Page 42 of Shifting Forms For Clumsy Felines

Disappointment wells up within me. Somehow, coming second is worse than coming third, and I have no explanation about why.

"Which means our second-place team is from Obscure Academy," the presenter says, gesturing to us.

I cheer along with the rest of the squad, but I can hear that they feel the same way I do.

Zara manages to put a smile on her face long enough to step forward and accept the trophy graciously before the presenter turns to the winning captain.

"We'll win next time," Jazz assures Zara.

Our captain smiles, but it doesn't quite reach her eyes. "We'll try."

No doubt cheer practice is about to get a whole lot harder.

19

Krissi

As soon asit’s possible to do so, I make my excuses to leave the other team members and head back to my flat. I need to talk to Jeremy before I lose my nerve and end up regretting it.

I push the kitchen door open, summoned by the raucous laughter coming from inside.

“Hey, Krissi, congrats,” Mickie says. “Are you coming out with us?” She gestures to the table littered with half-full cups of booze and a seemingly forgotten card game. They haven’t wasted any time since getting back from the competition.

I shake my head. “I just need to sleep,” I admit. “But I was actually looking for Jeremy.”

She raises an eyebrow.

“He’s in his room, I think,” Fiona says from the other side of the table. “At least he said something about studying.”

“He’s being a serious second year,” Cyprus adds. “Do you think we’ll be like that next year?”

“I don’t think you’ll ever be serious,” Essie counters.

“Thanks, guys.” I wave and leave them to their game, hurrying down the corridor until I get to Jeremy’s door. I take a deep breath and lift my fist to knock, only for the door to swing open.

I stare at him for a moment, not knowing what to say.

Jeremy holds up his phone. “Cyprus messaged saying you were coming.”

I nod, my mouth suddenly very dry and my words have escaped me.

“Do you want to come in?” he asks. “Or we can go for a walk if you want?”

I shake my head. “Here is fine.”

Something like relief crosses his face. Which makes sense. If I had bad news for him, then I wouldn’t want to be in his room.

I follow him inside and he shuts the door, lingering for a moment as if deciding whether he should lock it or not.

“Do it,” I say, finally managing to find my words. “You know what they’re like when they’re drinking. If you don’t lock it, we’ll end up with Essie in the middle of the room serenading us.”

“Hmm, you have a point.” He clicks it shut.

I look between his bed and his desk chair, trying to decide where it’s best to sit. Eventually I decide that the bed looks the comfiest and perch myself on it, folding my hands in front of me on top of my blue and white skirt. Perhaps I should have changed out of my uniform before I came here, but I didn’t want to waste any more time.

Jeremy sits next to me, but keeps a suitable amount of distance between us.

“Congratulations,” he says. “You performed well.”