Chapter Eleven – The Team Announcement The gym was silent except for the coach’s voice as she read the final list. “Lila Harper… Yn Jackson…” The crowd erupted in cheers, but Yn barely heard them. She was still processing the fact that she and Lila were now officially teammates — forced to share the same space, the same routines, and the same spotlight. Lila turned to her with a slow, poisonous smile. “Looks like we’re stuck together. Hope you can keep up.” Yn kept her chin high. “I’m not here to keep up. I’m here to lead.” The coach clapped her hands. “Alright, ladies — practice starts tomorrow. And remember, teamwork is everything.” Lila’s laugh was sharp. “Teamwork? Sure. As long as you remember your place.” Freya, sitting in the bleachers, mouthed don’t let her get to you. But Yn could already feel the heat rising — and not just from Lila. Malachi was there again, leaning against the wall, watching. His eyes met Yn’s for a split second before Lila noticed and wrapped her arm around his waist. “Babe,” Lila said loudly, “you’re coming to every game, right? I want you front row.” Malachi nodded, but his gaze flickered back to Yn, and Lila caught it. Her smile tightened. After the announcement, Mekonnen approached Yn. “You know she’s going to make practice hell for you, right?” Yn sighed. “I know. But I’m not backing down.” The next day’s practice proved him right. Lila “accidentally” bumped Yn during a stunt, nearly sending her to the floor. She whispered insults during stretches, and made sure the coach saw every tiny mistake Yn made. By the end of practice, Yn’s patience was fraying. Lila leaned in, her voice low but venomous. “You think making the team means you’ve won? This is just the beginning. I’m going to make sure you wish you’d never stepped on this floor.” Yn stared her down. “Then you’d better be ready — because I’m not going anywhere.” From across the gym, Malachi watched them, jaw tight. Freya noticed and whispered to Yn, “The heat’s about to get worse. Way worse.” And Yn knew she was right — because this wasn’t just cheerleading anymore. This was war.
