It's All Good by Nikki Carter Page A

desperate, because he throws the ball directly into the hands of a Spartans defender, who runs a few yards up the field, but doesn’t come close to scoring.
    We run a couple of plays to take up the rest of the time on the clock, but the Spartans have victory on lock! That’s what I’m talking ’bout!
    When the time runs out, the entire team rushes onto the field to celebrate their victory. My heart sinks as I watch a cheerleader throw her arms around Ricky’s neck and kiss him on the mouth!
    Ugh! I can’t believe she’s putting her random germs all over him! And let’s talk about how even though he finally pushes her away, it is totally not fast enough. I see right now ... somebody’s about to get hurt.
    Let’s just hope it’s not me.

9
    â€œL ook at your boy!” Hope exclaims.
    I know she’s talking about Ricky so I don’t even want to look. He’s spent this entire week being the celebrity of Longfellow High. In my opinion, he’s enjoying it too much, but basketball season is here and Ricky doesn’t hoop. Soon he’ll be old news and maybe we can get back to normal.
    â€œI’m not looking at him,” I reply. “He’s on some other stuff right now. It is so not a good look for him.”
    Hope laughs. “The cheerleaders think it’s a good look.”
    Okay, why does it feel like Hope is having way too much fun with this? I know that she’s still a little (or a lot) irritated that Ricky wasn’t feeling her. I’m glad to see Candy walking up, because the subject needs changing quick!
    â€œHey, Candy. Cute outfit,” Hope says.
    Candy’s smile beams in Hope’s direction. “Thank you!”
    The state of Candy’s freshman fashion has been severely shattered by our parents’ punishment. Any and all compliments on her limited apparel are greatly appreciated by Ms. Candy.
    â€œDo you think Mama Gwen would be mad if I skipped the purity class tonight?” Candy asks.
    â€œDo bears sleep in the woods?”
    Hope sucks her teeth. “Gia, why can’t you ever just answer a question?”
    â€œDon’t hate me because I’m witty,” I reply. “Candy, why are you trying to ditch the meeting tonight?”
    â€œSpartans Singers auditions are after school, and I don’t know how long I’ll be.” Candy twirls the end of her long, thick braid. The twirling is a sure sign that she’s up to something. This girl stays messy!
    â€œSpill it,” I say.
    â€œSpill what?” Candy asks.
    â€œThe reason you’re trying out for the Singers.”
    â€œI like to sing.”
    I twist my lips to one side. “And what else?”
    â€œOh, Gia, you get on my nerves!” Hope fusses. “Why does it have to be something else?”
    I ignore Hope and lock eyes with Candy. “Spill it.”
    â€œAll right! Chase asked me to try out.”
    Hope’s eyebrows rise in surprise. “Sascha’s boyfriend, Chase?”
    â€œYes. Sascha’s Chase. That’s why I didn’t want to tell y’all. I knew you would jump to conclusions.”
    â€œWe’re not jumping to anything,” I reply. “But when did you and Chase get to be cool?”
    â€œOne of his boys was trying to get with Valerie about a month ago. We all went out for pizza a couple of times.”
    Wow! Candy is sneaky as all get out. She’s not supposed to have any social outings without me, but she’s been kicking it with seniors behind my back.
    â€œIt sounds kind of shady,” Hope says.
    Candy replies, “Well, it’s not, and I really hope that you two don’t go running to Sascha, getting her all twisted about this.”
    â€œI’m not saying anything, but you better watch your back,” I say. “Sascha says she’s in love with him, so trust that she will bring the drama.”
    Candy rolls her eyes.