The Best Friend (2 page)

Lishia wasn't sure how to respond. Hadn't Riley just said that it was over and she wouldn't take him back if he was the only guy on earth? Still, Lishia didn't want to appear unsympathetic. “I'm sorry,” she said quietly. “That must've hurt.”

Riley nodded, picking up her fork again.

“I guess we have something in common,” Lishia told her. “We both feel like outsiders today.”

Riley peered curiously at Lishia. “It must be even harder on you.”

“Huh?” Lishia wasn't sure what Riley was referring to.

“I mean not being a cheerleader anymore. At least I still have that.”

Lishia shrugged. It was bad enough feeling like she'd lost her boyfriend and best friend this fall; she didn't want to be reminded of an uncomfortable memory now. She'd been such a fool to try out for varsity cheerleading last spring. Really, what had she been thinking?

“You know, you used to be really good, Lish. I mean, back in middle school,” Riley said. “Don't you ever miss it?”

“Sometimes I do,” Lishia admitted. “But I know it's a lot of work too.”

“Tell me about it.”

“So I'm okay with cheering from the sidelines.” Lishia forced a smile. The truth was, she sometimes felt envious of the cheerleaders, kicking and jumping in their purple-and-white uniforms. She wondered if perhaps she'd practiced a bit more, taken it a little more seriously . . . would she have made the team? Back then Janelle had made fun of her for even trying, making comments like “Cheerleaders can jump high because their heads are full of hot air.”

Riley's brow creased like she was thinking hard. “You know, you were really good at tryouts last year, Lishia.”

“Thanks.” Lishia felt her smile grow more genuine. That was high praise coming from someone like Riley.

“I think you actually came pretty close to making the team.”

Lishia sighed. “Maybe so, but like my dad says, close is only good in horseshoes and hand grenades.”

Riley looked amused. “Hey, does your dad still have that horseshoes pit in the backyard?”

Lishia nodded.

“Remember that slumber party you had at the end of eighth grade?” Riley gave a mischievous grin.

“When the boys crashed?”

Riley nodded. “Your dad was so outraged.”

“And I got grounded too.”

“Yeah, I remember.” Riley's eyes twinkled. “Did you ever figure out who invited them?”

Lishia pursed her lips, then pointed an accusing finger at Riley. “You?”

She started to giggle. “Yep.”

Lishia chuckled. “Remember when you pushed Dillon into the pool with his clothes on—and he was wearing his brother's letterman jacket?”

Riley was laughing harder now. “He deserved it after what he did to me.”

Before long, they were both laughing hard as they started reminiscing about some funnier times—back when they'd been better friends.

“I'm glad you decided to sit with me,” Riley said after the laughter settled down. “I feel a lot better now.”

“Me too.” Lishia wadded up her burrito wrapper and finished the last dregs of her soda.

“We should do this more often.”

Lishia looked curiously at Riley now. “Really?”

“Sure. Why not? We used to be pretty good friends,” Riley assured her. “I don't see why we can't be friends again.”

Lishia was thoroughly shocked but trying not to show it. “You're serious?”

“Totally.” Riley stood now, reaching for her bag. “What're you doing after school today?”

Lishia shrugged. She didn't want to admit that she was doing absolutely nothing—or that since her mom had gone back to work, the school bus was her main means of transportation. “Not much.”

“If you can wait for me until after cheerleading practice, we can catch up some more.”

Lishia nodded nervously. She knew that Riley had a car and could probably give her a ride, but she didn't want to ask. That would seem pathetic. “Sure, that'd be cool.” But even as she said this, she wondered if Riley's offer was genuine. What if she was just punking Lishia?

“So meet me at the girls' gym after school, okay?”

“Okay . . .” Lishia agreed tentatively.

“Cool!” Riley looped the strap of her bag over a shoulder and headed off toward the door. As usual, and like all her friends did, she left her messy lunch tray on the table—as if she thought someone in the cafeteria had been hired to personally pick up after her.

Still feeling somewhat stunned by all this, Lishia gathered up both of their trays, carrying them to the trash and recycling area. As she disposed of the lunch junk, she started constructing a plan. After school, she'd “waste” some time in the library, maybe do homework for an hour or so. Then she'd wander into the gym and act nonchalant, just in case Riley had forgotten her promise to give her a ride—and in case Riley's offer was insincere or, worse yet, a heartless trick. Lishia might be friendless, but she still had some pride.

