𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐀 ||The Girl Behind The Act||

Chapter 22

Ariana

The weekend flew by in a blur, and bam, it's Monday already. The day we all secretly wish we could time-travel through.

This Friday is the big homecoming game, and I need to stay focused on what truly matters in my life, instead of wandering off into other thoughts. Or more like thoughts of someone else.

I strutted down the hallway, the click of my high heels echoing on the tiled floor, my head held high.

I was sporting a snug black mini-skirt and a fitted top with spaghetti straps. As I passed, eyes followed me—some like they'd never seen me, some with envy, others with jealousy, and of course, the creepy guys checking me out with lust.

Stopped at my locker to grab my books and touched up my lipstick in the attached mirror. The door slammed shut, and while stuffing folders into my bag, a shove knocked me off balance, prompting an unexpected "ouch."

Swiftly turning, I faced a girl I didn't recognize, looking nervous and apologetic.

"Sorry, Ariana, I didn't—" I raised a hand, silencing her, closed my eyes in annoyance, and she fell silent.

"Next time, watch where you're going, okay?" I scolded, seeing her flinch.

She nodded, and I continued to my first class, flipping my hair back.

I almost stopped in my tracks when I caught Tristan glancing my way from his locker, door wide open. I rolled my eyes at him and kept walking, not caring about what he thinks anymore.

He's the reason for the mess in my life, and it's on him that everything changed between us.

*******

"The game's on Friday, so listen up. We need our guys to win before Saturday's homecoming dance. Keep your heads in the game, follow my lead, and we'll breeze through this."

I scanned the cheerleaders as I moved around. They were all eyes on me.

"Stay sharp! And seriously, Selena, stop checking out your nails. They won't help with cartwheels unless you plan to use them as a prop."

Selena, whom I'd just singled out, jolted at hearing her name and straightened up.

"Sorry, Ariana." I rolled my eyes and scoffed.

"This is why we've been working hard, so we're top-notch cheerleaders. Let's not get distracted by our nails suddenly becoming the center of attention."

They exchanged looks and focused on Selena, who gazed downward.

"Our main goal is to show those Westside bitches that we're superior! Everyone up! It's time to get serious; no time to think of getting manis and pedis."

A chorus of 'yes' erupted as they got into position. I surveyed them, arms crossed, aiming to motivate them without dampening the mood.

"Okay, team! Double hand backspring and basket toss! Now!" I commanded, and they scrambled into formation, following my lead.

Watching them, I stayed arms crossed and glared, trying not to break the mood.

"Whoa, someone's grumpy today. What's the deal?" Joanna asked, joining me alongside Shay.

"Did I give you permission to step out of line? Stick to the routine like everyone else. Get back in place!"

They seemed taken aback but returned to the group.

I didn't mean to sound harsh to my friends, but I've been feeling off and irritable lately.

I sighed, ran my fingers through my hair, and clenched my fists.