Wallflower

by Cookie O'Gorman

  I shrugged. "Oh nothing, we were just practicing some dance moves. For theater class."

  "Theater? I didn't know you were taking that." Dad blinked. I imagined his mind going through everything he'd just seen, analyzing it, but a second later, he shrugged. "Good thing you and Dare are friends, so you can be partners in the class."

  "Yeah," I said, slightly disappointed. He hadn't even batted an eye, just accepted my lame story. This was the thanks I got for never lying to my parents—until now anyway.

  "Well, Frost, I'm glad you're helping my daughter." Dad tossed me a smile and then went on. "But I better see you out on the field in five. We've got a lot to do. Have to be ready for the game coming up. Don't be late."

  "I won't, Coach," Dare said.

  Dad looked to me. "Love you, Viola. I'll see you at home."

  "Yeah, sure, love you," I said back.

  He was gone a second later, leaving Dare and me staring after him.

  "That went well," Dare said.

  My gaze went back to his. "Are you being sarcastic?" I asked.

  "It was a joke," he said. "But next time, maybe let me know you're going to attack me. That way I'll be prepared."

  "I think attack is a pretty strong word."

  "Okay," he said. "What about climb me like a tree?"

  "I didn't—"

  Dare laughed. "So easy, flower."

  I realized then he was trying to get a reaction and crossed my arms. "If you're done, you should go on to practice. You heard what my father said."

  Dare shook his head, that grin still in place like he thought I was the funniest thing.

  "What's that smile about?" I asked.

  "Most girls aren't usually so eager for me to leave," he said. "Not like you."

  I shrugged. "I'm one of a kind."

  Dare gave me a nod. "Yeah, I can see that."

  I hadn't expected him to agree, and my eyes shot to his, trying to see if he was sincere or just messing with me again.

  "Phase two complete," he said then turned away. "Pretty sure Coach caught an eyeful. I'd say the seed was definitely planted. I'll catch you later, Vi."

  It was impossible to look away as he jogged out to the field. The words he tossed so carelessly over of his shoulder shouldn't have affected me the way they did. Thinking of how I'd thrown myself at him (all for the sake of revenge, of course), I shook my head. Remembering the feel of his hand as it trailed down my leg, I shivered. What the heck was going on? I thought as the scene replayed in my head over and over.

  Ugh.

  Snap out of it, Viola.

  I needed to stay focused.

  For all his sarcasm, Dare was right. My father had seen us together. I just hadn't expected him to totally buy my excuse. Next time, maybe I wouldn't explain at all. Hmm…

  My mind was going through all the options when my phone buzzed in my hand.

  Looking down, I noticed Dare's name—well, the one he'd input into my phone. Secret Boyfriend. Jeez.

  Checking the text, I saw he'd sent me what looked like a little plant emoji along with a watering can. The words that followed made his meaning clear, though I already understood.

  Secret Boyfriend: Watering the seed. Get it, flower?

  About a second a later, I got another.

  Secret Boyfriend: Uh oh, Coach is glaring at me. Got to go.

  I couldn't contain my smile if I tried.

  #

  "You know, I think you should start coming to my games."

  Those were the first words out of Dare's mouth once we were both buckled into Buttercup and on the way to school the next day. To say I was surprised would've been an understatement. I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye and then back to the road.

  "Why?" I asked.

  "To make the lie more believable," Dare said.

  I thought about it for a second then shook my head. "Yeah but, how is that realistic? My dad knows I'm not into sports. In fact, that's putting it lightly. I'd rather read, watch K-drama, heck wash my hair."

  "Exactly." He finished off the treat I'd brought for him today (a granola bar and orange juice) then turned so he was facing me. "Coach knows you hate soccer—"

  "I don't hate it," I cut in.

  '"—and he knows you wouldn't willingly go to a DHS varsity game. Not unless you had a very good reason."

  My brows lifted. "And what?" I said. "You're that reason?"

  "Yeah," Dare said.

  After a moment, I added, "But I've never gone to the games."

  "That was before you were my girlfriend."

