Stay

by Ivy Kovacs

  - My name is Debby by the way. – She stuck out her hand towards me.

  - Grace. – I shook hands with her and gave her an unsure smile.

  - Well, welcome to the team Grace! I would love to have you in the first row beside me. These girls don't do this because of the dance. They care about the football players asking them out and the extra credit. Mostly about the boys though. – Debby added the second part quietly and we both laughed. Even though her shirt says 'head bitch in charge' she didn't seem bitchy at all. She was really sweet.

  - Thank you. – I gave her another grateful smile and saw that someone was jogging towards me.

  Dylan.

  Five

  Our eyes connected as he got closer to me but when I closed my eyes to blink, he was gone. I searched for him with my eyes and found him kissing one of the cheerleaders. I should've guessed he was a football player and had a cheerleader girlfriend. It made perfect sense. I tried to erase the image of their intense make out and turned back to the girls. They already packed up and were walking away, so I decided to do the same. I grabbed a hoodie from my bag to put it on. My head got stuck into it and when it escaped through the hole I found myself in front of a caramel-haired guy.

  - You've dropped this. – I was studying his face and looked into his brown eyes.

  - Sorry. – I was anxious again.

  - I just said that you've dropped this. – He was handing my phone to me and I gently took it from him. I thanked him and he responded with a smile, showing his perfectly white teeth.

  - I saw your dance. You were great. Did you make it into Deb's team? – He asked and ran his fingers through his hair.

  - Yeah. She asked me to be front row. – I was proud of myself for making it into the team.

  - That's great! – He cheered and picked up his bag from the ground. I didn't notice he had it there. – Most of the cheerleaders have zero skills. They just shake what they have and do what the horny dudes crave to see. – Another male voice appeared from behind me.

  - You mean the type of dude you are, James? – Dylan’s voice was full of sarcasm and I found it funny. I knew what this James guy said was true but I also knew that deep down he was the same as the other teenage boys. I pressed my lips together to keep myself from laughing as Dylan arrived.

  - Fuck off, Torres. – James gave Dylan an annoyed look. Dylan Torres. His parents must be Latin-American.

  - Get out, James. – I kept looking down on the ground while they were talking and when I looked up James had left already.

  - You know, I was having a conversation with him. – I picked up my bag and pulled out my hair tie, letting my long brown locks fall over my shoulder.

  - And? –

  - It's rude to send someone's communicating partner away in the middle of their conversation. Your parents should've taught you some general ethics. – I replied to the rude boy and started walking away.

  - You're the one turning your back on me while we're talking! – He yelled after me.

  - Because I'm done with this conversation! – I yelled back and waved without turning around. I was smiling like a fool as I exited the field, looking through the parked cars when my phone buzzed.

  I'll be there in ten.

  Seb was never late. Something must've come up. I sat down on a bench while I waited for him. In a few seconds, someone ran up to me and hugged me from the back.

  - Hi, Lily. - I smiled at the smell of her shiny blonde hair. This girl had grown so much in such a short period of time.

  When we were kids her mom and mine used to take us to McDonald's after playing on the playground. I used to love being like an older sister to her and she looked up at me, until we moved away with my mom and the distance divided us.

  Four months ago they debated whether Sebastian, my godfather or my grandma, Marge should take me in. I chose my grandma, not because I didn't love Seb and his wife, Rebecca, I just didn't want to see someone live the life I once used to have… or could have if my father wouldn't have left. I knew it was very selfish of me, but I simply wasn’t ready.

  Lily and I have been talking for fifteen minutes about our first school days when a white Jeep rolled into the school's parking lot. We got in and my uncle dropped me off at home.

  I remembered how much I loved being here as a child. Grandma used to watch after me when mom had important things to get done. My favorite place was always the garden.

  Grandma loved flowers and she always had a garden full of them. I used to sit there and read my books and listen to the birds chirping. She taught me about every single flower and we've spent long afternoons out there.

  Those were simpler times. I knew how much it hurt grandma to see me like this and know that she was unable to help. She helped us through everything and stood by my mom's side when her younger son left her alone with a toddler.

  Grandma took us in until my mom worked her ass off to have enough money to afford a small house in Florida. I knew Florida wasn't that far but it was another state and a completely different area.

  My mom worked two jobs until I was old enough to get a part-time job and help in. Thank goodness Florida was never cold. I had no idea how we would've survived cold winters every year.

  Grandma left me a note on the counter. I'm at Cathy's. I'll hurry back. Xx That meant she was going be late. Cathy was grandma's best friend and she lived only a few streets away. When they meet they talk for hours which seem like ages. That was the reason I never went to the store with her. We went there to buy two things, which would take about five minutes in total for an average person. Well, not for us because she knew everyone in the neighborhood and they’d chit-chat for half an hour in every aisle. One time we went to get ice cream and by the time we got home it completely melted. I loved her though. She was one of the few people who I was open to. The others were my old friend, Mia and my mom.

  I went upstairs to my room and studied forward. I hated leaving things for the last minute. It made me feel anxious and I've been dealing with anxiety all my life.