For that reason Lishia put together a worst-case-scenario plan—to be implemented if Riley pulled a mean girl act. Lishia would kill some additional time, maybe hanging in the art department while she waited for her mom to come by to pick her up. Although her mom only taught half days, she usually stayed at the school into the afternoon to work on lesson plans, or else she ran errands. Her theory was that being on her own would help Lishia become more independent. Lishia knew she could hoof it home if she had to, except, of course, that the forecast called for rain. But if Lishia wound up getting sopping wet, it would simply teach her a good, hard lesson—
never trust girls like Riley Atkins!

L
ishia felt a conflicting mix of deep insecurities and high expectations as she walked to the girls' gym. She knew that was where the cheerleaders practiced every day after school and spectators were welcome. However, she wanted to put on cool and aloof airs, like she was simply passing through. Without even glancing at the team, she walked over to the bleachers and sat down, casually crossed her legs, and promptly opened her cell phone—a girl's best friend when feeling unsure or conspicuous. As usual, she had no new texts, just further evidence of being ditched by Janelle. So much for Christian love.

Despite having nothing new to read, she focused intently on her phone, acting as if she were reading the most entertaining texts and feeling like a complete phony. She listened to the sounds of cheer practice as they worked on a routine, pausing several times to restart it. She could hear some bickering going on between Gillian and Riley, and finally she glanced up to see Coach Glassman, dressed in pink warm-ups, standing with her hands on her hips as she shook her head with a disappointed expression.

“You girls know better than to bring your private squabbles to practice with you,” she warned them. “We are a team, girls! I expect you to act like one.”

“I'm sorry,” Riley said in a sharp and defensive tone. “But Gillian started it by saying I was off beat when she was clearly the one who messed up the last time.”

“I don't care who started it,” Coach Glassman told her. “It's time to end it now. Let's go through it again—this time with no problems.”

Riley looked slightly hurt as she stepped back into line. Lishia couldn't help but note the glimmer of victory in Gillian's eyes. Lishia decided to watch the team more carefully now. Curious as to who was really in the wrong here, she studied them as they restarted the routine.

To be fair, both girls seemed to be equal in their skills as they went through their cheer. And there was no denying that they were both very good. In fact, Lishia felt that next to Amanda, who had reigned supreme as head cheerleader for years, Riley and Gillian were probably next in line for that honor. It was too bad the two girls didn't get along better.

Or not.
Suddenly Lishia remembered why she was here today. She was waiting for Riley. And it seemed obvious that Riley needed a good friend right now. She needed someone to be in her court, someone to show her some much-needed sympathy and appreciation . . . and loyalty.

Lishia decided that was exactly what she would do. She smiled as she remembered the fruits of the Spirit, reciting them to herself in her mind. Perhaps this was her perfect opportunity to put them to work. She would need those qualities if she wanted to be a good friend to Riley. That is, unless Riley was just punking her. She still wasn't completely clear about that. So far Riley hadn't even acknowledged her presence, but that was probably because she was focusing on their routines. Lishia could see that it really was hard work. And although a part of her tried to feel lucky that she wasn't out there with them (perhaps a case of sour grapes), another part of her was envious. She used to be a good cheerleader—and she'd enjoyed it. Too bad she'd allowed it to slip away.

When practice ended, Riley spotted Lishia and actually waved to her as she picked up her duffle bag and strolled over.

“You guys look good,” Lishia told her.

“But did you see what happened?” Riley asked in a hushed tone. “I mean, how Glassman blamed me for Gillian's total lack of coordination?”

Lishia nodded. “It seemed kinda mean to pick on you.”

“I just know Gillian is working her,” Riley explained as she slipped a team hoodie over her tank top. “It's like Gillian is trying to turn Coach, as well as everyone else, against me.”

“That's not fair.” Lishia patted Riley on the back. “And you're so good. I watched you, Riley, and it looked like you were doing everything just right.”

Riley smiled as she zipped her bag. “Thanks.”

“Are you going to shower and change?”

