08.
1129 Words
Jordan's P.O.V.
When I got home, I saw Mom's car.
I took a deep breath—oh no, she was home. I entered the house and found her talking on the phone while moving around in the kitchen.
"Hello, Mom," I said, but she waved me off.
"Yes, I can make it on Monday," she replied to the person on the other end.
I rolled my eyes and went to my room, lifting the mattress to retrieve a photo I saved before we moved here.
It was a picture of my family at Disney World for my twelfth birthday. We could only afford one day there, but I cherished it.
I still didn’t know what happened to Dad. One minute he was there during my last year of middle school, and the next, he was gone. Mom changed too—she became someone who was always on edge.
"I miss you, Dad," I sighed. "Where are you?"
My parents were once happily in love and married because Mom got pregnant with Joshua. It was tough at first since Dad's sister disapproved of Mom, but they became inseparable after Joshua was born, and I followed two years later.
I was pulled from my thoughts when Mom called out, "Jordan, why is there a boy here to see you?"
"Who is it?"
"How should I know? I'm always at work."
"My name is Liam," I heard him say. "I'm your neighbor."
"Oh, you're that gentleman's son? Why didn’t you say so? Come in," she replied.
Mom has a fake side; she treats strangers with politeness but yells at my brother and me. No one would believe me when I said she didn’t treat us well.
"Jordan, come greet your friend," she called, then asked Liam, "Is your mother at home, dear?"
"Yeah, she just came."
"I'll be back," I heard the door shut.
I walked out to meet Liam.
"What are you doing here?"
"Is your mom always like that?"
"A woman on her time of the month, then a sweetheart to others? Yes."
"I heard her shouting from my bedroom, which is on the other side of the house," he chuckled.
Wow…
"Anyway, I just came over to hang out. I know movie night is to—"
The doorbell rang, and I went to open it.
"What are you doing here?" I crossed my arms.
"Nice house, babe," Daniel grinned.
"Seriously, Daniel, what do you want?"
"Haven't I made myself clear? I want you, babe."
"Well, I don't want you."
"You're only saying that because of the rumors you heard about me, but I'm not like that," he insisted.
"And why should I believe you?"
"You know I can show you I'm a changed guy."
"People don't change overnight," I rolled my eyes.
"Aren't you going to let me in?"
"Nope, I'm busy."
"Doing what?"
"Hanging out with me," Liam said, coming to my side. I noticed anger flash in Daniel's eyes.
"Then you wouldn't mind if I join," he said, pushing between us and entering the house.
"Hey," I snapped.
"Cool place, needs some photos though," he said, looking around before sitting on the couch.
I sighed and exchanged a look with Liam.
"So, Dan, when are you getting back with Harper?" Liam asked.
"Never, she's a two-faced bitch."
He just realized that?
Liam laughed. "Could've told you that long ago."
"But what's the deal with you and Madison?" I blurted out.
He sighed. "We were best friends once, then stuff happened, and we drifted apart."
"Oh, I used to have a guy best friend too, but he moved away," I sighed, remembering his nice blue-green eyes.
"That sucks."
"Yeah."
"So what are we going to do, play a board game?"
"I got something better—video games," I grinned.
"You know how to play?" Liam asked.
"The advantage of having an older brother," I smiled.
°*°*°*°
"I hope we make the team; those flips weren’t easy," Carmella said as Madison drove.
"Oh, we will," I assured her, while Maya smiled, replying to a text.
"Maya, who are you texting?"
"N-no one," she stuttered, shoving her phone into her bag, her face red.
"Is it Chris?" I teased, making her turn even redder.
"Yeah, he asked if I was free tonight."
"OMG! You're going on another date?!" Madison shrieked.
"Yeah, he's nice, but—"
"There's always a but," Carmella groaned.
"I still can't get over Eric."
"That's why you're going out with Chris a second time—to get over that unhealthy crush," I said.
"It's not unhealthy," she grumbled.
"No, it’s worse. Your walls are covered with pictures of him, and let's not get sta—"
"Okay, okay, it's unhealthy. I get it," she sighed.
"Chris seems like a nice guy, but if he hurts you, I'll smash his pretty face," I cracked my knuckles.
"Calm down; I don't want him running for the hills before our second date," Maya chuckled.
"We're here," Madison announced.
We all got out, and I adjusted my loose elbow-length top that read "New York City."
"Let's go see your results, in case I have to sue Harper," James said, grabbing my arm.
I laughed while fixing my bag strap on my shoulder.
We walked down the corridor until we reached the notice board, where a few girls were already gathered, and one was crying.
"It's so unfair; I did well yesterday at tryouts. Harper is a real b***h," she said, storming off with her friend.
"If you need to cry, I'm right here," James teased.
"I can handle myself, you know."
I scanned the list: Jordan Walker, co-vice captain. Is that even a thing? Well, it is now.
I smiled. "I'm in!"
"I knew you would make it," James cheered.
"And Carmella," I looked at the list again.
"Carmella Baker, vice captain? No way."
I gasped. "Carmella is vice captain!"
"Am I?" Carmella turned to us, surprised and pale.
"Yes, you are, girl!" Madison shrieked.
"I told you I don't want attention; I just want to blend in," she said, looking frightened.
"Look, if you're vice captain, that means you're really good. I saw you yesterday, and that was raw talent," James encouraged her.
"You think I have skills?"
"Absolutely, you both have real skills," he affirmed.
"What do you mean? I'm not vice captain anymore!" Chloe yelled at Harper.
"That's what the coach said. The girl at tryouts yesterday performed exceptionally well and was named vice captain," Harper explained.
"This is ridiculous. When my mother—" she paused, scanning the list. "Who the heck is Carmella Baker?"
Heads turned toward us, eyes wide at Chloe's fury.
"I'm not going to ask again," she snapped, and we all exchanged worried glances.
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- Writer
