2 STRINGS

Uncharted Notes

Tuesday October 1

I didn't feel like writing in my diary yesterday. Too much was on my mind, and honestly, I didn't have the energy to relive it all. But today? Oh, today was one for the books.

October always brings soccer tryouts and the chance to break out my favorite fall clothes. I threw on my ripped black jeans, a burnt orange cropped sweater that matched the season, and my trusty white sneakers. I pulled my shoulder-length curls into a loose half-up, half-down style, letting a few strands frame my face. It wasn't perfect, but it worked.

When I got to school, the bulletin board was already swarming with people. Old teammates and other students were huddled around it, chattering like a bunch of birds. I ignored the noise and went straight to grab my permission slip for tryouts. Just as I pulled it down, I heard someone call my name.

"Jamie!" It was Tasha, one of my teammates from last year. Tasha had dark brown skin, box braids, and a confidence that matched her skills on the field. She played center back and was one of the most solid defenders on our team.

"Hey, Tasha," I said, stuffing the paper into my bag.

She grinned, crossing her arms. "So, you ready to kill it at tryouts? I need my favorite left winger back on the field with me."

"You know it," I replied with a small smile.

"Oh, and you better sign up for the school's annual talent show," she added casually, like it was just another requirement for being on the team.

I blinked. "What? No, I'm just focused on soccer this year. That's not my thing."

She raised an eyebrow, her grin widening. "Girl, please. We all hear you singing in the locker room. If anyone deserves to be on that stage, it's you. You could save us from all the major disappointments out there."

I laughed, shaking my head. "Yeah, okay, Tasha. I'll think about it."

"Good! I gotta go," she said, waving as her friends called her over. Before leaving, she added with a wink, "Can't wait to see you back in your spot on the field. Don't let me down!"

Once she was gone, I grabbed an extra permission slip for Melody. I figured she'd want to try out too. As I turned to leave, my mood immediately soured. Standing in my path, like a goddamn brick wall, was Jessica. Her green eyes locked onto me with that signature glare of hers.

"Really, Jamie?" she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Couldn't even wait five minutes before grabbing Mason's attention again?"

I rolled my eyes, already done with her bullshit. "What the hell are you talking about, Jessica?"

"You know exactly what I'm talking about. Stay away from my boyfriend," she spat, stepping closer. Her perfectly manicured finger jabbed at my chest. "You've been all over him, and I'm not fucking stupid."

I laughed, but it wasn't because she was funny. It was that kind of laugh you let out when you're so done you don't even know what else to do. "Jessica, I'm not the one chasing your boyfriend. He's the one coming after me. So don't blame me if there's trouble in paradise. And for the record, I already told Mason to back the hell off."

Her face turned red, and for a second, I thought she might actually hit me. But before anything could escalate, Melody appeared out of nowhere, sliding between us like she was born to break up fights.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Melody said, raising her hands. She turned to Jessica, her expression sharp. "Back the fuck off, Jessica. You've got the guy, right? So why don't you stop being a bitch and leave Jamie alone?"