by Rachel Leigh
“Sure, let’s go, Talon.” She grabs his arm and pulls him away. I watch as she struts her cute little ass over to the perfectly landscaped lawn where Knox is waiting.
Always needing to get in the last word, I shout, “Good luck tonight, hope you get the crown. Afterall, you are the Queen B.”
I’m not sure what I did, but I managed to get under her skin. Knox must be filling her head with nonsense because that chick doesn’t know a thing about me. It’s kind of cute seeing her all fired up. I’m not sure whether I should be angry or turned on; either way, I’m a little bit of both. I can already tell that this girl is going to be trouble. Something, I’ve always liked. I think I just found a reason to stay in this town.
Chapter Five
Blakely
Riding in the convertible during the parade is more exhausting than it should be. There’s an unusual chill in the air and uniform doesn’t offer me any warmth.
Levi and I are riding directly behind Petra and Kip. Her smile and queen-like hand movements are about as artificial as her breasts. I couldn’t have been the only one to notice. She vomits kindness to your face and then spears you when you’re not looking. Not to me—to everyone else. It’s no secret that she hates me as much as I hate her.
It wasn’t always this way, though.
Petra was once a close friend. But her lack of trust in said friendship is what ended that mess.
Fortunately, I’m not intimated easily, so when I’m pushed, I push harder. And here we are—competing against each other for a crown, a crown that is basically shaped for my head. It’s a given and I’m not the least bit worried. She’ll take the loss with that same fake smile on her face and then as soon as we are away from the public eye, she’ll ridicule me. Too bad I’ll be the bigger bitch and polish it right in front of her with a smile bigger than the Golden Gate Bridge.
Levi places a hand on my bare leg that sends warmth to all of my body parts. The only good thing coming out of this parade is him being next to me. I see Petra ahead of us and watch as Kip takes off his suit jacket, wrapping it around Petra. I look to Levi, expecting the same gentleman motion.
“What?” His eyes widen as he tugs his jacket tighter around him. “It’s not that cold, Blakely, really?” The sound of escaping air in his words tells me that he has no intention of giving it up.
I turn my head and pretend that it didn’t sting. Levi is sexy as hell and easily one of the most sought after guys in school. That’s probably why I’m so drawn to him. His personality is about as dull as last week’s razor, but for some reason, I find myself pining for him. Levi and I aren’t a couple by any means. I just like to keep him at arm's reach.
I look ahead at Petra who’s basking in the glory of warmth.
“Give me your jacket, Levi.”
“We’ve only got a couple more blocks. Just suck it up, sweetheart.” His eyes remain on the crowd of hooting and hollering passerbys.
“Give me the damn jacket.” I begin pulling on the sleeve of his arm. “If you don’t give it to me right now then I’ll tell the whole school that your dick is no bigger than my index finger.”
“You’re fucking crazy,” He says, as he pulls his jacket off and tosses it on my lap.
“Wrap it around me.”
He does and I thank him with a kiss on the cheek. “It’s only a couple more blocks, suck it up, sweetheart.” I should feel bad, but I don’t.
The streets are lined with the entire town. Kids are laughing and chasing bubbles, all decked out in our school colors. I blatantly search for Mom, who I have yet to see. I shouldn’t be surprised that she’s not here. She’s the least supportive woman in the history of parenting. She’s no mother to me, she hasn’t been since I was a kid. They say money changes people, and they are right. She’s a gold digger and loves nothing more than to flaunt her lavish lifestyle to anyone who takes notice, degrading those who ignore her victories and pointing out their misfortunes to make herself feel better.
One might say that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree—but I’m nothing like my mother; I’m just well aware that when people know your weakness, they use it against you. My intent is to always have the upper hand and never let the world see me vulnerable. I can feel it, but I must never show it. If I do, they’ll break me, and every single one of them are waiting for that window of opportunity. When the photos began circulating, I could feel the pity from my friends, hear the laughter from my enemies, and I know they were all waiting for me to lose control. Maybe they thought I’d kill Petra and Wyatt. Maybe I should have.