  The words sent a ripple of warmth straight through me, and I cursed my heart for a fool.

  "I'll consider it," I said.

  Dare nodded. "Our first game is tomorrow," he said. "So, think fast."

  I fidgeted, feeling his eyes on me.

  Last night, I had brainstormed ways to up my game (no pun intended). I knew I had to do more after what happened yesterday to get through to my dad. But…was soccer really the answer? I wasn't so sure.

  "Would it be so awful?" he asked. "Coming to my games, cheering our team on in the stands?"

  Seeing him play and becoming even more infatuated, I added mentally.

  But maybe it would be okay.

  I didn't fall in love that easily after all. What I felt was probably just a mix of curiosity and fascination. Spending more time with Dare, might even be the perfect cure for that. And he did make a good point about it being something that would shock my father.

  "I guess it wouldn't be so bad," I said. "But I'm still undecided."

  Dare grinned. "I'm sure you'll make the right decision."

  That was funny because I wasn't so sure there was a right or wrong with regard to attending the games.

  Just a choice.

  He didn't bring it up again. Not as we walked to the band room (Dare carried my cello like yesterday, though I told him it was unnecessary). Not during any of our classes together. He didn't search me out between classes or meet me at my locker, so I thought I was home free.

  After school, I drove to the shelter, my mind still mulling it over.

  One minute, I'd be sure I wasn't going.

  I didn't think it would matter too much anyway. Dare had only asked because he thought it would help with convincing my dad about our fake relationship. But there were other ways, a ton of them, to accomplish that task.

  However, I thought, remembering what he'd said in the car, Dare did have a valid point about it being a sure thing. There was no way Dad wouldn't notice my presence. Maybe not at first, but he'd see me and know something had changed. Plus, for whatever reason, Dare seemed to want me there.

  Flutters began in my tummy again, but I forced them to stop.

  A clear head, a bit of music, and some time with the animals, I decided. That was what I needed. When I arrived at the shelter, I let out a sigh of relief. It had been Paris's idea. Once she discovered, I played the cello she had asked me to come in and play for the animals. She'd found an article that said many of our four-legged friends appreciated music as much as humans did, maybe even more with their keen hearing. Every now and then (okay, about once a week) I played for the dogs and cats, and they seemed to love it.

  I always tried to bring a variety, but for the most part, I stuck with soothing pieces. Sometimes I'd go for a more upbeat or serious song, but I always made sure I gave it my best.

  Hermione and the others deserved no less than that.

  When I sat down in a chair, setting up in the middle of the floor and pulled out my cello, several of the dogs started barking, the cats calling out with meows. I took it as applause and smiled to my audience.

  "Thank you, thank you," I said with a slight bow. "It's my great pleasure to play for you all. Are there any requests?"

  I heard Hermione's bark over the rest.

  "I'll play something beautiful for you girl. No worries," I said.

  Professor Snape growled at that, and I nodded.

  "A piece
with feeling, Professor? You got it."

  And then I was off.

  Sometimes music carried me away, and it did almost every time I played for the shelter. Maybe it was because I so desperately wanted to take them all away from here. Even if it was only for a few minutes. My strings released notes that were deep, resonant. It was the beauty of the cello, and why I had picked it instead of one of the higher-pitched instruments. The sounds were like wading into deep chocolate or a blanket on a cold night. All I wanted to do was warm the souls in this shelter, and I used the music to help me do it.

  When I reached the end of my third piece, I let the bow rest at my side.

  There was complete silence—but a good silence.

  I smiled at Hermione as I met her eye and saw her tail wagging. I looked around and saw several others' tails thumping the ground—though noticeably not Professor Snape's.

  "Please no applause," I said to the others. Then I gave Snape a look. "And don't worry, Professor Snape. I know that little scowl is just how you say you loved something."

  To that, he huffed and turned his back.

  Paris spoke up from behind me. "Viola, you have a visitor."

  "Really?" I said and started to turn. "Who—"

  The question died on my lips as I spotted the guy standing at her side.

