Stepping out of the cab, Nia let her gaze sweep across the wide, open field between the studio and the campus. The space was alive with activity as small groups of students gathered in uniforms, chatting and preparing for the day’s cheerleading practice. The girls wore skirts in hues of blue and white that caught the sunlight, while the boys sported coordinating athletic wear. The air was filled with laughter, snippets of pep talks, and the occasional burst of cheer practice in the distance.
As her eyes drifted across the groups, one clique immediately stood out: Cassie and her gang. They were lounging by a tree, their faces half-hidden behind shades, their laughter unmistakably haughty. Cassie, as usual, looked like she owned the place. Instinctively, Nia let out a sigh, her fingers tightening on the strap of her bag. Just the sight of Cassie made her feel tense, as if she had to brace herself for whatever was coming.
“Nia!” A voice called out over the field, pulling her attention away from Cassie. She turned and spotted a familiar hand waving from a distance.
“Iris!” she called back, her face breaking into a relieved smile. Quickening her pace, she hurried over to her friend, her footsteps light on the grass.
Iris met her with a warm smile, but there was a hint of worry in her eyes. “You’re a bit late,” she said, her tone gentle, as if she could sense Nia’s flustered energy.
“I know,” Nia admitted, her voice tinged with guilt. “The traffic was worse than I expected. I hate keeping people waiting.”
“It’s okay, you’re only a few minutes behind.” Iris’s expression softened, trying to reassure her friend. “But you should get changed quickly—the instructor’s on her way.”
Before Nia could respond, she felt a shift in the air beside her. She didn’t have to look to know who it was. Cassie and her sidekicks had drifted over, their presence practically radiating disdain.
“Do you think we’re here to wait for you all day?” Cassie’s voice dripped with sarcasm, her lips curling into a smirk. Her arms were crossed over her chest, her posture demanding attention.
Nia bit back a retort, not wanting to give Cassie the satisfaction. But Iris wasn’t having it. “Come on, Cassie,” she snapped, her tone sharp. “We’re all part of the same team.”
Cassie didn’t flinch. Instead, she raised a hand in a mock stop gesture, dismissing Iris’s words as if they were beneath her. “And who asked for your opinion?” Her gaze flickered over Iris dismissively before settling back on Nia, eyes narrowing.
Nia met her stare evenly, feeling a surge of frustration rise up within her. “I’m here, and that’s all that matters,” she said, her voice calm but firm. She took Iris’s hand and turned, feeling Cassie’s glare burning into her back as they walked away.
“She just loves to make a scene,” Iris muttered, her expression sour as they rounded the corner to the changing room. “How long are you going to put up with her?”
Nia let out a sigh as they reached the lockers. “I’m not here for Cassie. I’m here for me. She can throw all the attitude she wants—I’m not letting it get to me.” She opened her locker, pulling out the light blue and white cheer uniform. The colors were bright against the metal interior, the name STARLITES emblazoned across the front in bold lettering.
“Well, you’re a lot more patient than I am,” Iris replied, watching as Nia changed into the uniform.
Just as Nia was adjusting her top, a loud bang shattered the relative quiet of the room. A metallic clatter echoed from the other side of the lockers, startling both girls. Nia looked up sharply, her eyes meeting Iris’s wide-eyed gaze. They both hurried around the corner to investigate.
There, standing in front of a half-open locker with a look of shock on her face, was a petite, blonde girl who looked no older than them. She was clearly rattled, her gaze darting between them as though caught red-handed.
“Valery?” Iris’s voice was laced with surprise and suspicion. Nia squinted, recognizing the girl from a few classes but not remembering much else about her.
Valery fidgeted, her hands trembling slightly as she pulled her gaze away from the locker. “I... I didn’t think anyone would be here,” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
“What are you doing?” Iris’s tone was sharp, her suspicion clear as her eyes flicked to the locker. Nia followed her gaze and realized the locker was Tina’s. Clothes and books were scattered haphazardly on the floor, as if Valery had rummaged through in a hurry.
Valery’s face flushed as she struggled to come up with an answer. “I’m sorry,” she mumbled, her voice faltering. “I... I have to go.” Before they could react, she turned and bolted down the hallway, her footsteps echoing against the tiled floor.
“Wait!” Iris called after her, but Valery didn’t stop. She disappeared around the corner, leaving Nia and Iris standing in stunned silence.
“What was that all about?” Nia asked, more confused than ever.
“I don’t know,” Iris replied, her gaze fixed on the scattered belongings in front of Tina’s locker. “But that was strange. Why would she be going through Tina’s stuff?”
Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps reached their ears. Turning, they saw Tina approaching, her expression darkening as she took in the mess in front of her locker.
“What happened here?” Tina demanded, her voice a mix of anger and confusion as she looked from the mess to Nia and Iris.
“Valery was just here,” Iris explained quickly, trying to keep her tone neutral. “She saw us and ran off. We don’t know why she was going through your locker.”
Tina’s face twisted in anger, her hands clenched into fists. “That little thief,” she muttered, her tone venomous. “She’s going to pay for this.”
As Tina bent down to start gathering her things, Nia and Iris exchanged a worried glance. They had no idea what was going on with Valery, but it was clear that whatever she was involved in, it was more serious than they’d thought.
“Nia,” Iris said quietly, her tone urgent. “I think we need to figure out what’s happening. This isn’t just some random misunderstanding.”
Nia nodded, her mind racing with questions. What could have driven Valery to go through Tina’s things? And why did she seem so terrified? She had a feeling they were only scratching the surface of a much deeper issue.
As they stood there, lost in thought, the piercing sound of a whistle echoed across the field, signaling the start of practice. The moment broke, and they knew they couldn’t delay any longer.