“No way.” Riley frowned toward the other girls, who were leaving the gym. “I can't stand being around Gillian one more minute than necessary. Seriously, I might say something to get me into trouble if I have to look at her smug, ugly face. I'd rather shower at home.”

“That's understandable.”

“Do you need a ride?” Riley asked as they headed for the west exit.

Relief washed over Lishia. “Sure. Thanks.”

Riley continued to vehemently complain about Gillian as they walked toward the parking lot. Naturally, Lishia wholeheartedly agreed with her on all accounts. What else could she do? However, she felt a tinge of guilt since she really didn't know Gillian that well, and some of the things Riley was saying seemed a little harsh. But Lishia rationalized that she was simply showing her support for Riley. It seemed clear that Riley needed someone on her side right now—especially since it sounded as if the whole team was turning against her.

“You know what really gets me?” Riley said as she drove out of the parking lot. “Gillian isn't even keeping the cheerleaders' code of conduct.”

“You're kidding.” Lishia was shocked because everyone knew that Coach Glassman was very strict about the conduct code. “Why is she still on the team then?”

“I honestly think she has some kind of insider connection to Coach.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I remember hearing last year that her mom's a friend or relative or something.”

“Well, that's just not fair.” Lishia felt indignant for Riley's sake.

“Tell me about it!” As Riley slowed for a traffic light, she let loose with some bad language directed toward Gillian. Lishia knew that swearing was against the conduct code too, but she didn't want to mention it. Not that she approved, but in light of how unfairly Riley was being treated, it seemed understandable. Besides, Riley was saying these things in private.

“So what did Gillian do to break the code?” Lishia decided to gather some facts.

“For starters, she's totally a party girl, if you know what I mean.”

Lishia nodded like she got this, but she thought that all the cheerleaders liked to party. She'd heard plenty of rumors, and that was just one reason she'd told herself she was better off not being on the team in high school.

“And you know how she lost all that weight last summer, don't you?”

“Weight?” Lishia didn't actually recall Gillian ever having a weight problem.

“Yeah, she'd put on about twenty pounds last spring, and I heard she used some kind of illegal diet drug, something like meth, to take it off. For all I know, she might still be using. That might explain her personality change. You know, why she's gotten so mean.”

“Oh?”

“Uh-huh. And there's more. But it's like Glassman is totally blind when it comes to Gillian.”

“Do you really think it's because of Gillian's mom?”

“It's the only thing that makes sense.”

“But that's not fair.”

“I know.” Riley growled as she hit her fist against the steering wheel. “I wish there was something I could do about it.”

“I suppose you can't exactly go to Coach Glassman,” Lishia began thoughtfully. “But maybe you could take it to someone higher than her.”

Riley nodded with an interested expression. “I could do that, couldn't I?”

“In fact, it seems like it would be your responsibility to let someone know what's up. I mean, for the good of the whole team. It's not right that everyone is pulled down to a lower standard just because Gillian's mom has some inside connection to the coach. And if she's doing drugs . . .” Lishia shook her head. “Well, that's not just wrong, it's dangerous.”

“You're right. If Gillian messed up a throw or a pyramid, someone could fall and get hurt.”

That wasn't exactly what Lishia meant by dangerous, since she was thinking more about Gillian's own health, but it was a good point all the same. Riley turned onto Lishia's street, and Lishia tried not to show her pleasure that Riley even remembered where she lived. It had been several years.

“I'd love to blow the whistle on Gillian, but I don't want to come across as tattling. Especially with the whole thing with Dayton, you know? Someone might think I was trying to get back at her and not take me seriously.”

“That is awkward.” Lishia nodded. “Maybe you could do it anonymously.”

“Maybe . . .” Riley turned to Lishia as she stopped at a stop sign. Her eyes lit up as if she had an idea. “Or maybe . . . what if you did it? You could tell on her and no one would suspect your motives.”

“Me?” Suddenly Lishia was worried. She had no intention of getting involved in something like this. Being a friend was one thing. Turning into an informer was something else.

“Sure. You could make an appointment with Mrs. Valmer and tell her everything.”

Lishia took in a quick breath. “But what would I say? How would I explain why I was doing this?”

“I can tell you exactly what to say—and how to say it. I have all the information we need.”

“But wouldn't they wonder how I knew about all this? I mean, I'm not even friends with Gillian. How would I have any credibility?”

