###Chapter 92
Chapter 92
Diana Pov
I must have arrived at the court pretty early.
Only two cheerleaders were present.
I left my duffel bag at the change room and joined the girls in watching the Elite practice.
My main focus was on Ryan as he played great as usual.
No sooner, everyone for cheer practice arrived and we all went in to change and assembled at the extreme of the court where practice would take place.
We were all asked to sit on the rows of chairs as everyone began to perform before Anthonia one after the other.
I suddenly noticed something about my shoe when I pulled it on.
It was totally wet!!
I was stunned to the core at the discovery.
Oh no!
Who the h*ll did this to me!?
"What is it?"Jane asked and I sighed.
"My shoe is damp and I can't perform with it. Do you have a spare?" I asked.
"O my! Am sorry I don't." She exclaimed and I groaned.
I need to get back to my dorm and take a dry shoe.
"Diana, you are next"I heard Anthonia call and my heart missed a beat.
I stood up and took careful steps towards her as my shoe drained lots of water and it felt slippery in and out.
"About that,my shoe is bad and I need a new one to perform"I notified and she scoffed.
"Do I look like I care? Seriously? You have been here for hours and you are speaking up now?"Anthonia queried.
"I only realized it now"I defended and she chuckled.
"Show me your moves Diana" She deadpanned as I glared hard at her.
Why is she being such a b*tch!?
I inhaled then exhaled before I began my performance.
I did the heel stretch first for the span of thirty seconds as instructed and my right slippery foot almost gave away but didn't.
I moved to the scale posture and landed on the wooden floor with a thud as a groan escaped my lips.
I heard few gasps and I quickly got up on my feet.
I immediately began a full run of the moves.
First was the heel stretch then scale and liberty then finally the spin.
Right in the middle of the spin, my foot twisted and I fell again hissing out in pains.
"So pathetic. You failed!" Anthonia snapped and I glared hard at her then got up on my feet limping.
"If only you had let me go get new shoes"I retorted and gasps followed.
"Did you really just say that?" Anthonia asked in a deadly tone.
I was eager to give her a reply when I recalled my friends words and swallowed back my words.
I won't let anybody put my Father to shame.
In anger,I picked up my duffel bag and limped away not minding what would happen.
I hadn't gone too far when I heard my name being called but I didn't stop.
"Diana!" He called and I felt his grip around my wrist.
"Leg go of me!" I snapped freeing my hand as years welled up in my eyes.
"Calm down Diana. Please. Com'on..." He took hold of my arm giving me support as we entered the empty gym building and he led me to sit on a bench.
Ryan squatted at my feet and helped in taking off my damp shoes.
"Damn..." He muttered and sat beside me as his arms pulled me close to his body frame.
"It's okay Cherry. Stop crying"He hushed caressing my hair as my tears soaked his shirt.
"What did I ever do to her? What?"I muttered and Ryan sighed breaking the hug as he wiped my teary face.
"You did nothing okay? She is just being cranky" Ryan assured and I bit my lower lip intensively.
"Am definitely going to wear that costume"I sighed and be cupped my face tenderly.
"No, you won't"He said.
"Quit giving me high hopes Ryan!" I snapped and he suddenly crashed his lips on mine instantly shutting me up
He kissed away all my tears not minding how salty my lips would be.
After a while of kissing away all my pain, his lips left mine and I sniffed.
"Am sorry"Ryan sighed and hugged me tightly.
Later,he knelt before me and massaged my foot while I tried so hard not to scream due to the agonizing pain that shot up my entire leg.
By the time he was done, nightfall had already descended and he sat next to me.
"I guess you must have heard about that costume. It really is embarrassing. A kind of costume of a fat bunny princess mascot. Anthonia always make use of them during the January or February friendly match. I will try talk to her on your behalf"Ryan offered and I shook my head.
"Don't! I will wear it. The worst that could happen to me is turning into an itchy mess"I replied and he sighed.
"Do you have any idea how your shoe got that wet?" Ryan asked and I shook my head negatively.
"It was dry when I had packed it only for me to put it on and feel it damp" I replied and he hugged me tightly.
Dinner time had already arrived minutes ago and Ryan opted to stay at the gym with me due to the fact that I didn't feel hungry.
"Um... I need to get going to my dorm"I notified and he stared at my face.
"Your foot is still sore. I will carry you" Ryan offered.
"No. I will manage"I turned down and he got up on his feet,kept my shoe in my bag, flung the bag over his shoulder and lifted me up in his arms in a bridal style.
"Ryan! Put me down. I can manage"I said as he headed for the exit.
"Don't be stubborn and enjoy the ride"Ryan scoffed and I sighed.
Ryan Pov
"What room?"I asked but got no reply and I glanced down at her to see that she was sleeping already.
I shook my head amused and walked back to the lounge and checked the board for her name and room number which I spotted almost immediately.
Posh 536...
I headed for the room, walked in and glanced around the pretty room.
