by Sherri Renee
I shut the window and whipped the curtain closed. My heart pounded wildly. I turned to Matt and drank in the welcome sight of him. “What are you doing here?” I clasped my hands together to keep from throwing myself at him. I couldn’t believe he was really here in my room. I blinked hard, hoping I wasn’t imagining him.
He was still there when I opened my eyes. “Michelle called me. She said you might appreciate some company.”
A rush of happiness filled me like a warm spring rain. I gave him a tiny smile. “So you what? Crawled up the trellis to get to my room. You do know I’m on the second floor, right?”
“Of course, I didn’t crawl up the trellis.” He rolled his eyes, sounding offended. “Because you don’t have a trellis. Believe me, I looked.”
I snickered.
He grinned and continued, “I climbed up the drain pipe to the overhang.”
“Impressive,” I said with a slow nod. “You didn’t have to come though.” I looked away. “I don’t know why Michelle called you.”
Before I knew it, he’d wrapped his arms around me and laid his head on mine. “She called because she’s a really good friend, and she’s worried about you.”
I relaxed against his chest and listened to his heart beating beneath my ear. I’d tried to push him away all week. I didn’t want to push anymore. “I’m glad you’re here,” I admitted.
Chapter 29
Matt held me without talking for a long while. I soaked up every second of his touch, wishing the moment could last forever. He finally loosened his hold and pulled back. “Are you ready to tell me what’s going on? Why you’ve been acting so strange at school? Why you haven’t even come over to visit Anna Belle? She’s rather offended.”
I forced a smile, searching his face. His brown eyes were patient but questioning. I stepped away and crossed my arms. In less than twenty-four hours the stuff with George should be over. It probably wouldn’t hurt to fill Matt in now.
“How long can you stay?” I didn’t want to waste our time together if we only had precious minutes.
His smile took my breath away. “I can stay all night.” His eyes met mine. “If you’ll let me.”
I liked the sound of that. Maybe a little too much. I sat on the bed and dropped a pillow on my lap. “Have a seat. It might take me all night to try to explain what’s going on.”
I thought he’d sit on the bed beside me, but he choose the desk chair again, giving me a cocky smile. Okay, he was keeping distance between us. I wasn’t sure what he was up to, but I liked it. I settled in so I could face him.
“You look tired,” Matt said.
I wrinkled my nose at him. “You better watch it with that smooth tongue of yours.”
He smiled and shook his head. “That wasn’t my best line.”
I laughed. “I’m glad to hear it. I had serious concerns about your social life for a minute there.” It felt good to joke with him. I’d been so caught up in the George situation all week it was nice to let off a little steam.
“Keeping up with my social life are you?”
“Don’t flatter yourself,” I told him with a saucy look, but let my eyes linger on his.
“All right,” he drawled. “I see how you are.” He chuckled and sat back, crossing one leg over the other.
“I’m glad you came over.” I squeezed the pillow against my chest. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too.” He came over to sit on the edge of the bed then and laid his hand on my thigh. I liked him being closer. My stomach got all fluttery and warm.
“Can you tell me what’s been wrong?” He squeezed my thigh slightly.
I sighed and wished we could go back to joking. “Apparently I’m under house arrest.” I tried to make light of the situation, but my voice broke on the last word.
“You were arrested?” Matt really looked confused now. I didn’t blame him. “When? What for?”
“I wasn’t literally arrested.” I picked at a loose thread on the pillowcase on my lap. “Laurie told me I couldn’t leave the house tonight because I’m in danger.” I tried to shrug it off, but it felt so scary to admit someone might want to hurt me.
“Laurie again.” Matt swung his legs up on the bed and propped a pillow behind his head so he was sitting beside me. He’d moved his hand from my thigh but our legs touched. It made me smile to think he liked being close to me as much as I liked being close to him.
“Yep, Laurie.” I bunched my lips to the side. “I don’t even know exactly how she’s involved in all this. I think she works for the loan shark George borrowed money from.”
