"And how will you do that?" I ask.
"Well, we reviewed some tapes from when you cheered in North Carolina. We were able to judge your form and technique—really everything we needed to see," she tells me.
"That's pretty cool," Alexa states.
I nod. "What did you determine?"
"You made the squad!" she tells me, excitement radiating from her. "Both of you did as well as Candace Stetson."
Alexa and I exchange a look. Candace is one of Brittany's best friends and Brittany is Alison's cousin, which equates to trouble.
Raven senses our unease. "You don't have to worry about Candace. She's no longer friends with Brittany. She's been trying to break free from that clique for a while now."
"Really," Lex says.
"Yep," Raven affirms with a nod. "She's been pretty embarrassed by Brit's behavior and when Alison showed up, she had an escape. Brittany pretty much forced Candace to be her friend but now she's got Alison."
"So Candace is free," I offer. I'm really glad I'm able to open my jaw a little bit more now. Talking with my mouth closed makes me drool and that'd be pretty humiliating in front of the cheer captain.
"Candace is free," Raven agrees, but looks at her hands.
"But?" I offer.
"Not really a 'but'. Candace wanted me to apologize on her behalf for all the things you've had to endure at the hands of Brit. She'd like to be friends—if that's possible," Raven adds quickly.
Lex sits down on the sofa by me.
"Is this some kind of trick?" I ask, not trusting anyone—not after what happened.
Raven's eyes widen. "No! Oh my God, I never even thought…" She shakes her head. "I'm sorry Olivia. I didn't think. I can personally vouch for Candace's sincerity. I've known her a long time. She just got caught up with the wrong people and couldn't break away."
I look at Lex who shrugs a shoulder.
"As far as we know, Candace hasn't done anything to you. It was just Brittany with her bitch mouth and Alison with her—well, yeah," Alexa says.
I think back and remember seeing Candace wince when Brittany started her shit at a couple parties. She always stood in the background, looking very uncomfortable and out of place.
"Okay, but I'm saying that cautiously. I can't trust anyone right now," I confess.
"I can understand that," Raven says. "You're out for six weeks, right?"
"Maybe less depending on my ribs," I tell her. "I can still cheer with the cast—I think. I'll have to ask my doctor."
"Okay. You can still wear the uniform and attend the games until your doctor clears you. Does that sound okay?" Raven asks.
I nod slowly. "It does. Thank you for being so accommodating."
She just smiles. "It's my pleasure."
After she leaves, I look at Lex.
"Did that just happen?"
She nods.
"How did she know where to look? I mean Destiny, North Carolina, is but a speck on the map," I wonder aloud.
"I bet I know," Alexa replies.
