XXV. Co-existence
...and that's basically it. I tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ears as Lia decided on what words to say.
You mean to say..you really don't want me to sit out?
Bitch, you fell for that? I laughed. Did you honestly believe that I can do that to you?
Oh. Oh. Lia blurted out, seeming doubtful yet somewhat convinced. You're one scheming bitch! She laughed then threw her arms around me in an instant. I hate you. She said, releasing me from her hug.
Cut the crap out Li. You know why I hate dramas. I told her sweetly and she smiled at me, all the confusion and doubt washed away from her face.
You really got me there, Jas. I really thought... She stopped midsentence then, Oh wait. Does Kat know about this already?
I have yet to tell her.
I wish you're not keeping her in the dark again. She said with a new edge on her voice.
I'm not keeping her in the dark. I said defensively as another memory flashed inside my head. I had to shake it off to clear my mind. Besides, you're a bit prone to overreaction that's why I told you first. I rolled my eyes at her then she giggled.
Yeah I'm sorry for being like that. I should've known better.
When I tell you to trust me, you really should trust me. No questions asked, okay?
Point taken, Queen Bee. She agreed, drawing a check in the air.
That's good. So, shall we get back inside now? The squad needs you more than you know.
Oh. You don't have to tell me that. I know exactly what's my worth. Lia said confidently as she strutted inside the hall. The Gossip Queen is so back.
L! Kat shouted from across the hall when she saw us stepped in. She told the girls to continue before approaching us. You're back! They exchanged a quick hug before Kat turned her eyes on me. And so as the Queen Bee I guess.
Lia looked at me then. I smiled at her before saying. Li, tell her everything while I check on the girls, okay? With that, I left them to talk about things.
Window, ladies! You're not supposed to block each other out.
***
All right that's it people! I said after we wrapped up the practice. I sat on the nearest monoblock, dabbing my face with a towel.
That's what you call practice. She said, settling on the chair next to me. So tired!
Super exhausting. Kat added, looking at her reflection on the full-length mirror.
Ahm, Jasmine? Can I talk to you for a moment? Yza suddenly appeared out of nowhere and I almost snapped at her then. Good thing I managed a sensible reply right on time.
What is it? I asked, but she was hesitant to speak as she looked at Kat and Lia. Say whatever you have to say in front of my friends. Don't worry, they won't spill the beans. I lied. Knowing Lia, she would surely love to post in Queens' Haven whatever it is that Yza has to say.
Yza let out a sigh before speakin again. I just..I just want to say..thank you for accepting me in your team. I promise to do my best to fit in.
Bitch, you can never fit in. I said mentally. That's nice to hear. I sure hope you'd make us all proud. I told her sweetly, and she nodded with a smile as she waved us goodbye.
We three burst out laughing when she walked out of the door.
I promise to do my best to fit in. Lia imitated Yza's voice with uncalled head movements.
She's such a puppy, isn't she? I said mockingly, looking at the door she just went through.
Lil pup. Kat smirked.
This just means that you outsmarted the nerd, Jas. You're a genius now.
Oh shut up. I said, smiling big at both of them.
We left the practice hall after thirty minutes or so. We were still chatting about how the audition went and the drama that came after that when I saw a familiar face on the end of the corridor. What are you doing here?
He was still wearing his jersey that time, and I swear there were beads of sweat on his forehead. The gym is certainly a long walk from here. Hi. He said shortly, but his tone had its usual warmth in it. How's the practice?
It was good. Why do you ask? I raised a questioning eyebrow at him.
It's just that..I heard that Yza's on your team now.
And?
And I hope you're not doing or planning anything rude.
Seriously James, is that all that you think of me? Of us?
I didn't mean to-- It's just that-- Okay. He stopped, prolly trying to rearrange his thoughts.
I'm sorry okay? I didn't mean to offend you..or any of your friends. I just want us all to co-exist in peace. I just.. He broke off again then just hugged me real tight.
Forget all the drama and co-existing I said. I'm just sorry okay? I want us to be okay again. Is that all right? Would you give me that chance?
He said as he was stroking my back. I smiled evilly in spite of myself.
Of course James. You know you always stand a chance. I said as I hugged him tighter. Did I just score double points here?