The parade finally ends when we arrive back at the school. I climb out and head to the locker room to change out of my pink satin dress. Petra and I were the only cheerleaders on court, so it’s just my luck that she’s shadowing me. I swing open the door, not even attempting to hold it open for her.
I do my business, completely ignoring her. I throw my curled hair on the top of my head and go to the field.
The stadium lights illuminate the field and the game has already started. I position myself in the center of the cheerleaders and feel like a fool when my eyes scour the bleachers, thinking she may have actually decided to come to our homecoming game and watch me get crowned.
We’re only six minutes into the first quarter, and Levi has already scored our first touchdown.
“Go Ravens!” We all shout and shake our pom poms.
“Booooo.” I hear someone mumble on the bench.
I step closer, and the jackass turns around and looks me square in the eyes.
Jasper.
“What did you just say?” I scowl. “Did you really boo your teammate?”
“Keep cheering, B. It’s what you’re here for.” He turns back to face the game.
This guy shouldn’t even be out there. When you put on a Ravens jersey, you put on a badge of honor, and he’s shaming us while wearing it.
“Coach,” I yell, stepping closer to the field. I want to tell him what a huge mistake he’s making by letting his son play, but I stop myself.
“Back up, princess. Don’t need you getting trampled and messing up that hair of yours.” Jasper laughs.
“Shut the hell up.” I turn back to the squad. I won’t let this guy get to me. He’s a nobody trying to be somebody.
When half time rolls around, my nerves are heightened. We make our way out to the field, and I plaster one of those fake smiles on my face that I borrowed from Petra. She’s glaring at me with determination in her eyes; it's cute that she thinks she's actually going to get crowned queen.
The announcer begins by naming off the court members. “Without further ado, your 2019 homecoming King, Levi Maddox.”
Everyone cheers him on, including myself, as he steps forward and takes the crown.
“And your 2019, homecoming queen…”
My heart drops, I feel like I’m literally going to piss my pants.
“Petra Litton.”
What? No.
This cannot be happening. There has to be some sort of mistake. Petra didn’t win. I won. Petra steps forward and takes her crown and joins Levi’s side. The smile can’t even be faked at this point. Disappointment is written all over my face. Everyone is looking at me, waiting for me to break down. I won’t do it. I won’t give them the satisfaction. I raise my lips and crack a smile as a single tear rolls down my cheek.
We make our way off the field, and I’m crushed. Literally crushed, into a thousand shards of glass. Only I walk away before anyone can see the pieces.
“Better luck at prom,” Petra snarls. “But, don’t hold your breath.” She laughs as she walks over and takes her spot in line. The girls all start the half time routine, but I keep walking past them, unsure of where I’m going.
“Blakely Porter, where do you think you are going?” I turn around, and there she is. Her voice muffled.
“Mom? What are you... I thought you weren’t here.”
“Well, I came to watch my daughter get crowned homecoming quee
n. But that didn’t happen.”
I fight the urge to breakdown when I remember who I’m talking to. She would never have it if her little princess shed a tear in public.
“You saw what just happened. I just need a minute.”
“No, what you need is to shake it off and get back out there. Collect your composure and hold your head high.”
“Why are you so cold?” I drop my hands to my side. I raise my voice and grab the attention of a couple walking by with their child. “Why can’t you ever be a normal mom and say something encouraging like, it’s ok, sweetie. You’re still a queen to me. No! Instead, you tell me to collect my composure because God knows that the sky would fall if I let the stars see my pain.”
“Calm yourself down, right now, young lady.” She grabs my arm and pulls me away from the crowd. “We will talk about this at home. This is not the time or the place.”
