I was genuinely excited for gym class because is the only thing i'm good at. This week has kicked my ass in every possible way. Physical activity was the best way to blow off some steam. We arrived at the lockers room changing to the school's gym uniform sweatpants and loose t-shirt .

"This afternoon I'm trying out for the cheerleading squad. Jaye you have to come and cheer for me" Camila squealed and danced around.

"Do I have a choice?" I said half jokily. I had plan to spend my afternoon at home relaxing. But I know that Jayelina would go support her friend instead of binge watching The Walking Dead.

" Do we get to run? I can't wait to run track aga- I mean running sounds fun" Almost gave myself away from my excitement to finally do physical activity.

"Yeah we do some running but you never participate because of your heart condition" We walked outside the locker room, entering a huge gymnasium equipped with basketball hoop, volleyball net, and tennis court. My guess was that the track field was located outside.

" Ever since the surgery, you've seem different" It's weird that she bringing the surgery out of the blue.

"Why are you saying that?" I'm a horrible liar so I focused on tying my shoe laces to purposely hide my face from Camila.

"Well, you hate running actually anything that involves sweating" I shrugged at her because I really didn't have an answer. I don't know anything about Jayelina's life or interest.

"Like instead of a new heart, the doctors put in a different person" I froze in that kneeled position. Was my secret found out already?

"You know I can't remember some stuffs. It's true, Im a different person Cam. I underwent a heart transplant and rigorous medical exam in short amount of time. I may seem not the same now but give me some time to adjust" I concluded adding ansoft smile.

"You're right. I'm sorry Jaye. Let's go join the class" We ran side by side until reaching Dee who was dribbling a ball by herself.

"Class, pair up with your neighbor for warm up" The teacher announced. I noticed the petrified stare Dee was getting from the other girls. They were scared of her because she's different, people never failed to disappoint me.

"I'll find someone. You guys can be a team" I told Camila and Dee. Walking to the only girl without a pair.

"Hi, wana be partners?" Rebecca removed one earphone rolling her eyes at me.

"I said WANT TO BE PARTNE- "

"I heard you the first time. Fine." She grabbed the ball, drill once, and with full force pass it to me. I caught it just seconds before it landed on my face glad that I still had my reflexes. I don't understand why she's so mean to me. I don't think she and Jaye ever interacted in the past for her to act so hostile toward Jaye.

"Nice throw. You know, I seat next to you, my name's Jaye" I bounced the ball on one hand trying to break the ice.

"I don't care. Don't talk to me" That's it. I tried being nice and polite to her and in return all she done is be rude in return.

I passed the ball to her aggressively using all the strength in my arms. I could tell she wasn't prepared by her surprise face.

"Fine. But you don't scare me. Let's just finish this stupid exercise in quiet." The ice queen composed her posture, straighten back and squared shoulders taking five steps back. Without a warning m, she swerve the ball back to me. I was quick to bounce it back hard. The ball flew midair between us not landing once on the ground. My movements were precise while hers were aggressive. We grabbed the class attention by the time the teacher blew the whistle for us to stop. Adrenaline pour through my veins and this time, I hit the ball back hard using my forearms, sending the ball far left. Rebecca leaped forward, missing her footing and slipping forward. Everything happened so fast, the loud grunt from Rebecca falling to the crowd rushing to her aid.

"I'm fine! Don't touch me. I could get up by myself." I rushed over worry fearing she got badly injure.

"I'll go to nurse office"

Although she was in pain, she stood up and made her out of the gym by herself. I was concern about her, guilt washing over seeing how her 'friends' only stood back letting her go to the nurse alone.

At the sound of the teacher's whistle, I walked joining Camila seating on the ground. I think she saw the whole scene by her pale face and widen eyes.

"Jaye! What the hell happened? Did you just begin a war with the most powerful chick in school!" She was practically screaming.

"Shhh lower your goddamn voice. It was an accident, she slipped and fell. "

Dee gave me a reassuring pad on my shoulder. "I saw everything, she came at you first. Good job standing up for yourself."

"Don't say I didn't warn you" Camila said shaking.

Rebecca may be powerful, popular and rich. I didn't fear her because I could see the brick wall she built. Rebecca might make people like Camila tremble, but I will not bow like the rest.

