Waking up, I expected myself to be still passed out at the floor of that party host's living room, ready to eat whatever crappy breakfast he can offer.

To my complete surprise, I opened my eyes to the sight of the familiar ceilings where you could see the faint shapes of where the glow-in-the-dark stickers used to be. I closed my eyes and opened them again as if it would be completely different.

Sitting up, I stopped myself when I felt the sharp pain in my head. After a full minute of not moving, I slowly turned to me side and blinked at Gray's sleeping figure.

What? Why? When? How?

Throwing the covers off of my body, I noticed that I was still fully clothed – an indicator that I was left untouched and we didn't do anything.

Well, at least I hope not.

But I trust Gray, he won't do anything.

Standing up was another problem, my head was still feel painful as hell. I was like a toddler learning how to walk again as I took each step as slowly as I can in order to reduce this pulsating headache. Great, now how can I perform tonight with this?

Okay, maybe I should have stuck to the beer.

All I know right now is that I need to pee and I need some water.

After doing my business in the bathroom, I held back a shriek when I glanced at the mirror. My makeup was absolutely destroyed and my hair stuck out in all directions. Using my hands as a comb, I attempted to neaten it up, but it decided to be stubborn.

Taking out a handkerchief from my pocket, I used it as a hair tie and pulled my hair into a ponytail. Opening his medicine cabinet, I reached out for the bottle of asprin before heading down to the kitchen to get myself a drink.

I've had enough hangovers in here to know where the painkillers are.

Pouring myself a glass of water, I took a look at his fridge to see what I can make for breakfast. There's not really much to choose from so I opted for some scrambled eggs.

Setting the bottle of aspirin down on the counter, I took out the egg carton and a bowl from the cabinet in order to prepare breakfast. Gray's not some stranger that I need to sneak off after a night together and pray that we never talk again.

As I've always said, we're friends – even though the recent happenings is currently putting a riff in that title.

Whisking the eggs, I placed the pan on the stove, spraying it with cooking spray, before pouring all the contents of the bowl into it. While cooking, I could hear Gray entering the kitchen and I didn't even dare to turn to look at him.

He was silent, probably weighing his options on whether he should say something or let me do the talking.

Finishing up, I divided the eggs into two plates and setting them down on the kitchen island in front of him. He stared at me and I only kept my monotone expression, choosing to make him do the first move as I rounded up the counter and sat on the stool with my glass of water.

I heard him take a deep breath before calling out my name, "Clara..."

Here we go, the dreaded conversation is about to start.

"Before anything else," I said, turning to face him, "Did we or did we not do it last night?"

To my relief, he shook his head as his answer, "You passed out and I carried you here because I'm sure your parents wouldn't appreciate you coming home drunk in a guy's arms."

I nodded before looking back down on my plate. He added, "You know I won't do anything without your consent."

"That was what I thought," I mumbled under my breath. I also thought that you weren't thinking of anything with Erin, like what you assured me before. I also thought that you would tell me everything, but once again, I was wrong.

"Ask me anything and I'll answer," he declared.

Without even much of a glance towards him, I questioned, "What's with you and Erin Matthews?"

Silence.

Nothing, I was waiting for him to reply with even just a joking manner or anything, but there was nothing but silence.

"Got it," I concluded, finishing up my breakfast before hopping off of the stool, "Thank you for letting me stay here."

I took an aspirin before biting my lip to control my emotions. I'm seeing red with anger at Erin, but at the same time, I wanted to cry because of what's happening.

But, I don't cry over petty things like this.

"I'm going home," I told him, "We still have to compete later."

"I'll be there rooting for you," he informed, his tone pleading for me not to go.

Then explain and I won't leave. I've always listened to you, I've always endured your lies, because you always came out with the truth at the end. Why can't you just be honest for just one fucking time?

"Okay," was the only word that I allowed to escape my lips.

As I was about to leave, I felt his hand wrap around my wrist, stopping me. Looking over my shoulder, his eyes were casted downwards, refusing to meet my gaze, "No goodbye?"

Our usual goodbye was a kiss – whether it was on the cheek or on the lips. Whenever we stayed home at each other's house, that was our form of farewell.

But not today, not when I'm feeling like this.

"Bye," I muttered and I could feel his disappointment oozing out of his body. He let go of my wrist and I continued on my way out of the door.

Taking out my phone, I started walking through the neighborhood as I looked for Vivian's name through my contacts.

