"You should really consider joining another club, Rieleigh." After what happened with the 'Club of the Brightened Birdsong,' I don't think I'm ready for more drama. Mom, however, insists this is a chance for me to stay out of troublesome situations and, why not, socialize more.

Ella asks, "What really happened then?" as if she can't read the room and understand how difficult it is to me to discuss such a topic. I'm not ready to join another after school club. I was too attached to the Brightened Birdsong squad—until what went down happened.

"It's complicated. It's not like I don't want to tell you, but it's a really long story," I answer, treading carefully as I struggle to find the balance between telling the truth and choosing the right moment to do so.

"I assume it's something really big, then." Ella is right. It is something that would make anyone else tremble. I don't want to burden her with worry led by her curiosity, but to focus on herself. I'll blame only myself if anything wrong happens to her.

Fortunately for us, Mom manages to switch topic with no effort. "Oh, I think the pie is ready. I have to get it out of the oven, before it burns." She rushes to the kitchen, only to return two minutes later with a piping hot apple pie, our favorite. She lays it at the center of the table.

Ella and I move away, knowing that she'll give us one of her stern glares if we touch it before it cools. While its fragrant aroma is irresistible, there's a reason why one doesn't eat a baked good straight out of the oven.

My sister turns to me as we take a seat on opposite armchairs. "Look, Rieleigh, Mom's idea of finding a new club seems cool," she states, but doesn't sound too convinced.

"The point is, there isn't really much I can choose from," I explain. "Most of them are already full, and then we have the squad. I can't join because tryout season is way over, and, even if I tried, I could never catch up to them. They're too good!"

"Yeah, it sucks. But maybe you could create a new one." Ella's suggestion, though intriguing, isn't easy to put into practice. I'd have to ask permission from the class President and Vice President first... Let's just say I don't really get along well with either.

Then, granted they'd go easy on me and accept my request, I'd have to sway the School Council in my favor. Again, much easier said than done. As I go through my reasoning, Ella shakes her head. I don't want to disappoint her or put her in a dangerous situation, so all I can do is promise to find a good solution.

Mom recalls us back in the kitchen. "Come on, girls, it's ready! I've set up the table, as well." Oh, finally! Some pie is all I need right now. I can't wait to feel it melt in mouth with its sweetness gently accompanied by a slightly spicy aftertaste.

Yeah, it's really what I need.

•••

Classes fly. I've spent eight hours in that building, but it looks like only thirty minutes passed. I have no idea why. There aren't big games or important events in sight today or tomorrow. It's an ordinary day like most. So, how has time passed so fast?

As I ask myself this question, which shouldn't be taken for granted, Peri and Brix stop me at the corner by the cafeteria. Honestly, I don't even remember why I'm headed there. It's closed.

"Wow, am I under the impression that we travelled through time?" asks Brix, who's as confused as me. I shake my head, not knowing what to answer.

She continues, "Anyway, now that Birdsong is over, how about we try a different club?"

"Which one, though? No-one is going to let us in," is my reply, filled with disillusion and desperation. In return, I receive puzzled looks from both Peri and Brix.

"No-one? Are you really sure, Rieleigh?" Peri's question makes me feel even more out of place. Is there anything she and Brix are aware of they should tell me? As much as mystery can be intriguing and at times fun, I don't know how long I can be left in the dark.

"I mean... Tryout season is over, and so is recruiting period. I don't know any clubs who have vacancies."

"We'll find a new one. Promised." Peri's words don't have the encouraging effect I hope for. Still, she and Brix are the only friends I have, so who am I not to trust her?

"We'll find it, then. Nothing is impossible if we work together, right?" My friends try to force a grin, but it's clear they're embarrassed. I know, I should know better than come up with this sappy shit.

Brix concludes. "Let's go, shall we?" Peri and I both nod as we follow her to the main entrance. However, I'm stopped on my tracks as I sense someone tapping my shoulder. It can't be either of my friends. They're in front of me, not behind.

I turn back. Why does Tre even want to have to do with me? He's too busy trying to fit in the basketball squad—I'm not even sure I'm enough for him.

"Hey, what do you want?" I try to sound casual, but I end up being brash. He looks upset. Maybe he's really interested in being my friend. Is it that, though?

"Oh, I just wanted to say hello. You're coming, huh?" I give him a puzzled look. There are no games in sight this week—the next fixture is postponed because the rival side is decimated by a gastrointestinal virus, or this is what I heard at least.

I don't even have the force to object because Peri and Brix elbow me and suggest I accept his offer. "Come on, say yes!" says Brix impatiently.

"I guess I'll come, then, whatever this invitation is for..." Peri facepalms at my inability to come up with a convincing answer. She's right. I need to leave my social awkwardness behind once for all, or I'll keep making a fool out of myself until college graduation.

"See you tomorrow, then. Dress nicely." Tre's latest words are a clear and obvious attempt at flirting with me. Again, why would he, a shooting guard in the squad, eye someone like me?

"He's into you, Rieleigh." Thank you so much, Peri. No, I don't need these ridiculous delusions to distract me. She can't be serious. I'm way out of Tre Tolliver's league. He can have way more interesting girls than me.

Okay. I have to stop contradicting myself. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. I try to imagine what can happen if everything goes right tomorrow. I'll finally be noticed by the rest of the school for a good reason.

Oh, no. I can't afford to be arrogant right now. I have to keep my feet well planted on the ground until I'm certain there won't be any hassles. I also need to start coming up with a backup plan. Not that there will be troubles... Just in case.

Honestly, I can't wait to be at home.