School was even harder. Both my best friends avoided me and I was stuck in all my classes alone. At lunch they let me sit at the table, but they acted like I was invisible. Finally, after the bell I'd had it. Fine! If they're not gonna talk to me, then I guess we're not friends anymore! I thought to myself.

The three of us went through a period of not talking to each other. Even at skating. I still got in trouble for the lamest things. Danny still came to watch me. I waved to him every time I passed him. I started to form a crush on him. He seemed like the perfect boyfriend. But he wasn't mine. Yet. After each practice he would walk me home. I'd either kiss him on the cheek or hug him as we exchanged goodbyes. But it wasn't the same anymore. I walked home in the crisp autumn wind. It was lonely being by myself. I couldn't take it anymore.

I gave Haley and Jenna a week to cool off before I went to them to apologize. I saw them at their lockers and I went over to them. They didn't even give me a second look.

"Hey." I said

"Hey." they responded

At least we're talking now.

"Look, I-I wanted to apologize."

Haley took off her jacket and turned around. Her hair was completely flat.

"Uh, your hair looks great Haley."

"No thanks to you." She slammed her locker door. They both started to walk away.

"Guys, please! Wait up!" I grabbed their shoulders. They scootched out of my grip. "I'm sorry!"

They stopped in their tracks.

"What did you say?" Jenna said firmly

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry for yelling at you and hurting our chances in the competition."

"You didn't even show up on Saturday! We were humiliated out there!"

"Jenna, you're making it seem like it was my fault. I'm not the best skater on the team. You are."

"Wow, Sam. Uh, thanks. This is really awkward."

"Why? We're friends."

"According to you we aren't." Haley shot back

"What are you talking about?"

"We heard you talking to Lacy the other day. You were telling her that we weren't your friends anymore." Jenna yelled

"I never did anything like that! And I'd never be seen with Lacy! She's a total geek!" I picked up my messenger bag and ran out of the building. I got detention for a week, but I didn't care. I wouldn't go.

Another week had passed and the three of us still weren't speaking. We were almost three weeks away from the nationals now. Since we aren't friends anymore, Haley won't do the routine with me. I'm on my own now. Everyday I would practice and practice. But each day I fell deeper and deeper into depression. At home was worse. Mom and Dad grounded me once they heard that I ran out of the school. They couldn't punish me from the nationals because they knew that the team needed me. And then all the parents would hate them if we lost because I wasn't there. I hate my life.

For the last two weeks I have been going to practice by myself. No one on the team would talk to me. Thanks to Jenna and Haley. Finally, I broke down to them. They were at their lockers, putting their things into their bags.

"Guys, we need to talk."

"Jenna, do you hear that?"

"No, Haley. It must be the wind."

"Guys, I'm serious."

"Manson, you had your chance. Give it up." Jenna snapped at me

"I'm sorry that I screamed at you. I'm sorry that I let you guys down. I'm sorry I let the team down. I'm sorry that I'm gonna have to quit the Madonnas."

"What?!" Haley screamed