#Chapter4
Nikki - What do you want, Mateo? (I answer as I leave the classroom)
Mateo - I want us to get back together.
Nikki - Not even in my wildest dreams would I get back with you. So, leave me alone, Mateo. I don't want you to call me again. You and I are done.
Mateo - Nikki, I've already apologized to you.
Nikki - I don't care about your apologies. What do you want me to do for you to leave me alone?
Mateo - Come back to me, Nikki. I love you.
Nikki - That will never happen again.
I hang up on him and return to my seat, irritated. I sit down, but I groan because my muscles ache.
Soon enough, the teacher enters the room, and the class begins. When it's time for the cheerleading practice, I head to where the cheerleaders are training.
I arrive and watch as they're conducting tryouts for the team. I sit and observe the girls for a while. Meanwhile, they continue their routines. While I'm watching, the blonde bimbo notices me and comes over with her two lackeys.
Rox - What are you doing here, emo?
Nikki - What did you call me? (I stand up, annoyed)
Rox - Besides being weird, you're also deaf, emo.
Nikki - Look, blonde bimbo, don't mess with me. I'm just here to see if I want to join the cheerleading team.
Mariana - You wish you were as good as Rox.
Nikki - The truth is, I'm better than your captain. (I lock eyes with her, and she does the same. We glare at each other with hostility)
Rox - Haha, you wish.
Judith - Alright, girls, there's only one way to settle this.
Nikki - What's that?
Judith - Tomorrow, after school, we all meet here. Nikki will do whatever Rox tells her, and Rox will do whatever Nikki tells her. The winner gets to be the captain. What do you say?
Rox - Sounds good, unless the weirdo is afraid of losing.
Nikki - I accept. See you tomorrow.
(...)
I'm in the cafeteria, and several people are already asking me if it's true about what's happening tomorrow after school. I'm surprised at how quickly news spreads. While I'm having breakfast, someone sits at my table. I look up and see the tattooed guy named Edwin.
Nikki - What do you want? I don't want more trouble with your girlfriend.
I won't deny it, the guy is attractive as hell, but there's something about him that doesn't make me indifferent. Come on, Nikki, haven't you learned anything from your past with your ex?
Edwin - Rox isn't my girlfriend. I don't want to bother you, but it's true that Rox and you are going to compete for the captain's position.
Nikki - Yes, and if that's all, you can leave now.
Edwin - Well, yes and no. I'd like to be your friend.
Nikki - I don't need friends, thanks. I've met plenty like you before.
Edwin - What's "like me"?
Nikki - The popular guy who approaches the friendless girl just to make fun of her.
Edwin - Not all of us are like that. Give me a chance. If you don't like me, I'll stay away from you. What do you say?
Part of me thinks he's right. You shouldn't judge someone solely based on appearances.
Nikki - Fine, I'm leaving. See you.
Edwin - See you soon, my moon. (He whispers the last part; I didn't catch it well)
(...)
I'm back after my gymnastics training. I see my dad's car parked. I grab my things and enter the house.
Nikki - Dad, I'm back.
Joseph - Yes, honey. Come upstairs, I need to talk to you. (He shouts from upstairs)
Nikki - I'm coming.
I climb the stairs and go to my father's room. I knock on the door, and he opens it shortly after.
Joseph - Daughter, go get ready. We're going to have dinner at my friend's house.
Nikki - Is it really necessary for me to go?
Joseph - Yes, Nikki. I don't want to argue about it. And put on something nice.
Nikki - If you want me to go to this darn dinner, I'm going to dress the way I like. And if you don't like how I'm dressed, then don't take me.
Joseph - Fine, but hurry up.
I turn around and celebrate quietly because I got my way. I enter my room, put my things aside, and head to the bathroom to take a shower. After 15 minutes, I step out with a towel wrapped around me. I go to my closet and pick out my rocker outfit along with some short but high boots.
I do my makeup and leave my hair down. Ready to go, I grab my phone, leave my room, and head downstairs. In the living room, I see my dad all dressed up. My father is tall, handsome, with a bit of a beard, somewhat muscular, a slightly tanned skin tone, and gray eyes.
Joseph - You look stunning, my dear. Ready, daughter?
Nikki - Yes, thanks, Dad. You look great too.
(...)
After what felt like countless hours in the car, we finally arrived. It's quite a distance from where we live, and as we pull up, I gaze at the large house. Dad parks the car, and we get out.
We walk up to the house, and as the door opens, two rather big figures come into view, slightly taller than my dad.
Joseph - Hello, Matt, Lisa.
Matt - Hi, Joseph.
Lisa - Hi, Joseph.
Nikki - Good evening, sirs.
Both - Good evening.
Lisa - Please, come in.
We enter the house, and I'm left in awe. The interior is beautiful and quite luxurious. Lost in admiration for the house, I'm snapped out of it when someone descends the stairs. I look over and am surprised to see Edwin. He smiles at me, and I can't help but blush a little in embarrassment.
Edwin - Hey, Nikki.
Nikki - Hi, Edwin.
Lisa - Son, show her your room, while we catch up.
Edwin - Sure, Mom. Come on, follow me.
I follow Edwin through several doors, passing along a long hallway until we reach his room. He opens the door, revealing a surprise. His room is luxurious and exudes a masculine feel, with shades of brown and gray.
Nikki - Is this your room?
Edwin - Yeah.
Nikki - It looks really nice.
Edwin - Thanks. Come, have a seat so we can chat.
We sit down on some chairs next to his bed.
Nikki - What did you want to talk about?
Edwin was about to speak when his mom calls us for dinner.
Lisa - Son, come downstairs for dinner.
Edwin - Let's go eat.
We head downstairs and enter the living room, where everyone is gathered.
Mr. Matt Rivera, light skin tone, black eyes, some gray hair, a bit more beard than my dad – he looks quite refined.
Mrs. Lisa Rivera, fair skin, brown eyes, very beautiful. I can now see where Edwin gets his looks from. Brown hair. She reminds me of my mom – kind and affectionate.
Mariana, Roxana's friend and a cheerleader. She's dark-skinned, black eyes, black hair, slender and beautiful.
Marina, Roxana's friend and a cheerleader. Fair skin, gray eyes, brown hair, slightly fuller lips, not unattractive.