Betty’s POV
Stacey’s presence at our practices the next two weeks became a steady, if unusual, constant. She was pushing us, guiding us, even stepping in when one of our stunts fell short. And despite our rocky history, I couldn’t deny how much she’d helped. Nationals were within reach, and the Unseen team had never been stronger.
One evening, after an especially grueling practice, I collapsed onto the mats, breathing hard. My body ached but it felt worth it. Stacey plopped down beside me, equally exhausted. The gym was quiet, the rest of the team having already packed up and left.
“You know,” Stacey said, “I used to think cheer was just a popularity contest. Something to prove I was better than everyone else.”
I looked over at her, surprised. It wasn’t like Stacey to get personal.
“But it’s different now,” she continued. “You… actually care about this team. You made it more than just cheerleading. I guess that’s why I stuck around.”
I’d never really thought of Stacey as anything other than a rival, someone who’d always made things harder. But hearing her admit that she’d stayed because of the team’s purpose, because of what we were building… felt like a bridge, one I hadn’t known I wanted to cross.
“Thanks,” I said. “For being here. I know we haven’t always gotten along, but… I appreciate it.”
Stacey gave me a small smile. “Don’t mention it. Just… don’t mess up at nationals, alright?”
For the first time, I felt like we’d reached a real understanding. And maybe it was that, or the silence stretching a little longer than was comfortable, or the way Brent’s name suddenly appeared in the back of my mind and kept nagging at me—I wasn’t sure why I said it. “Can I ask you something?”
Stacey raised an eyebrow, brushing a stray strand of hair off her face. “You just did. But go on.”
I hesitated, suddenly feeling ridiculous. “You and Brent… you guys have been pretty close recently?”
Her expression faltered, just for a second, before morphing into something unreadable. She gave a small, almost dismissive laugh, leaning back on her hands. “Why? You jealous?”
“What? No!” I blurted, feeling my face heat up. “I just… noticed. That’s all. I don’t even know why I asked. Forget it.”
Stacey tilted her head. I could see the faintest hint of amusement in her eyes. “Noticed, huh?” She let the word hang in the air, savoring it. “Yeah, we’ve been hanging out.”
I don’t know why that confirmation from her stung me so much. I regretted starting this topic. I was staring at the ceiling afraid to move and feeling Stacey’s sneering gaze on me.
“He’s sweet.” she continued. “And I wouldn’t mind if something happened. Does that bother you?”
I snorted. “No.” My voice as cool as I was able to make right now.
“Good.” Stacey made a quick smile. “Nationals are what matter right now. Let’s not get distracted.”
She stood up and walked off, leaving me alone on the mats, my thoughts a tangled mess. Her words lingered in the empty gym, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that her answer was meant to unsettle me. Maybe it had worked.