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I frowned.

“No, Derek, I don't know.” I giggled.

He thought for a moment, working out the words.

“She's hot, very hot. We had incredible chemistry and she's really good at talking, but… Roni, I don't know, after what happened to you… I don't want to be a jerk to… well, anyone. Especially to a girl.” He put his hands in his pants pocket, slightly embarrassed.

I lightly slapped his arm.

On the day of the game, every look she directed at him was clear. Colleen looked like a princess in love, it was beautiful to watch, but it would be even better if she could have a prince to call her own.

“Then don't be!” I replied. “Colleen is incredible, if you liked her so much, you should try again, but this time for real. Withoutbeing a scumbag looking for some revenge that no one asked you for!”

I found out from Kendra what Derek told her and I was pissed. But my head was full of things because of the photos, so I didn't really have time to talk to my brother about it.

I didn't like his attitude.

What happened between Kendra and I was our problem, involving him and Colleen was a low blow. We should never have allowed this.

“But you know, only if you want…” I added. “Still, I think... if you want, I would support you.”

“You said she has a crush on me.” He pointed out, thoughtful and worried.

“Who didn't have a crush on you back in Chamberlain?” I mocked. “You were always the hearthrob in our hometown,hermano.”

He smiled, convinced. “Okay, I'll think about the blonde.”

“Colleen, her name is Colleen.” I replied.

He started to walk away. “Good night, Veronica.”

“Send her a text. Schedule another round!”

“Bye, Veronica!”

I unwrapped the lollipop and put the candy in my mouth. I wasn't much of a sweet tooth, but it was difficult not to give in to the tension when the first exams and assignment hand-ins began to approach. And that kind of tension would only go away with a completely industrial and unhealthy treat. I hated this habit, but it became very common in high school, when I had no peace anywhere in my life.

The school? Chaos.

At home? Even worse.

The only thing that brought me the slightest peace was being a cheerleader. I loved jumping and doing my tumbling. And in the end, that's what brought me to Belinda. I was satisfied with my choices, but the same couldn't be said about my mother. She had been calling me nonstop for a week and sending memessages that I ignored. She knew I was alive because Colleen probably answered for me. However, that morning, inspired by the beautiful sun, I decided to answer the call.

“Hello, mom?!”

“Kendra! Finally!” She was always very dramatic.

“What happened, mother?”

“Is that any way to talk to me, girl?” She complained.

“I didn't say anything, I'm just asking what you want.”

I didn’t have the patience to see her trying to be “mother of the year” at that moment. She never held that place and never would. She was always too busy with things at the family hospital or with her own frivolities.

“You are very insolent, Kendra Alexandra Winfrey.” She pointed out, but I knew that tone of voice. She wasn't in the mood to fight. “Well, my lovely daughter,” And here comes the sarcasm. I must have inherited that from someone, right?! “Next week we will have the weekend of the hospital foundation’s charity event. You need to be in Chamberlain.”

“I can't, college is crazy...” I replied, inventing some excuse.