“You'd just tell her that you're my best friend and that you've observed some things that are disturbing and that you felt someone needed to say something. You know, in a really innocent sort of way.” She grinned. “If anyone has an honest face, Lishia, it's you. Plus, everyone knows you're one of the goody-two-shoes girls. No offense. I meant that as a compliment.” She chuckled as if she wasn't really sure.

Lishia felt slightly flattered and slightly insulted. She liked the idea of being Riley's best friend, but the rest of it was a little disturbing. “I don't know, Riley. I mean, telling the vice principal a secondhand report about Gillian seems a little, well, dishonest.”

“It figures you'd act like that.” Riley scowled. “I thought I could trust you.”

“You can trust me. It's just that I don't want to—”

“Oh, forget the whole thing.” Riley turned abruptly into Lishia's driveway, bouncing the tires over the side of the curb. “I don't know what made me think you'd care enough about me to help me do—”

“No, that's not it,” Lishia interrupted. “I
do
care about you. And I'd like to help you. It's just that I'm trying to wrap my head around this whole idea. I mean, I did see Gillian treating you badly today. That seemed really wrong. But I haven't actually
seen
anything else. At least not enough to make a complaint to the vice principal.”

“Never mind.” Riley gave Lishia an exasperated look. “Sorry I even asked.”

“Don't be so quick to give up on me,” Lishia reassured her. “I need to think about this. I need to find out more about Gillian and what she's doing.”

“I can help you gather some evidence,” Riley said eagerly. “It shouldn't be hard to do.” She gave Lishia a mischievous smile. “And there's something else you should probably know.”

“What?”

“I really shouldn't tell you.”

“Come on,” Lishia urged, suddenly curious.

“I'd have to swear you to total secrecy.”

“You can trust me.”

“Okay. No one is supposed to know this, and I would get in serious trouble if Glassman knew that I peeked into her computer.” She pressed her lips together tightly as if reconsidering this disclosure.

“What?” Lishia urged.

“Do you swear you won't tell a soul?”

Lishia nodded.

“Well, guess who the first alternate cheerleader is this year?”

Lishia shrugged. “I have no idea.”

Riley smiled slyly. “You.”

“Oh.” Lishia was completely surprised but didn't want to show it. “Really?”

“But everyone thinks it's Michelle Parkington.”

“That would've been my guess.”

“Well, that would be a disaster.”

Lishia frowned. “Why's that?”

“Because Michelle is a total mess. I'm pretty sure she wouldn't even have a chance anymore. Everyone knows she's fallen in with the wrong crowd. I'll bet she can't even pass a drug test these days. Not to mention alcohol. She's even come to school drunk before, and she was suspended once. So, really, she's out.”

Lishia actually felt sorry for Michelle. She knew her parents had divorced last year, and she'd probably been even more disappointed than Lishia had been not to make cheerleader, especially after trying so hard.

“Hey, that gives me an idea!” Riley's eyes lit up.

“What?” Lishia was starting to feel overwhelmed with all of Riley's ideas.

“How about if I start teaching you the routines?”

“Huh?” Lishia felt confused. “Why?”

“So you'll be all ready to take Gillian's place after she gets placed on suspension. You can step in and act like you're learning them, but everyone will be amazed at how quickly you catch on.” Riley laughed.

“You don't really think that I'd take Gillian's—”

“It could happen, Lishia. And if it does, don't you want to be ready?”

“I, uh, I don't know. This seems kinda crazy to—”

“Think about it, Lishia. We'd be cheerleaders together again. Wouldn't that be totally awesome?”

“But it's such a—”

“Come on.” Riley narrowed her eyes. “Don't be such a wet blanket. Do you fully understand what I'm saying right now? What I'm offering you?”

Lishia felt slightly dizzy as she gripped the door handle. How did their casual conversation in the cafeteria ever evolve to this? What was Riley asking her to do? And how could Lishia even consider such a thing?

“Don't you get it? Seriously, think about it. If Gillian is off the team, you'll finally get your chance.” She let out a happy sigh. “In fact, I'm starting to think it was no coincidence that we sat together at lunch today. It's like it was meant to be. Like you're going to be cheerleader and this is how it's supposed to unfold.”