"Seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty, twenty-one..." Nettie huffed as she sat up and down continuously. In other words, she did sit-ups. She had never been one to exercise, but now, it's a habit. It lowers her stress level, makes her happier, and the results are definitely starting to show. She's still not as skinny as Tea, but she's growing muscles and she's lost a lot of weight from when she's started.

For once in her life, Nettie felt confident about her body.

She stood up at her thirtieth sit-up and stretch out her arms, panting from fatigue. Despite the results, the hard work has also taken its toll on her body and her relationship. With both she and Tea being so busy, they barely got to spend any time together or any time with their friends.

Could their relationship survive without their own aspirations interfering?

Nettie shook the thought. Of course it would.

"Hey girl," Some guy called to Nettie. "why don't you come over to my place later and I'll give you a real workout?"

Nettie groaned. "Get away from me, creep. My girlfriend's gonna come over here and beat you up."

The catcaller laughed. "Oh yeah?" He chuckled. "Where is she, then?" Nettie paused in panic.

"Right here." A familiar voice stepped in as an arm wrapped around Nettie. "I'm Kari, nice to meet you, jackass. Why don't you go hit on somebody else who's as creepy as you?"

The man mumbled something and walked off. "Whatever, dykes. Damn bitches..."

"Man. What. An. Asshole." Kari put her arm down and turned to Nettie. "You okay?"

Nettie grinned and laughed in disbelief. "Yes! Thanks to you! I didn't even know you came to this gym!"

"I could say the same about you. I haven't seen you in forever, man! Me and Mace have missed you at Subway. Tea's come over, but you can't beat the Nettiecake."

"Thanks, Kari." Nettie laughed.

"Where's Tea?" Kari looked around for Nettie's girlfriend.

"Oh. She's off at some charity club, building a house or something. Weekends are for charity, Mondays are film classes, and Wednesdays are movie club, which is kind of like a book club, but with movies."

"Woah. And you go to the gym every day?" Kari asked. Nettie nodded. "You guys must not get like, any time together." Nettie shook her head. "Well, how about me and Mason spend what little money we have to take you to the carnival that's in town this week? Our treat. He'll be okay with it, I'm sure."

Nettie opened her mouth to object, but Kari put her hand over it. "Nope. We're doing it. It's decided."

•••
a/n; AND SHE RISES FROM THE DEAD LIKE A PHOENIX! Hello everyone! I'm sorry, I just started high school this week and I've been VERY busy! But I'm back!

QOTC: what's the most memorable quote in itywab in your opinion?
AOTC: "i'm gay, i live in florigay, and i'm gayhteen" i love tea sm

FAN WORKS:
Wattpad deleted my PM's a while back, so I don't have the artists for the next pieces of fanart. If you are the artist, PLEASE notify me so I can credit you!
IF YOU CLAIM YOU ARE THE ARTIST AND YOU ARE NOT, YOU WILL BE IN BIG TROUBLE WITH ME.

1. a wonderful fan cover! (made by unknown)

It's so pretty!! I love it!

2. lovely piece of fanart of teagan hugging nettie by @Just_Some_Romantic !

it's so adorable, lineless art is so difficult and i'm amazed you could do it so well!

3. two pieces of fanart of teagan and nettie! (artist unknown)

i love your art style! the way you draw noses are so adorable!! they both look wonderful!

(PM me, message me on my public conversations, or DM me on my Instagram @fightlikeakat if you have your own fan works to share with me!!) ❤️