I jerk my arm away, “No, we will not. What’s the point?” I throw my arms up. “There is no point in talking with you about anything. Just go!” I shout. She stands there with a guilt-stricken look on her face, but guilt is not something she ever feels. “Go!” I shout again. She lets out a sigh and walks away slowly, her three-inch heels leaving holes in the grass beneath her.
I run my fingers under my eyes to be sure there is no proof of my current mental state. And I do as I was told, I rejoin my team.
It’s four minutes into the third quarter and we’re up, barely, 21 to 20.
“Lined up T formation... Maddox takes the snap... pitches left to the tailback Burton... it’s a sweep left... Burton stops and is looking downfield... wait a minute... Maddox is streaking down the sidelines... Burton loads up and heaves a Hail Mary to Maddox... Johnson is barreling down at Maddox to intercept... this is gonna be close... Maddox reaches for the ball and is leveled by Johnson... Oh man what a hit... and Maddox is slow to get up... he’s gotta be hurt after a hit like that...”
We all stop mid-cheer and turn to the field while the players kneel, waiting for Levi to make a move, showing that he’s okay. Come on, Levi. Get up. Get up. Knox tears off his helmet and drops it at his side as he kneels down. I know he’s going to blame himself for some unknown reason. If anyone knows how to feel guilt, it’s Knox. He has the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever known, which is fortunate for me, because every once in a while, I need that reminder that good guys do exist.
Finally, Levi is up, and we all clap at his strength. He’s getting walked off the field, but walking, nonetheless. I run over to his side. “Levi, are you ok?”
He gives a nod, and I know it’s only for show. I watch as his mom and dad walk by his side, and he disappears into the night.
“Backup Quarterback, Jasper Scott has been warming up on the sideline and appears to be ready to take to the field.”
Oh hell, no! I rush back over to see if I heard correctly.
“Are they seriously putting that guy in?” I say to Harper, “He’s gonna fuck us for sure.”
There goes our win streak.
Chapter Six
Jasper
“This is it.” Dad grips the side of my helmet. “You need to get in there, show them what you got and remember... this is your team now.”
“This will never be my team,” I grumble through the rubber mouthpiece.
As my cleats sink into the soft grass of the field, my heart sinks deeper into my chest. The rise and fall of each breath has me wondering how in the hell I’m supposed to walk out there and play against my boys.
“Jasper, you do anything stupid out there, I’m not playing around, you’re done.”
This is for Dad and for my future, I remind myself as I hustle out to the field and join the team.
“Ok, let’s stay focused. Put this one away for Levi.” The team gathers around as I make the call. “That last play was good, but we have to look off that safety. Trips left... hook outpost. You,” I point to the tailback, unsure of his name, “release right and head for the end zone… I’ll pump fake once then put the ball on the pylon… you’ll be one-on-one. Ready?” We pile on the hands, “Break.”
I look over and see Josh, the guy who is like a brother to me. I took him under my wing two years ago when he was the new kid and the entire school would tease him for being an orphan. Now I’m expected to go up against him. He eyes me with confusion. He knows it’s coming. Hell, I don’t even know what I’m going to do, but he does. He knows me better than anyone.
“On the 30 yard line with enough time for one last play, the ball is snapped and Scott drops back... looks left... he pumps once and number sixty-six bites toward the post route... then he looks back to the right and Burton is racing toward the goal line... eighteen drops back to throw and a perfect spiral soars into the well-lit night sky... and it drops into Burton’s hands as he steps across the goal line.”
The crowd erupts.
The Ravens win back the bell.
And I helped them do it.
“I can’t even believe you just played with those pansies. And you let them take the bell. You fucking helped them,” Landon spits as we walk through the parking lot.
“Just let it go, man. It’s done. I had no choice. My dad is the damn coach, what was I supposed to do?”
“You tell him no. That’s what.”
We all toss our gear into the back of Josh’s car and climb in. I take the front, as usual. At least that much hasn’t changed.
