Wrong Side of the Tracks

Chapter Two

Skyler's pov.

"A date, with Reggie?" Cheryl asked. I nodded. I met up with her early before cheer tryouts to tell her I was trying out. There wasn't any harm with cheerleading, and I thought of it as a perfect excuse for when I want to sneak over to the Southside.

"Yeah, can you believe it?" I asked. "I wonder if he actually thinks he can get something out of me." Cheryl just rolls her eyes. She places her hands on my shoulder and looks me in the eye.

"All I ask is that you be careful. You know about his reputation." I nod. And she gives me a smile. "Now come, I don't want to be in here surrounded by wannabes." I laughed at her before following out to the gym. Here's the thing about Cheryl. She can be a really nice person and an extremely good friend, but she covers up her softness with some rudeness and sarcasm. But once you get to know her, she a good person to have near.

Soon enough, the gym has about 30 girls in it, a majority excited to tryout. Soon Betty and Veronica were up. I could see the cold stare that was radiating at Betty as they were cheering. Next thing I know, Veronica pulled Betty into a deep kiss, as their "Big Finish." Cheryl yawned at the end, clearly not happy with the routine.

"Check your sell-by date, ladies. Faux lesbian kissing hasn’t been taboo since 1994. So, let’s see if you do better with the interview portion of our audition." Cheryl composed herself before looking at Betty. She cocked her head slightly to the side and smiled. "Betty, how’s your sister doing?" I watched as Betty shifted her weight, clearly uncomfortable. I watched with growing concern, but entertained at the same time. I hate to admit it, but sometimes I like the drama Cheryl causes.

"Um, Polly’s -- fine, thanks for asking." Cheryl, unsatisfied with Betty's answer, turned to Veronica.

"Veronica, has Betty told you about her sister yet?" I started to stand up from my spot on the bleachers, getting ready to step in.

"Uh-no?" Cheryl happily turned her gaze back on Betty, who looked both confused and worried.

"Go ahead, Betty. Tell Veronica about your sister and my dear brother." I walked up to Cheryl. As Betty Turned to Veronica to explain the situation, clearly uncomfortable.

"Cheryl, why are-" Cheryl interrupted me to talk to Betty.

"In fact, Jason’s probably why your sister had a nervous breakdown and now lives in a group home, isn't it?" A collective gasp ran through the gym.

"Cher-"

"That’s -- what my parents think." I looked at Cheryl, the cold stare going more intense.

"Cheryl." She put her hand in front of my face, clearly not wanting to listen to me.

"What do you have to say about that, Betty? Go ahead, the floor is yours. Whatever you’ve been dying to spew about Jason and how he treated Polly, unleash it. Destroy me. Tear me a new one -- rip me to shreds -- annihilate me --" I saw as anger flashed in Betty's eyes. I just stood there, my mouth slightly open, my breathing heavily.

"I just-" Betty started. Cheryl let out a breath, interrupting her.

"Finally." I glared at Cheryl as a smirk spread across her lips Why was she acting this way? Betty did nothing wrong.

"I just want to say...I’m sorry about what happened to Jason. I can’t even imagine what you and your family must be going through." The smirk quickly fell from Cheryl's lips.

" ...right. Veronica, welcome to the River Vixens. Betty, better luck next time." I sent another glare her way.

"Cheryl come on." I pleaded. Before she could answer, Veronica stepped in.