Page 10 of Harmony

His jaw is clenched as he turns, leaving me standing there.

I try to calm my nerves as I watch him leave. When a hand comes down on my shoulder, I jump.

Turning, I see Tiffany smiling.

“Welcome to the team.”

-

I never expected to actually make the team. Now that I have, my stomach won’t settle.

When Willow presented this plan, I figured it was a long shot. I mean, I knew I had the skills to be a cheerleader, but I didn’t think they would accept me.

Then again, why wouldn’t they? I mean Tiffany hates Willow, but other than that, they are just bitchy cheerleaders. I should have known they would want me on their team. They are competitive. If they are anything like my last team, cheerleading comes first, meaning they put aside their distaste for me for the greater good of the team.

It doesn’t stop me from hating this even more.

When I agreed to this, I don’t think I fully considered the consequences. Remembering the disappointment on Nate’s face has plagued me since the tryouts. I want to reach out to him. Explain to him it’s not what he thinks, but I know I can’t. I set this in motion and I need to stick with it.

Even if it’s lonely.

I can’t even reach out to Willow. I haven’t felt like this since she came crashing into my life.

A knock at my door pulls me from my thoughts.

Sitting up, I call out, “Come in.”

Jacob pops his head in. “You have a visitor at the door.”

“Oh.” I jump up. “Thanks.”

He nods, walking away, but before he can get too far, I call out to him, “Jacob?”

He turns. “What’s up?”

“I need a favor.”

He lets out an exaggerated sigh. “Your favors always turn into trouble.”

I roll my eyes at him. “I need a ride to school in the morning. I joined the cheer squad and practice is early.”

He studies me for a moment. “Sure. I have to be there early, anyway.”

“Thank you.” I smile.

He shakes his head. “Don’t leave the man waiting. I don’t want to see him in this house again,” he says, walking away.

Jacob has always been nice to me, which means a lot in my little world. Living with foster siblings isn’t easy, especially when the foster parents only give a shit about the monthly paycheck they get for keeping you. Most of my foster siblings are indifferent. Then there was Henry. He was nasty, but he was sent away after he got into a fight or something. That went down while I was dealing with Willow’s shit. Then there’s my foster sister, Loraine. She hates me solely because we share a room.

Jacob’s the good one, though. He’s the same age as me and has always treated me like I think a sibling would. He teases me but takes steps to make sure I’m being safe as well. Without him, this house would be unbearable.

Walking toward the front door, I wonder who it could be. The last person I expect to see is Nate leaning against his truck.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, not moving any closer to him.

“Get your ass in the truck, Comet.”

My heart flares at the nickname. I pretend to hate it, but secretly, I’m thrilled he came up with a nickname that is meant for only me.

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