Chapter 1

Ten months had passed since I entered a new school in the middle of the second school year. Back then I was petrified since everyone else had already gotten to know each other and, once again, I was the odd one out. I had a clear plan of what I should do, though, and having something to focus on made the adjustment period a bit easier to handle. 

When we moved to Crestview, I’d heard rumors of a certain someone and how being on her good side could help me out in the long run. 

Easy-peasy. No worries, and all that. Well - expect the one little thing that did, in fact, worry me. I’d also learned I would most likely have to join the school’s cheerleading team in order to rub shoulders with her.

While I did take care of my basic level of fitness and could possibly have potential in the sport with enough training, I had zero background in it. The closest thing I had ever done was a tiny bit of ballroom dancing and that was almost a decade ago.

There were people auditioning who were realistically leagues above me in every way that one can be in anything that should decide if you make it in the team and yet I was the one to pass. Strength, stamina, keeping up to the rhythm, stunts - hell, even letting go and fully throwing yourself into the cheer are all what you'd think would decide if you make it past auditions or not.

Apparently the fact I probably looked like a stiff weather vane when I spun and can't even do the splits without someone helping me wasn't a dealbreaker.

Even just generally speaking, I wouldn't consider myself an outstanding or remarkable person but merely average in most fronts. This being said, my quick learning, "likable" and adaptable personality along with a good poker face have their perks and I was convinced they factored into me being chosen.

How come?

I didn't say anything when the team's leader Kel asked what we thought of the truthfully absurd choreography we were expected to learn for the audition.

Basically, I was certain I only got my spot in the team because I managed to kiss up to Kel better than many others.

It was not a surprise to me, though. I was new in the school but well aware of the social structure of the team - anyone who as much as glanced to it's direction would at least have a hunch of who's calling the shots.

Those people, people like Kel, are easy to spot.

I will admit my first impression already started forming when I signed up for my audition and I noticed what I presumed to be Kel’s full name right at the top of the sign up form.

Keller? First time meeting someone who shortens their last name to use as a nickname.

I also found it strange how I had not heard anyone refer to her by her first name. I tried to ask someone about it and they cut me off before I could even finish my sentence, absolutely petrified at the mention of Kel’s name. Color me baffled, although I was not baffled for long.

All it took was a few minutes in her presence and it all made perfect sense. It seemed I’d found the person I was looking for.