“You sure you want to show up to your boys’ house with their archenemies?” Josh asks. “Wouldn’t want them thinking you’re a traitor.” I sense the sarcasm in his voice, and I feel like I’ve been put in the most fucking uncomfortable position possible.
“Those are not my boys. I go to school with them, I play on their team and that’s it. You all are my boys, through and through.”
Josh swings by my house, so I can run in to change. “I’ll be right back. Don’t go making a bunch of noise, this ain’t Mill street, these people are stuck-up and bitchy.”
As I’m walking up the driveway, I notice Knox walking across the lawn from the neighbor’s house.
“Good game, man.” He pats my back and continues on his way.
“Yeah, don’t remind me.”
“Ya know, if you’d get your head outta your ass, you could be an asset to our team.”
A quick u-turn has us face-to-face.
“Fuck all that shit. Don’t let a moment of weakness on my part go to your head. I didn’t do this for your team. I have my own reasons for taking that win.”
“Like it or not, we are a team and you’re gonna have to buck up real fast because Levi isn’t coming back. He broke his collarbone.” He pats my shoulder like we’re old friends. “Welcome to the team, QB.”
“Don’t fucking touch me.” I swat his arm away aggressively. It’s taking everything in me not to lay him out right here in the fucking grass. I don’t like this kid. I watch as his eyes shift behind me, and I expect to turn around and see Dad or Val.
“Leave him alone, Jasper.” I hear Blakely’s voice come up quickly behind me. I turn around and I’m caught off guard. Only she can make angry look sexy. She gives me a shove that forces me to take two steps back, directly into Knox, who pushes back.
“Woah, now. I’m not a teeter totter.” I take a step toward Blakely who’s sporting a smug grin.
I watch as her body tenses up in reaction to my presence. “But I can take you for a ride if you'd like.” I run my fingers under her chin.
“Don’t touch me.” She slaps my hand away and crosses her arms over her chest. I love getting under this girl’s skin.
Knox gets in my face and starts rambling off some nonsense, but I let it go in one ear and out the other.
I hear the slamming of car doors, and before I know it, my boys are heading over to where we stand.
“It’s all good, guys.” I ram my shoulder into Knox as I walk past him. “Be out in a minute,” I tell the gang as I head in to change.
Val and Dad are
cuddled up on the couch like fucking newlyweds. I don’t say a word as I head straight to my room. I pull my jersey and t-shirt off and toss them into the mess on the floor. I’m digging through a box when I lift my head to the open window and see Queen B in the yard. Knox has his arms around her. She lifts her head from his shoulder, and her eyes catch mine. A glimmer of light catches her eyes, and for a moment, I feel like I’m looking at a real person, one with a soul. That is until she lifts her hand and flips me off, then I realize she’s still the same robot I met earlier today.
I yank the curtains shut to reciprocate her distaste. I throw on an old black t-shirt and a pair of jeans, grab a hoodie and a fifth of Jack I had under my bed. I wrap it up nice and tight and head downstairs. “Dad, where are all my shoes?”
“In the hall closet, honey, we keep all the shoes in there,” Val says.
Why is she touching my shit? Did she go into my room just to find the box of shoes, so she could unpack them in the hallway closet... because that’s where all the shoes go? What the fuck is with this family? I open the closet to see all my shoes stuffed neatly into some shoe rack. I grab them all, filling my arms and stomping up to my room to dump them on the floor. I grab my rugged Chuck Taylors and slip them on.
“Don’t wait up,” I shout, slamming the front door behind me. Knox and his girl are already gone. Headed to the party, I assume. I jump in the car, and Josh peels out, leaving a trail of black smoke behind us.
I unscrew the top to the bottle and pass it around three or four times, skipping Josh–– he doesn’t drink, he drives. Landon sparks a joint, so I screw the top back on the bottle and we pass that around until we pull onto Axel’s road. Cars line the quarter mile long driveway, and bodies are already staggering all over the front lawn. My boys and I walk in a horizontal line, getting low blows the entire way up.