Again

Chapter 7: Cecilia

*three years ago*

The smell of chlorine from the pool water  still filled her nostrils as she made her way into the locker room. Swimming was fun and all, but she would be glad when they started a new sport in P.E., she thought as she quietly unlocked the lock on her locker and  enjoyed the moment of quiet and privacy before the other girls came in.

"Can you believe our luck? Kyle, Liam, Justin, and Harry in one gym class."

"Justin's off limits, Taylor."

"Calm Down, Slut! You can keep Justin, and Sophia can have Liam...Harry is all I care about. Have you seen his eyes?"

"Of course, and that hair, and those dimples, and that smile."

Selena teased her friend, mocking the way she described Harry's features. Taylor went on as though she didn't notice.

"He is beyond hot. Oh my god him in those swim trunks! He knows exactly what he's doing too. I am so done with him. There needs to be a new word for him..."

"Too bad he's in love with Cecilia."

Her ears perked up at the mention of her name, she let out a tired but silent sigh and quickly gathered her things.

"Yeah, Liam and Kyle say she's all he ever talks about."

"That's not a problem; Harry'll find out what a prude she is soon enough and then he'll ignore her just like all the other boys."

She bit her bottom lip and neatly folded her towel before pulling on her sweats and  T-shirt to wear home. She shook her head slowly, trying not to entertain what she heard.

"That's a little harsh Tay..."

"I don't care. It's the truth. Everyone thinks she's so perfect and she walks around like she's better than everyone else."

"She does not. She's just shy!"

She tied her sneakers and grabbed her bag. She tried to go unnoticed as she walked out of the room.

"You know what Selena? Maybe you should go find her and ask her to sit on your face since you love her so much."

Taylor's blonde hair was pulled up into a neat bun, her best friends Sophia and Selena sat on a bench in front of her, watching as she rolled her eyes. Sophia's laughter echoed through the room, but all eyes were on Cecilia as she passed by. She stopped in her tracks as Selena spoke to her.

"CeCe!"

She squeezed her eyes shut and turned around slowly, forcing as much of a smile as she could.

"Hi Selena, hey Sophia...Hi Taylor."

Selena smiled an embarrassed and sympathetic smile, Sophia smirked. Taylor glared.

"Hey, CeCe!" She spoke in a friendly tone, but her eyes were ice cold as she stared at Cecilia, who just wanted to run away. "Nice outfit."

She met eyes with Sophia and Selena and shifted her bag on her shoulders. She felt the warm blush of embarrassment flood her face before she looked down at the red and white checkered floor. Her voice was barely above a whisper as she spoke.

"Thanks. Well I have to go. I'll see you guys tomorrow."

"Can't wait. Bye."

As she sped away she frowned to herself and wondered why Taylor hated her so much. They had plenty of mutual friends and had been fine before, or so she thought. As she walked past the pool her eyes were still down, her hand was at her mouth where she bit at her cuticles; her nails were long gone.