Chapter 3 My first day in school... Horrible!

“Who was there? Kai, you can't deceive me now. I heard someone's voice and it was definitely a girl.”

“ No, Mr. Williams, you must be mistaken.”

Mr. Williams ignored Kai and suddenly started lunging towards the private shower stall where I was. I did not know what to do. My heart was still pounding behind my chest. Right now, I honestly couldn't figure out the location, whether in my stomach or in my head. My heart must definitely be pounding from there. Mr. Williams was still approaching me. It was like all hell was about to let loose.

Suddenly, he heard voices from another private shower stall. It was a guy. We were hearing different sounds, moaning and stuff, whimpering, and he was also making sounds.

“See, Mr. Williams, it's probably John. He's wanking off to some porn. Get a grip, John. We'd soon be having practice later,” Kai said as the team members in the locker room went up into laughter. Mr. Williams suddenly stopped in his pace.

“That useless boy, he is just good for nothing. John! Is this seriously the only thing you can do with your life? Get a grip and come out of there. We are having practice in 15.

Alright boys, get ready. We have to put much action and dedication into our practice today guys. Are you ready?”

“ Yes coach. Yes we are.”

“ Alright, get ready, can't be lazying around all day” Mr. Williams said as he went out of the locker room, escorting the girls, or should I say, pursuing them out of the locker room.

I immediately took out a huge sigh of relief. My legs were shaking in their peace. I did not know what to do. As I managed to sneak out my head. Kai saw me and let out a sigh of relief as well. Who knows what would have happened today if Mr. Williams had seen me inside this private stall? Expulsion, humiliation, disgrace. I could not even figure it out.

I remained hidden there till the boys went out and it was only Kai inside the locker room. My legs were still trembling. I was still shaking. I came out to meet Kai.

“Thank you for saving me again. You really held my ass up there. But it really says a lot about you and about your character. If you're dating somebody like Rita.”

Kai's eyes immediately darkened with conflict as he tried to figure out what I was saying. And while I was saying it, the tension was still lingering between the both of us. Was it because I was being jealous or because I really meant what I said? He could not put it together.

I headed towards my next class. Then a girl with warm brown skin, and curly hair pulling over her shoulders, fell into step beside me.

“New girl, right?” She asked with a bright smile. “I'm Abigail. You look like you could use a friendly face. After that whole locker room disaster,” I laughed softly. I was relieved.

“Allison Storm, and yeah, today has definitely been a lot.”

We clicked instantly, swapping quick stories as we talked. She was funny, sharp, and didn't seem intimidated by the elite crowd. For the first time since arriving, I felt like I might actually have a friend around here. Then the hallway filled with whispers. Heads turned as Kai and Rita walked down the corridor like they owned it. Rita's arm was wrapped possessively around his. Her blonde ponytail was swinging at her side with every step. Kai's expression remained unreadable. His eyes found mine instantly as Abigail leaned close.

“That's Kai Rivera and Rita Voss, power couple of the school. She's a total control freak, obsessive as hell. Her uncle is the hockey coach, and her dad basically got Kai Rivera his scholarship here. They're like the perfect match on paper, head cheerleader and hockey captain, but everyone knows she keeps him on a short leash.” My stomach immediately twisted. So this was the dynamic.

They stopped right in front of us, shockingly. Rita's smile was like sugar-coated poison.

“Allison right?, I wanted to apologize for what happened earlier in the locker room. Huge misunderstanding.” She said as she glanced at Kai, like he was forcing her to and she was just doing it for him, then back at me. “Kai is hosting a welcoming party tonight. You should totally invite your friends. Then meet the female coach before that, Mrs. Stella. She handles cheer trials. She will help you.”

Kai's voice was low as he leaned slightly towards me, whispering, “Is the housewarming party Brian mentioned, your welcoming party? Bring friends if you can.”

I immediately smiled at Abigail.

“You want to come with me tonight?” She nodded eagerly.

“Wouldn't miss it.”

As they walked away, I couldn't shake the feeling that Rita's apology was anything but genuine. What was she up to? I couldn't fathom.

That afternoon, the gym was buzzing with energy. Mrs. Stella, the no-nonsense female head coach for both cheer and hockey support squads, put everyone through rigorous training and gymnastic drilling. I threw myself into every tumble, lift, and stretch, turning months of bottled-up grief and frustration into sharp and precise movements. It was also as a result of my determination to join the team by hook or by crook. Mrs. Stella watched me closely, nodding with approval.

“Excellent form, Allison. You move like someone who's done this before.”

“ I was cheer captain at my old school,” I admitted, wiping sweat off my brow. She paired us up for partner work. First with a guy named Harry, who was polite and focused. She praised my diligence and benevolence in helping him with timing.

“You're going to be our chief scout for the next game, " she announced loudly. “Congratulations.” I beamed with happiness, surprised and thrilled, but the joy faded away when she switched pairs and I was suddenly matched with Kai.

The moment his hands settled on my waist for the lift, his shot went right through me. I pressed closer than necessary during the turns, letting my body brush against his almost intentionally, arching my back seductively as I held the position. His grip instantly tightened.

“ What are you doing?” he muttered under his breath with his straining voice.

“I'm not doing anything, " I whispered innocently, obliviously, biting my lip as I slid my hands slowly down his arms, doing the next transition. He clenched his jaw immediately. His breathing grew heavier. Every time we moved together, I could feel the tension shooting right up from him. He was fighting it very hard. He was trying to be successful, though he wasn't, though. His eyes kept getting darker and darker, flicking to my lips, then away. It was like I was seducing him right there in front of everyone, and it was working. His control was fraying. He could not do anything about it. It was like I was really, literally weak at the moment. By the end of the session, he immediately got a hold of himself. He looked like his head was spinning while I was feeling powerful, dangerous, and alive. Mrs. Stella suddenly clapped.

“Great work today, everyone. Allison, Chief Scout, keep it up.”

Rita's glare burned into me from across the gym.

What was she cooking up her sleeve now?

What was she up to? I couldn't fathom.