Episode 6: Crushing It: Southwest Cougars Freshman Year, #6

By Tamara Hart Heiner

It's the end of her ninth grade year. But while all of her classmates are getting excited about high school, Cassie has a different worry on her mind: her friends. She's felt the distance growing between her and her group of friends all year, and now she finds herself unsure if she still wants to be included in their circle. On top of that, her crush Matt is finally showing her some attention—just as Amity admits she likes him also. Will a boy coming between them be the final straw? Or will Cassie's devotion to her friends prove stronger than crushes?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tamara Heiner
• Release date: Mar 26, 2024
• ISBN: 9798223734673

Tamara Hart Heiner

Tamara Hart Heiner lives in Arkansas with her husband, four kids, a cat, a rabbit, and several fish. She would love to add a macaw and a sugar glider to the family collection. She graduated with a degree in English and an editing emphasis from Brigham Young University. She's been an editor for BYU-TV and currently works as an editor for WiDo Publishing and as a freelancer. She's the author of the young adult suspense series, PERILOUS, INEVITABLE, the CASSANDRA JONES saga, and a nonfiction book about the Joplin tornado, TORNADO WARNING. 

Book preview

Episode 6: Crushing It

CHAPTER ONE

Catching the Eye

Cassie sat in silence as Mrs. Jones drove her home from her recital. All her excitement over her superior rating and performance was dashed to pieces in light of Andrea’s betrayal. Her hand trembled in her lap, and she swore she’d never forgive her friend.

Cassie’s phone rang again as Mrs. Jones pulled into the driveway. She glanced at it and saw Nicole’s name. She sniffed and wiped the tears and remained sitting in the car after her mom turned it off.

Hello? she said, trying to sound like she had her emotions under control.

Cassie! Nicole squealed. Sean saw you on TV, and now he’s absolutely determined to go on a date with you. Are you available next Friday? We could go to the drive-in movie.

Cassie stuttered, so caught off guard by the change in mental directions. Nicole had been trying to set Cassie up with her brother for several weeks now. I’m—I’m not allowed to date.

Nicole laughed. Of course not. He didn’t think you would be. So we thought we’d invite a few other people and make it a friend outing. Like Janice and Miles. What do you think?

Did you already talk to them?

No, but I can. We’re all friends.

Cassie sniffed, some of the hurt from Andrea’s betrayal dissipating in the fluttering excitement of an almost-date. I’ll talk to my mom, see what she says.

Probably shouldn’t tell her my brother’s eighteen, but I’ll be there too. We’ll all just be hanging out.

Eighteen! Even Cassie hadn’t realized how old he was. She gave a little laugh. Why were the older boys always the ones interested in her? Okay. I’ll let you know as soon as I know.

*~*

Cassie thought church would be awkward on Sunday after Andrea told Tyler Cassie wanted to marry him, but since she was already in the habit of avoiding him, it wasn’t that different. He didn’t say anything to her, but every time she saw him in her peripheral vision, her face burned with embarrassment.

She told Riley everything Andrea had said, and Riley looked angry enough to punch something.

I would never tell her another secret again, she said.

I won’t! It wasn’t even a secret, I didn’t even say that! She totally twisted my words.

Riley nodded sympathetically. Don’t tell her anything.

Cassie didn’t intend to. She carried the anger with her to school on Monday, avoiding the bathroom where she knew her friends would be.

Cassie! Cara stepped up to Cassie at her locker, her hair half up and half down, clutching her books to her chest. I looked for you in the bathroom but you weren’t there.

I’m mad at Andrea. She switched out her books and glowered at the locker.

Not too mad to come to my birthday party, I hope.

Cassie stopped glowering and looked at Cara. You’re inviting me to your birthday party?

Cara nodded. We’re going to Tulsa. Her eyes sparkled. My mom said we could get a hotel room and stay overnight. I’m inviting everyone except Amity.

Cassie checked herself to make sure her mouth hadn’t dropped open in astonishment. Why not Amity?

I’m only inviting people I feel close to, and she’s putting on so many airs lately I don’t even like her.

Those were harsh words from Cara, who never said anything mean about anyone. When did you say it is?

Not this Friday, but next.

I don’t think I have anything. I’m pretty sure I can come.

Great. Cara smiled and gave her arm a squeeze. It will be so nice to have you there. I feel like I haven’t gotten to talk to you in forever.

Cassie nodded, feeling a bit guilty. She had intentionally pulled away from her friends, feeling like no one would notice or care. She hadn’t meant to hurt anyone’s feelings.

Did you hear about Cara’s birthday party? Maureen asked Cassie in choir. She moved over to a chair near where Cassie sat next to Janice and Riley.

Yes, Cassie said, glad Maureen couldn’t hold this one over her. Cara already invited me. I told her I would come.

Maureen lifted one eyebrow. Oh, good, I was afraid you wouldn’t be able to.

Cassie held back a sigh. Maureen just wanted to create drama. Why would you think that?

Because Cara is having the party from Saturday to Sunday, and you can’t come on Sundays. Right?

Cassie held very still. She tried to replay Cara’s words in her mind. Cara had said Friday. Hadn’t she? Cassie was ninety percent certain, though becoming less sure by the moment. She said it was on Friday.

Maureen hummed. You might want to double check. So nice of her to include you. She stood as if to leave, and then added, Oh, did you hear about Andrea’s date with Tyler on Friday? That’s when she told him all about your secret feelings for him.

Maureen smiled, and Cassie swore she saw the malice in her eyes.

Cassie doesn’t even care, Riley said. She’s not interested in Tyler.

She told you about it? Maureen looked mildly interested.

Yes, Riley fired back. And she doesn’t think Andrea is a very good friend.

I’ll be sure to tell her you said that, Maureen said.

Already did, Cassie said. So take that, Maureen! she thought. But she didn’t say anything else. She recognized the shark look on Maureen’s face. Anything she said would be used against her.

*~*

Cassie’s parents gave her a definitive answer on the Friday night outing that evening.

You’re not allowed to date yet, Mrs. Jones said. But we’re fine with you going with your friends to a movie. So you can go.

Yes! Cassie said, pumping her fist. Things were working out better than she expected. This weekend a date, and next weekend Tulsa! Who cared about Maureen or Andrea or Amity?

She called Nicole as soon as dinner was over. My parents said yes! I can go!

Oh, this is fantastic news. Sean will be so excited.

Yeah, I can’t wait to talk to him in person.

He’s home right now. Do you want to?

Cassie’s stomach suddenly clenched, and her heart leapt into her throat. Oh, no. I don’t need to do that.

He’s really easy to talk to. Like me.

I’m no good on the phone. Who all is coming to the movie?

Nicole followed right along with the subject change. You and Sean, of course, Janice and Miles already said they can come, plus me and Andrew.

Oh, Andrew is coming? Cassie smiled, glad her friend and Andrew were getting along so well. He’s so nice.

And you’re okay that Matt’s not coming? Nicole teased.

Of course! One guy at a time.

*~*

Andrea spent every day that week being super nice to Cassie, but Cassie would not be swayed. She remained frosty and kept her distance, sitting by Cara or Janice whenever the girls were together.

By Thursday, Amity had figured out everyone was invited to a party except her.

I wouldn’t have been able to make it anyway, she said airily. I’m spending the night with Melanie that weekend.

That’s good, Cara said. She’s your best friend, isn’t she?

For some reason, Amity didn’t have an answer for that.

Cassie’s dad’s soccer store employee was sick, and Cassie had to work the store that evening. She was at home studying for