Earning Her Own Name

Chapter 7

I sat on my bed practicing and adding on to my song. Liam had continued to convince me that my playing and singing was amazing and that I should play at one of my school’s open mic nights. The minute I had gotten home I had started to practice. I still wasn’t sure about playing for my school, but Liam wanted to hear a song. I knew he was going to be persistent about it until he heard one. It had to be perfect.

“So why can’t you notice me?” I sang the line and played a few chords. I smiled to myself and finished the song. I played it over again and made a few slight adjustments. I continued to play it over and over again until I heard a knock on the door.

“Come in.” I mumbled and glanced up above my glasses. The door opened to reveal Sami. I inwardly groaned.

“Hey Danni.” She smiled at me. I played another note on my guitar and then placed it down; unable to concentrate with my sister sitting next to me.

“Hi.” I mumbled.

“So what did you today?” She asked. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity. I narrowed my eyes, wondering what she was getting at. She never asked about my day.

“Umm, I went to school, Liam came over, and now I’m here… why?” I said cautiously.

“Ooh. Liam came here?” She raised her eyebrow at me. I felt confusion cloud my thoughts.

“Yeah…”

“Do you like him?” She asked and winked at me. I had to stop myself from gasping in shock. My eyes widened as I stared at her.

“Wha- No! what would make you think that?!” I felt my cheeks warm up at the accusation.

“Well he’s cute and you seemed to take a liking to him last night, and you’re already hanging out with him.” She smiled at me clearly not totally convinced by my answer.

“Sam, I don’t like him. He’s just really nice and a good friend which seem hard to come by these days. That’s all.” I finished. Before she could say anything, I looked up at her, anger all over my face. She looked at me, puzzled.

“What?” she asked me.

“You told Marissa I liked Sean Mitch!” I tried to control my voice. Sami’s face drained.

“It was an accident-” I cut her off.

“Who else did you tell?!”

“Well… her and a few other girls were obsessing over him and it just slipped.” She looked at me with a guilty look.

“How many girls heard you?” I felt my anger starting to rise.

“Half the squad?” she squinted as if I was going to hit her, and boy I was tempted to.

“HALF THE SQUAD! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! THAT’S LIKE 15 GIRLS!” I was screaming now.

“I’m sorry! You have just liked him forever. It didn’t occur to me that it was a secret!”

“Secret! Of course it’s a secret! I don’t have friends to tell! I’m not all popular like you are so no one knew except for you and now Liam! And don’t forget half the cheer team!” Sami just stared up at me, speechless. I heard my door open as my Mom appeared in front of me.

“What is going on in here?” She asked sounding breathless. “It sounded like someone was being murdered.”

“Dan’s mad.” Sami whispered looking hurt. I rolled my eyes at her. Like she should be the one that’s hurt! I’m going to get tortured constantly! All of Sami’s friends don’t like me and if they like Sean, I’m screwed.