The following day, Shadd, determined to make amends, approached Tiffy during the first break. She just wanted to know if she could hang around during practice sessions, even while still under suspension.
Spotting Tiffy, she called out, "Tiffy! Tiffy! Wait up!"
Tiffy turned, folding her arms, her expression cautious. "What is it, Shadd?"
As she neared, Shadd spoke sincerely, "I just wanted to say I'm really sorry for everything—for coming between you and Nick. I'm just a junior, and you two are established leaders. I never meant for things to get this far. It all started by accident, and maybe my performances only made it worse."
Tiffy remained quiet, her brow furrowed.
Shadd continued, "I really want to reconnect in a more careful and respectful way. You can hold me accountable whenever I interact with Nick—really, I mean it. I just want peace between us. Also… I wanted to ask if I could be allowed to hang around the pitch during practice. Just to watch. I know I'm still under suspension, but thought it was worth asking."
Tiffy looked hesitant. "I don't know if I can trust you. Even after I made myself clear at the dining hall, Nick still went out of his way to talk to you. I was really hurt... I expected him to comfort me more."
There was a pause, then she added more softly, "But... I accept your apology. You can observe practice. Just—stay away from Nick. Promise me."
"Yes, thank you so much! I promise!" Shadd said earnestly.
Tiffy nodded and walked away.
Shadd rushed back to Jasmine, ecstatic. "Jasmine! You won't believe it—Tiffy let me hang out during practice!"
"What? How'd that happen?"
"I found her during the break, apologized, and asked."
"What about Nick? Did she say anything?"
"She made me promise not to get too close to him. She's really protective."
Shadd added with a grin, "I just want to see you nail those acrobatic moves again!"
"You'll get the chance. Everyone showcases their skills during practice. If Tiffy softens up, maybe she'll let you rejoin eventually."
They returned to class as the bell rang.
---
Later that evening, the much-awaited practice session began.
Tiffy addressed the team. "We have a new member—Toto, a freshman. She's joining the cheerleading squad. Please be patient as she gets up to speed. Also, don't be surprised to see Shadd watching from the sidelines—I've given her permission to observe, though she's still suspended. Oh, and our patron transferred to another school, so the basketball team is currently without a coach. The administration is working on finding a replacement. Now, let's get started!"
Shadd, sitting off to the side, thought to herself:
Toto's Nick's cousin... maybe I could use her to find out where Nick lives. But today, I need to play it cool—no eye contact with Nick. I can't risk upsetting Tiffy again.
As the players entered the pitch, Nick spotted her and waved. "Hi Shadd!"
She only waved back briefly and looked away.
Nick turned to Tiffy. "What's up with her?"
"I don't know. She saw us earlier. I allowed her to watch, but she's still under suspension."
"So... you two made up?"
"Yeah. She apologized during break, then asked to watch. By the way, your cousin Toto finally joined the team!"
"She told me she was inspired by classmates, but never said she'd actually join."
"I've been encouraging her. She was nervous about being around so many seniors. I'm glad she found the courage!"
"Just help her settle in," Nick replied. "And now that we don't have a coach, I guess I'll lead the guys for a while."
"Good luck with that," Tiffy smiled. "Let me get back to my girls."
"Alright. See you later."
As the girls returned to their formations, Shadd couldn't help but beam as Jasmine launched into her acrobatic routine.
After practice ended, Shadd caught up with Jasmine. "Wow! I never knew you could flip that high!"
Jasmine waved shyly. "It was fun. Don't mention it."
"I saw Toto earlier—where'd she go?"
"Probably headed home. Why?"
"I just wanted to welcome her."
"Well, maybe next time."
Just then, Shadd spotted Toto. "Speak of the devil—there she is. See you later!"
"See you!" Jasmine replied, slightly disappointed. "I thought she'd walk home with me today... oh well."
---
Shadd hurried towards Toto, who was packing up. "Wait up!"
"Oh, hey, Elizabeth! Didn't know you were still around."
"Mind if I walk with you? Since it's your first day, I thought we could chat."
"No problem. I'd be glad!"
As they walked, Shadd asked, "So… you're Nick's cousin. Do you know where he lives?"
Toto raised a brow. "Why do you ask?"
"Just curious. Nick's my friend, but I've never dared to ask—Tiffy is really possessive with Nick."
"I get it. I could show you where he lives, if you want."
"Really? That'd be amazing! Just hope it doesn't cause trouble."
"Well, Nick lives near Tiffy and me. If you run into her, it might raise suspicions—she's super protective. She even checks Nick's phone and stalks the girls he talks to!"
"Yikes. Sounds like a mama's boy under surveillance."
"Nick doesn't mind girls though. He's popular—both he and Tiffy host friends regularly. It wouldn't be unusual for visitors to be there."
"I just hope I don't run into Tiffy—wouldn't want my name dragged through the mud. Does Nick bring friends home after school?"
"Not often. He has a younger brother, Robertson, at Zabocca High school. They usually part ways with friends before reaching home."
"How often does Tiffy visit?"
"Almost daily, especially in the evenings."
"Thanks. By the way, what inspired you to join the cheer team? You're so quiet in class."
"To be honest, I saw your spinning acrobatics during the friendly games. That inspired me. I thought, 'If my classmate can do that, so can I.' Hanging out with Tiffy also nudged me to join."
"Cool! Wanna take a taxi? I'd like to avoid bumping into Tiffy."
"Sure! Let's go."
They boarded a taxi and arrived shortly after.
---
"Here it is—Nick's place," Toto announced.
"Wow, beautiful estate," Shadd admired.
They approached the door. Knock knock!
"Who's there?" a voice called.
"Toto!"
"Toto who?"
"Toto Putian!"
The door opened. It was Robertson.
"Hey, welcome back! Nick's not here yet, but you can wait. Come in, take a seat."
He glanced at Shadd. "Who's your friend?"
"Oh—this is Elizabeth Shadd, my classmate and cheer mate. She wanted to see Nick."
"Welcome, Elizabeth! I'm Robertson. Let me get you something to drink."
"Thanks! Any juice is fine," Shadd smiled.
As they settled in, Shadd took in the surroundings. "Wow… Nick's really into basketball. Jordan posters, team charts…"
She spotted a small photo of Nick with Tiffy. "Oh... and this. Looks like they're engaged."
Toto chuckled. "He even placed that right next to their parents' portraits."
Just then, a knock sounded.
"I'll get it!" Shadd offered.
Opening the door, she found herself face-to-face with Nick. They locked eyes briefly.
Toto called from inside, "Everything alright?"
Nick cleared his throat. "Didn't expect to see you here!"
Shadd smiled nervously. "Sorry for dropping in unannounced. Toto offered to bring me to this place. Come in please!"
They all sat down. Nick gestured. "So yeah, this is my place. That's Robertson, my brother. Toto, my cousin. Ooh! I can see Juice is served!"
Shadd smiled. "I just wanted to see where you live. Love the décor—especially the basketball theme."
"Thanks! I'm obsessed, obviously," Nick said, laughing. "The posters, the charts… and yeah, the family photos."
Shadd nodded toward the photo. "And this one—with Tiffy. Are you guys engaged?"
Nick shrugged. "Yeah, I guess… teenage stuff, you know."
Shadd smirked. "I see the sixteen-year-old in you."
Nick leaned forward. "You seem interested in relationships. What's your status?"
Shadd winked. "Single and searching—throwing letters left, right, and center. You know what I mean?"