Chapter 17

• Ariel arrived at cheerleading practice early the next day, her backpack slung low over her shoulder. Maybe throwing herself into routines and stunts could help clear the lingering ache in her chest, the weight of everything she didn’t understand… Luther, Ethan, her mother’s bakery... everything.
• The gym was mostly empty when she arrived. Only a few girls stretched lazily on the mats. Ariel set her bag down and joined them, silently tying her shoes tightly.
• As more girls slowly came into the gym, the captain of the cheerleading team told everyone it was time to start warming up. They ran quickly from one side to the other, did some exercises, and then started practicing cheerleading moves. These moves involved lifting each other up in the air, throwing them, and catching them safely.