When the ice melts

Chapter 15

Sam's P.O.V.

It's Saturday and I need to get up at 6 am. so I would get ready for cheering practice. I was already up and decide to take one quick shower before anything else.

I needed to pack my sports bag with some clothes because we are going to Dušica's place.

Instantly, a smile appeared on my face when I thought about her. Last night was like the most beautiful night for me. I couldn't help smiling while remembering her cute face and her tight hugs.

My smile immediately disappeared from my face when I remembered her story... How can someone so kind and good have passed like her? I always heard that bad things happen to good people, and now I know that's true.

I walked out of the shower and quickly dried my body. I brushed my teeth and went out to dress my cheering uniform. The colors of our school are white and blue. We had short blue skirts and white and blue shirts. We also had long white socks.

I dressed up, put my hair at high ponytail then took my bag and phone and rushed out of my room.

Walking downstairs, I heard voices from the living room. I guess that's my parents but I don't get why are they awake so early on Saturday morning.

"Morning," I said and walked in.

They both were reading newspapers and when they looked up at me I saw their weird smiles. Why are they smiling like that?

"Good morning honey," dad said with a smile.

"Here is food for you baby," mom said and motioned at sandwich and glass of milk next to her.

I smiled and nodded. I took off my bag and jumped next to my mom.

"How did you sleep?" dad asked.

"Very good" I replied and took a bite of sandwich that was prepared for me.

"And how was your time with Dušica, last night?" it was mom's time to ask.

A smile crept on my face when I remembered the time spent with her last night. How much fun we had together, how much I blushed last night, probably more than ever before in my life.

"I guess, that's your answer honey" dad's voice brought me back from my thoughts.

That's when I realized that I forgot to answer her question which made me blush.

"Oh. My. God! She is blushing!" mom half yelled excitedly.

I took a sip of my milk and looked down.

"It was good" I mumbled.

"Just good?" Dad asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah"

"Look at this," he said with a smile and throw his newspaper at me.

I looked at mom and she was smiling at me. I raised my eyebrow at them which caused mom to roll her eyes.

"Just look at it already!"

I took another bite of the sandwich and turn the front page of this newspaper. I almost choke when I saw what that was. I quickly took a sip of milk so I wouldn't choke myself to death.

"What the!" I was way too shocked to say anything.

On the front page of DailyMail was picture of Dušica and me at the red carpet from last night with big bolded letters.

"New powerful couple!?"

I read all article about us two, but anyway almost whole news was about her.

"What does this mean!?" I practically yelled.

"Wow honey calm down, you know how paparazzi are and how much they talk about something that doesn't even exist," mom said and gently squeezed my hand.

"This is stupid," I said and throw papers at the table. "I couldn't even go out with friends for them not to think about them as my boyfriend or girlfriend." this made me furious.

"It's okay, you will get used to it," dad said and got up to kiss my temple.

I sighed and got up as well.

"Anyway, I have to go. I don't want to be late for first practice"

"Bye honey, have fun," dad said.

"See you on Sunday" mom added.

I kissed them both and walked out. I took keys of my car and put my bag in the back seat then climbed in.

Drive to school was 15 minutes long. When I come, all the cheering team was there, also half of the volleyball team as well.

"Morning" Elena said when she saw me.

I just nodded, not in the mood for talk after what I saw in newspapers at all.

"Sam, how was last night?" some girl from the volleyball team asked.

I glared at her but before I could answer another girl said "Holy crap, could you ever imagine that the new girl is the richest person on this f*****g world!"

"Yes oh my God, and girls did you see how hot she looked last night!?"

At that moment I felt myself shaking, I was so jealous. Why every girl and boy have to talk about her like that? She is not a s*x object or anything like that.

"Yes, I pray to god, she is gay. I want her more than ever now" Kendall said and I look up at them all with my most deadly glare.

