Chapter 1

Ten months had passed since I entered a new school in the middle of the second school year.

What petrified me back then was that everyone else had already gotten to know each other and I, once again, 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 easier. 

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 cheerleading team in order to rub shoulders with her.

While I took care of my basic level of fitness and might have potential in the sport with enough training, I had zero background in it. The closest thing I had ever done was a 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 weathervane when I spun and can't even do the splits without someone helping me weren’t deal breakers.

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

How come?

I said nothing when the team's leader Kel asked what we thought of the truthfully absurd choreography they expected us to learn for the audition.

Basically, I was certain I only got my spot in the team because I kissed 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 glanced in its 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 signup form.

Ah, she's a Keller? That explains the nickname.

I found it strange how I had heard noone refer to Kel 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 so 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.