Gemma's point of view
Except that 18 minutes later, I'm sitting in the locker room all by myself, wondering if I'm too late or too early or in the wrong place altogether. Surely, some of my teammates should have showed up by now, shouldn't they?
I check my phone, it's still 6:35, I hate this, I hate this, I hate this, how did this even happen?
Then, suddenly, loud voices outside, giggling, laughter. Here we go.
Did I mention that I hate giggling and laughter? It always makes me feel like it's about me. Maybe I've got a sticky note on my back that says "I'm stupid", maybe I smell bad, maybe I accidentally sat on a cheeseburger and have ketchup on my shorts now.
The door opens and the noise stops when they see me. I expected two, maybe three girls, and that would have been bad enough, but instead, I feel like I'm facing the whole girls team all at once.
Actually, I probably am. Mom made sure to let me know she picked the sport with the school's smallest team because, in her opinion, that results in closer bonds between the athletes or some shit like that.
I'm pretty sure all it results in for me is more awkwardness as I manage yet again to be an outsider of a group that is so small there shouldn't even be an "outside".
"Hi there" says one of the girls, a tiny brunette with hair that looks like an explosion of chestnut coloured curls. She is wearing shoes that look like they're going to fall apart any second, and her hoodie, which has the name "Grace Gardner" embroidered on it, looks a few sizes too big on her. "We've been told there'd be a new girl, but I said I wouldn't believe it. Not until I see it with my own eyes, is what I said. No one ever voluntarily joins the track team"
"I didn't exactly volunteer" I mutter under my breath. Damn it, Gemma, I've got to give it to you, if there's one thing you've got a talent for, it's finding the right moment to say the wrong thing. I bet they're all delighted to hear you that you don't want to spend your time with them.
"What's that?" she looks confused, "why are you here then?"
Good question, Grace, good question indeed.
"Because..." I desperately search my blank mind for an explanation, but as it is often the case with blank minds, there's nothing useful to be found.
Why am I here? Because my mom told me so. But even I know that'd be an awkward thing to say. Maybe I could tell them I'm here because I ... uhm ... I accidentally sleepwalked to my car, sleep-drove to my new school and woke up a few seconds ago. No, that won't work, not even in my worst nightmares would I accidentally sleep-drive to school. Besides, I'm wearing a hoodie that says "Track and Field", there's no way I'm getting away with that one.
"Don't worry, everyone hates Track. If you don't you're crazy" says one of the other girls, a tall, blonde one, who, according to her hoodie, is called Ella.
Unfortunately, she also says it at the exact moment at which I blurt out "Because I love track!". Which is not only a lie but also a shitty explanation that doesn't fit in with what I said earlier about not having volunteered. But, worst of all... well, considering what the blonde girl just said, it means I'm crazy.
The girls start to giggle. Fuck. Fuck, Fuck, fucking Fuck. Can someone please take care of digging my grave for me, I don't have time for it anymore, I need to go kill myself right now.
"I think we've got a name for her, don't we? Girl, I'ma call you Crazy from now on," says Grace, still giggling.
My face must be as red as a traffic light by now, probably partly because I can't breathe; if I did, I'd start crying and that would be about the only thing I can think of that could still make things worse.
"You can't be serious" protests the girl to her right. Her hair is so short that she looks almost bald and she's got more muscle on her lower arm than I do on my whole body, "No one gets their nickname on their first day. You've gotta earn it."
"Well, if there's one thing I can assure you of, it's that I more than deserve it" I say bitterly, stand up and walk out.
Without even shedding a single tear. I'd be proud of myself if it wasn't for the fact that I've just messed up the remainder of my entire high school career before it even started. Also, I don't think I've ever been proud of anything, so I guess now wouldn't be the time to start anyways.
Author's Note:
Good morning, afternoon, evening or middle of the night (or whatever else it is for you right now) to my wonderful wattpad-readers!
Not just a single but a double update today, so you can keep reading!!!
If you enjoyed this chapter, please don't forget to vote and comment. What do you think of the other girls, especially Grace?
Cheers and have an amazing day, my lovelies!
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About a Loser
Romance"They call him a loser cause that's what you become when you meet him." *** Gemma Cunningham doesn't do people. If you wanted to look up social anxiety in a dictionary, you'd probably find her name listed as a synonym. She doesn't talk to anyone, do...
