Miserable

11

Shakira stares at me.

"I can't believe it!" One of her friends says. "You don't even say sorry."

I stand with my jaw wide open, thinking of what to say. Based on observing the people in church, I shouldn't retaliate to her and I shouldn't yell or anything.

Her friends form a line to block my path.

"Well?" She asks, tapping her foot lightly.

"Sorry." I mumble.

"What?" She says stepping closer.

"I'm sorry." I say, making eye contact.

She nods her head in satisfaction. "I wouldn't want to see a little flirt getting beat up by outstanding cheerleaders, now would I?" She turns around and her group follows her.

I dust myself off, and just as I'm about to head to the locker room again, she stops and turns.

"Or maybe I would."

Those words escaping her mouth make me freeze.

A girl larger than the rest comes forward. She's tall and well built. Strong yet fit. Long brown hair and sharp blue eyes, with a nasty scowl. If she didn't scowl as much, she'd be a beautiful cheerleader.

She slaps my face as I make the thought. I look up at her and glare at her. She kicks me in the stomach and I fall. I never really thought cheerleaders could actually fight well...

"You're already down, but you're still going down, you-" She's cut off when a whistle blows.

"What's going on here, Shakira?" Coach (we like calling her Coach) asks her warily. Coach doesn't like Shakira, but she puts with her anyway.

I stand up.

"She tried to trip me!" Shakira says putting on the most frightened face she could muster. "So obviously, as my friend, Macy here, came to my rescue."

Coach rolls her eyes. "The truth, Shakira."

"Ugh." She folds her hands. "Joy bumped into me and I won't let her get away with hurting me."

"Really? You call that enough reason to really hurt Joy?" Coach retaliates putting her hands on her hips.

"Oh, Coach, dear. She didn't just hurt me by bumping into me just now. She hurt me emotionally. Taking my boyfriend away from me!" Shakira raises her voice as she shouts the last sentence.

Coach looks at me with a raised eyebrow clearly surprised that I'd do such a thing as take someone's boyfriend away.

"I didn't steal anyone's boyfriend." I say simply yet sternly. I'm annoyed by this. And I'm in pain.

She raises an eyebrow as if I'd challenge her.

"First of all, I don't even have a boyfriend and I don't need one." I say while thinking at the same time about James. Another thought pops up.

My deadline is in 3 weeks.

Coach sighs. "Highschool drama. Get to the locker room, Joy, and Shakira, please just go on to your practice."

Shakira and her group walk out but not before giving me a last nasty look.

"Till next time Flirt!" Shakira calls out.

I scowl as I walk to the locker room.

Jade runs up to me and throws an arm around me.

"You are most definitely NOT a flirt." She says. "Don't mind her."

I smile at my friend's supportive encouragements.

We arrive at the locker room and I change into a tank top, shorts and my running shoes.

"You look smokin' hot" Jade says.

I raise an eyebrow teasingly while looking at her in the mirror.

"And why are you in such a good mood today, Jade?" I ask her.

She gives me a sweet smile. "Something's gonna happen. And I can't wait."

She gives me one last look then- leaves. 

Well... Okay then.

I put my bag and stuff in my locker then head outside. I meet the team on the track and we start practice.

I run ten laps. As I end the tenth lap, my muscles burning and stomach hurting, I hear someone shout my name.

"Joy!"

I so know that voice. I look at him and see him waving and smiling at me. I smile and wave at him too.

After I end the lap, I head towards the bleachers and sit beside James.

"Why are you here?" I ask him.

"I came here to see you. Duh." He says shoving his shoulder against mine playfully.

I laugh. "Wow."

"You know, Shakira came by and said I stole her boyfriend." I say slowly.

"Who? You haven't even said yes to me and no one else has asked you. Is there anyone else?" He asks slowly becoming curious and maybe a bit jealous.

I shake my head.

"I don't know what's wrong with her."

He puts an arm around me and I relax.

"Why don't we get some ice cream?" He suggests.

I agree and after another few rounds and practices, we head out to Cold Stone.

James pays for my ice cream and I smile at the thought.

We sit down at the counter and talk about random things.

I don't want to admit it, but I am starting to like him.

The door opens with a slam and I turn around, as do most people.

That sly smile scares me. He tips his hat in my direction, buys his ice cream, and sits down right beside me.

Everyone is quiet and still. I sit stiffly and feel James doing the same.

"Few days left, darling." He says softly. His softness is harsh and cold.

I nod my head in understanding.

"Have you made up your mind?" He asks lifting an eyebrow.

I shake my head and he growls.

"You'd better meet me. Or else." He threatens.

"Uh- what if I already have a boyfriend?" I ask slowly and softly.

He stares at me menacingly. Then I see something different. A different emotion in his eyes. One that reflects mine except mine is for someone else.

"Cheater." Is all he says.

He stands and marches out, slamming the door.

I take in a deep breath and James faces me.

"Who is he?" He asks curiously.

"A threat and a weirdo." I say fast and simply, shrugging my shoulders as if it was no big deal.

He looks into my eyes but thankfully sees that he shouldn't question me further.

We finish our ice cream then head outside.

"James? I think I don't need a month." I say slowly.

James looks at me in surprise.

"I'll uh- stop by your house tomorrow." He says with a smile.

I smile back. I just hope mom is okay with that.

As we round the corner, a shot rings through the air and my head spins.

I feel liquid pooling around me and people shouting.

I start to panic. Am I dying?

I don't know what to do. God, if You're real, please- help me...