Strawberry Blonde

四十一

Laurence and I eyed the classroom clock.

4 more minutes.

We planned to confront Tanner as soon as we could before the game.

Every revolution of the seconds hand seemed like an eternity until the bell finally sprung to life.

We looked at each other and then simultaneously jumped to our feet racing out the room.

We tried to move fast but inconspicuously to keep the alert down.

Once a few people start running, everyone mobs around thinking they're running to go see a fight.

I was speed walking so fast I looked behind me to see if Laurence was still on my trail but then collided with something and crashed to the floor.

" Get off me !"

A familiar voice cried out under me as I was tossed to the side.

An annoyed Charolette picked herself off the ground dusting off her crisp cheer uniform.

" What are you doing !?"

Just then Laurence caught my eye behind Charolette.

I mouthed the word 'go'. I knew Charolette wasn't going to let me escape easily after just bulldozing over her and we were already losing time.

Laurence nodded and continued zooming in the halls.

" What ?" She questioned looking behind her then back at me.

She extended her hand to me, pulling me off the floor.

" You know we have championships today right ? Where were you going ?"

" Ummm to class ?"

She shook her head letting air out through her nose.

" Nobody told ? They'll just fudge your grades if you don't go today. Principals orders incase his star athletes feel too 'stressed' or want to practice today."

" Wait really ?"

" Yeah, only cheer and the basketball team though. Everyone else still has to go."

" So where were you going then ?"

" Class."

I deadpanned.

" Well where else am I gunna go !? Cheer team has had enough practice and I actually want to earn my grades now."

The late bell sounded off.

" Well then I guess you better get goin then huh Charolette."

" Well now that I have you...."

Oh boy what was she gonna-

" I wanted to ask you about Tanner."

I immediately grew flushed out of fear.

" W-what about him ?"

" Walk with me." She said starting to head down the hall.

I followed her, squeezing the wallet in my pocket as stress relief.

" Why did you let him back on the team ? We've lost every single game we were ever in because of him...that got me thinking. You never appeared to be the type that goes against the majority's wishes."

I trailed her nervously, the anxious pit deepening in my chest.

" What does he have over you ?" She said instantly turning around with her arms folded.