When In Doubt - Freshman Year

Chapter 3

Heather

As she'd stared back and forth between a smug Mandy Reinhardt and an absolutely shook Jared Mikaelson, Heather couldn't help but burst out laughing. "Oh...wow, that's...uh, that's quite a coincidence."

At that point, Brayden had thankfully got their game going again, so the small crowd that'd almost formed around them had dispersed, and Jared looked anywhere but into anyone's eyes. Heather couldn't help but feel a little sorry for him.

"Well, just so you know, we're not looking for any drama here," Heather had cut in. "We're just here for some volleyball, so if you want to join in, feel free. Jared, what do you say?"

"I'm here to play some volleyball," Jared had nodded, and some of his confidence had returned; it always helped when someone knew they had people in their corner. He'd patted Heather on her shoulder as he'd jogged away.

Heather regarded the girls again: Lindsay had looked uncomfortable, Ali had looked slightly impressed, and Madison stared at Mandy to see what she'd say.

"We're only here to play some games, that's all," Mandy shrugged. She'd walked past Heather to go join the others on the court, and Heather had definitely noticed the daggers Mandy flashed her way.

"Yep, playing games alright," Heather muttered under her breath.

Lindsay smiled as she'd stepped forward. "Thanks for letting us join, Heather! Looks like fun."

"Glad to have you here, Lindsay, I'm sorry I didn't invite you girls earlier."

"Oh, NBD. We're all here now, that's all that matters."

Heather had taken note of how Lindsay had gone straight to Mandy's side as she'd walked onto the court; she'd seemed to have found a new leader to follow. Heather also noticed Jared had made sure to stay as far away from them as possible.

Heather turned back towards Madison and Ali, who'd both grinned at her.

"You know Heather, you're alright," Ali commented. "I'm surprised you'd go right to that guy's defense. He seems like a total douche, but Mandy's a bitch too, and I had no idea this would turn into some power play."

"Seriously, I'm sure Mandy's not used to having people stand up to her too much," Madison added.

Heather had to agree with Madison; Being able to knock Mandy down a peg had felt rewarding. "Well it's no big deal, I just don't want any drama on our second day here."

Heather had to watch what she'd said around the girls. Out of all four of them, Ali had seemed like the most genuine, but she was still Lindsay's best friend, and Heather had to assume the worst. She'd known how girls like them operated, and those two could've just been doing recon for all Heather had known.

"Well, if you want, there's that movie on campus they're playing tonight on the quad if you wanted to join us?" Ali inquired. "I know Mandy will be there, but you seem cool, and I know I'd love it if you'd joined us."

Was that actually sincere?... Heather had to admit that Ali had been the hardest to get a read on; she was just so different compared to the other girls. She'd had the whole "tough girl with leather, denim, and fishnets who smoked under the bleachers after school" vibe. Again, how was she Lindsay's best friend? Girls like Ali usually hated girls like Lindsay.

Heather smiled through her many questions. "I'll have to think about it, but thanks for the invite."

Madison

She'd forgot how much she'd loved playing volleyball.

Madison had played during her freshman and sophomore years of high school during the off-season for track, and had absolutely loved it. The power she'd felt whenever she'd struck the ball, the rush of a spike whenever it had been perfectly set up; it was one of her favorite pastimes. Unfortunately, Madison had been forced to put it aside because the workouts conflicted with her track training, plus all her other extracurriculars for her college applications.