives me a quick, encouraging smile, and I feel a surge of pride. We gave it our all, and now it's time to see if it paid off.

"My first pick is," the captain pauses, looking down at her clipboard. "Alina Lewis."

She smiles, and I return the grin, feeling a rush of pride after all the hard work I put in today. "Please make your way over there," she says to me.

"My second pick is Dixi Moore."

Dixi is practically bouncing with excitement as I glance over at Lena, who's rolling her green eyes. Of course, she's fuming.

The captain continues down the line as I watch Lena's group, who haven't been picked yet. The air is thick with tension.

"And our final pick, Lena Brady."

She smiles sickly. "Ugh, I knew I would make it," Lena says smugly as she joins us.

Kimberly and Summer cast their eyes down, and a pang of sympathy hits me. "Maybe you guys will make the team next year. Goodbye," the captain says as they leave.

The captain, Cleo, makes her way over to us with a confident stride. "Congratulations, team," she says, her voice warm but firm. "I expect great things from each of you. Now, let's get to work."

As Cleo walks away, I can't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. This is the beginning of something big, and I'm ready to give it my all.