"What?" she spoke as a greeting, her voice rough and tired. I probably woke her up and she's currently experiencing the same headache I had when I got out of Gray's bed.

"Take a painkiller and pick me up at the 7-11 near Gray's house," I instructed, "I need a ride home."

"Let me remind you that you woke me up at eight in the morning while I'm still lying on the couch at the house of the party," she grumbled.

"Let me remind you that we have to perform later," I countered, "Now get yourself together and pick me up."

It took her a while to answer, thinking the pros and cons of getting up and driving out to get me. With a sigh, she said her reply, "Fine, but I demand the details."

"Whatever," I groaned before hanging up, continuing on my walk to the convenient store.

I got myself one of their small coffees to wake myself up, letting the caffeine take over my senses. I'm hoping that my body is alright. After taking a huge amount of depressant – which was the alcohol – last night, I'm now trying to wake it up with the stimulant of caffeine. It's probably going haywire right now.

Soon enough, I saw Vivian's dark blue car pull up in front. After buying a sandwich and a bottled juice, I got into her car, giving her the bag containing my purchase, "Thanks."

As she opened the sandwich, she took a bite before driving away to my house, "Now what happened?"

"You remember the story of that awkward morning after when Gray and I first did it?" I questioned and she nodded, "Well, what I experienced was way worse than that."

After the first time, our escapades no longer became compromising. We would usually just smile about it after or tease each other. We would sometimes have breakfast together or we'll have a little laugh as one of us has to sneak out of the other's house.

And for the first in what feels life forever, the air during the morning after was so heavy that it was painful.

"This is why you should never fall for the bad boy," she said the most cliché line out there.

"I haven't completely fallen for him," I snorted, looking out of the window, "But it would be nice if I'm not worrying every thirty seconds if he's already talking up another girl."

I understand that he's afraid of commitment and I'm not telling him directly to just go out with me, but come on, he should at least get the hint!

She stopped right in front of my house and I turned to find out that my gym bag still there resting on the backseat.

Reaching for it, I heard her say, "Hey, remember that the team is always here to go play with that Erin Matthews."

With a sigh, I nodded and said my goodbye, getting out of the car and waited for her to drive away. Turning to the house, I got in and I didn't even doubt that Will and mom are already awake.

When I entered the living room though, it was only mom eating her breakfast as she watched the television screen, "I'm home."

"Was that Vivian who dropped you off?" she question.

"Yeah," I confirmed, taking off my jacket, "Only you?"

"Your father-" step-father, "Had an emergency business trip that he had to attend."

With a hum of acknowledgement, I went up to my room and showered, scrubbing off last night's dirt. I let the warm water relax my tense muscles, giving it the rest it needs for tonight. Getting out, I wrapped myself in a towel before applying the usual skin routine.

Walking back into my room, I stared at the cheer uniform that was designed for this season. We had different uniforms, one we use during games and another one for the real businesses like these.

Everyone knows that I love cheerleading, but it only sparked an image that back then, I wasn't really prepared for. I basically took the bait – look at the chick who had the blonde hair and blue eyes as she parades around in her tiny outfit with the cheap pompoms.

To be honest, the only thing that keeps me from snapping is the fact that I was the one who chose this. Stick to your decisions and go through with it, don't be a coward and walk away just because it gives you a bit of inconvenience.

Putting it on, I sat down on my vanity and looked at myself through the mirror. My hair was still damp from the shower and my face was bare of any makeup, a rare sight only a few people have seen.

When I say that I look different without the products, I mean it.

But ugly? Bitch please, this is me we're talking about.

Starting on my look, I watched a tutorial from YouTube as I followed through with the makeup application. Right after, I proceeded with my hair, pulling it up into a sleek ponytail before tying it. Softly pulling out the blue and silver ribbons from the drawer, I wrapped it around the hair tie, creating a perfect bow.

It took me quite some time to get ready and when I was done with my look, it was already time for me to leave.

Bending down, I laced my white sneakers that matched with every other member of the team's. After shrugging on my jacket, I snatched my bag and went on out.

We had to be a few hours early so we could reach the bus that would take us to the neighboring school where the competition was being held.

Not really a long drive, but it was much easier to have everyone arrive at the same time.

When I reached the school, the bus was already there and a few girls had already arrived, taking pictures and chatting amongst themselves.

