Speaking of out of hand, the moment I stepped onto the basketball court, I was met with a sea of accusing stares, reflecting the disdain I had seen in my classmates' eyes earlier. I felt myself shrinking under their scrutinizing gazes, hoping desperately that they hadn't harbored any resentment towards me too for something I had no knowledge of.
The cheerleaders avoided me like the plague, casting sideways glances and purposefully steering clear. I had no choice but to sit out, both to avoid the risk of being targeted intentionally and also my ankle wasn't fully healed yet. As I watched them perform, it was hard to connect these girls with the same ones I had practiced with so often. Diane, who had always seemed like a kind and non-judgmental leader, now appeared... different. It was disheartening to see how quickly perceptions could change, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of betrayal at their cold demeanor.