But before I could answer someone behind me said "Girls you really should stop talking like that. She is still the same person you get chance to meet two days ago"

I turned around and saw Mia standing there with her arms crossed.

"Agree," Elena said and walked over to Mia and gave her peck on the cheek.

All girls suddenly shut up and looked down, I needed to bite my lips to stop myself from laughing. Mia and Elena smirked proudly and high five each other.

At that moment both our coach come to us.

"Good morning girl. I hope you have good sleep" Ms. Rose, volleyball and our P.E. coach said teasingly. I always liked her, she wasn't that older than us, probably 27 years old.

All girls groaned and glared at her which made her and Ms. Baldwin laugh. Ms. Baldwin was my coach, she was okay but I didn't like her like I like Ms. Rose.

"Let's go inside," she said and opened the door of the gym for us.

We walked in the dressing room and just left our bags there then walked out.

Girls start chatting with each other about dome stuff I didn't care about. Mia, Elena, Anna, and Emili came to me. I didn't even saw when Anna and Emili came at practice, this two are always together. They are the first neighbors and best friends for a long time.

"Sam, are you okay?'' Mia asked kindly, with concern in her voice.

I looked at her and saw the worry in her eyes. I smiled at her "I am okay. Why?"

"I don't know, you just look a little pale and you were shaking when I came to school. But you look better now."

"Don't worry, I really am fine" I answered simply, but I was touched with her concern.

"If you say so," she said.

At that moment our coaches come to the gym and Ms. Baldwin clapped her hands and we all stop talking.

"Calm down, we should start with practicing girls. Like you may know our first game is on Friday" she started. No one knew that!

"What!?" we all asked at the same time. Volley girls were way too shocked.

"You didn't know?" Ms. Rose asked obviously confused.

"Well it was your duty to tell us," Anna said.

Like you know she is the captain of this team and she really cares about volleyball and everyone in this team.

"Principal said he will tell you. Anyway, girls, it's not that good team. We always win against Hikers." Ms. Rose said to her girls.

They started talking with each other again.

"But what about us?" I asked "What will we do? We all know that we are going to perform on every their match"

My girls started talking again before I had enough and snapped at them "Stop talking"

They all looked at me with a horrified expression on their faces but they all just shut their mouth.

"Calm girls, we have the easier job than them anyway" she said and motioned on volleyball girls. "We will just use the same routine as last year with some new moves we are going to learn for this week. They don't have one player and they had more problems than us."

We just nodded and silence fell over us.

"About that" Ms. Rose started with worried face "We really have a problem with one player less. We need to have 12 players to start the league and we only have 11 since Nicole finished school last year. We've done tryouts on Tuesday after school and there is absolutely no one who knows how to play! And sorry girls, but no one can be at first-team''

"We should just pick anyone, even if they don't know how to play" Kendall girl, who was asking like crazy about Dušica before, said.

"No, that isn't fair" Ms.Rose shook her head.

"We don't have to worry about that" Mia waved them off.

"Why's that?" asked Ms.Rose completely confused like almost everyone at the gym.

"New student that is coming on Monday will play for our team." Elena was the one who said that with a big smile plastered on her face.

"And who is the girl?"

"Dušica Nikolić" Mia simply answered and I swear both coaches faces were priceless!

"W-What?" They both asked at the same time.

I saw Mia grinning with crossed arms and Elena smirking while putting her elbow at Mia's shoulder slightly leaning at her.

I heard girls started whispering and giggling, some even blushing but I decide to ignore it and put my poker face on.

"And how do you know that?" Ms. Rose asked after clearing her throat because of shock.

"Because she is my best friend since we were 6 years old," Mia said whit duh tone. "And to be honest I have never seen anyone play that good in my life. So please don't worry about that" she finished with a smile.

"Agree" Elena simply said which made girls look at her with questionable looks.

"And how do you know that?" now Ms. Baldwin asked.

"We have been friends for two years now, I watched some of her games and I must agree with Mia."