I spotted her bag pack my the side of the single bed and concluded that it belonged to her.
I gently laid her on the bed and covered her up.
I took my time to stare at her sleepy face then smiled and planted a kiss on her forehead before making an exit.
*
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Diana Pov
I let out a low groan and opened my eyes to see myself in my room.
I sat up in haste and noticed it was already dawn.
Damn!
How on earth did I get here?
"You are up already"I heard Delia say and I looked up to see the girls sit at the foot of my bed.
"Are you okay?" Denise asked tenderly and I only nodded then sighed..
"You missed dinner and got us really worried only for us to get back to see you neatly tucked in bed"Delia said
Does that mean Ryan brought me here!?
"We heard the news about what happened at practice" Denise notified and I glanced between them.
"How did your shoe get so wet?" Delia asked and I shrugged.
"I wish I knew. Guess am gonna have to wear that costume"I replied and they pulled me into a warm hug which I definitely needed at that time.
Anthonia Pov
"Told you we were capable of tampering with that shoe." Lesley said and I scoffed pacing to and fro.
"I get it girls but you won't believe Ryan went after her!" I notified and they pulled on stunned faces.
"He prolly felt sorry for her." Paige sneered and I shook my head.
"I don't think so Paige. Weeks ago, Lesley told me she saw them hug back in the library." I said.
"Could it be they are secret lovers?" Paige gasped and I fisted my hands.
"They dare not cause am about to make Diana's life a living hell here in Poshville High. She would regret ever stepping her feet in here"I swore bitterly.
*
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Diana Pov
I and the girls and I watched the school news at the lounge area based on an announcement about the upcoming valentine's party which would take place nine days from today.
Right now, I and the girls are on our way to the game tonight.
Unfortunately, Jane and two other girls including me would be the group mascots.
After arriving at the basketball court, I headed to the change room and met a few cheerleaders laughing and making jest of Jane and the other mascots.
"Hey! Stop that!" J snapped angrily and they suddenly faced me.
Diana Pov
"Oh! Saviour Diana. What? You wanna hurt us?" One of them sneered and I sighed tiredly.
"It's totally obvious you got nothing useful to do with your lives. It would be pleasant if you go use your ugly faces to wipe the seats that would be used soon enough"I snapped and they looked tongue tied before leaving the change room.
"Thanks alot Diana." Jane muttered and pulled on the head of the costume she was wearing and headed out with the other girls.
I let out a pathetic sigh and picked up my costume which lay on the chair there in the room.
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*
As i stepped out into the court, I headed to join the group.
The costume wasn't heavy nor itchy...just fitting but obviously embarrassing.
We were called upon to show our moves while the mascots would only lurk around aimlessly.
I could barely breathe from the gigantic head I was wearing.
No sooner, the game began and beads of sweat were already gathering around my face and next thing, I began to feel itchy.
I couldn't excuse myself, not until the game was over.
At every goal, we would show our stunts again and I was slowly running out of breath.
The entire place had already begun to spin when I heard the game finally come to an end.
The Elite had won and we were free.
I ran towards the change room, got in and headed for the sink.
I quickly took off the head and immediately puked heavily due to intense irritation.
I gasped for air heavily and buried my head in the sink again emptying my bowel.
"Are you ok?"I heard a girl ask. One of the mascots, but I was too weak to answer.
My neck suddenly began to itch and I tried tending to it but the spot turned red.
"Have this water." Jane offered and I grabbed the can from her gulping down its entire content
"You need to relax Diana." One of them spoke up and I could only gasp for air while itching my neck and face.
We quickly took off our costumes and hit the showers to calm our itching and tensed sweaty bodies.
Anthonia Pov
I grinned watching Diana suffer so much.
This is only just the beginning, more are yet to come.
A Lot more...
I headed to meet Ryan and celebrated him once again for his victory.
He is so talented and I am so proud.
"Congratulations darling." I cooed upon getting to him and he smiled.
"Thanks"He replied and I nodded.
"Are you leaving now?"I asked.
"Er...not really. I have something to finish up." Ryan replied and I frowned.
"Gosh! I wanted us to have some pies under the moonlight"I pouted and he touched my face and pulled my cheek slightly.
"Next time swi..." He assured me and kissed my forehead.
"Ok then. Bye!" I baded and walked off.
Gosh!
I need to rest my bones and my bed is the best place.
Diana Pov
I wore the black jean bom short stopping at mid thigh which I had brought and pulled on my baggy yellow shirt.
I stepped out of the shower room and headed for a mirror while itching myself.
The shower didn't even help me one bit.
I gasped at my new look. My exposed skin appeared red.
"No!" I muttered unable to believe the sight.
"Goodness! Your rash has already began to appear." Jane exclaimed.
Damn Anthonia!
"You need to visit the school clinic Diana else it would worsen"Jane suggested and I ran my fingers through my hair.
"Com'on. I will take you there." Jane offered and the other itchy girls agreed but I slumped on a bench.
