Her eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that made it clear she wasn't backing down. "Melissa, I'm going to beat you," she said, as if this were a declaration of war. "I'll make Elrod see that I can outshine you, not just in everything, but even in cheering. I can dance better than you."
Her challenge lit a fire inside me.
I thrived on competition. It was like a switch flipped inside me, and I tilted up my chin, ready to take her on.
"Bring it on. I'm looking forward to it."
As long as her selfishness didn't mess up the team, I was willing to give her the chance to prove herself.
And so, that's how we found common ground.
As the team's training went on, I could see her determination. There was something in her focus that was different now, something more real.
Gradually, I stoppe