"And you two know who she was even before last night?" someone asked.

"Of course" they answered in unison with small chuckles.

"Okay, when that's said can we start practice?" I asked a little annoyed already.

They all turned around to look at me and only nodded.

We all together run for 20 circles around the volleyball court and then warm up together.

After that, I lead my girls at the end of the gym to let others warm up with balls. Ms.Baldwin came to us and showed us some new moves we should use then left us alone.

"Okay, so you saw what is it about. But I have to ask if you all still remember routine from last year"

No one replied which annoyed me.

"I can't hear you," I said coldly and loud "No" was heard from them.

I took one deep breath and decide to show it to them again but only with a few new moves.

"Okay, whatever, let's start," I said and turned the music on.

***

Practice lasted 2 hours and when we were finished all the girls, except Elena and me, were panting and laying on the floor. Suddenly Mia appeared behind me and chuckled.

"What the hell are you doing to them, Sam? They can't breathe!" she was laughing like crazy right now which made all girls glare at her.

"If only look could kill" Elena whispered and us three laughed again.

"Oh, come on girls, get up! Where is the energy? You are only 17 years old and younger! What have you been doing all summer? You have no strength for anything!" I said while walking between them.

"Come on girls, get up! We have amazing practice today, and I loved working together with cheerleaders. Go shower you all are free" Ms.Rose said to all us with a smile.

They all get up and started walking towards the dressing room. I took quickly a shower as well as other girls and walked out just in my underwear. I dressed up and pack my things.

Almost all the girls were already out so I walked out as well. I almost bumped at someone when I heard whispered. I looked up and saw all the girls standing in front of me.

I walked around them and then I saw the girl that was constantly in my mind for the past few days. She didn't pay attention at us as she was sitting at the hood of her mat black Range Rover with her legs at its bumper while doing something on her phone. I have to admit, this girl had style. I was immediately in love with this car.

She was wearing short blue shorts (you could perfectly see her long toned legs at this shorts) and white shirt which was showing little of her perfect abs. She also wore plaid shirt over it with its sleeves raised at her elbow. Her hair was freely pulled down and she looked absolutely gorgeous.

All girls had their mouth wide open while they were looking at my girl "Stop drooling" I said coldly and they all wiped their mouth which made me laugh.

Then Mia came behind us and when she saw Dušica she practically screamed: "Here's my girl!"

Dušica looked up and smiled at her before jumping off her car. Mia ran towards her and Dušica catch her in her arms and spun her around. I could hear Dušica giggle which made me smile.

"I didn't know you missed me that much," she said when she put Mia down and kissed her cheek who just shrugged.

"I guess I did," she said with sheepishly smile.

"Did someone forgot about me!?" Elena walked pass me and run towards Dušica as well.

"Never!'' Dušica said like she was hurt that Elena even said that, but she didn't have any time to answer because Elena jumped on her with her legs around Dušica's waist and arms around her neck.

She took a step back and almost fell because of Elena's sudden action which made Mia giggle.

"I guess you missed me too," Dušica said and giggled again.

Aww, that giggle! You guys wouldn't even imagine how cute that sounds!

Emili and Anna come by my side and I heard Anna sigh. "I don't know how to act around her anymore," she said and Emili agreed with her.

"Oh please guys, you have no idea what are you talking about." they both looked at me with a puzzled expression. I rolled my eyes and decide to tell them how good of a person this girl is. "You have no idea how kind she is. I have never met anyone with a heart like hers.

Trust me, she is still that cheerful girl we all met two days ago" I said and notice everyone was watching me in disbelief.

I couldn't care less about them, really. I watched Dušica, Mia and Elena walking towards us while talking and laughing. She seemed so happy. I was glad to see her happy. I don't know what is it but when I see her happy, I'm happy. When she smiles, immediately a smile appears on my face. They were close to us but she still didn't see me.

"Fancy seeing you again Ms.Giggler," I said with crossed arms and a big smirk on my face.

