Chapter Two

Reaching the school, I pull my cellphone out and text mom, “Made it to school with Clair. Going to her house after school to get ready for the party.”

Mom, “Sounds good, sweetheart. Hopefully, you feel better before then. Dad and I will meet you ladies there.”

“Sounds good, mom! I love you, and thank you for breakfast. Sorry, I didn't eat more of it. I am just feeling off today.” I reply to her text before putting my phone in my pocket and walking into the building.

Welcome to Obsidian High School, where only those in sports are important, or so cheerleaders and jocks think.

As I approach my locker, I take a moment to inhale deeply, preparing myself for the day ahead. Retrieving the necessary books and supplies for my morning classes, I suddenly feel a wave of unease wash over me. Sensing their piercing gazes, I pause and take another calming breath.

However, before I can even react, the notorious “slut squad” surrounds me, led by Wendy, who can't help but mockingly remark, “Well, well, look who decided to grace us with their presence today.”

“Just leave me alone, Wendy. I don't want to join the cheerleading squad.” I mumble to her, waiting for the hit that is bound to happen for talking to her and denying her what she wants.

“Poor Savage, we just want you to enjoy this school year and have you be one of us,” Sarah says with a laugh. Because they don't want me part of the team, they just want to make fun of me.

“Sorry, ladies, but I am already on the basketball team. I can't be in two places at once.” I tell her before I am smacked across the face from Sarah as they laugh and walk away. Causing me to gasp for air while trembling.

As I make my way back to my locker, a sense of urgency washes over me, propelling me to quickly gather all the necessary items before dashing off to combat class with Mr. Reed. The moment I step into the gym, the sudden sound of the bell startles me, prompting a surprised jump and a small squeak to escape my lips as all eyes turn in my direction.

“Thank you for gracing us with your presence, Savage,” Mr. Reed's sarcastic tone cuts through the air, eliciting laughter from the rest of the class. “Now, swiftly change into your gear so we can proceed with our training.” The mocking tone in his voice only adds to the amusement of my classmates, making me feel even more self-conscious.

Hurriedly, I hasten my steps towards the locker room to change before making my way to the center of the gym, surrounded by my peers. Keeping my gaze low, I focus intently on the teacher's directions as he guides us to pair up and practice defense and attack techniques.

With a sense of apprehension, I feel a knot form in my stomach as the teacher starts assigning partners, and my name is called alongside Tasha's. Despite my nerves, I mentally prepare myself to face the challenge head-on and give it my best shot.

As Tasha and I begin to practice together, I push aside my initial worries and focus on honing my skills. With each move and countermove, I start to feel more confident and in control, realizing that this unexpected partnership might just turn out to be a valuable learning experience.

Stepping back to create some space between us, I mentally prepare myself for defense while she gears up for an all-out attack. The tension builds as we face off, each of us trying to outmaneuver the other in a continuous back-and-forth between defense and offense. The adrenaline kicks in as we engage in the intense exercise, pushing ourselves to the limit. Until the whistle blows and Mr. Reed yells, “Time to shower and get ready for your next class.”

Gasping for air, I sprint towards the locker room and quickly make my way to the shower furthest from the entrance, eager to wash off the sweat before drying myself off. After freshening up, I change back into my clothes and return to the gym, positioning myself inconspicuously to avoid drawing any unnecessary attention as I wait for the bell to signal the end of class.

Standing to the side, I try to blend in with the surroundings, when suddenly Tasha emerges from the locker room and makes a beeline towards me. Just as the bell finally rings, signaling the end of the period, I breathe a sigh of relief and dash off to my math class, grateful for the timely distraction.

Math goes by so fast I don't even feel like I sat down before the bell rings ending the period, causing me to jump. Quickly gathering my belongings, I rush out of the room to my locker just as Clair reaches me.

“How are you feeling?” Clair asks me while watching my every move.

“I feel better,” I lie to her because I don't know how to explain the feeling in my stomach.

“Sweet,” she replies as she wraps her arm around mine as we turn to head for the lunchroom.

Getting in line, we each grab a plate before walking down the line and piling our plates with an apple, pizza, salad, and a cupcake. Then we head to the check-out line and pay for our meals before we head outside and sit under the tree that we have claimed as ours while we eat in silence.

“Are you ready for the Basketball game against Cordell on Friday?” I ask Clair while I finish my cupcake.

“Hell yes, with me and you on the team, there is no way we are going to lose,” Clair exclaims while moving her hands everywhere.

“Same, I am excited to finally beat them and knock them off their feet.” I say with a laugh just as I receive a text.

Mom: Your dress just arrived, along with your shoe's sweetheart. You will look gorgeous tonight.

Me: OMG, I am so nervous and excited!

Smiling, I look over at Clair before saying, “My dress has arrived for tonight, along with my shoes. We will have to stop there before heading to your house to get ready.”

“OMG, I cannot wait to see ms I don't wear dresses actually wearing a dress tonight,” Clair exclaims wildly, causing me to laugh.

“Hold your horses. We still have two classes left before we can even go home.” I say as we stand up and head back to the lunchroom and dumping our trays.

Heading our separate ways, I head to history, then science class while she heads to science and finance.

In history class, we delved into the ancient civilizations of the world, tracing their rise and fall through the sands of time. The teacher's voice filled the room, weaving tales of conquest and glory, painting a vivid picture of a past long gone but not forgotten. As I sat there, my mind wandered to the mysteries that lay buried beneath the ruins, whispering secrets of bygone eras waiting to be unearthed.

After history class, I made my way to the science lab, where rows of test tubes and beakers awaited us. The air was filled with the sharp tang of chemicals as we embarked on our latest experiment. Together, we mixed solutions and watched in awe as colors changed and reactions occurred before our eyes. In that moment, I felt a spark ignite within me, a passion for discovery and exploration that I knew would shape my future in ways I could only begin to imagine.

As the experiment reached its climax, a sudden explosion rocked the science lab, sending glass shattering in all directions. Amidst the chaos, screams filled the air as students scrambled for cover. With adrenaline coursing through my veins, I instinctively ducked behind a lab table, my heart pounding in my chest.

Through the haze of smoke and debris, I saw a figure emerging from the shadows — a

mysterious, cloaked figure with eyes gleaming with an otherworldly light. Before anyone could react, the figure raised a hand and muttered an incantation under their breath. And just like that, the chaos ceased, as if time itself had been halted.

The room fell into a hush as we gazed in astonishment at the mysterious figure draped in a cloak, who had just demonstrated abilities that left us speechless. Their eyes met mine, conveying a message without uttering a single word. Although I couldn't grasp the meaning behind it, I accepted it without hesitation as the final school bell chimed, prompting me to hurriedly empty my belongings into my locker and eagerly anticipate Clair's arrival.

Soon as Clair arrives at my locker, we make our way out of the building and hop into the car to drive over to my place. There, I quickly pick up my stunning dress and matching shoes before we make our way to her house to start getting ready for the event. The excitement builds as we plan our hair and makeup looks, ensuring that we will both look absolutely fabulous for the occasion. The anticipation of the night ahead fills the air as we help each other prepare, knowing that we will turn heads and make unforgettable memories together.