Page 47 of A Game as Old as Time

Stop it, Hailey!

“I thought we promised we wouldn’t start until Monday!” Juliana grabbed her arm and ushered them down the steps.

“I know. It’s just we are so far behind and have so much work to do.”

So much.

The two walked into the hallway.

“Hailey.” Juliana spun to her. “You already sound fantastic. It’s like, it’s like you were born to lead and star!”

Everyone needs to stop saying that.

“I was not born to star. I’ve just had a lot of practice.”

She opened the main door to the school, heading out into the late summer air, which was already hosting an undercurrent of cool, autumnal chill. The breeze intermingled scents of freshly cut grass, spearmint, and cooling pavement.

“I just hope…I just hope Bridgette is OK with me taking over the lead.”

Hailey was becoming distracted by the stadium lights below.

“Bridgette?” Juliana threw her head back and laughed. “Bridgette will be fine. Plus, she is still playing a major part. I actually think she is better in her new role, anyway.”

I would love to play that role.

Hailey kept her eyes on the emptying stadium as Juliana pranced ahead.

“I don’t know, Juliana. I just feel like, I don’t know, I feel like everyone treats me differently.” She stepped off the curb and into the parking lot. “I feel like they think I am weird, like…I don’t know.”

Juliana grabbed her shoulder and brought her close.

“Hailey,” she said, a smile on her face, “they’re just a little intimidated by you. I mean, let’s be real, girl. You are, well, you are a shock to this town.”

Not what I needed to hear.

Hailey could only shrug.

“You’re talented, you’re smart, and girl, you’re beautiful!”

Jeez.

Hailey could not help the embarrassed giggle that escaped as she tried to break free, shaking her head.

“The rest of them just don’t know you like I do…yet.” Juliana finally let her go. “But I promise you, once they get to know you and you get to know them, you’ll see.”

She skipped to her car and threw open the door.

“You’ll see they’re not that bad.”

I guess.

A car pulled up nearby, interrupting the conversation.

“Juelz!” Gunner’s voice spun Hailey around, and the butterflies returned in force.

“Gunner!” Juliana yelled, hugging him through the driver’s side window.

“You ready to do this?”

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