Page 13 of I Don't Need Your Love

It’s obvious she’s reliving the fun and amazing memories, and it makes me smile as I wait. When she’s done, she glances at me. “Thanks for reminding me of the good old days. You know, Carly, I was a scholarship student like you.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I’m so thankful for everything Harrington Bay Academy has done for me. That’s why I came back as a teacher. To give to the students just as my teachers gave to me.”

“They do give a lot,” I mutter. “A lot of homework.”

She laughs. “I’m sure you’re gaining a lot more than just homework.”

“Maybe.” I twist my nose. “I wish I was a better student so I could appreciate this school more, but alas…”

“You’re smart, Carly. And you’re driven when you want to be. It’s okay if school isn’t your strength. You’re talented in other areas. Like dance.”

“Speaking of which…”

She nods. “You’re asking me if I would volunteer to be your coach.”

“Yeah. I don’t mean to throw it on you like this. I’m sure you have a life and have better things to do…”

“I do love the idea,” she admits. “You remind me of myself. I see the fire in your eyes. My coach told me she saw the fire in my eyes, too.”

“Did you give up dance?” I ask.

She shakes her head. “As much as I loved to dance, I didn’t want to have a career in it. Two of my passions were dance and art, and I wanted to give back to the school by being a teacher. They had an opening for a new art teacher and I grabbed it.”

“Oh…so you’re not into dance anymore?”

“I still dance when I can,” she says. “But not as much as I used to.” She studies me for a few seconds and smiles. “You know what? I’ll do it.”

My body perks up. “You will?”

Her smile widens. “Yeah. I’ve been thinking of other ways to give back to the school, and this sounds like the perfect opportunity. I’m actually very excited about it.”

“Yay! You have no idea how much I appreciate this, Miss Moreno!” I jump to my feet. “We’re going to kick lots of butt!”

She chuckles again. “With that energy, I’m sure we will.”

“I’m going to make flyers and posters for tryouts. I hope we have tons of applicants! Thanks again, Miss. Moreno.”

“Of course, Carly.”

I basically dance out of the art room and toward the girls’ dorm. Life is awesome, isn’t it? I was so bummed only a few hours ago because I thought I wouldn’t be able to find a coach. And now I’m getting someone who is just as passionate about it as I am.

This year is going to beamazing.

Chapter Six

Ryder

Felix and I, along with most of the football players and basketball players, get into cars and head for the diner in town. My roommate is on the basketball team and introduced me to all of his friends. I fit right in with these guys, since I used to play football as well. I also know some of the guys from camp and other sports events and functions.

I thought being around everyone talking about sports would sting, but it actually feels great to be with kids who are like me.

Many girls will be joining us at the diner. A few caught rides with some guys, but Felix’s car is girl-free, which sucks because girls always make everything more fun.

Speaking of girls, my thoughts travel to a certain red-headed beauty. I’ve got no clue why I’m thinking about her. Probably because even though I fit in with these guys, there’s still some unease. Unfamiliarity. Carly being here would have made things much easier, and honestly, I wouldn’t mind those pretty green eyes filling with irritation as I push her buttons. But it’s clear that she doesn’t hang out with these kids. I heard she and her friends are considered “the losers” of the school because they’re scholarship kids. Everyone knows I’m a scholarship kid as well, but I guess my being a former jock has shot me to the top of the popularity pyramid. Which is great since Carly doesn’t want me anywhere near her. And it’d be nice to hang out with kids who get me, even though I feel out of place. I’m sure I’ll get over it soon.

Two other basketball players are in the car with me and Felix and the conversation revolves around sports. It’s my favorite thing in the world, something I could talk about forever. Blake and I were obsessed when we were younger, and still are today.He’s still on the football team, though, and there are no hard feelings between us. I want all the best for him. He’ll embark on that path while I’ll be on a different one. I guess life just isn’t turning out the way I imagined it.