I was dreading next period and seat beside her with all this tension. After gym, I dragged my feet to the last class for the day. I peeked inside and saw Rebecca seating down talking to someone. Her right ankle was red and swollen wrapped in bandage. Sigh, the exit door is only a few steps, I could easily slip out and go home. Images of mom started flowing - I f her waking up extra early to drive me to school and all the hard work Jayelina's went through in order to get in this school that I felt remonte guilt.

You can do it Alexa, just one more day.

Taking a deep breath in, I walked in and per usual everyone turned around except for Rebecca and Rye - their eyes buried inside a book. Rye was seating again on my seat. Rebecca said something and I saw Rye smiling down at his book, dimples adoring his cheeks. God damn, the dimples made him looked even more charming. Hm, I thought he wasn't capable of showing an emotion other than frowning. He must really like Rebecca because I've never seen him close with anyone else and nonetheless smiling with others.

"Ah. I get it now. Thanks." This time I didn't had to announce myself, he got up before I reached the seat.

After class I met up with Dee and Camila at the gym for the cheerleading tryouts. The judges panel consisted of the P.E. teacher, some lady and Rebecca. She walked normally to the table of judges as if nothing happened to her ankle.

"Hello Ladies and Welcome to the Cheerleading squad. This afternoon, we are holding tryouts for this semester. To my left, we have Mrs. Lopez, girls gym teacher, I am Ms. Williams, ladies volleyball coach and cheer leading captain , Rebecca Harrison. Let's get started"

"You may begin Camila" the P.E. teacher announced.

"Uh If its okay, can I use an assistant?" Camila nervously asked.

"I don't see why not" Ms. Williams and Mrs.Lopez agreed.

Dee joined Camila on the floor. Camila clapped and stumped to the beat of the school cheer while Dee clapped in a squat position. Then, Camila got on Dee's hands raising her up in the air like she weighted nothing. They were good, like really great. Dee supported Camila with her feet lay on her palms while she stood up. Then suddenly, Camila lost her balance in her right foot slipping. Luckily Dee was able to catch her by the waist before she hit the floor. We all gasped together, Camila recover quickly, doing a back flipped and ending in a split position. At this the crowd went crazy clapping and wooing including me amaze at their choreography.

"Now, now, settle down girls. Let the judges make their decision" The gym quiet down, the suspense filled the air while the judges whispered amongst themselves. I gave Camila a thumbs up to which she smiled and Dee stuck out her tongue.

"Ok. The judges have arrive to a decision. Camila, you got great moves, agile and flexibility. However, you have a lot to work to on, and I believe being part of the team would benefit you greatly. Having that said, we would like to welcome both of you to the Vixens Cheer Squad" at this, The room was filled with claps and cheer from everyone except Rebecca who remained with a straight face. Camila began jumping uncontrollably embracing Dee in a hug while Dee was standing still unresponsive.

"What do you mean both of us?" Dee responded first.

"We think you would be a great fit in the team. Your quick response on that fall was impressive. In addition, you're in great shape: strength and physique." The judges except for Rebecca -praised Dee on her performance and I couldn't agree more with them.

"Thank you for considering me. But I'm not interested" Just when Dee started walking away, Rebecca spoke for the first time since tryout started.

"Wait. Just because cheerleading is consider as "girly", it's a competitive sport that requires extensive amount of practice and discipline just like any other sports. Are you in any sport team?"

"No." Dee snorted.

"Hoffintown High is well known for our rigorous training and competive team. It would look great in your University resume to have in it the Vixen Cheerleading team. Having said that, I highly suggest that you reconsider." Rebecca took her seat wearing a smug expression.

"OK. I'll do it" Dee said hands flying in the air mocking some cheer moves.

"But if y'all put me in a skirt or some tu-tu ballerina shit, I will quit" I could tell Rebecca was amused by Dee's action because she smiled back.

"Very well. Welcome to the team. Uh, I didn't catch your name..." trailing on her words Rebecca said.

"D-E-E. But you can call me Denise" and with that exiting the gymnasium leaving some of the girls enchanted.

Camila rolled her eyes, joining me on the bleacher. The next contestants went on - Carlotta and Sasha made it to the team. We left shortly after their performance, Camila couldn't stop screaming from excitement. It was a little past 4:30pm, the latest I've stayed out after school and decided to head home.

"No. You can't leave. We must celebrate! Pleaseeee Jaye" She whined and begged and eventually I gave in.

"Fine. What do you want to do?" I didn't know what they did for fun because i'm sure our definition of fun were different.

"yay!" Camila exclaimed while dragging me away from the school building.