“Shut up guys!  Spence and I are just friends.”  She shoved them both, nearly knocking her sibling over.

“Uh huh.”  She was unconvinced, as was Kyla.

Ashley took a deep breath and held it momentarily.  She sighed and picked at her math book.  “Am I that obvious?”  She asked her eyes remained locked on the textbook.

“You’re both obvious.  If I were you, I wouldn’t waste time pretending.”  Ashley finally looked up at Kasey who was precariously eyeing her surroundings, acting uninterested.

“Trust me, girls like Spencer, they’re hard to find and even harder to let go of.”  Kasey calmly met Ashley’s gaze, “Don’t let her go Davies.”  Kyla simply sat intrigued by this character she had just met moments earlier.  Ashley nodded, all of their smiles had faded.  She had never had anyone speak to her so calmly, so… seriously, especially about Spencer.  It was such a simple statement. ‘Don’t let her go Davies.’

“You’re right.  I just…I just don’t know how to go about asking her out. I mean, I don’t even know if she feels that way ab-“  “She does Ash, don’t doubt yourself.  Take a chance will ya.”  Kasey cut her off, smiling.

Kyla nudged her sister, causing her to smile in response.  “You know what Kase, I will. And you’re gonna help me!”  Ashley’s smile was now a mischievous grin.  “I’m going to live to regret this, I  know I will. But alright, whatever the plan is, count me in Davies.”  Kyla clapped her hands together enthusiastically, squealing for her sister.  ‘Finally!  Everyone knew this coming sooner or later.’

Spencer and Aiden quickly returned, the blonde had already scarfed down the last of her cookie before she even reached the table.  The bell rang for their next period as the teens stood and gathered their belongings.  Ashley was beaming.  Kasey had instilled in her a plethora of confidence, the type of confidence she was in dire need of.

“Kasey, stop by the gym after school!”  Aiden yelled after his cousin as she jogged off to her next class.  She gave him a quick thumbs up and disappeared around a corner.

***

Basketball practice hadn’t started yet but Aiden was already geared up and pacing the court.  Kasey appeared at the entrance and shook her head when she noticed her cousin.  ‘King Basketball, of course. What other sport would he be playing?’  She laughed and made her way to the bleachers, taking a seat on the highest step.  A small group of cheerleaders had formed in the corner, giggling and reciting a few cheers as their pompoms bounced about wildly.  Of course, Madison was amongst them.  Kasey smiled and glanced back at Aiden who had missed a free throw.