𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐀 ||The Girl Behind The Act||

Chapter 8

Ariana

Fuck. My. Life.

What the hell just happened?

This can't be real! Seriously, it can't be!

"Hey, are you alright?" Joanna interrupted my thoughts out of nowhere.

We were all hanging out in the cafeteria, munching on our meals, but my mind was stuck replaying what went down in the theater room.

I nearly messed up big time! And to make matters worse, Tristan caught me in the act!

I can't believe this. This is like the second time I've slipped up in front of Tristan. He's becoming a pro at catching me red-handed.

Using the theater room was risky. I just wanted to dance again, something other than our routine cheerleading. But I got so lost in the music that I didn't even notice Tristan walking in.

Why was he even in there?

I heard the theater room wouldn't be in use for a while since the drama club was still working on their stuff.

I couldn't risk using the gym or going out on the field to do my thing in public.

If Tristan spills about me dancing in the theater room, I'm done.

But I won't let him rat me out just because of this. This is a big deal for me. Having a reputation and a thriving social life like mine means you can't let people in on your secrets. Not in this school, at least.

Rumors and drama are the hallmarks of Sterling High. So, keep your secrets close and don't let anything make a stupid spectacle out of them. Trust me, once the drama starts, it's never-ending. Learned that lesson the hard way.

"Earth to Ari!" Joanna's voice finally snapped me out of my trance.

"Sorry," I mumbled, staring blankly at my untouched salad.

"Seriously, what's up with you? You've been lost in thought a lot lately. Is it all about Tristan?" I contemplated whether to tell them or not.

These two are my ride-or-die friends, I tell them everything. They already know so much about me, so maybe they can help me sort out this mess.

"I've got something to tell you guys." I whispered, and they leaned in, all ears.

"Tristan caught me dancing in the theater room today." Shay gasped while Joanna looked around as if searching for Tristan.

"Dancing? Like, letting your guard down and just dancing?" Shay's eyes were wide. I nodded slowly.

"Damn, this is bad. How'd you let that happen?" Joanna's raised her brow.

"I don't know. Right after class, I snuck into the theater room, changed, and got lost in dancing. Suddenly, there's Tristan, clapping as if I just put on a show." I explained in a hurry, and they both groaned.

"Think he's gonna say something?" Shay asked, glancing between us.

Thinking back on Tristan's reaction, it was unexpected. He seemed surprised and taken aback for a moment, but I think he was more surprised it was me.

Yeah, I'm the mean-girl and queen bee here. Head cheerleader, most popular girl. That's probably what he thought of me when we met.

But he probably didn't expect me to be doing what I love, in the theater room with my guard down.

"Hard to say. But this time, I might have an in to keep him quiet. Confirm with Josh if Tristan had said anything to him." I advised Joanna, who shot me a look.

"Why me?" She sighed, looking at Shay, who rolled her eyes.

Like we don't know about her crush on Josh.

"Because you should. It's a chance, Joanna. Appreciate the luck I'm throwing your way." I smirked, and she busied herself with her smoothie, avoiding our gazes.

"What luck? I don't know what you're talking about." She tried to play innocent.

I giggled, but then my smile dropped as I saw Tristan walk into the cafeteria. He was grinning, talking to an Asian-looking girl with glasses, a big sweater, and worn-out jeans – total nerd look.

What's their deal?

Why's he spending time with someone like her?

"Who's the nerd?" I asked, Shay and Joanna following my gaze. Shay shrugged, Joanna rolled her eyes.

"That's Jenny Tuazon. Super nerd, straight-A student, and way too smart. She's Filipino, grew up in the States, so maybe Tristan's being friendly with her because of that." Joanna explained, poking her salad.

Tristan seemed relaxed with Jenny, laughing and chatting. They looked familiar and friendly. Irritation bubbled up inside me just looking at them.

I hardly ever feel jealous except for someone snagging the latest Jimmy Choos or a TikToker prettier than me.

But that Jenny's getting under my skin. Thankfully, Tristan doesn't seem fazed. But I can't be too sure.

I've got to make sure he keeps his mouth shut about the theater room. And I've got to be more careful so I'm not in this mess again.

Hope he doesn't start digging into why I'm acting this way or figure out my secret.

Last thing I want is Tristan finding out why I'm putting on the act. This school is a drama factory, and once it starts, it never stops.

From the beginning, I wanted Tristan to see the real me, not just the popular cheerleader.

But I knew that would wreck everything.

My popularity, my friends, my charm – all of it. And I don't want that to change. I'm used to how things are.

It's tiring to putting on an act in school and dropping it whenever I'm alone. Nobody would understand and I like it this way.

So I won't let Tristan, or any other guy, question my life and choices.