  After I finished, I grabbed a book from grandma's shelf. Moby Dick. A novel I never seemed to understand until recently. Ahab wasn't a crazy old man. He was only eager to get revenge on the one who made him lose something important of his. I wished I could’ve blamed someone too so I could satisfy my vengefulness, but there was no one to blame.

  I started reading but my eyes felt heavy after the first fifty pages. Before I headed up to my room, I set an alarm on my phone and lay under my blanket. The only light peeking through the glass was the one from the cars passing by. I stared at the ceiling and thought about my first day. Why did Dylan send James away when he just wanted to talk? It won't be okay if he'll push everyone away from me. I wanted to be civil with my classmates.

  Six

  I woke up at my alarm going off, surprised that I didn't hit the snooze button. I showered and braided my hair into two french braids. I put on a white tee with my Levi's short overalls that I got from Seb and Rebecca for last Christmas and my white converse lowtops.

  Grandma was still asleep when I walked downstairs so I tried to keep it quiet as I packed my coffee and my lunch into my backpack. I grabbed my keys and headed out waiting for Seb and Lily in front of the house.

  I scrolled through my phone and saw that some people sent me follow requests on Instagram. The first one was from Dom. Before I hit allow, I checked his posts. His girlfriend was studying as a nurse. They looked very cute together. I followed him back and checked my other requests. James requested to follow me and so did Debby. That was fast.

  Then I saw something that made me very surprised. @dylantrs requested to follow you. I double-checked to see if it was the Dylan who spilled water over my shirt and sent a guy away from me. And it was him. His Instagram feed was full of artsy pictures but not one of himself. Well, there was one with him in a leather jacket and some other guys in varsity jackets but there were no photos of him alone.

  I haven't posted on my feed s
ince January. My posts from before were the usual teenage girl posts. Coffee pictures, beach sunsets, books, polaroids with my friends. There was a picture of mom sitting in our tiny garden and looking at the painting I made for her birthday. She always told me that my art skills were from my father. She looked so beautiful.

  I allowed Dylan's request then quickly closed the app before I’d take an emotional trip down memory lane and end up sobbing in the middle of the street. Thankfully the white Jeep turned into our street and halted in front of me. – Did I mention that I love this car? – I put my seatbelt on.

  - You seem happy. – Seb said hesitating but chose to speak up. It was alright, I did feel some sort of relief today. I didn't have any nightmares, meaning that I slept deeply and the notifications on my phone kind of made my morning.

  - I just slept well. – I said convincingly and listened to Lily who was babbling about her horse-riding class during the entire ride. Seb sometimes looked at me rolling his eyes and I chuckled quietly.

  After I got out I walked directly to my locker. I brought some pictures and a fall scented candle with me so I began to tape them up onto the door.

  The first class went by quickly and there were only 5 of my classmates in. When I went to my locker in the fourth period, it already smelled a lot better than it did yesterday. I loved fall and I was looking forward to experiencing a real fall with cozy sweaters, pumpkins, and hot chocolates. Florida was basically the same all year round but I did love the closeness of the ocean.

  I walked out to the field after I changed into my new uniform. It was red and white and the skirt was shorter than it should be but the black shorts I wore underneath covered. The top was sleeveless but I decided to wear a white turtleneck underneath it and my usual white Vans.

  -Grace! You look amazing! – Debby's smile greeted me on the field. The girls were still inside the locker room and I was glad I was early.

  - Hi. – I smiled back at her and did a spin to show off my new uniform. – What's on today's list? –

  - Well I want to start the choreography for the fall match. We'll be the lead-up and the half time show because Westland High doesn't have a cheer team. I was wondering if you could teach us the choreography you did to Stupid Love. I loved it and it would help me a lot if I didn't need to focus on two dances. But only if you're up for it! – Debby seemed enthusiastic about this and to be honest, it made me glad. Not even one day here and I was basically co-captain of the school's cheer team. Who would’ve thought?

  - I would love to help, but is it going to be okay for the girls? – I knew they laughed at me but that was how girls were. I was used to it by now.

  - What about them? They'll have to listen to you and if they won't they can find their way out. – I envied Debby's confidence. If I was more like her, I could've easily led my old school's team. After agreeing to her deal the team came out and Debby started explaining the situation to them.

  - Why her? She's been here for one day and she's already co-captain? I've been working my ass off for that spot and I'm not gonna let you take it away from me. – A blonde girl spoke loud enough for everyone to hear. I felt the intense anger and anxiety growing inside me but I took a deep breath and waited. Someone would speak up, right?

  Seven

  - Stop whining! Grace has been dancing seriously and this match is important to the school. Besides chancellors will be invited from universities all over the states and we need a good choreography. What Grace did was better than the ones I teach. Let's vote! – She yelled loud enough for everyone to hear. – For those who say Madison should do it? – She asked and I counted the hands that were up in the air. Four. – And those who say Grace should? – Ten hands were raised and Debby nodded with a smug smile. – That seems obvious. – I saw fury in Madison's eyes as she glowered at me. I couldn't imagine what she was thinking of, but it probably involved hurting me. Wait a second...

  Madison was the girl Dylan made out with yesterday! She was his girlfriend. Amazing... I pissed his girlfriend off.

