Taming the Beast novel Chapter 23

(Caroline's POV)

I pulled my tight short sleeve shirt on before I exited the bathroom stall. I always changed in the stall because of my scars. No one knew about them or saw them except Danny, Mariana, and Stacy and I wanted to keep it that way. I weaved my way through the other girls, who were also changing, and to my locker. I pulled my knee pads out and slipped them on before sticking my feet in my shoes. I had to steady myself again as Natasha bumped me as she passed me. I glared at her back as I heard her laughing with her friends.

"She's pathetic," I caught her saying. She glanced at me with a smirk before she exited the locker room. I puffed out a breath before I stood and stretched gently. I made sure that the ace wrap around my stomach was smooth before I walked out also. Stacy slapped my butt as I got onto the court. She smirked and laughed at my expense as I rolled my eyes at her.

We were volleying today; almost like a scrimmage. I was serving first. I tossed the ball in the air and waited until it came down a little bit before my hand smacked it across the net. I sprinted to my position on the net as the other side hit it back to us. We had a good volley going, but finally, we got a point. Natasha picked up the ball and walked to the net as I held my hands out for it. She smirked and shoved the ball into my stomach. My tender scars ached as I doubled over and tried to catch my breath. The ball fell to the floor as I held my stomach. Tears sprung to my eyes but I held them in as long as I could.

"Listen here bitch," Stacy started as she stormed under the net and into Natasha's face.

"Don't test me, Stacy," Natasha growled back. I felt Mariana's hand on my back as she led me to the bleachers. I sat gently and she rubbed my back. Stacy and Natasha were still yelling at each other.

"I'll be right back," she said before she ran out of the gym. Coach didn't even notice. She was too busy trying to break up Stacy and Natasha.

"That's why nobody likes you! You're a fake bitch and the freaking spawn of Satan! You have no idea what friends are supposed to look like because you don't have any. You're a twat! No wonder Keegan dumped you!" Stacy yelled at her. Coach blew her whistle three times and stepped in between the two of them. She put her hands out as she looked between the two of them.

"What in hell is going on here?!" she yelled at them. They both started trying to talk at the same time, getting louder and louder. I looked over as the doors burst open. Mariana came in... and Keegan was right behind her. I lowered my gaze as I held my stomach gingerly. Without a word, Keegan scooped me up bridal style and headed for the door again. His touch was comforting and I welcomed it.