Gracie stood at the starting line, her heart racing with a mix of nerves and frustration. She had always dreamed of playing basketball, but Mrs. Williams had other plans. "Racing is a sport that requires skill, strategy, and prestige," she had said. "You'll do it, Gracie, and you'll excel."
As the starting gun fired, Gracie took off, her feet pounding the track in a blur. She had to admit, the rush of adrenaline was exhilarating, but it wasn't basketball. She missed the feel of the ball bouncing beneath her fingers, the sound of sneakers squeaking on the court, and the thrill of sinking a game-winning shot.
Tiffany and Victoria were already at the finish line, cheering and high-fiving each other. They were rivals, and Gracie knew she had to keep up with them if she wanted to impress Mrs. Williams.
As Gracie approached the finish line, she saw Ethan Thompson, the boy she had met earlier, watching her from the sidelines. He looked impressed, but Gracie wasn't sure if it was genuine or just pity.
"Not bad, Williams," Tiffany said, as Gracie caught up to them. "But you're still no match for me."
Gracie smiled sweetly, trying to hide her frustration. "We'll see about that."
Meanwhile, Ethan Thompson was watching Gracie with interest. He had seen her around school, and he was intrigued by her mysterious past and her determination on the track.
As the racing team practiced, Gracie struggled to keep up with the others. She was fast, but she wasn't used to the track, and her basketball-trained legs felt awkward in the running stance.
But she refused to give up. She pushed herself harder, ignoring the pain in her lungs and the sweat dripping down her face.
THE WILLIAMS RESIDENT
Gracie walked into the mansion, her head hung low in disappointment. She knew Mrs. Williams would be waiting for her, and she wasn't looking forward to the conversation.
Mrs. Williams was sitting in the living room, her eyes narrowing as Gracie approached. "So, how was your first day of school?" she asked, her voice dripping with expectation.
Gracie hesitated, knowing she couldn't sugarcoat the truth. "It was okay, I guess. I joined the racing team like you asked."
Mrs. Williams raised an eyebrow. "And? How did you do?"
Gracie took a deep breath. "I didn't do that great. I'm still getting used to the track."
Mrs. Williams' expression turned cold. "You're not here to make excuses, Gracie. You're here to win. And what's this I hear about you thinking of playing basketball?"
Gracie felt a surge of fear. She knew better than to defy Mrs. Williams. "I...I was just thinking about it, that's all."
Mrs. Williams' voice turned venomous. "You'll do no such thing. You're a racer now, and you'll focus on that. Basketball is for losers, and you'll never be good enough for that sport. You're just a replacement, a shadow of my real daughter. Don't forget that."
Gracie felt a stinging sensation as Mrs. Williams' hand connected with her cheek. She stumbled back, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes.
"You're going to do exactly as I say, or you'll suffer the consequences," Mrs. Williams hissed. "Now, get to your room and don't come out until you're ready to focus on your new life."
Gracie nodded, tears streaming down her face as she backed away from Mrs. Williams. She knew she had to be careful, or she'd face even more punishment.