Group Project!

Stretching my limbs, I'm rewarded with a popping sound of my dead, stiff muscles providing some relief after a long night of sleep. I slept almost immediately after getting to Ari's place. Yawning, I get the taste of my morning breath, making me instantly cringe. One would think toothpaste does a great job at clearing that. I tried to stand up, only to feel someone clinging to my arm.

I turned to see Ari snuggling closer to me as she slept. I smiled as I tried to pull her off me. She whined in disapproval as she snuggled into me even more.

"Ari! Ari! Get up. We'll be late for school." I said, trying to shake her off my arm. She untangled herself from me and changed her position, making me chuckle.

I walk over to her closet to look for an extra uniform. We have practice after school today, so I'm obliged to wear the uniform for the whole day. Yes, Ari and I are part of the cheerleading teams in our school. The Riverwood Vixens. And since I ran out of my house yesterday like a dog looking for shelter from the rain, I don't have my uniform with me.

I found an extra pair at the back of her closet. I'm surprised Ari's still sleeping despite the noise coming from the kitchen and Polly's giggles. Showering, I take my time getting ready since I'm certainly not short on time.

"Shit! Athena! Why didn't you wake me up? We have AP English today, and you know how that man is with punctuality." She dashed into the bathroom, her ginger-red hair sticking out all over the place. I spat out the toothpaste as I turned to look at her.

"Uhh, I'm pretty sure I did a much better job than an alarm clock. I almost thought you were dead." I said as I proceeded to brush my teeth once more. She rolled her eyes before putting the paste on her toothbrush.

"Thea! Aria!" Polly ran into the bathroom, clenching her stuffy unicorn tightly to her chest. She has her hand covering her eyes in a shy manner. She's definitely the cutest child I've ever met. "Mummy said vou swould come down for bweakfast." She said before running out of the bathroom. I laughed at how cute she is.

"I'm wearing your other uniform since I don't have mine." She shrugged like it's none of her concern before sending me out of the bathroom.

Once I put on the red and white uniform, I look in the mirror and sigh. Cheerleading is another one of mom's ideas. She believes if I have to do any kind of extracurricular activity, It will make it easier to go to college. I didn't object since she wasn't wrong. It fits me perfectly, considering Ari and I have pretty much the same body type with me, only a tad bit on the meaty side. My skirt isn't too short and the top not too cropped. I take one last look and throw my wet hair up in a bun. I can put it in a ponytail later.

"Hold up! I'll do your makeup." Ari said as she took the brush from me. She did my makeup without a rush, something she's always gifted in doing. She put on gold and pink eyeshadow and a pink lip to complete my look.

We head down the stairs to see Madison, helping Polly with her food. She passed me a smile as she pulled me in for a hug. I leaned into her hug as I sniffed her hair. Pervert much, Athena? Sue me! Her hair smells so inviting.

Madison is Ari's stepmother. After Ari's mother died giving birth to her, her dad married Madison. And I have to say, that was the best thing he could have ever done. She's the warmest and most loving person I've ever met.

"Are you okay, sweetie?" I nodded as I passed her a smile. Ever since I met Ari, my once dark and bland life became a tad bit hopeful. Her family became mine, and I know I can count on Madison like my own mother.

"I'm okay, Mady. Thanks for letting me stay the night." She glared at me playfully. I chuckled at the look on her face.

"You know you're allowed to stay here anytime you like." She patted my head with a smile. "Hey, Aria."

Ari rolled her eyes before folding her hands to her chest. "It's nice to know someone cares about me here."

"Aww, baby. You know how much I love you, right?" She pulled her in for a hug. Ari scoffed, making me laugh. I sat beside Polly as I put some food on my plate.

"Hey, Mom! We have a practice game today, so we'll need to stay back after school." Ari said, serving herself with some of the pancakes

"Really? You have a game coming up soon?" She asked as she turned to us.

"Yeah, on Friday."

"Alright. Have fun, girls." She looked towards me, her electric blue eyes glistening under the light. "Should I be expecting you tonight, Athena?"

As much as I don't want to face my mother, I know I can't run forever. I'll have to face it at one point, so why not now? "No! I'll be going home. Thank you."

Her eyes studied for a long minute before she let out a sigh. "No problem. Our door is opened to you anytime."

She smiled at me before leaving the room with Polly. Ari gave my hand a squeeze, and I squeezed hers back in thanks. I'll be fine, Ari. Let the day begin.

**_**_**_**

We get to school to find a sea of red and white swarming the hallways. Everyone dressed up in anticipation for tonight's practice game. We'll be playing an unknown team from two counties over, and the likelihood of us losing is slim. Our school has the best players in the county.

The majority of buzz is over the new school's quarterback, whom I haven't met yet. Though I can hear the giggles and chatters of other cheerleaders about how cute he is or how well he can play as I put my stuff in my locker.

Ari locked her arm in mine as we made our way to our AP English class. The excitement of every student flooding the atmosphere.

Sadly, that excitement doesn't carry over into Mr. Smart's class.

"You have a project due the week before winter break. It's 50% of your semester grade, so I'll take it seriously if I were you." His deep voice drones through the walls of the classroom. The class let out a groan. "The project will be about you finding out more about your partner. Things that no one here knows about them. That means you'll have to be really close to the person to be able to do this. After this, you'll pick a method with which you'll tell the class what you were able to gather. Be it Powerpoint or a video, whichever way you choose is up to you."

I look up to see Ari's eyes on me. We know each other better than anyone else. I gave her a nod letting her know I'll be doing the project with her. We did the last one together.

"I've decided to spice things up a little this time. Instead of letting you guys pick your friends, I decided to do the partnership myself." The groans got even louder. I don't want anyone else as my partner. I thought just as the bell rang, signaling the end of class.

"I have the list pinned to the wall. Make sure to check it on your way out." Everyone made their way out of the class as quietly as they can. I packed my books as Ari made her way to me. We usually don't sit next to each other in any class we have together. She prefers sitting in the front, while I love and protect my privacy by sitting at the back.

"What are we going to do, Thea?" She asked, with concern evident on her face. She knows how uncomfortable I am with exposing myself to people.

"I don't know. I mean, it's not like we can do anything to change the teacher's decision. Let's go see the list."

Going through the list, I see that I've been paired with Aiden Knight. Damn! Just how much does the universe hate me? I already have so much I'm dealing with, why add more?

"Who did you get?" I asked her as we maneuvered through the crowd of students in the hallway.

"Avery Kay Adams." She sighed. "You?"

"Aiden Knight." She stopped as she turned to look at me. I know what she's thinking. "Don't worry, Ari. I'll be careful."

She nodded before linking her hands with my arms once again. "I have no idea who my partner is too." She sighed. "Well, we still have two months to figure it out."

"I have AP Calculus now. I'll see you later, Ari." She smiled and nodded. I hugged her before going into my second class of the day.