Chapter 14
Nia shuffled down the stairs, still half-asleep with her hair tousled and sticking out at odd angles. She paused at the foot of the staircase, taking in the stillness that seemed out of place for a weekend morning. She scanned the quiet house, expecting some sign of life but finding none.
Just then, Mavin emerged from the kitchen carrying a tray with a glass of juice and a sandwich. He glanced at her, raising an eyebrow at her bewildered expression.
“Mum’s still at the hospital, and Dad just left,” he said as he walked past her toward the dining table, setting the tray down and settling into a chair.
“But… it’s the weekend,” she replied, her voice laced with confusion as she followed him.
Mavin shrugged, already halfway through a bite of his sandwich. “Guess it’s just you and me,” he said through a mouthful, not looking up.
Nia sighed, heading into the kitchen for a glass of water. “Did you see when Iris left?” she called over her shoulder.
“Yeah,” Mavin replied between bites. “She left with Dad.”
“Oh,” Nia said, the surprise evident in her tone. She was pouring herself some water when Mavin suddenly remembered something.
“Oh, and Iris said you shouldn’t be late for the cheerleading rehearsals.”
The words hit Nia like a jolt, and she nearly choked on her drink. “Cheerleading?” she repeated, wide-eyed as she stepped back into the dining room.
Mavin chuckled at her stunned reaction. “Did I say something I shouldn’t have?”
Nia forced a smile, her hand brushing through her messy hair. “No, no,” she said, laughing it off, trying to hide her surprise. “I just… totally forgot. I’ll be in my room.” She quickly turned and darted up the stairs, her thoughts racing.
“What about breakfast?” Mavin called after her, watching her retreating figure with mild exasperation.
“Later!” she replied, already halfway up the stairs. Mavin shook his head, sighing. Whatever was going on with his sister, he wasn’t in the mood to figure it out. His weekends were for his science club meetings and whatever adventures he could squeeze in, and he didn’t plan on letting anything derail that.
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In her room, Nia rushed over to her study table, where the wall was covered with notes, reminders, and a schedule for the “other” Nia’s activities. Between her focus on young Nia’s diary and her recent sleuthing into her unusual situation, she’d completely forgotten about the regular social commitments and extracurriculars she was expected to keep up with.
“Cheerleading… cheerleading…” she murmured, her finger scanning the schedule. “There!” she spotted the cheerleading practice, scheduled for 2 p.m. A sigh of relief escaped her as she realized she had a few hours to prepare. Cheerleading wouldn’t be a problem—she’d been on the squad herself back in her own high school days.
But, she mused, there was always some catch lately. If young Nia’s life was anything to go by, each event felt like a setup or trap waiting to be sprung. With this eerie pattern emerging, she found herself constantly bracing for the next surprise or confrontation. Nia had barely finished the thought when her phone rang, snapping her out of her musings. She glanced over at the bed, where the phone was buzzing, and walked over to pick it up. The name on the screen gave her pause, sending her heart racing.
It was Emery.
After a moment of hesitation, she answered, steeling herself. “Hello?”
“Have you thought about how to clear yourself from the charges raised against you by the class?” His voice came through in its usual calm but serious tone.
“Well, I... I…” she stammered, completely at a loss. She had no plan to refute the accusations, nor any idea how she could prove her innocence. “Didn’t you say you’d handle that?” she finally blurted, a note of frustration in her voice.
A deep sigh echoed from the other end of the line, as though Emery were trying to summon patience. “Meet me at The Linn’s Café,” he replied curtly.
“Now?” she asked, surprised at the abruptness. But before she could say anything more, the line went dead.
She let out a scoff, staring at her phone screen. “This Emery guy really gets on my nerves,” she muttered to herself. Then, an idea crossed her mind. “Maybe I can finally ask him what Mum talked to him about.” With a sudden burst of motivation, she set about getting ready.
Minutes later, Nia was dressed and ready to go. She’d opted for a pink-pleated mini skirt with a white and pink striped top, paired with white sneakers. Her hair was pulled back in a messy bun, and she slung a small backpack over her shoulder, her cheer outfit tucked inside just in case she didn’t make it back in time for practice. Nia didn’t like being late, especially not when it came to sports.
Descending the stairs, she called out, “Mavin?” grabbing a few snacks off the table as she moved. “Mum said I should drop you off before I go!” Silence greeted her. “Mavin! I’m gonna leave without you!” she shouted, rolling her eyes.
“Wait up!” she heard him shout, and soon he was bounding down the stairs. By the time they both dashed out of the house, it was nearly 11 a.m.