Chapter 16: Jaylee

"You've sure been in a bad mood the entire practice session," Amber says as she approaches me as I'm closing my bag.

Unable to hold it in any longer, I ask, "Were you the one who told Samantha that we're unable to be friends anymore?"

Amber folds her hand, then straightens her body.

"No, I didn't," she says soberly.

I examine her for any signs that she's lying, but I see none.

"How long did you think your lies would backfire on you?" Amber goes on to ask.

Tears engulf my eyes.

"She figures it out on her own when she approaches me yesterday, asking if the cheerleading meeting is over and needs to speak with you." "And I wasn't going to lie for you?" Amber says.

"You caused it on yourself," Amber says, walking away.

Hot tears pour down.

I called Samantha when I went home, but the phone call went straight to voice mail. I sent a few text messages apologizing over and over again, but it seemed she had blocked me.

***

At lunch break, I'm staring at Samantha as she sits with her chess team.