“Whoa!” Matt sat up straight and held out his hand like a stop sign. “Loan shark? When did that happen?”
“I’m not sure. I don’t know what happened or when, but from what I’ve pieced together, I think George borrowed money so his parents wouldn’t lose their house. Now he has to pay it back but can’t so it sounds like he might have bet on winning the game tomorrow to raise the money.”
“Are you kidding me?” Matt’s eyes narrowed as he searched my face for the truth.
“Not kidding,” I said. “Somehow I’m involved as a way of keeping George in line so he won’t try to get out of paying what he owes.”
“We have to tell someone about this. You could be in real danger.”
I leaned back and let out a small laugh, rubbing the bridge of my nose. “You don’t know how many times I’ve circled back to the same conclusion, but in every scenario, someone gets hurt. It’s usually George.” I swallowed. “But sometimes it’s me.”
“That’s not going to happen.” He took my hand and held it firmly. Sitting back against the pillow, he said, “Tell me everything. Don’t leave anything out.”
I tried to tell him everything, including the part where Michelle helped me find the perfect dress.
“I bet it looks amazing on you.”
I blushed. I’d turned off the overhead light, and I hoped the light from my lamp was dim enough to hide my discomfort. “Thanks,” I said. “I’ve been looking forward to my senior prom since freshman year.” I smiled softly at the memory. “Becca Sanders was queen that year. I remember seeing pictures of her in her dress wearing her crown. She looked like a princess to me.”
I darted a look at Matt knowing I sounded silly but continued. “I got up the nerve to congratulate her and tell her how pretty she was. She was so sweet to me, a lowly freshman. She took a few minutes to talk to me then told me she wouldn’t be surprised at all if I was queen of my senior prom.”
I shrugged to hide my embarrassment. “Her words stuck with me. Somewhere along the way, they went from being a dream to becoming a goal.”
“She sounds nice.”
“She was. I should try to find her on FaceBook, and see what she’s doing with her life.”
“You might be disappointed.” Matt moved his fingers on the bed until they brushed mine. This time I was the one who took his hand.
“I might, I guess.” I tried to remember what Becca had looked like and imagine what she might look like now. She could be in her junior year at college. Or maybe be married with kids. I decided I probably wouldn’t look her up. I liked remembering her as the kind princess who’d taken time to talk to me.
“The worst part of it all is I’m two days away from prom, and I don’t even want to go anymore. I couldn’t care less who is crowned queen, and I sure don’t want to go with George.” I felt bad admitting it, but it was true.
Matt had one leg stretched out and the other bent. He absently rubbed slow circles on my palm with his thumb. “I bought tickets, but I doubt I’ll end up going. Transferring here so late, I only have a handful of friends.” He smiled at me to soften his next words. “And the only girl I would want to go with already has a date.”
He leaned towards me. I knew he was going to kiss me. And I wanted him to. At the last second, I put my hand on his chest to stop him. “I can’t.” I let out a moan. “I wish I could, but until George, and I b
reak up I can’t kiss you again.”
He dropped back on his pillow and shut his eyes.
“I’m sorry,” I said, hoping he would say something. “It’s still cheating even though I’m planning to break up with him just as soon as I can.”
“Don’t be sorry. I admire that about you. It makes me think that if we were dating you wouldn’t cheat on me either.”
“I wouldn’t!” I rushed to assure him.
“How soon after the game can you break up with George?” he asked. He grinned and looked at me through his thick dark lashes.
“I don’t know.” My heart pounded, as I lost myself in his eyes. “But I hope it’s as soon as the last second counts down on the scoreboard. I feel sorry for George and the mess he’s in. I’m trying to stand by him, I am standing by him, but he hasn’t been very nice for a while. This week his temper’s been simmering right under the surface. No matter what anyone says or does, it makes him angry.”
“He hasn’t hurt you again has he?” Matt pinned me with a stare.
