Absent

Chapter 7

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My bathing suit dried quickly after lying out in the sun with the girls. It was hot in the sun, but as the day passed on a slight breeze began to pick up. I needed that breeze if I was going to be sitting on the beach all afternoon.

I missed the water already, but Jason asked these girls to come for me. So that I could experience something normal and maybe even make some friends. If they weren't coming out to the water, I would have to stay here with them.

"So, you're adopted?" Camila asked, breaking the silence. "That's really cool."

"Yeah it is." I responded honestly. It was cool. I'd never actually understood the process of adoption until I left the agency. Parents taking children into their homes and promising to take care of them was cool. "I'm really grateful."

"You even look like the Summers'," She continued. "You and Jason really look related and everything."

I smiled at her words. I loved when people said that I looked like my new family. It made me feel more like I belonged.

"What do you like to do, Rowan?" Aimee asked.

I gave a small shrug. "I don't really have any hobbies. I like to go on runs with Jason, or go shopping with Stella."

"Oh, I can't stand running." Aimee stated, fanning herself with her hand. "But if you like it then I guess that means you're in shape right?"

That was a strange question to me, but maybe this was normal to ask for teenage girls.

"I guess so." I answered hesitantly.

"Well, if you're interested, I'm captain of the cheerleading squad. We're having auditions next Monday."

Her question was making more sense now.

"Oh, I don't know about that." I said, glancing around at the rest of the girls. "I wouldn't know anything about cheerleading."

"Can you dance?" Aimee asked.

"Not really, no."

"Can you do a cartwheel?"

"Yes,"

"Can you do a backflip?"

"Well, yeah, but-"

"Wait, really?" She stopped and looked at me, her eyes filled with curiosity.

My heart pounded. Was I not supposed to say that? Was it not normal for me to know how to do a backflip?

"You have to audition then! Only two other girls besides me can do stunts." She exclaimed. "We can work on the dancing, don't worry."

"I have zero experience, Aimee." I added again.

"Honey, you're going to be fine. Trust me." She waved me off, sounding confident. I didn't feel so confident. "Besides, you said you don't have any hobbies, right? This will be perfect for you. Try something new."

I had to admit, she was right. It was a good idea for me to get involved in some extracurricular activities. Vanessa and Stella both suggested it, saying I would be more successful with the full high school experience.

"Okay," I gave in. "I'll audition. But if I'm terrible, you can't laugh."

She studied me as her grin grew wider. "Okay. But I can't say anything for Nina. She's my best friend and she's a little blunt."

I blew out a breath, accepting my fate. I hoped this would help me fit in. Maybe I'd make friends and live the normal life everyone was talking about.