The hallway at school was already loud when Beth Monroe walked through the doors.
Cheer bag over one shoulder. Phone in her hand. Hair perfectly done for the game later that afternoon.
She was halfway to her locker when she heard a familiar voice. “Beth!” Beth stopped. Maddie Carter came walking toward her with two of her friends, wearing the biggest smile Beth had ever seen.
“Oh, great,” Beth muttered. Maddie leaned against the locker beside her. “You going to the game today?”
Beth shut her locker. “Obviously.” Maddie smiled. “Good. You know Im wearing his jersey number”Beth's expression changed slightly. Maddie noticed. Of course she did.
“I actually hung out with him yesterday,” Maddie continued casually. “He's pretty funny when you're not around.” Beth stared at her. “Congratulations?” Maddie's friends laughed.
“What?” Maddie asked innocently. “I'm just saying. We had a really good time.”
Beth grabbed her cheer bag.
“Cool story.” She started walking away.
Maddie followed. “You're not jealous, are you?”Beth turned around. “No.” “Sure?” “Very.”
Maddie grinned. “Because Samuel seemed pretty interested in hanging out with me.”
Beth gave her a look. “You're really trying to get a reaction out of me.” “Maybe.”
“Then you're wasting your time.” Beth walked away. But Maddie wasn't finished. Later that day the and started
She hit every move with the rest of the squad, cheering for Samuel's team as they played. For a while, she completely forgot about Maddie.
Until she heard her voice. Beth was standing near the side of the field when Maddie and her friends walked past behind the bleachers.
“I swear Beth thinks everyone is obsessed with her,” Maddie said. Her friends laughed. Maddie continued.“She really thinks she's the main character.” Beth's smile disappeared. One of Maddie's friends said, “She's definitely going to hear you.”
Maddie shrugged.”Good.” Beth slowly turned her head. Maddie looked directly at her. Neither girl looked away.
The music continued in the background. Beth's teammate Ava whispered, “Beth, don't.”Beth grabbed her water bottle. “I wasn't going to do anything.”
Maddie smirked. Maddie glared before speaking “Then come here and say that.” Beth walked over. “What's your problem with me?”
Maddie crossed her arms. “You.” Beth laughed once. “That's not an answer.” “You act like you're better than everyone.”
Maddie made another move toward Beth, and Beth immediately shoved her back to create some space.
“Back off!” Beth snapped.
Beth stepped backward, breathing heavily. The football game continued around them, the marching band playing while the crowd slowly began noticing the commotion near the bleachers.
Maddie just glared at her. Beth’s vision blurred with anger. She clenched her fists, finally losing her patience. “Say one more thing.”
Maddie smirked. “What? You gonna cry about it?” That was enough. Beth stepped forward and swung, starting the fight.
Maddie stumbled back before grabbing Beth by the hair and pulling her toward her. Beth yelled, immediately grabbing Maddie’s wrists and trying to get her to let go. “LET GO OF ME YOU STUPID BITCH!” The people nearby started shouting. “Yo! They’re fighting!”
Students started backing away as teachers rushed toward the two girls. The cheerleaders turned around, realizing Beth was in the middle of the commotion.
On the field, Samuel had absolutely no idea what was happening.
He had been focused on the game, running the play with his teammates when the whistle suddenly blew.
“Why’d they stop the game?” one of his teammates asked.
Samuel looked toward the bleachers, confused.
