Chapter 1

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

One thing that did worry me was how I’d also learned I would most likely have to join the school’s cheerleading team in order to do so.

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.

I wouldn't consider myself an outstanding or remarkable person, but merely average in most fronts. This being said, my quick learning and generally "likable" and adaptable personality has their perks. They are the main reason I even ended up getting in the team. 

There were people who were realistically leagues above me in every way that one can be strength-wise as well as when it came to keeping up to the rhythm. It’s why I was convinced a big factor in being chosen was that 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. Although I was new in the school, I was well aware of the social structure of the team because anyone could tell who was being treated as if they’re above everyone else.

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? Never heard of anyone shortening 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.