2 STRINGS

Connecting

"Barely," Greg muttered under his breath.

"Greg," Dad snapped, but Greg just shrugged.

"They've never liked Mom," Greg said bluntly, crossing his arms.

"And sorry, not sorry, Dad, but they're lowkey racist," I added.

Mom held up a hand. "Enough, both of you. I invited them. You don't have to like it, but they're your family."

"Why?" Greg and I said in unison.

Mom smirked. "Because I like rubbing it in their faces. They didn't think I was good enough for your dad. They thought I was just some gold digger. But now? I have a successful business, a great family, and a better attitude than any of them."

Dad sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Can we please not start this now?"

Kooty, oblivious to the tension, drove his toy car across the table. "My dinosaur ate all the salami!"

I couldn't help but laugh, grateful for the distraction.

At school, the day dragged. I barely paid attention in class, too preoccupied with the idea of Nico's mom watching us perform later.

During lunch, Jessica approached me, looking uncharacteristically nervous.

"Jamie, can we talk?" she asked hesitantly.

Melody, sitting across from me, shot Jessica a glare that could melt steel.

"Why?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.

"I just... I really want to apologize," Jessica said, wringing her hands.

I sighed, standing up. "Fine. Let's talk." I said waving goodbye to Melody. "I'll catch up with you later."

We moved to an empty table, and Jessica sat across from me, fidgeting.

"I'm sorry," she began. "For everything. For what I said, for how I treated you."

"Why'd you do it?" I asked, crossing my arms. "What was the point, Jessica?"

She hesitated. "I was jealous. You're talented, people like you, and... I didn't think Mason would notice me if you were in the picture."

I blinked, her honesty catching me off guard.

"I don't know if we can be friends again," I admitted. "You did some messed-up stuff, and I went through hell because of you. But... we can be cordial. I'm at a point in my life where I don't need the drama."

Jessica nodded, relief washing over her face. "Thank you. That's all I can ask for."

Soccer practice that afternoon was brutal. Coach pushed us hard, running sprints and perfecting plays.

"Alright, listen up!" Coach shouted as we gathered around. "We've got a game tomorrow against Jupiter High. It's their first game of the season, and they're looking for competition. Let's give them something to work for!"

The team groaned, but I couldn't help feeling a spark of excitement.

After soccer practice and a quick stop at home to freshen up, I headed to the café with Melody. The air was crisp, the kind of cold that made your breath visible but wasn't quite freezing.

"So, what's the deal with Jessica?" Melody asked as we walked.

I shrugged. "She apologized. Said she was jealous and acted out because of it."

Melody snorted. "And you're just going to let that slide?"

"I didn't say that," I replied. "I told her we could be cordial, but I'm not letting her back into my life like that."