  We started learning the choreography for the first dance and we were able to learn half of it. These girls were really athletic. Even Madison who Debby had placed in the back after she was arguing with her about the moves. She was such a bitch.

  We changed in the locker rooms and Debby and I walked out together. – We're heading to a café nearby. You should come. – Debby said and I shook my head politely.

  – I don't want to bother. Besides, Madison would probably try to murder me. – I joked and she laughed while shaking her head. I had to do my homework and I promised grandma to make dinner with her…

  -Come on! Maddie isn't coming. – Her offer sounded tempting but I needed to make sure who exactly would be there.

  - Who is coming? –

  - Me, James, Cam, Max, Oliver, and Dylan. – I had no idea who these people were except James and Dylan, but I wanted to hang out with them. Besides Debby would be there. I'll text grandma that I'll be late on the way.

  After I agreed she clapped her hands together smiling. She was so nice. – Dylan's gonna be driving us. Max will be the other driver. They should be here any minute. – She added and James walked up to us with two other guys. They hugged Debby and noticed me.

  - You must be Georgie, the new girl. – The brown-haired male said but before I could reply anything James spoke up.

  - It's Grace, dumbass. – Everyone laughed and I just stood there nervously. –Hey Grace. – James came up to me and pulled me into his arms. I felt uncomfortable but I returned his kind gesture. Actually, it kind of calmed my nerves. Suddenly a car stopped behind me as we were in each other's arms and I pull away to see who it was.

  - Are you done drooling over her? – Dylan spoke from the car and James showed him his middle finger.

  Debby got inside Dylan's car and Cameron sat in the front seat. –Are you going to get inside or should I call you an Uber? – His voice tone made me shiver.

  I realized that I haven't sat inside yet and Max had already driven off. Opening the right back door, I got inside and put my seat belt on. When they heard the clicking sound Cameron laughed and I looked at Deb next to me. I noticed that none of them put their seat belts on.

  I took a deep breath and looked out from the window. The café was about five minutes from school and about a 10-minute walk from my grandma's. Why did I keep saying "grandma's" when it was my home too?

  After we got out of the car the boys walked in, sitting down at a table where all of us could fit. It looked like it was their usual spot because they only had to bring in one chair to the circle: for me. I ordered a tea after everyone else ordered their coffees. Some of them even ordered sandwiches.

  As we waited for the orders to arrive the boys started chatting about today's practice. I zoned out a little but then I heard my name and looked at the guy talking to me.

  -You made Maddie leave the team, Grace. You're a total badass. – Oliver said and they all grinned or laughed. Debby kicked his leg under the table.

  - Wait, what? – Did I hear it right? I turned to Debby for an explanation and she seemed to have heard my thoughts.

  - Maddie came up to me after practice in the shower and she said that if I won't kick you out she'll quit. – I didn't know how to feel about this. She deserved it because she was such a bitch to Debby and me, yet I felt extremely guilty.

  Dylan! I got his girlfriend kicked out of the team!

  - I'm so sorry, Dylan. I didn't want it to turn out this way. – I apologized and looked into his eyes as I spoke. He was sitting in front of me.

  - Why are you apologizing to Dyl? – Max looked at me and I looked back at him. Dyl. What a cute nickname.

  - I got your girlfriend kicked out from the cheer team... – I replied shyly and they began to laugh hysterically. I didn't understand anything anymore. I just knew that my face had turned red and my hands were sweaty.

  - Maddie is not Dylan's girlfriend! – Oliver cackled. – Could you imagine? – They
kept laughing. Why was this so funny? I didn’t know how to reply but our orders arrived and everyone forgot about my silly mistake.

  For the rest of the afternoon, they complained about the teachers and that they gave us too much work. The boys were pumped about the fall match and they were 99.9% sure that they would win because Westland High sucked.

  I said a few words here and there but I mostly just listened to their conversation.

  We paid for our things and exited the café. Max, Oliver James, and Cameron went home and Debby's brother picked her up a few minutes later.

  It was just me and Dylan, standing in the parking lot as the sun was going down, painting the sky orange and red.

  Eight

  - Do you live far from here? – He asked after a moment of silence.

  - Uh... I don't really know. I guess it's a 10-minute walk. – I put my glasses away into my backpack and swung it over my shoulder.

  - You don't know? – He raised his eyebrows at me. My sentence did come out weird so now I had to explain myself.

  - I moved to my grandma's at the beginning of summer and I haven't really been out anywhere. – I explained and pulled out my phone to check the map.

  - I can drive you home. – His voice was low and soft again. Why was he so different when it was just the two of us around?

  - Oh no. I don't want to be a problem, I'll find my way home. – I shook the phone in my hand and he didn’t reply just opened the right front door for me. – Thank you. – I said quietly and surprised by his courtesy.

  After he got in he looked at me up and down. Why was he always checking me out? I didn't understand anything about this boy. – Are you going to tell me where you live? – He asked looking into my eyes. I've been checking him out as we were sitting in silence so I shot my eyes back up to meet his. He had beautiful eyes. The hint of green in them made this green t-shirt look amazing on him.