Secretly Lying | UNDER EDITING |

𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 41 : 𝘺𝘢𝘺𝘺𝘺...

"What are we gonna do for the New Year's party?" Sophie asks, her voice practically vibrating with excitement as she sprawls across my bed.

"What New Year party?" I ask, frowning as I grab my water bottle off the desk.
Sophie blinks at me like I just admitted I didn't know what day it was. Before she can answer, Christine walks in, holding up a bright, glitter-covered flyer with a knowing smirk.

"You don't know?" Sophie says incredulously.

Christine waves the flyer in front of my face. "Every year there's a party for New Year's Eve. It's practically a tradition."
I grab the flyer, scanning over the colorful text. "No way, that's so cool! So, it's tonight?"

Sophie gives me a dramatic look, hands on her hips. "Well, duh. It's December 31st. Remember?"

I laugh at her sass. "And everyone from school is invited?"

Christine flops onto the couch, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "Yep, including Lola and her little KFC club." She rolls her eyes so hard, I half expect them to get stuck.

"Yay... just what we needed," I mutter sarcastically, earning a laugh from both of them.
Christine sits up and claps her hands. "But that doesn't stop us from having the best time tonight."

"And the best outfits," Sophie adds with a twirl, showing off her glittery nail polish.
"Now, that's the energy I like to see," Christine says, grinning wide.

The room bursts into laughter as we start throwing around ideas for our looks.
"What time is it? My phone's dead." I look between the two of them.

Sophie glances at the clock on the wall. "Uh... 2:42 PM."

I jump up from my chair, grabbing my sports bag and slippers. "Okay, gotta go. I have individual practice, and then team practice right after. Love you guys!"

"Love you too, girl! Be safe!" they shout in unison as I rush out the door.

Five minutes later, I'm in the locker room, tying my shoes and grabbing my favorite basketball. The polished wood floors of the gym gleam under the bright lights as I step inside, the familiar scent of sweat and rubber filling the air.

But then I notice something odd—Lola is standing by the coach, talking animatedly. From the look on his face, he's not happy. His brows are furrowed, and he's crossing his arms tightly over his chest.

I pause near the entrance, awkwardly clutching my ball. I try not to stare, but curiosity gets the best of me. Their conversation looks intense, and I can't help but wonder what's going on.

After a few minutes, Coach notices me and waves me over. Lola turns on her heel and starts heading my way.

As she passes, she gives me a devilish grin, her glossy lips curling upward in a way that sends a shiver down my spine. "Enjoy your little spotlight while it lasts," she mutters under her breath, just loud enough for me to hear.

I whirl around, ready to ask her what her problem is, but Coach's voice cuts through the moment.

"Lillie! Right on time. Come here."

I let out a quiet sigh and walk over. "What was she doing here?" I ask, unable to hide my curiosity.
Coach pinches the bridge of his nose, clearly annoyed. "Oh, you know, she came here again to try and convince me the team needs her back."