Chapter 9
The day before solo tryouts, Hannah met Caitlin at her locker after school. She could see her friend grinning as she walked up.
I wonder what she’s so excited about, Hannah thought.
“Connor invited me to hang out at his house tonight!” Caitlin said as soon as Hannah got close. “He’s having some friends over too. You have to come with me! Will your mom let you go?”
Hannah grew quiet. She knew her mother trusted her and would let her go if she asked, but the truth was that she didn’t want to. She knew she needed to practice. If she went with Caitlin, she wouldn’t get anything done. Saying that her mother wouldn’t let her go would be a good excuse, but it would also be a lie. She shouldn’t have to lie to her best friend.
“Hello? Earth to Hannah! Can you come or not? I need you!” Caitlin said. She stopped and stared at Hannah.
“The tryouts for solos are tomorrow,” Hannah said slowly. “I’ve been working really hard on the routine, and I really want to do well. Even if I don’t get a spot, I want to know I did my best. If I go out tonight and stay out late, there’s no way I’ll do a good job at tryouts tomorrow.”
Caitlin looked angry. “You care more about the stupid dance squad than you care about me!” she snapped.
“That’s not true!” Hannah protested.
“The old Hannah would have been excited that the boy I’ve liked forever is finally asking me to hang out,” Caitlin said. “You can’t think about anything except dance, dance, dance!”
“Caitlin, that’s not fair! I —” Hannah started to say, but Caitlin cut her off.
“Forget it,” she said, slamming her locker shut. “Just forget I even asked!”
Hannah couldn’t believe it. It’s like she cares more about some boy than me, she thought.