Star lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling, the soft hum of her alarm clock filling the silence. She hadn't slept much after the bonfire. The heated exchange with Zara, the awkward tension with Kendrick, and the scuffle between the boys played in her mind like an endless loop. She could still hear Zara's voice in her head, full of unspoken questions and subtle accusations.

Why do I keep acting like this? she thought, covering her face with a pillow. She wasn't sure if she wanted to scream or cry.

The morning light crept through the blinds, pulling her into reality. Practice. School. Same routine, but now with the added weight of what felt like a hundred unresolved conflicts.

Volleyball Practice

The gym buzzed with energy as the team warmed up. The echo of sneakers squeaking against the polished floor and the rhythmic thud of volleyballs filled the air. Star adjusted her kneepads, her eyes scanning the court. Zara was already surrounded by a group of teammates, laughing and chatting as though nothing had happened.

Of course, Star thought bitterly, her stomach twisting. She grabbed a ball and started passing against the wall, focusing on the satisfying smack as it rebounded back into her hands.

"Alright, pair up!" the coach's voice boomed.

Star's heart sank as she glanced around. Teammates were quickly forming pairs, leaving her and Zara standing awkwardly across the court.

"Lane, Ellis—you're together!" the coach barked, leaving no room for debate.

Zara jogged over, her expression carefully happy but It seemed like she didn't know If she could or even should talk to me because when she spoke she said . "Yes we're together!" Zara began tossing the ball to Star but It was a lazy toss, Usually though Star hated when she had to admit this Zara has amazing passes. 

Star caught it, her grip tightening. "Let's just get this over with."

They started with basic drills—passes, sets, spikes. At first, the rhythm was off, the ball dropping between them more than once. Teammates exchanged confused glances, whispering. Zara's jaw tightened, and Star could feel the heat of her glare.

"Focus, Star!" Zara snapped after a particularly bad pass.

"I am focusing!" Star shot back, firing the ball harder than necessary.

The coach blew the whistle, shooting them both a warning look. "Get it together, you two!"

Taking a deep breath, Star forced herself to calm down. For the next few rounds, she and Zara found their rhythm again, their movements almost instinctive. The court seemed to blur away as they worked together, landing perfect spikes and clean volleys. By the end of the drill, the coach clapped.

"That's what I'm talking about! Lane, —you're the backbone of this team. Keep it up!"

The other players cheered, but Star felt no satisfaction. She caught Zara's eye, and for a moment, something unspoken passed between them—an acknowledgment of what they could do together, despite everything. After practice, Zara caught Star as she was grabbing her water bottle.

"Hey." Zara's voice was quiet, but it stopped Star in her tracks. Zara quiet? Zara was N.E.V.E.R. Quiet I mean she cant handle quiet I remember at her hotel party In 4th grade she woke up everyone with her loud background noise. You wanna know what that background noise Is? A BLOW DRYER. The girl Is crazy she said and I quote "It helps me sleep better, I hate the quiet" Then guess what NO ONE Slept that night. 

"What?" I replied, trying to sound casual, but My tone came out sharper than she intended.

Zara crossed her arms, her expression guarded. "Why do you keep trying to make me look bad?"

Star blinked, caught off guard. "What are you talking about?"

"At the bonfire," Zara said, her voice growing steadier. "You kept... I don't know. It felt like you were trying to embarrass me in front of Kendrick."

"I wasn't—" Star started, but Zara cut her off.

"Yes, you were." Zara's eyes narrowed. "Why, Star? Why would you do that?" She almost sounded Innocent and confused for a second.

Star felt a surge of defensiveness rises in her chest. Star would never confront someone let alone me. I mean I'm her best friend! I was shocked, to say the least, but still kept my composure.  "I'm not trying to make you look bad, Zara," she said, her voice shaking slightly. "You don't need my help for that—you always look perfect."

Zara's face fell, her confidence cracking for the first time. "Is that what you think?" she asked softly.

Star swallowed hard, guilt twisting in her stomach. "I didn't mean—"

"Thanks bestie." Zara's voice was sarcastic, but her words cut deep. "You meant it." She gave me a fake smile, It looked like she was holding back a waterfall.

"I mean when King told me you might be jealous of me I couldn't believe It"

KING?! KING TOLD HER I WAS JEALOUS OF HER BUT THATS NOT WHAT IT IS IM NOT JEALOUS.

"No I wouldn't believe It my best friend someone like you would never try to jeopardize my happiness now I don't know.."

"Would you?" She asked still a shimmer of hope In her eyes.

I couldnt answer for some reason I was silent and usually I'm not silent with Zara. So why now does It feel like my stomach Is In knots? Am I the asshole? Have I painted Zara as the big bad In my head but In reality...I'm the villain?

"Please Star, I want to keep smiling at you, Laughing with you, and telling you about boys but If theirs secret..." She paused.

"Ya know what never mind"

"Star I consider you to be strong, kind, smart as a whip" She chuckled.

"But what do you consider me, I mean are we not friends?" Tears formed

No, no, no. See as soon as I wanna feel bad for her she pulls this card, why are you crying?!  I couldn't help my feelings, why was she the one about to burst, It's not like she's been a GOOD best friend. 

She turned and walked away, leaving Star standing alone, her water bottle forgotten in her hand.

"ZARA!" I wanted to yell out but to no avail there was already another group of girls waiting to talk her ear off about all the stupid girly things they talk about. Later that night, Star sat at her desk, staring at her open notebook. She'd intended to jot down plays for the next game, but her pen hovered over the paper, unmoving. Her mind kept replaying Zara's expression, the way her voice had wavered.

Why do I keep pushing her away? she wondered. But as soon as the thought crossed her mind, another followed: Because she does the same thing to me.

Star shook her head, closing the notebook with a sigh. She didn't know how much longer they could keep pretending things were okay. Something had to give. Than just as her thoughts were about to swallow her *bing* 

Later that night, Star sat at her desk, staring at her open notebook. She'd intended to jot down plays for the next game, but her pen hovered over the paper, unmoving. Her mind kept replaying Zara's expression, the way her voice had wavered.

Why do I keep pushing her away? she wondered. But as soon as the thought crossed her mind, another followed: Because she does the same thing to me.

Her phone buzzed on the desk, pulling her out of her spiral.

It was Kendrick.

"Hey. Zara told me you weren't yourself at practice. Everything okay?"

Star frowned, gripping the phone tighter. Of course Zara would tell him. Even when they weren't on the best terms, Zara still found ways to broadcast Star's struggles, whether she meant to or not.

She started typing, her fingers moving faster than her thoughts. "I'm fine. Just tired. Thanks for checking in."

Her thumb hesitated over the send button. The truth felt like a knot stuck in her throat, and she didn't know if she wanted to keep it there or let it unravel.

After a deep breath, she hit send.

A second message arrived almost instantly:
"If you ever want to talk, I'm here."

Star stared at the screen, her emotions tangled. It wasn't just Zara she needed to figure out. It was her place in this group—this whole dynamic—that suddenly felt like quicksand because why did king think of her as jealous? 

How did everything get so complicated?

She's ready to finally find out