"Ready?" I questioned as I approached them, trying to keep my steps light when I literally feel a ton of weight resting on my shoulders.

I'm the captain of this ship and I'll be damned if this goes sinking down.

We waited until everyone has arrived before we all piled up into the bus. I claimed the seat at the very front with Vivian and my eyes were trained outside, staring the buildings we passed by.

"Nervous?" she asked, checking herself through her front cam.

I let out a snort and a smirk, hoping that it concealed the anxiety I was feeling from this, "Me? Nervous? No freaking way."

Me? Nervous? Yes freaking way.

She nodded before she continued on with just making her vanity more prominent. She smiled then frowned, wiping off some of her stray lipstick before smiling at the camera once again.

Please let this thirty minute drive be over soon.

Arriving at the venue, I was the first to stand and lead the whole barrage into the school. For those who are asking – yes, this is fake blondie's school. You know, the bitch from the party.

We were led into the guest locker room. Compared to ours that our student body president made sure was kept in tiptop shape, this was absolutely gross.

The benches had a lot of marks and graffiti on them and when I opened a locker, it still had some trash in it and don't even get me started with the smell, "Make sure none of you use any of these."

Releasing the locker, I held out a hand and waited for one of them to squeeze out some hand sanitizer in order for me to get rid of those vile germs that I might have touched.

Ew and gross.

We were the first ones to arrive and soon, a few neighboring school teams came in, finding the condition of this room unpleasant as well.

Unlike with fake blondie, I was quite friendly with the other captains. This was a fairly small town and we only had a few schools scattered around the area so we all knew each other. We even had a squealing reunion where one will emerge from the door and one will run up to hug her.

We're all acquaintances here. Keep your friends close, and you enemies closer.

Not that I hate them, they're just competition right now.

Everyone was called out for the start. With an exchange of looks with my teammates, we plastered our smiles and strutted out, keeping a triangular formation with me at the very front.

My eyes scanned the crowd as we went out, pretending to be so enthusiastic even though deep inside, we're like hungry wolves eyeing our meat – the spot for the next round.

My eyes scanned the people watching, looking for Gray. He told me earlier that he would be here and even though we were starting to crash down, I was hoping he would at least keep his word.

"Give some words of inspiration," Vivian said as she forcefully pulled me to face the team.

Snatching my arm away, I gave her a dirty look before shaking my head, composing myself again, "This should be no problem for us."

"So inspiring," Vivian rolled her eyes and I not-so-subtly shoved her away after the little comment.

"If someone makes a wrong move, I want you to recover quickly or just mask your mistake," I instructed, "The others, just keep going with the routine."

They nodded and I smiled, taking a step, "Let's do this girls."

We all placed out our pompom wielding hand to the middle of our circle and gave ourselves a little cheer before turning back, patiently waiting for our turn.

As the announcer chirpily called out our school name, we jumped and twirled around to the center mat, gesturing for the crowd to cheer, which they happily did as we waved around with plastic smiles tattooed on our faces.

The music started and playing and we started our routine. First, doing a simple chorography with just some hand and feet movement, and as the beat started to become faster, we did the flips that we practiced.

As I did a backflip, the others moved to the other end of the mat and did a tumble turns onto the other side. We've mastered the art of doing the turns in a limited space without bumping into each other, and it just took a few threatening remarks to whip them up into shape.

We moved gracefully to the next position, three pyramids. We divided into three groups, with me standing by the middle group. Me and two other girls clapped our hands before we were lifted up, smiling and waving at the audience as we did some moves.

Just at the height I was at, my eyes zoomed in on the familiar face that I didn't expect to be here. Evan was sitting there in-between his friends, watching the show. I grinned as I lifted my leg up to the next move, my gaze travelling along the way.

Suddenly, I saw it.

He sat there by the end of the bleacher and even though his eyes were on me, I could see the attention was pointed towards the girl beside him. Gray kept his word when he told me that he'll be here, but he missed out on the supporting part.

His focus wasn't even on the performance, it was on Erin.

And because of the shock that overcame my body, I lost my balance and came tumbling down. The girls were surprised at this, but I gave them a look that they should just keep going with the routine.

I winced as I placed my feet on the ground, feeling the slight pressure on my ankle. Nonetheless, the show must go on.

I masked the fall by flipping up and raising my hands in the air, flashing a good smile.

I need to concentrate.