  "Tough crowd," Dare said, gesturing to Professor Snape's cage. "I thought it sounded good."

  I couldn't believe it was actually him. For a second, I thought I was dreaming.

  "What are you doing here?" I asked, all of my surprise coloring my tone.

  "My dad's across the street looking at new furniture. I saw your car parked outside." He shrugged. "Just thought I'd stop by and see why you like coming here so much."

  "Dare and I have been chatting while you played," Paris said with a smile. "I tried to get your attention before, but you were in your blissed out musician state."

  My cheeks went hot. "I was not," I said then stiffened my spine. "I just wanted to give the fur-babies my all."

  "And that you did." Paris shot me a wink. "I'll just leave and let you guys talk."

  Good Lord, that was the last thing I needed.

  "Oh please stay," I said, begged really. Dare had already shown up somewhere that was special to me, throwing me completely off my axis. Being alone with him didn't seem like the best idea. "We could all talk together."

  "I still have to clean out the litter boxes," Paris retorted. "You've already completed all your side work and given the animals a live concert. You're free to go home—after you talk to Dare, of course." She turned to him then, "It was nice meeting you."

  "You, too," he said, giving her that killer smile all the girls loved. "Thanks for letting me come back here."

  She waved that off and threw me another look as she was walking away like he's-so-hot-and-I-want-to-know-all-the-details-of-what-goes-on-here. I sighed but gave her a nod. As Paris disappeared, Dare and I were left alone.

  Well, except for the animals.

  "Nice place," Dare said looking around. His eyes landed on Professor Snape once again. "Though the clientele seems kind of rude."

  "Ah, Snape's a sweetheart, just a little moody," I said.

  Dare arched a brow as Professor Snape lifted his head and the two locked eyes.

  "He looks grumpy," he commented, and my hackles rose.

  "You would be, too, if you'd been here for almost a year," I said, leaning down to pet Professor Snape, but he evaded my touch. "Hey, I'm trying to defend you here," I whispered to him.

  "I didn't say it as an insult." Dare bent down, and of course—of course!—Professor Snape allowed him to pet his ears, leaned into his touch even. "Got nothing against difficult people. I love a challenge."

  Hermione barked at him, and he used his other hand to give her belly rubs.

  "Traitor," I mumbled. "Hermione, I never knew you were such an attention seeker."

  Dare chuckled underneath his breath. "What can I say? Dogs love me."

  I nodded as he continued to pet Professor Snape and my girl at the same time.

  "Do you have any pets?" I asked.

  Dare shook his head. "No, but I've always wanted one. My parents were the hard sell."

  "I get that," I said, pressing my hand against Hermione's head who wriggled with happiness at my touch. "I'd take Hermione home in an instant if I could. And all of the others, too."

  "Wait, Hermione and Snape?" he said. "Are they all named after book characters?"

  I pointed across the way. "No, some are named after comic book heroes like Jean Gray, Storm and Batman, over there. Others are after musicians, we have Freddie Mercury, Gladys Knight, Tomcat Petty—who's a cat, obviously."

  "Obviously," he said, looking like he was biting back a smile. "By the way, I loved all the Queen pieces you played for them. I've never heard Somebody to Love done on a cello. You're really good, Viola."

  "Thank you, but it's really just awesome music," I said, trying to act like his comment didn't affect me.

  But it did. It so did.

  "Anyway," I said, quickly redirecting the conversation back to a safer subject, "then we have a whole bunch named after books and movies. And HP is one of my favorites, so yeah, there are a lot of members of Hogwarts here. If you had come last week, you could've seen the seven Weasleys, but they all got adopted. So did Katniss and Peeta."

  Dare cocked his head. "You really love them. Don't you?"

  "What's not to love?" I said. "These animals are everything humans aspire to be—loving, honest, kind, generous, selfless. People are the ones who always fall short."

  "Can't argue with you there," he muttered.

  Before I could ask what he meant, he turned to me.

  "So, have you decided yet?"

  "About what…" I trailed off.

