EVERYONE COULD GO JUMP OFF A FREAKING BRIDGE

CHAPTER TEN

I ran home, again.

Yes, I know I’ve been doing that quite a lot.

It has become like my new routine to run away from school nowadays, no matter how many times I chastise myself over it and tell myself to not repeat it.

So much for the untouchable queen act. I scoff at myself. I was more than touched, I’d been shoved down onto my ass, literally.

Did I hate running away from my problems and always tell myself to face it like the queen that I am?

Yes, I do with all my heart. Every single morning to myself in the mirror, in fact. I read myself some memorized and positive manifestations, and then some words of motivation to get me through the day. I do it more frequently of late too, because everything has been going downhill. Thanks to the asshole, Kieran Castles.

Was I able to face my problems head on though? Nope!

I take off my clothes and jump into bed, needing to take a nap.

The day had been a roller coaster.

I’d found strength to still go to cheer practice after my utmost humiliation. It would have helped me relax and think clearly about how to handle the situation.

My mind had been racing with all the possibilities and ways to correct this mistake. I could accuse Kieran and take him to court for hacking and defamation but dad would have wanted us to settle it as family friends. Besides, Kieran was also loved online and it would turn public opinion against me. He’s not even that active online. Why was he even so loved? It’s like I’m the only one who can clearly see through his bullshit face and no one would believe he was the devil’s incarnate even if I yelled it to the world with clear proof. They’ll probably just haul me to an Asylum. Argh

I could get the company’s PR team to explain the story and clear my name from all the slandering. But I would still lose support from others too. When I say others, I mean Team Kieran.

I’d gotten to the gym and everyone was huddled together, whispering and having a meeting without the captains.

I clapped to get them into line so I could give my welcome speech and motivational talk about winning our cheer competitions that were upcoming and raise everyone’s morale. But before I could speak, Emily starts first, cutting me off.

“We have something to tell you. Don’t take this personally. It’s in the team’s best interest.”

Glenda nods in agreement and the rest of them nod.

“Of course. Feel free to tell me anything.” I smiled stupidly, thinking they actually had something in mind that was truly beneficial for the team. I was happy that they were planning something for the team’s best interest.

“We no longer want you as captain.” Emily said, and my face fell. It’s like my heart has been ripped out and tossed into my stomach.

“You keep tarnishing our image as the captain of our team, and the hate is getting to us. We are even getting hate on out official cheer page. It’s ruining our morale as a team. We can’t function to the fullest with all the hate and….”

I call bullshit on that. How could I have affected team morale? She was just using this as an opportunity to kick me out. Vile Bitch

“I’m not resigning from my position, Emily. Whatever is going on, I’m sure you can handle it and if you can’t, then maybe you’re not good enough to be on the team in the first place.” I said as I shouldered past her and looked at the faces of my team members. No one could even look me in the eye.

What a bunch of cowards.

I didn’t train my team to be like this.

“We knew you would say that, Aaliyah.” Glenda says and I turn to look at her. Glenda had her brown shiny hair held up in a high ponytail, her brown eyes held a defiance in them that I could only respect. At least she wasn’t always going to be an ass kissing coward. She held a number of papers in her hands.

“We’ve all decided to resign if we are forced to be under your leadership. It’s you or us.” She continues.

I walked to her and took the papers from her hand, looking at the resignation forms.

I glanced through and everyone’s reason was ‘to leave the autocratic leadership of Captain Waters’.

If they left, I would be kicked off the team and the school would have to dissolve the club.

So they were asking me to step down or lose the club.

“If she steps down, I'll quit the team too. I’m not going to be captain if you kick her off this way.” Chloe hisses as she walks into the gym. Her energy drink in her left hand and my protein shake in her right.

“Chloe, No” I shake my head at her and she huffs. What’s the use of forcing myself as captain when I’m not even wanted? I wouldn’t get Chloe involved or allow her to suffer any sort of mishap because of me. Less of all, her position that she had worked hard to earn. If she left, then Emily, who was the third best, would become captain and no way would i let that happen.

The silence in the gym is loud.

I tear the resignation forms and scrunch them into a ball before tossing it back at Glenda and turning to look at the team.

“I, Aaliyah Waters, officially quit the cheer team. Henceforth, Chloe Laurent would take my place as captain. Please respect and follow her. I would send my resignation letter to Coach Torrie. Thank you for the opportunity. I wish you all the best.” I said to them before turning and leaving. Chloe calls my name several times but I don’t turn back to look at her.

I didn’t even make it to the door before my tears dropped and stain the gym floor even though I tried hard to stop them. My heart was breaking. This was just too cruel. I just couldn’t let the team suffer because of my selfish desire to be the one to lead the team. I had prepared all through the summer vacation to lead the team to newer heights as captain, and now that was being crushed too. I just couldn’t fall behind and let someone else rule. Even if that someone was Chloe. I absolutely love Chloe but this was my thing. I’d totally earned it with my hard work and dedication to the team.

My vision was clouded thick with tears, and I had to fumble with the knob before I could get it open. Immediately it closes behind me, I sprint to the parking lot and back out of campus. I didn’t stop to leave my details on the bonnet of the flashy sports car I had reversed into.

Everyone could go jump off a freaking bridge. I hated this school.