My Enemy and I

Chapter 10

*Spring time*

It was finally springtime, and this Friday, I was slated to perform at the spring festival. The thought alone filled me with absolute terror. I lay in bed, the morning light doing little to dispel my dread, really not wanting to go to school. But, I had to. With a sigh, I dragged myself to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face, brushing my teeth, and attempting to tame my sleep-mussed hair. I then moved to the closet, picked out my clothes for the day, and headed downstairs into the kitchen. I grabbed an apple, munching on it as I waited for Isaac to come down. Once he did, we left to pick up everyone else.

The drive to school was filled with the most awkward silence I'd ever experienced. The tension in the car was palpable, thick enough to cut with a knife. We pulled into the school parking lot, but before anyone could jump out, I locked the doors, the sharp click echoing in the confined space.

"Ali, I hope you know we're still in the car," Timmy said, stating the obvious.

"I know!" I retorted, my voice edged with frustration. "Why is everyone being so goddamn awkward right now? It's driving me crazy!"

"Like we have a fucking clue AliJenni countered, equally exasperated. "I guess everyone's just on edge about this whole week."

"Why would any of you be nervous about this week?" I asked, my voice rising slightly. "You're not the one singing in front of the whole school. I'm the one who should be on edge!"

"So, you're saying that we can't be nervous for you?" Isaac asked, his brow furrowed.

I smiled then, a genuine warmth spreading through me at the realization that my friends cared enough to worry about my performance. "No, please. If you guys are nervous, then it'll make me go crazy. So, leave the nervousness to me."

"Okay, but we're all here for you, Alicat," Nikki said, her voice soft and reassuring.

"Thanks, guys," I smiled, feeling a little better.

"Now, can we get out of this car, please?" Ebonie pleaded, already reaching for the door handle.

"Yeah, sorry," I said, hitting the unlock button. Everyone hopped out, a collective sigh of relief. As I came around the car, Isaac grabbed my hand, a comforting squeeze. I threw my bag over my shoulder, and together, we walked into this hell of a school.

School actually went by pretty fast. Jenni had softball practice, and the boys had basketball, so it was just Ebonie, Nikki, and I waiting for them. I found a spot by a tree in the quad, put on my iPod, and listened to music, trying to relax. Ebonie and Nikki were watching the cheerleaders practice, their movements sharp and synchronized. I didn't even notice myself starting to sing "Super Bass" by Nicki Minaj, the lyrics flowing effortlessly from my lips. When I finished, I realized I had an audience. The cheerleaders clapped, and then, I guess practice was over because everyone else, including the basketball team, started clapping too.

"You never said you could rap too!" Nikki exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise.

"Well, then I guess you learn something new every day," I grinned.

"Yes, yes, we do!" Ebonie cheered. "And guess what? I'm now part of the cheerleading team!"

"Congrats!" I said, genuinely happy for her.

"Is everyone ready to go home? I'm tired," Nate said, walking over.

I got up from where I was sitting and walked towards the car. Once everyone was inside, I drove them home, and then Isaac and I headed back to his house. When we got there, I practically collapsed onto the couch.