CHAPTER 8

Maxine sat at the cornermost part of the bleachers in the gym, her heart racing from observing the other girls warm up. She was tugging fidgety at her P.E. uniform, which seemed to be too tight, hence very uncomfortable. Sports had never been her thing, nor was volleyball. She'd been dreading this class all week, especially since Sarah wasn't here. She had a friend in PE, Sarah, the only person who hated it as much as her. Today, though, Sarah was home sick, and Maxine had to face the class alone.

Across the gym, the boys couldn't help but stare at Coreen as she demanded attention without effort. You couldn't deny the athleticism of Coreen—her toned body moved with confidence that Maxine only dreamed to have. Everything seemed to fit her, from her fitted uniform down to the admiration she got from everybody else. Except, of course, her attitude—a constant reminder between what a great divide lay between them.

Maxine listened as the coach told her what he wanted her to do, but her atte