We started doing the finale – the big pyramid. The group assigned to do it started building up, carrying one another and jumping up to do it. Just like in practice, I pulled Vivian away from the top and so the light freshman had no problem getting lifted up.

Just as she was secured, two girls did a flip and split, angling their bodies towards the middle front.

Blowing a kiss towards the audience, I threw my body forward. My mind was panicking, telling myself that I couldn't do the triple flip.

But remembering Evan's words, I cleared my head. I didn't want to risk this.

Gray already got hanging on a ledge and if I attempted this with the injury I have, this will not end well.

I pushed my body up, gaining momentum before I did it again. When I was in the air, I did a flip, and then a second one. This is not about having the pleasure about proving Vivian wrong, this is about getting the upper hand in the competition.

And so, instead of attempting to do a third one, I let my body fall before landing in a split, finishing the routine as the last beat of the music was heard.

The audience cheered, clapping their hands and hooting at us. With a smile, we went to our feet and ran out of the performance area.

"What the hell was that?" Vivian growled, turning to me, "You never fell off of a pyramid before."

Blinking to her, I shook my head, "I need some air, I'll just step outside."

"Clara," one stopped me, "Are you okay?"

I offered her a tight-lipped smile before nodding, walking off. Well, I limped off.

With every step I took, my steps were getting choppier. Maybe because of the adrenaline rush, I didn't feel it much while I was still performing, but right now when my heart rate was calming down, I could finally be aware of the pain.

I burst into the locker room before I slowly took more steps so I could get out of this school building. Reaching the parking lot, I plopped myself down on the staircase and outstretched my leg, quickly removing my shoe to look at the damage.

It was swollen, just like what I predicted.

The competition was still going on inside and I didn't really feel going back in there. Not when I can see Gray and that lamb.

Leaning against the steps, I stared right up into the sky. Finding comfort once again the dark night – the stars were sprinkled around and the gorgeous moon acted up as a spotlight.

I always end up in this position, don't I?

One thing though, it was freezing out here. The fact that I was wearing such a skimpy outfit didn't help at all.

My eyes casted down and looked around the parking lot to find the bus. Sadly, it was closed and dark, signaling that the driver throttled off to somewhere else. Meaning, I can't get inside.

Don't give up yet, Clara. We've done this before, we can surely do it again.

We were always going in circles – him going off to another girl, me worrying and fighting back. Honestly, it was getting tiresome and yet, I can't stop myself. There's always this nagging feeling telling me that someday, he'll open his eyes.

I just don't know how long I can keep this up.

After what feels like forever, I can see the figures of several people starting to exit the school, signaling the end. I don't know if we made it or not, but I'm sure they'll tell me all about it when they come out. And I'm also positive they'll grab my bag for me, they'll know what will happen to them if they don't.

When I saw Evan walking next to his group of friends, my eyes widened and I hobbled off of the stairs and onto the side, turning my back to them, hoping that he wouldn't see me like this.

I'm that headstrong girl, not some emoting chick at the staircase.

Just as I heard the voices of his friends pass by, I thought I was home free. Just before I turned, I felt something fall onto my head and I quickly snatched it up.

My eyes widened at the sight of the brown jacket he was wearing earlier before my head snapped towards his retreating figure.

Well, at least it confirms that he indeed saw me.

Putting it on, I realized that it still slightly engulfed my body. He was taller, that's for sure, but he was a lot skinnier than Gray. Unlike when I wore Gray's countless amount of sweaters, hoodies, and coats, this was lighter. Doesn't mean I don't think it's sufficient though.

Evan was different from Gray and I appreciated the change of scenery. But just like any travel, nothing beats home and I believe that home is with Gray – warmth, comfort, safety, and assurance.

Smiling, I waited for the girls to arrive and maybe get some aid for this ankle. This was just a little hiccup, I'll get through this.

--------------------

All I'm saying is brace yourself for the next chapters, she'll start to show her true colors. I'm going to remind you all again that Clara is and will act like a bitch. She's going to be a savage, she's going to be rude as fuck, and she's going to curse like a motherfucking sailor.

She represents the typical blonde cheerleader that everyone hates in other stories so of course she's going to be mean. I sometimes laugh how you guys complain that she's a bully and such when that's literally the main point.

Question: We need ship names! You all are creative with making them so let your name combining skills roam free.

I love you guys and I have a lot of work and projects waiting for me. 'Till next chapter! Don't forget to comment, vote, and follow.