“No, not at all. Well, maybe my feelings a couple of times.”
Matt studied me as if trying to ensure I was telling him the truth. Apparently satisfied, he sat back, staring straight ahead. “Adam’s transferring.”
Chapter 30
It took me a minute to put the name to a face. “Oh, Adam. Poor kid. Is he leaving because George was mean to him?”
Matt’s jaw tensed. “He’s leaving because George and his friends go out of their way to find him and pick on him every day. I tried to stay by his side as much as I could, but we only have one class together. There were just too many times when I couldn’t be there to protect him.”
“What?” I whipped my head towards him and spat out the word much louder than I’d planned. I cringed. My parents didn’t know Matt was in my room, and it wasn’t something they would approve of this late at night. I listened carefully for a minute but didn’t hear any movement from down the hall.
I lowered my voice and said, “I had no idea. Are you sure George was part of it? He told me he was going to shape up. I’ve seen him get mad a lot lately, but he hasn’t tried to fight anyone or anything that I know of.”
Matt’s face was hard, his voice matter-of-fact. “I saw him knock the books out of Adam’s arms before I could get to him. That was the only thing I witnessed, but Adam told me about the other times. It was a daily occurrence.”
“Did George hurt him?” I had to know. George was so big and strong, and Adam looked frail in comparison. It wouldn’t take much effort on George’s part to inflict pain. I was so mad at George I felt like I could explode. At the same time, I hurt for Adam. Poor kid.
“Physically? Not really. I think he got shoved around a time or two. But those guys scared him. He was scared to go to school every day, a place he loved, because of them.”
I wanted to give George a piece of my mind. I wanted to break up with him right this second. I gritted my teeth. “Where will Adam go?” I asked just above a whisper.
“He’s going to a private school.” Matt glanced at me. “I think it will be a good fit for him. It’s just sad that he was run off after working hard and earning his place in high school.”
Adam would probably be better off at a private school. I knew there were bullies there too, but I hoped there were also other kids like him so he wouldn’t stand out so much.
We sat in silence for a few minutes each occupied with our own thoughts. It was comfortable not awkward as silences could sometimes become. I let out a loud yawn. “Sorry,” I said.
Matt pulled his phone out of his jeans pocket. “It’s getting late. Do you want me to head home so you can get some sleep?”
That was the last thing I wanted. “Would you mind staying a little longer?”
“Not at all.” He put his arm around me and tugged me closer to his side. I didn’t fight him. I relaxed against him and laid my head on his chest. I wanted to stay like this forever. I couldn’t wait to have tomorrow behind me so I could move on with my life.
I woke with a start. Something was wrong. I looked around my dark room and tried to figure out what was bothering me. And then it hit me: Matt was gone. I sat up and glanced around, even with the dim light I could tell he wasn’t there. The room was empty.
I went to the window and looked out. Testing it showed it was unlocked, but there was no sign of Matt. I flicked the lock into place and wrapped my arms around myself. Was it crazy that I missed him already?
A sheet of notebook paper stuck to my mirror caught my attention. I snatched it and turned on the lamp. I thought it would be best if I left before your parents woke up. Looking forward to the end of the game tonight. The brief note made me smile. He couldn’t possibly be looking forward to this day ending any more than I was.
The room was chilly so I crawled back in bed under the covers with my phone. It was already five in the morning. I wondered what time Matt snuck out. I was surprised I didn’t wake up. I had a new text from Laurie and three from George. I read Laurie’s first.
Don’t go anywhere alone today. Something’s not right.
If she’d meant to terrify me, mission accomplished. My stomach twisted into a knot. What did she mean by something’s not right? What had ever been right about this situation?
I clicked on George’s text. The first one asked what I was up to and if I wanted to hang out. That was at ten thirty last night. The next asked where I was, he needed to talk to me. The last wasn’t very nice, and made me thankful he’d be out of my life soon. He’d obviously gotten frustrated I hadn’t answered him, but, wow, what a jerk.