  "The game." He put his hands on his knees. "Soccer, me asking you to come. You've had all day to think. Will you be there?"

  We were both still crouched down by the cages, and his eyes seemed to see right through me and any excuses I might come up with.

  "Sure," I said unable to look away. "I'll go."

  As Dare grinned, it caused my heart to jolt, and right at that moment one thought ran through my head.

  Girl, you are in so much trouble.

  CHAPTER 11

  I couldn't believe I was here. At a high school soccer game, standing in the late afternoon heat—though granted it was getting cooler by the second as twilight approached. I looked out to the field of lush green grass where the other team was already outside warming up. I glanced over to the stands, seeing parents, friends and some faculty littered throughout. A mosquito tried to attack my face, and I swatted it away with a yelp.

  How did this happen? I thought.

  How on Earth did I, Viola Kent, nerd girl to the core, hopeless romantic, and animal lover/bug hater, end up in this predicament?

  My phone buzzed then, and I looked down to find a text.

  It was from Dare.

  Secret Boyfriend: Here yet?

  I typed and sent my reply.

  Me: Yeah…feeling pretty out of place though.

  Secret Boyfriend: Ah, don't feel like that.

  Yeah, I thought, like it was that simple.

  Secret Boyfriend: You're like soccer royalty—well your dad is. And you're here to cheer me on, so you have that in common with a lot of the girls here :).

  Looking up into the stands, I did notice there were quite a few girls present. But I rolled my eyes at what he'd sent.

  Me: Yeah right. Like they're all here for you.

  His reply was instant.

  Secret Boyfriend: Jealous, flower?

  Me: NO!!! No way. I'm just amazed by your huge ego.

  Secret Boyfriend: That's what she said ;).

  My mouth gaped.

  Me: You did not just say that!

  Secret Boyfriend: No, I typed it ;). Been watching too much of The Office recently. Hilarious.

  I huffed.

  Me:
Smartass. Also, what's up with all the winky faces? What are you? A 12-year-old girl?

  Dare's reply was full of over-confidence and definitely meant to stun. The worst part was I could picture him saying every word.

  Secret Boyfriend: I'm all man, flower. As I'm sure you know. You're lucky your dad's standing here. If he wasn't, I'd send you a picture of the abs you love so much.

  My fingers hovered over the keypad, but I couldn't formulate a response.

  Good thing Dare didn't seem to need one.

  Secret Boyfriend: Did I shock you?

  I forced my fingers to move and sent a quick reply.

  Me: No, I just didn't know what to say in the face of such arrogance.

  Secret Boyfriend: I can't see you, but I know you're blushing.

  My hand moved to my cheek, and I bit my lip. How the heck did he know these things?

  Me: Shouldn't you be getting ready for the game?

  Secret Boyfriend: I should be…just wanted to make sure you actually came.

  I blinked.

  Me: I said I would.

  Secret Boyfriend: People say a lot of things, flower.

  I didn't have time to formulate a response as another text came through.

  Secret Boyfriend: But yeah, I better go. Stop distracting me, Pam.

  My heart warmed at The Office reference, but I had to get him back for that joke he'd made.

  Me: Good one, Dwight. Now onto phase three.

  Secret Boyfriend: Ugh, seriously? I'm so obviously Jim.

  Me: Nope, I'm now changing your contact since you won't give me your real name.

  Secret Boyfriend: You're killing me, flower.

  Me: Good luck today, Dwight!!! Try to kick the ball and score some goals!

  He sent a frowny-face emoji in response.

  Pocketing my phone, I lifted my head, knowing I was smiling but unable to stop. I scanned for a good place to sit, one that was preferably away from everyone else because they all seemed to be in groups. Alone as usual, I thought. Not that that was always a bad thing.

  I started walking up the steps, was headed to the back of the stands, when I heard someone call my name.

  "Hey, Vi!" I spotted Estelle waving me over. "Come sit here! I saved you a seat."

  Saying "excuse me" to the fans I passed, I made my way to the spot she'd chosen. It was a good one, half-way up the stands and at the end of a row so we could easily get in and out.