She looked up at me with a shy smile and she even giggled a little. "Well hello, there princess," she said with a little bow.

I couldn't help but blush. Everyone was staring at us when she pulled me for a tight hug. I hugged her back and even kissed her cheek.

"I'm glad to see you again" she whispered and kissed my cheek as well.

We pulled away and girls had shocked expression. We looked at them and then at each other.

"What?" we asked at the same time.

They just shook their heads like they lost their speaking ability.

"You guys tired?" she asked but no one answered.

She looked at me and I just shrugged because even I didn't know why they acted like this. Finally, someone decided to break this awkward silence.

"Why didn't you tell us you are Nikolić?" and that was Anna who asked. She looked a little disappointed and sad at the same time. Everyone other like just now remembered in front they are standing now and their faces showed terror.

"I did" Dušica answered simply "When I introduced myself first day. I just didn't say I am that Nikolić. It isn't something I wanted to run around and let everyone know."

"I would do that" someone said which made Dušica and me roll our eyes.

"Okay, I get it," said Emili with a shy smile.

"We okay now?" Dušica asked her and Anna.

"Yes," they said in unison and hugged her at the same time.

She giggled and hugged them tightly as well. "So, are you girls ready to go?" she asked when they pulled away from the hug.

"Yeah," five of us said at the same time.

"I am so tired, I can barely walk. Sam killed us today" Elena said while pouting.

"Oh come on, it is not my fault that you guys are not in form after summer," I said d rolled my eyes.

Dušica playfully glared at me while trying not to laugh. "Shame on you Sam, she is going to pass out soon"

"Okay, don't exaggerate now," Elena said and playfully kicked her arm. "But seriously let's go, I can't feel my feet anymore"

"Okay then," Dušica said and took Elena for her legs and put her over her shoulder. Elena screamed after Dušica's sudden action but then started laughing and pinching Dušica's ass.

"Damn girl, you have an ass" Elena yelled which made Dušica laugh.

"Shut up"

"It's true though," Mia said and walked next to them towards Dušica's car.

"Come on girls," Dušica said to us and put Elena down when they reached Elena's car.

"Where are you going by the way?" asked Kendall.

Oh god, how annoying is this girl ugh!

"At Dušica's place," said Anna and walked towards her car.

I saw girls priceless faces and Kendall's was the best. I immediately smirked when I saw her in awe. I climbed in my car but before it, I heard Dušica said: "Just follow me, okay?"

All our cars were really close at the parking lot so we all heard her. She climbed in her car with Mia at the passenger's seat.

Before I could even start the engine I heard my phone ringing. I took my phone and saw it was actually some group I didn't even know I was in. It was a video call and I answered it.

There was Mia, Elena, Emili, and Anna. So this is a girl group, I thought.

"Listen up" Mia started while trying to put her phone at the car console in front of her and Dušica. I notice that she was in group as well. She was putting her seatbelt right now and smile crept on my face again. "I made this, so we could talk for this 20 minutes long trip and no one would be bored. Trust me it is always funny watching Dušica sing with the radio," she said and we all laughed.

''Mia!" she glared at her playfully and Mia just giggled.

"Anyway let's go, girls, this is going to be so much fun"

I took a deep breath and started the engine. Here we go I thought as I drove just behind Dušica and Mia. I was thinking about what will happen for these two days. Will I have some moments with Dušica alone? All this was running through my mind when that angelic voice stopped my mind.

"I hope you all bring swimming suits," she said with a big smirk on her face.

"What!?" all four of us yelled at the same time.

"I guess that's no" Mia said and they burst out laughing.

I loved watching her laugh. It was really cute, how she put her head backwards a little.

"Well, I guess we will find a way without them," she said and shrugged, still with that smirk on her face.

Mia giggled with deviously smile on her face "This is going to be so much fun" she said and we all groaned which once again made these two laugh their asses off.