Free Hate Me by Jillian Dodd Page A

greatly improved her core strength, her flexibility, and her overall strength. On the soccer field, you are constantly running into other players. Your ability to hold your ground, to resist getting knocked down, and to have good balance while running are all improved by workouts like these. Show them your stomach,” he tells me.  
    I lift up my shirt.  
    “Monroe is very active. She surfed, played soccer, did some kickboxing workouts, and danced before she came to Eastbrooke. Here she works out on her own time, as well as with the soccer and dance teams. What’s happened to your body since beginning our workouts?”
    “Well,” I say, “my stomach was always flat, but now I have abs. My core is stronger and my dance kicks are higher because of the increased flexibility.”
    “What else?”
    “Honestly, it makes me feel fierce and it’s a great workout when you’re pissed off. Gets all your aggression out.”
    “And that’s exactly how I want you all to be on the soccer pitch this spring. Strong, fierce, confident competitors.”
    “Would you mind demonstrating a little of what you can do?” he asks me.
    “Sure, as long as you don’t mind if I kick your ass in front of the team.”
    Cooper turns to the team and says with a laugh. “See? Fierce.”
    I pull my t-shirt off so I can’t get caught up in it, and stand in just my sports bra.  
    Fortunately for the girls, Cooper does the same.  
    If he takes off his shirt every time we practice, all the girls in the school will try out for soccer.
    I put on gloves and a protective mask and throw the first punch at Cooper.  
    We begin the choreographed moves that are usually our warm-up.  
    We connect with a few punches, block a few, and then he grabs me around the waist and throws me to the ground.  
    I will admit, this part is kinda hot.  
    Especially when his legs are between mine as he almost pins me.  
    His face is close to mine, his hard body crushing me, but I manage to get out of his hold and quickly turn the tables, pulling his shoulder in an uncomfortable position.  
    He taps out and says, “All right. Who wants to try it next?”
    I laugh as every hand on the team is raised high in the air.  

    After soccer, I head to dance. Maggie bounds into the locker room, grinning. “Did you hear me get called to the office?”  
    “Yeah, what did they want? Is everything okay?”
    She breaks down and starts crying.
    “What’s wrong?”
    She grabs my hands and jumps up and down, causing me to realize she’s crying happy tears.  
    “It’s better than okay! I get to stay!”
    “Did your mom change her mind?”
    “No, you were right. The dean found me a scholarship. Some sort of special emergency fund for students already enrolled here. And get this. It even comes with a monthly stipend, so with that and my savings I should be just fine!”
    “That’s awesome! I’m so happy! I was going to talk to you tonight and offer to help.”
    “That’s really sweet, but I just couldn’t ask my friends for handouts. That would be awkward.”
    “Yeah, maybe. But, seriously, you ever need anything else, come to me, okay?”
    She hugs me. “I will.”
    “Maggie, you mentioned a savings account. Are you the only one on the account?”
    Her eyes get big. “No, my mom’s name is on it too.”
    “Have you checked it?”
    “Shit, no.” She grabs her phone, pulls up her balance, and says, “It’s still there, but guess I should move it, shouldn’t I? It’d be just like them to decide to wipe that out too.”
    “If you think that will happen, I would.”
    “How do I do that?”
    “Well, you can transfer it to another person until you get an account set up.”
    “Can I send it to you? I trust you.”
    “Of course.”
    She clicks around on her phone. “Okay, I think you have to do something on your end before I can transfer it.”
    I check my email on my phone, do what’s required, and then she transfers the money to my account.
    “I’m so glad