Page 101 of Vying Girls

‘Coach isn’t here.’ I groan as I sit up. No dizziness, just pain. A good sign. ‘It’s fine. Not like it’s concrete.’

‘As good as.’

‘Why do you even care?’ I look at her for her answer, regretting it when that pretty, exposed face is suddenly inches from my own. ‘I ruined your life, remember?’

She frowns, backing off a little. I don’t know why I’m being a bitch. I feel like I might even cry. Probably just the shock of hurting myself.

I wipe my stinging eyes. ‘I’m fine,’ I say more softly. ‘Let’s just go home.’

Nic studies me, on the cusp of saying no, I can tell. I really can’t be fucked with a trip to the nurse. It’s ages away, in some cold part of the castle. Besides, I need some breathing room.I feel weird and exposed, probably creeping Nic out with how much I’m staring. But shit, I can’t seem to stop.

I sigh, burying my head in my knees. This is really, really, really the last thing I need.

‘Come on,’ she says quietly, helping me up. ‘You start feeling sick or anything, tell me. Also, how the fuck did that happen?’

I shake my head. ‘Literally don’t know.’

‘You better be more on it for Varsity. We’re winning that fucker.’

‘Yes, Coach.’

We decided not to tell the others about my tumble. I’m not sure what Nic’s reasons for that were, I just didn’t want to rile Haz up, saving Nic from that particular flavour of scorn.

I need quiet tonight. After a rowdy dinner of fajitas and nachos, I’m getting that quiet with my head resting on Elly’s chest, all her limbs wrapped around me in a cocoon of comfort.

Haz is at the end of the sofa, pressing her thumbs into my feet.

In my periphery, Nic’s sprawled in the armchair, reading a book rather than watching the drama on the telly.

Every time my eyes droop, she shoots me a glare. Don’t know what her problem is but it’s not helping with the pickle I’m in. In fact, all I want to do is fall on my bed and groan into my pillow until these feelings go away.

Scooting up, I kiss Elly’s softer-than-soft lips. ‘Gonna head. I’m knackered.’

‘Five minutes and I’ll follow so no one’s suspicious?’ Haz offers, giving my foot one last squeeze.

I narrow my eyes, pointing a finger at her. ‘No. You stay. I need to sleep.’

I jog up the stairs, taking a quick pit stop in the bathroom. I play with my hair as I brush my teeth, scrutinising my appearance in the mirror. When I first moved into this place, I couldn’t care less about what I looked like. It wasn’t ever a thought. The last couple of months though, I’ve grown self-conscious, in that cute, want-them-to-like-me way. Always making sure my makeup’s fixed, that I’m wearing my sexiest, tightest clothing.

Eyeing the baggy hoodie I’m in, one of Elly’s, I snort around my toothbrush. This time of night, I suppose I get a little lax.

I’m reaching for my bedroom door handle when I’m shoved from the side, my fatigue making me stumble. Nic reaches out, pushing me along the corridor towards the back staircase.

‘Do you literally mind?’

She nods me up the stairs. ‘Go.’

‘Why? Nic, I was about to go to bed.’

Herding me into her room, she securely shuts the door.

‘Go on then,’ she says.

‘Go on what?’

‘Go to bed.’

‘What? No. Is this about Damien? I’ll just sleep with one of the others then.’