Chapter 5 IN LOVE WITH SOMEONE FROM A DIFFERENT BACKGROUND

TYLER'S POV

"But I don't understand," I scoffed in confusion, sitting in front of my dad and the principal. "Why should we shift the basketball match to the next two weeks? That's too close. We haven't even done the pep rally."

"Son, the state championship is coming up in a month, so we don't have time for an intra-school basketball tournament. We need to move quickly and have time to practice for the next match," Dad explained.

"But we're Scorpions-we're ready for anything! We just need more time to prepare for the intra-school tournament. Dale High is very competitive," I replied.

"We know, Mr. Terrence. That's why you and your team need to start practicing now. So after lunch, we'll announce for the cheerleaders and orchestras to report to the field and court to get ready."

I still feel this is too soon. I hope our team wins this year. This is so stressful-both the school and state championships. God!

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LUNCHTIME

REYNA'S POV

Everyone had left the class for lunch. The class is totally empty.

I didn't even bother going to the cafeteria. Too many people are going to be there. I can't tolerate their taunts. I don't want any more problems in my life.

I haven't even seen that cute Tyler guy since the principal called him. I wonder what's going on. Not that I care... I don't know why I'm even concerned about that.

All I want to do is study and succeed.

I brought out my chemistry textbook and a notepad from my backpack, along with my sandwich. I opened my books and my lunch, and began to eat and study at the same time.

"Hey, Reyna," Shay called as she entered the class and approached me. "Aren't you going to the cafeteria for lunch? It's creepy sitting alone in an empty class."

I shrugged. "I like it like that."

Attention students: the orchestras should report to the field. The cheerleaders and basketball players should report to the basketball court immediately. You're going to receive extra classes after practice.

Oh, well. None of my business. I just hope it won't affect my studies.

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NATASHA'S POV

I rolled my eyes at the announcement. So much stress for me-but at least I won't have to read any stupid books or stare at the teachers' ugly faces.

Everyone in the cafeteria began to murmur and complain.

"I wish I were one of the cheerleaders."

"Thank God, we're gonna practice most of the month."

"Cheerleading is stressful."

"At least you won't study all day like a dumb nerd."

"Yay! We're only going to practice for the rest of the month!" Hailey cheered. "No books!"

"Come on, Hailey, what if the practice affects our studies? Don't be silly," Kylie scoffed.

I sighed. "Whatever. Let's just go before the coach chases us again."

We stood up, left the cafeteria, and headed straight to my locker room with my friends. We changed into our gym outfits.

Yes, I have my own locker room, and I allow my friends to use it. No one dares to enter unless I say so.

I wore a black and white Adidas sports bra with matching shorts and black Nike sneakers. I tied my straight hair into a ponytail.

We grabbed our pom poms and left the locker room, chatting.

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REYNA'S POV

After a few minutes, Shay and I talked-and yes, we became friends.

I know I'm not supposed to make another friend after my one friend betrayed me, but I feel like this one's different.

She got hungry and left the class for the cafeteria.

Now I'm alone in class again, which makes things peaceful. At least Natasha and her minions are busy practicing for the rest of the day.

I'm busy studying, which gives me joy-but sometimes I feel odd in class. Am I really a nerd? I am, but in a good way... yeah.

"Hey," I heard the cutest deep voice.

I looked up, a little shocked to see Tyler standing in front of me, wearing a grey tank top, black Nike shorts, and white Bottega sneakers.

He's so cute and handsome... Wait. Shay told me that Natasha will kill me if she sees me with Tyler.

I bent my head nervously. "Um, can you please leave? I'm busy with my studies."

"But you agreed you'd hang with me during practice," he whined.

I frowned. "I did?"

"Yes! So let's go. I need a cheerleader for myself," he smiled.

"Do I look like a cheerleader?" I scoffed.

I'm not even into all those things. I just want to be a successful businesswoman, not a professional cheerleader.

His smile widened. "You have a beautiful smile."

I bent my head again, my face turning red. "T... Thank you."

He grabbed a chair and sat facing me, crossed his arms on my desk, and rested his head on them, leaning in close. He wasn't too close, but I could feel his warmth and the masculine smell of whatever amazing perfume he used filled my nostrils, making my cheeks flush.

"Whatcha doing?" he asked in his soft, killer deep voice.

Gosh, why does he have to be this cute? I just realized he has braces, which makes him even cuter.

"Um... I... Um... I... just..." I stammered as I noticed someone peeking at us from the door.

I stood up quickly. "I gotta go."

Tyler grabbed my wrist and pulled me to him, hugging my waist, giving me instant butterflies and making my heart beat faster than usual.

"Someone's watching us," I whispered.

"They won't if you finally follow me to the basketball court," he said, moving his face closer to mine. "Be my cheerleader," he whispered.

He held my wrist tightly and pulled me out of the classroom, leading me straight to the basketball court-which was so wide and amazing! It didn't even look like a school court.

Guys were playing basketball, cheerleaders were practicing with their pom poms and doing stunts, and some people were sitting in the stands.

Oh no! Natasha is one of the cheerleaders. I yanked my hand away from Tyler and walked away from him.

I feel bad for him, but I need to protect myself from being bullied.

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TYLER'S POV

She just walked away like that?

Wow. She actually left.

I watched her leave and sighed deeply. This girl is killing me-she's so adorable. Her eyes are beautiful behind those big glasses. I've never liked girls who wear glasses, but on her, they look perfect.

"She's totally not your type," Brandon muttered as he appeared beside me.

I rolled my eyes. "Oh, come on, Brandon. You again?"

"Seriously, Tyler. She's a nerd, and nerds are boring. Just come join us already."

I shrugged. "Don't care. She's cute, and I like her."

"She's not like Natasha. Natasha is hot and sexy, and she's always showing off her curves."

I cringed. "Ew, Brandon. I don't like show-offs. Besides, you're her ex. I'm not dating her."

He smirked. "You will. Every guy does eventually."

I scoffed. "Whatever. I'm going to practice."

I walked onto the court and joined the team, but my mind was still on Reyna. I hope she's okay. I hope no one saw us together.

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NATASHA'S POV

I saw it. I saw everything.

My anger is boiling. He was with that nerdy girl again. That useless, pathetic nerd.

I can't take this. She's trying to steal Tyler from me.

Not on my watch.

I won't allow anyone to take what belongs to me. Tyler is mine. And I'm going to make sure she regrets ever crossing me.