Dionne
I slipped back to my seat with the cheerleaders, trying to keep my breathing steady. The host was addressing everyone, congratulating the teams, but I couldn’t focus. Violet had settled in a few seats away, leaving an empty spot for me, and I sank down, hoping no one noticed my absence.
“Dionne!” My coach’s voice snapped me out of my daze as she came over, arms crossed, giving me a look. “Where were you?”
“Oh, um… I was… just—” I stammered, not quite ready with an excuse.
“Never mind,” she interrupted, thankfully waving it off with a smile. “You really gave it your all out there. The routines were flawless. Great job.” She gave me a proud smile before moving off to talk to another cheerleader, and I couldn’t help but smile, grateful that someone noticed how hard I’d been trying
