Friends Don't Kiss, Do They?

Chapter 12

As I stepped into the staffroom Mrs O'Hare shares with Tayvon's father, Coach Parker, I knew it will be bad news. I mean, is it really necessary to discuss whether or not if I could be a part of the final game? What could a cheerleader with a broken wrist do?

I stood in front of her desk while she sat in her chair.

"How have you been holding up today, Hailey?" Mrs O'Hare asks.

I nod. "I have been good today."

"That's good to hear. Anyway, let's talk about what's going to happen with you and the final game in two weeks. Now, with your injury, there is no way you're able to do any of the routine. Samantha and I were talking about what would be best for you, and we have decide it's best not to let you particulate in the final game."

My heart sinks in my chest. Of course Samantha had a say in this. She doesn't want me to be a part of the team. She never had. And with my injury, of course it's the perfect opportunity for me to be kicked off the team. As much as I know I could still cheer for Matt on the bleachers, I wanted to cheer for him on the court.

"Mrs O'Hare, please," I beg. "Look, I know the situation of my injury prevents me from participating in the final game, but I'm sure I can do something to support the team. I could do so by doing a routine that doesn't involve doing cartwheels or back flips or something like that."

My coach sits there thinking about it, chewing on her bottom lip, considering my idea. "I will talk it through with Samantha to see what she thinks. Tomorrow during practice I will get the team to go through the routine and see what part of the routine we could change so you can be a part of it, but I can't guarantee anything, Hailey."

I nod, understanding what she was telling me. Anyway, why should I bother to even cheer one more time for the last game before we graduate high school? Samantha will somehow convince Mrs O'Hare that it would be best I'm not part of the team. She never wanted me to be a part of it.

I thank Mrs O'Hare and turn to leave.

"Hailey," she calls to me when I reach the door.

I turn back to my coach. "Yes, Mrs O'Hare?"

"Is everything alright with you?"

I give her a fake smile. "I'm fine, Mrs O'Hare."

"Are you sure there isn't something you don't want to talk to me about? You know you can talk to me, Hailey. Whatever is bothering you will stay in this room."

I stare at my teacher, who can see straight through me that something was bothering me. What do I tell her? Samantha is bullying me and has stolen one guy I truly like from me, which shouldn't' matter anyway because Matt and I are just friends. Even if I did tell her, would she even care? Or believe me?

I shake my head at my teacher and walked out of the office before she could see the tears building up in my eyes.

I sit on a bench outside the front of the school and burst into tears, letting them fall. No one was around, and I was thankful Mom wasn't coming to pick me up today because I didn't want her to see me like this.

When the tears dried up, I continue to sit there. I couldn't find the energy to get the bench and head home. I stayed there until the guys from the basketball team come out of the building after practice, I realised I should be getting home myself. Matt and Tayvon will be coming out here soon, and I didn't want either of them to see me like this, especially Matt.

I grab my bag, swinging it over my shoulder as I stood up. But before I could get away, Matt approaches me.

"Hailey, you're still here."