Heart of the Champions

Chapter 6

Ina's POV
My stupid alarm was going off before I knew it. I rolled myself out of my bed, and made my way to my closet. I picked out a grey and blue duke crew neck and paired it with leggings. Today was a lazy day so I just threw on a pair of nike tennis shoes and kept my glasses on. I walked over to my vanity and started to apply my makeup. My skin was still pretty clear so I just put on moisturizer and a little bit of bb cream. I  put on my mascara, and then looked at my hair. What a mess. I quickly threw it's bouncy curls up into a semi-decent ponytail, removing some extra baby hairs around my face to make it look a little better. I grabbed my book bag and volleyball bag, and I was out the door. I made my way out to my car, and before I knew it, I was in front of Lucas' house.
       "Hey Momma Karen!" I yelled while rolling down my window. She gave me a warm smile.
      "Morning Ina. Lucas will be out in a second. He overslept this morning." She said. I nodded understandingly.
       "So how are you with this whole basketball thing? I know it must be hard on you with Dan Scott and all." I said giving Karen an apologetic look. She's such a strong woman and she had it so hard. She made something of herself while keeping her humanity unlike Dan. She did so good with Lucas too. Another thing Dan screwed up. Nathan was just a mini Dan.
         "It's kind of hard to know that I finally have to come face to face with him after so many years, but I could have it worse. My son comes first and he loves the game." she replied. I smile at her. She's such a good mother. I want to be just like her. Lucas then came out of the house.
          "Good morning sleeping beauty," I said to Lucas as he was getting into the car. He avoided looking at me.
         "Morning," he mumbled.
        "Well alright then," I whispered. This tension is killing me. I don't even know why Lucas is acting so weird towards me. Did he find out about me tutoring Nathan? He couldn't have. Nathan promised not to let him find out. Yet again he is a Scott, but he would just be hurting himself. I'm too scared to ask him, so as soon as I park my car in the school parking lot, I'm out of the car. I grab my bags and basically leave Lucas in the dust without a second glance back at him. We've never fought before. It's killing me too. I don't even know if we're fighting or what we're fighting about if we are. I thought we were okay after yesterday's practice.I go to the locker room. I walk in and Brooke and Peyton are there discussing something about cheerleading.
          "Hey, Ina! Have you ever thought about being a cheerleader?" Brooke asked me.
           "No way," I said as quickly as possible.
           "Well we need you. One of our girls quit and I won't take no for an answer either so do not try and protest with me. Plus it's special request for you to become a member." Brooke said confidently while smiling. "What? By who?" I exclaimed. Brooke smirked at me and said, "Basically the whole basketball team. They said you would look killer in a uniform. So it's done, you're on the team. See you after volleyball practice for cheer practice." Peyton just smiled at me while chuckling. I just looked at Brooke weirdly and nodded slightly. The bell then rang and I went to class.
      Before I knew it class was over. I couldn't really concentrate at all because I kept thinking about Lucas, cheerleading, and Nathan. Oh well. After class it was time for practice. Volleyball practice was light today since we had a game tomorrow. As I was trying to sneak out of the gym before Brooke could see me, I heard her voice from across the gym. "Ina Taylor! Where do you think you're going? Get back here for practice right now!" Brooke yelled. I slowly turned around and saw her staring at me along with the whole basketball team. I bit my lip out of nervousness and slowly but surely made my way over to the cheer team. "Sorry I forgot. Not used to the whole cheerleading thing" I lied. Brooke instantly gave me a smile. "It's okay, we haven't started yet. You're just in time." Great. I thought to myself. I used to be in gymnastics so I was pretty flexible but I was not planning on letting them know that. I plan to be hidden in the back at all times. Brooke started barking orders about where to go, and surely enough, I was in the front in-between Brooke and Peyton. Great. Front and center. The rest of practice went by super fast. It surprisingly wasn't that bad and I caught on pretty quick. Brooke and Peyton came up to me while smiling. "Okay Ina. I have to give it to you... I'm impressed." I chuckled and said, "Thanks Brooke." Peyton shook her head at us while smiling and said, "Oh Ina. Before I forget,  Nathan is having a party at his beach house tomorrow night. I wanted to invite you and Lucas. The whole basketball team is invited." I smiled at her offer. "Okay cool. I guess I'll see you tomorrow then."I replied. They both nodded at me before walking away. I started making my way towards the locker rooms to wait for Lucas. I looked down at myself. Wow did I look absolutely disgusting. I was super sweaty and gross from both practices. I'm pretty sure I smell like roast beef too. "I need a shower." I mumbled to myself. Suddenly, I heard a voice from behind me that made me jump. "That makes both of us. Why don't we take a shower together to save water miss cheerleader?" Nathan smirked and winked at me. I blushed but nonetheless rolled my eyes at his words. "You wish." I replied before walking away to find Lucas. I needed to get out of these. His words replayed in my head and I couldn't help but raise my eyebrows in admiration at how nice his body must look after practice. All sweaty and toned. I pictured us showering together and bit my lip at the thought. Lucas's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. "Ready to go Ina?" Lucas said. I wanted to slap myself in the face. Oh my god Ina. What is wrong with you? Nathan is an asshole and he has a girlfriend who also happens to be one of your friends. What is this kid doing to me?

Nathan's POV

I watched Ina walk away with Lucas. I mentally rolled my eyes. I kept thinking about what she said. I really do wish. Not even just the shower, but I would love to spend some time with her outside of practice or tutoring. I need to find a way for her to trust me. I rolled my eyes as my phone started ringing, bringing me out of my thoughts. Glancing at the caller ID, I completely forgot about Peyton. Reluctantly, I answered the phone. "Hello?" I answered. Peyton's voice was reaming through the phone. "Where the hell have you been the past couple of days? Did you forget about your girlfriend or what?" she yelled. "I'm sorry I've been busy." I explained. I heard her sigh on the other end. Maybe a distraction from Ina is a good idea and exactly what I needed. "Can I come over?" I asked. She sighed again but said, "Sure. I'll see you soon." I smirked knowing what was going to happen. Maybe she can help me forget about the whole Ina situation.