My Motivation

2

Nicole woke up at her usual time, 5 am, to go to practice. It was always her favorite part of the day, despite the early hours, because she always wanted to improve her craft. She happened to find herself constantly thinking about Waverly throughout practice and later on during her classes. She really would do anything for her and it hurt her to see her with a man who cared more about himself and his achievements versus anything about her. With her bright smile, cleverness, and all-around perfection, she deserved so much better.

Just the thinking of her with Champ made her stomach drop. She felt like it was eating away at her from the inside, making her sick.

It really was a terrible feeling, being so in love with someone who would never feel the same way, being stuck as just friends, always being the one there for her but never the one for her.

Her thoughts were left to brew throughout all her classes, all of which she paid little to no attention in. She knew she couldn't continue moping and couldn't afford failing her classes, but today was one of the few days she just couldn't. It was crazy how such simple things concerning the one she loves could cause her so much pain. It wasn't often she got like this, but it hit her hard when she did.

The only thing that would help her was to remain a safe distance away from Waverly, away from her positive aura that was like a drug to Nicole. She was still going to go to the game, however, already having promised Waverly she would. She could stick it out for one football game at least.

She passed time by practicing for volleyball even more with a couple of friends from the team. It was the only thing that seemed to help get her mind off Waverly.

Not long before the time Waverly had planned to meet Nicole, Nicole said her farewells to her teammates and headed out. It wasn't a vigorous training more as lighthearted matches, so Nicole didn't think she sweat enough to change and shower before heading over.

There were already a decent amount of students and visitors heading to the outdoor stadium, all wanting to claim good seats before they're all taken. It was normal for the stadium to almost fill up, everyone loved to support their football team, the best in the nation. Even though her women's volleyball team was ranked number one as well, she knew that football always gained a bigger crowd as it was a more popular sport. It was mainly because of the football team that the school had a good reputation amongst the nation.

She sent a text to Waverly saying that she was arriving at the stadium before placing the phone back in her pocket and looking around for her. She spotted her fairly quickly, dressed in that breathtaking blue cheerleader uniform, staring down at the phone in her hands. When she looked back up, she quickly found Nicole's eyes as well and smiled. Nicole smiled back but couldn't help to feel a pain in her heart.

"You made it!" Waverly exclaimed, her smile growing.

"Woah there, you should save the energy for the game. Your cheerleading may just be the reason why we win." Nicole replied with a wink.

"If only." Waverly replied with a chuckle. "Now come with me, let me take you to our spot."

Waverly took Nicole hand, causing her heart to do cartwheels. This really wasn't good. Waverly's hand was smaller than hers and much more soft. Nicole's fingers twitched, resisting the urge to hold her hand, but her will wasn't strong enough at the moment so she eventually gave in.

The seats in the stadium were already filling, different colors scattered about, though most of them were in blue, the color of their university.

Nicole caught sight of the rest of the cheerleading team, friendly with them all through her friendship with Waverly and their appearance at her games, so luckily she wouldn't be vastly awkward being dragged by Waverly to sit with them.