When I Joined the Dork Side

Chapter Four

*Back to Alice's POV*

Lunch period had gone by fairly smoothly. All Stacey - Belle's girlfriend and loudest speaking person in the universe - could talk about was the Winter Carnival. But I'm not going to lie, I was pretty hyped about the event too. Jeff and the team would be going up against our all-time rivals Riverside High School and the chances of us winning were likely. Not only was the team in strong shape but Jeff was captain this year; guaranteeing us the win. That's why I scheduled an extra mandatory dance team practice after school today. I would not have my little Jeff winning the golden trophy with his girlfriend's dance team on the sidelines not even capable of wiggling their asses in a straight line.

A couple of years back Tunerstein had a cheer squad but after many perilous injuries and lawsuits Mr. Pratz, the board's superintendent, decided to turn the cheerleading team to a dance crew. I didn't mind - considering the fact that I couldn't do a cartwheel for the life of me and being tossed in the air like a rag doll was a big no-no. Dance was definitely a preferable, logical solution as I had told Daddy to tell Mr. Pratz before he forked out another donation to the school's athletic teams.

~~~~~~

"A five, six, seven, eight!" I chirped as the music started thumping through the auditorium speakers. It was an upbeat song and perfect to disguise all the lousy dancers we were forced to put on the team. In the front was Kristy, Belle, Stacey, Xavier, Abigail, Kevin and me; the only ones who held any kind of hope for a solid performance for the Winter Carnival.

As the last verse of the song was being belted out, I gave it everything I had; twirling and jumping with so much precision and energy I was surprised I wasn't sore afterwards. When the music ended, I regarded my panting, sweaty crew. It had already been a two hour practice and way after school hours; but we needed to get it perfect.

"One more time from the top." I screamed while walking to my iPhone. "I'll be watching this time." That was enough of a threat to have even the laziest members stand up taller than a tree. I smiled to myself, enjoying the rush of power that had flooded through my veins.

"A five, six, seven, eight." I counted off from the bleachers as I analyzed my group. A student is only as good as their teacher so I was expecting phenomenal. As the beat faded out and the crew held their poses, I slipped off of the bleachers and faced my army.

I was feeling generous today and I had once read that sweet manipulation worked a lot better than threats so I said, "Great job today, I see a lot of progress has been made." A few kids in the back broke out into ecstatic grins when they heard me actually give them a compliment. I added, "And don't forget about tomorrow's early morning practice.... and remember to stretch!"

There were a handful of nods and fatigued moans as everyone exited the auditorium. Ana, a petite Sophomore, ran up beside me and gave me a high five.

"I think we rocked it!" She exclaimed and there was a sudden feeling of happiness erupt inside me when I saw how much Ana enjoyed practice. I may not be the nicest girl in school but I liked it when my team was confident and proud.

I smiled back, "I think so too."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

After getting changed in the locker room, I walked to my Beemer and drove home. Like always, Daddy was away on business and Mom was still out teaching around the world leaving me home alone. While my parents meant everything to me and I loved spending time with them, I enjoyed the empty mansion to myself. Silence truly was golden.

But it's not like I was entirely by myself for months and months. Anita, our housekeeper, stayed in the guest house and cleaned and cooked during the day. Originally, Anita was hired as my babysitter when I was four but, since then, had taken on a more permanent position. I loved her like family and enjoyed her company very much so I didn't mind having her look after me.

As soon as I opened the front door I was greeted with lavish scents that floated in from the kitchen. Not only was Anita kind but she knew how to cook damn well too.

"I'm home." I said as I took my shoes off at the door and hung up my purse.

'How's the team working out? Ready for the big game?" Anita questioned warmly as she placed the chicken dish on the expansive dinning room table.

"Not bad. A little polishing still needs to be done but I'm sure we'll pull it off." I answered honestly, slumping into my usual seat.

Anita handed me a now-full plate of chicken and carrots before sitting down opposite me. We ate mostly in silence save for the occasionally moan of deliciousness (coming from me) and questions about school and co-curriculars (coming from Anita).

I told her about the scheduling glitch and she seemed pretty shocked at how badly the system messed up to. But then, placing a hand on top of mine, she said "Maybe it won't be as bad as you think. Who knows you could end up having some fun and making some real friends."

I rolled my eyes in return. Anita hated my friends... and Jeff for that matter. She called them all pompous rich yincompoops which sounded more funny than offensive when she said it half in english and half in Italian. She absolutley loved to remind me how much of a stronza Kristy was. But Anita didn't see it the way I did. She didn't know how lovely it was to have a group of friends who would walk behind you in anything and have your back; to have a cool, popular boyfriend who would punch the crap out of any kid who made a rumour about you; she didn't look at it like this. She thought I deserved better, a more organic relationship built on mutual respect and stuff. But this was better. Way better... clearly.

When dinner was finished, I helped Anita clear the table. Once everything was back in the kitchen, Anita shooed me away and told me to "go work on some homework". Which I didn't have since it was only the beginning of the second semester. So I went upstairs to my room and decided to unwind a little. I popped out my contacts and put on my glasses before hoping into comfier clothes. While my outfits for school were equal parts stylish and gorgeous; they were not very comfortable - possibly, the only down side to being popular.

I flipped on my Xbox and played Call of Duty for a bit. I gamed mostly by myself since none of my friends were into any of it and everyone else I knew was either across the world or 'didn't believe in technology'. Cough, cough Anita. While I missed being able to openly hang out at the Arcade, I've grown accustom to playing single. I was okay. I had everything. I had the perfect grades, social life and future. It was worth giving up a couple multiplayer games and trips to the comic store for the life I had.

It was all worth it, I repeated to myself not knowing who I was trying to reassure.