"I will be fine." I muttered in a final tone.
"Please take care" They wished and made a haste exit.
Maybe I could have avoided this and leave the group...just maybe.
But I can never give anyone the satisfaction of seeing me quit cause of them.
Never
I heard the door open and close.
Next was a pair of rushing feet as the familiar cologne filled the air and I looked up to see Ryan.
"Fvck!" He swore kneeling before me as he examined my exposed skin.
"Goodness! It's really getting worse" Ryan exclaimed as I itched.
"Come on, I will take you to the clinic." He offered.
"No!" I deadpanned freeing my hand from his hold.
"I will be fine"I said and he scoffed.
"You are way too stubborn to see that you are suffering cherry. Just let me take you there"Ryan pleaded and tucked loose hair behind my ear while holding gazes with me.
He picked up my duffel bag and made me stand up.
"You need me to carry you?" Ryan asked.
"Am fine." I turned down.
We exited the court and headed for the clinic which was over five minutes walk from the basketball court.
When we arrived, I was placed in an empty ward while a lady nurse headed to get my needed medication.
Ryan made me lay on the bed and he dropped my duffel bag aside and sat on a chair by my bedside.
"Am so sorry you have to go through this" Ryan apologized and I sat up.
"You are not at fault here. And thank you. Thank you for helping me despite how I refused." I appreciated and he only smiled.
The nurse came back with a dose of injection, a tube of cream and few pills for me to swallow.
I took the pills first and had to hold Ryan's hand tightly to receive the injection in my arm.
"If you haven't eaten, try get something soon and you can help with applying the cream on her affected body parts." The nurse said and made an exit.
Ryan stood up and closed the ward door then returned back to my side.
"Alright. I'll apply the cream on you now." Ryan notified and I nodded biting my lower lip.
He opened the tube, took some quantity and applied it on my left arm first.
"Why are you being so nice to me? You are already with someone, so am I." I spoke up as he switched to my other arm.
"I am a friend to you Cherry and I can't ignore you while you are hurting"Ryan replied with a plain face.
I sighed and relaxed back on the bed as he magically worked on my leg and I felt so fuzzy alover me as my head became clouded with endless thoughts.
As his hand travelled up my thigh, I shivered and he seem to notice as he looked at my already flushed face.
"Are you okay?" He asked and I nodded swallowing heavily.
When he got above my knee,he stared at my face.
"Am I allowed to go further?" Ryan asked and I gulped.
Stu.pid thoughts ran wild in my head and a whole new feeling enveloped me.
The tension in the air was so thick to end.
Gosh!
"I'll carry on with it" I suddenly said taking the tube from him.
"Great. I'll go us something. Be back soon." He replied and exited the ward.
I let out a relaxed sigh immediately he left.
Ryan is really toying with my brain.
I am someone's boo, Dave's girlfriend.
I stared blankly at the cream wondering if I should apply it but my unattended leg began to itch making me hastily apply it.
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I was lying atop the bed in wait for Ryan when the door opened in a rush as I sat up to see Delia and Denise.
"Diana!" They exclaimed rushing to my bedside and enveloped me in a group hug.
"You got us really worried as you didn't return after the game" Delia said and I sighed.
"Am sorry guys. My reaction appeared too soon so I came here." I replied and Denise caressed my hair tenderly.
"How bad is it?" She asked.
"I dunno but I was so close to suffocating and I threw up, infact, I grew sick." I narrated and they wore apologetic faces.
"That was so cruel of Anthonia. Am certain she had all planned out." Delia said bitterly.
"That's why we told you to stay away from Ryan. He is bad news Diana." Denise supported.
"But I am staying away." I blurted and bit inside my cheek.
Lies!
My brain screamed.
The ward door opened and we turned to see Ryan.
Uh-oh...
He stared at us for a moment and stepped in with his duffel bag and a white polythene.
The girls faced me with a questioning look and I bit my lower lip.
They both stood up and hugged me.
"You really have lots of things to answer Diana." Denise deadpanned in a hushed tone and left, not without glancing at Ryan.
I sank into the bed as the door closed and Ryan walked to me.
"Did I interrupt something?" He asked and I sighed brushing my hair back up.
"No. They were about leaving." I replied.
"Ur.. okay" He stressed and sat by me placing the bag on the space atop the bed.
"I brought you something to eat." Ryan notified and began to unpack whatever he brought.
"You really don't have to do this Ryan. Am fine." I said and he paused staring at me.
"Why? Why Diana? Tell me why? Fine!" He snapped and I jerked surprised.
"I get you are in a relationship and all but at least,let me help you for goodness sake Diana,we are friends. Dating our desired partners shouldn't change that." Ryan retorted.
It does Ryan...it does.
You won't understand...
"Listen to me Cherry." He began tenderly after a lingering silence.
"...I got you dinner and you are gonna have it then I will leave." Ryan finalized and I stared at him in awe.