Rivals to Lovers

7. This isn’t you

The next day at Braxton’s (Ella was not there yet.)

“So then they finally asked me if I wanted to try out!” Braxton said

Liam stood with his arms crossed “And you said yes?” He asked. “Of course I did, the last time I tried Brianna told me I wasn’t good enough. I guess she changed her mind” She cheered excitedly. Liam raised his brow and stared at her. “Liam, this is my big chance, i’ve wanted to be popular for so long.” Brax said.

“Did you tell El? There is no way in hell she’d be excited about this” Liam said.

“El will find out tomorrow, obviously i’m going to tell her Liam.” She rolled her eyes.

“I’m just a little worried about you Brax, I mean we’ve always hated Brianna and her friends they’ve done nothing but torture us. And what’s up with this new look? You are like a totally different person over night.” He said.

“Liam, they aren’t as mean as you think. I promise I’m not going to become one of them and forget my best friends i’m still Brax and Brianna said that it would benefit me more if I changed my look a little, it’s just some different clothes and jewelry.” She said. Liam rolled his eyes and Braxton’s dad walked in the room. “Hey Mr. Smith.” Liam waved. “Hello Liam” George replied “Braxton, I’ll be home tonight so you don’t have to watch Jasper, he’s at his friends house for now, I will pick him up after work” He said.

Concern fell over Braxton’s face “Is everything okay dad? Like with work?” She asked. “Everything is fine, don’t worry just go hang out with your friends or something” He said.

“Okay, I love you” She said. “I love you too, i’m leaving for work now.” He waved and walked out of the living room. “You alright?” Liam asked

“I’ll be fine” Brax shrugged

“Hey hey, your dad looked upset is everything alright?” I asked as I entered the room, my eyes widened when I noticed Braxton’s new look. She’s wearing a mini jean skirt with a pink short tube top and heels. And she has hoop earrings and a necklace on. Brax never wears clothes like this..

Brax turned around “El! There you are where the hell have you been?”

“Yeah you’re like 20 minutes late” Liam said.

“I’m sorry guys I was helping my mom” I scratched the back of my head and smiled.

Brax crossed her arms “I guess we forgive you” Followed with a giggle Liam chuckled with her and I smiled. “Soo guys guess what” Brax said.

Liam and I looked at each other then back at Brax and shrugged “What?” I asked.

“I stole some of my dads alcohol!” She laughed.

My eyebrow raised “Since when do you drink Brax?” I asked.

She threw her hands down at her sides “Since when did you become so boring? We are teenagers El are we not? So stop being such a p***y, God.” She walked into the kitchen.

My eyes were still wide from the outburst she just had. I moved closer to Liam his eyes were also wide as he mouthed “Yikes”. Liam what the f**k is going on with her?” I asked seriously. He shrugged with confusion. “I have no idea she’s been this way since I came over.” He said. I put my finger to my chin “she’s acting like Brianna” I said “About that..” Liam said scratching the back of his neck nervously. I crossed my arms and gave him a death glare “What are you hiding Liam?” His eyes widened and he started acting all nervous like he always does when he lies. He is so bad at keeping secrets. “Nothing, what are you even talking about?” He said his voice cracking I just stood there giving him a death glare not saying a word. “She’s going to cheer tryouts!” He yelled out then covered his mouth. I gasped “What? I know she talked about it but I didn’t think she was serious plus Brianna was a total b***h to her and told her she wasn’t good enough so why would she willingly want to spend time with them?” I said. “I tried to ask and all she said is don’t worry Liam I won’t become one of them” He said using finger quotes. “This isn’t good…” I said. I walked over and sat on the couch defeated.

“f**k” Liam mumbled under his breath and sat next to me.

Braxton came out of the kitchen and sat down on the other end of the couch. Liam and I sat there awkwardly as she texted away on her phone. Not even kidding she was acting like we weren’t even there… She giggled at her phone “So Brax” I said. She continued texting “What El” She said in a bitchy tone. I can’t stand her like this.. “You’re trying out for the cheer squad?” I asked with my arms crossed. She put her phone down and stared at Liam. “He told you didn’t he.. I was going to tell you tomorrow El.” She said. “But the reason I invited you guys over is because I was excited and wanted to celebrate” She said. “Braxton, are you sure this is the best decision?” Liam asked. “What the hell is that supposed to mean Liam?” She got defensive and crossed her arms. “Nothing Brax, I’m just a little worried.” He said “Liam, I am my own person and if I want to try out for cheer i’m going to.” She said.

“Braxton this isn’t you, we have been best friends since we were five I know who you truly are. But now all of a sudden you are dressing and acting completely different and not to mention drinking?” I said.

“So? I can’t change how I dress? I’ve always been a shadow in your light El. And now that i’m stepping out of my comfort zone with the help of Brianna you are upset? God she was so right, It all makes sense now. Is it because i’m going to get more attention than you for once or are you just jealous?” She raised her voice. I stood up “Are you f*****g serious?” I crossed my arms. She stood up and crossed hers as well. She flipped her hair over her shoulder “Plus how else would I get Ashton to notice me?” She immediately regretted what she said and covered her mouth. I covered my mouth and Liam’s eyes were wide open with shock. “T-that wasn’t what I meant” She said. “That’s it! I’m done. Whenever you wake up from whatever this is you know where to find me” I said as I stormed out and slammed her front door. “Fine! I don’t need you! Ashton will be mine, then i’ll be popular and have a popular boyfriend you’ll see.” She said. She looked at Liam “Hey, good luck getting with your new best friends ex. You need to come back to reality because you just lost your true best friends.” He walked out.

“I hate El, I hate her I hate her!” Brax screamed to herself.