My alarm was set for seven, but I was wide awake so went ahead and took a long shower. Since it was a game day I’d wear my cheerleading uniform to school so I didn’t have to decide on an outfit. I did want to look nice though and spent some extra time on my makeup.
I used a shimmery gold shadow on my eyelids to make the gold in my eyes pop. A sweep of brown went in the crease. Eyeliner went on next followed by mascara and a touch of blush to emphasize my cheekbones. I studied myself in the mirror and decided I didn’t look half bad.
I couldn’t get Laurie’s text off my mind. For a few minutes I contemplated staying home today. I’d miss the pep rally and the state championship game, but I hardly cared at this point. It would leave the other girls in a lurch if I did. Not that I was irreplaceable, but they’d have to do some scrambling to fill my spot in the routines and as a base in our stunts.
As tempting as it was, I couldn’t do that to them. Today was almost as big a day for the cheerleaders as it was for the football players. I finished my hair and got dressed.
By seven thirty I was on my way to school. I’d get there early but that was fine. I wanted to double check that we had everything ready for the pep rally anyway. I parked in the empty lot by the gym and went in through the side door. The lights were on but it was deserted. Or so I thought until I heard a shriek of female laughter. Turning my head to find the source of the noise I spotted a couple making our against the side of the bleachers.
I raised a brow and started towards the locker room where our banners and signs were stored. I’d meant to give the couple their privacy until I heard the guy’s deep chuckle. I knew that laugh. It was George.
I stopped in the middle of the floor. I almost ignored them. What difference did it make? In about sixteen hours (I’d done the math earlier) George and I would no longer be a couple.
But my feet were already heading that direction. It was a matter of principle. It was true I hadn’t done a great job, but I’d tried hard to keep my distance from Matt. For some crazy reason, I’d expected the same courtesy from George.
George had his back to me, but the girl glanced over his shoulder and spotted me. It was Misty Holly. Surprise, surprise. Misty’s face blanched, and she struggled to push George away.
He must have thought she was playing hard to get because the more she struggled against him the more he kept pulling her b
ack. Her eyes were on me and she looked so scared I felt sorry for her. If I’d had a spare smile in me I would have given it to her. She finally pounded on George’s shoulder and whispered in his ear.
All I heard was my name.
George stopped wrestling with her. He stood with his back to me, and I could see his shoulders rise as he took a deep breath. He turned around with an excuse on his lips.
“Kristen.” He left Misty standing where she was and came to me. “I was worried about you. I’ve been trying to get ahold of you all night. Didn’t you get my texts?”
I raised my brow. “Wow!” I said before I burst out laughing. “I catch you making out with another girl and you’re going to ignore it? I guess you don’t think I see the poor thing standing right there?” I pointed helpfully at Misty in case he’d forgotten she was there.
George stared at me and then changed before my eyes. His “worried boyfriend” look morphed into a snarl. “You know what?” He took a step closer and poked a finger in my chest reminding me of the day at the mall when his finger had been in that loan shark’s chest.
“I’m glad you saw us. I’m so tired of hiding this from you. We are officially over. I can probably win the crown at prom without you after the way you’ve been acting the past couple of weeks. Even if I can’t, after tonight I’ll have a full football scholarship and won’t need the puny thousand that comes with the crown anyway.”
I cocked my head to the side in confusion. “I thought you needed me,” I dumbly repeated his words. I wasn’t upset he was breaking up with me, I just didn’t understand why he’d fought so hard for me if he wanted to date Misty all along.
“You know what I need?” he yelled, his voice echoing through the gym. He held out his arm and Misty ran to him like a well-trained puppy. He dropped his arm around her neck and pulled her close. “I need someone who cares about my needs. You sure the hell never did.”
Misty gave me an apologetic smile but snuggled closer to George. She wasn’t too sorry she’d been cheating with my boyfriend.