Third-Person POV
The days leading up to nationals were a blur of last-minute adjustments and extra hours in the gym. The Unseen team was ready, but the tension was high. Ivy and her squad were relentless, always finding new ways to needle and undermine them, turning every practice into a mental battleground.
One afternoon, during a quick break in practice, Betty headed to the equipment room to grab some extra mats. As she rounded the corner, she nearly tripped over a weight bag that had been carelessly thrown across the floor. She caught herself, heart racing, just as Ivy appeared, leaning casually against the wall with a smirk.
“Oops,” Ivy drawled, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “Didn’t see you there, Betty. Hope that little stumble doesn’t throw off your routine.”
Betty straightened, glaring at her. “What’s your problem, Ivy? You’ve got your team, your reputation. Why do you care so much about what we’re doing?”
Ivy shrugged, her smirk widening. “Oh, I don’t care. I just don’t want to see you make fools of yourselves at nationals. It would be… embarrassing. Nationals are for winners, not... whatever it is your little group calls itself.”
Betty clenched her fists, resisting the urge to snap back. She knew Ivy was trying to get under her skin, but she wouldn’t let her succeed. “You know what, Ivy? Keep watching. You might actually learn something.”
“That’s cute.” She smirked, stepping closer. “But I’ve been doing this longer than you’ve been dreaming about it. Your little ‘team with heart’ act won’t fool anyone on that stage or the jury. You’re out of your league, Betty. Always have been.”
“You seem pretty obsessed with us for someone who thinks we’re no competition. Maybe it’s not us who’s scared.”
Ivy’s smirk vanished entirely this time. “Enjoy your moment,” she hissed. “Because when nationals come, I’ll make sure it’s your last.”
With that, she sauntered off. Betty knew her words were meant to rattle her, but instead, they only stoked the fire burning inside her. She picked up the mats and returned to the gym.
“Let’s run it again,” she said firmly. “Ivy’s watching, and I want to make sure she sees exactly what we’re capable of.”