Last Player Standing

Chapter Eight

The bane of my existence awaited me at the top of the school steps the next morning.

It would have been a sweet gesture if his face were not already arranged in a scowl.

"Great." I mutter. "It's 6 AM and he's already in a bad mood." I hit the brakes on my bicycle and screech to a stop near the bike racks. Lucas marches down the steps heading straight towards me, as though he's on a mission. The loose stones leading from the school to the bike rack crunch under his feet as he approaches. I gently step off my bike and grab a chain and a padlock from my bag.

Lucas reaches me but he doesn't speak. He merely grabs the other side of the chain and works perfectly in sync with me to lock the bike in place.

I check the lock twice, and together, Lucas and I trudge up the stairs in silence.

We match each other's steps as we wind down the hallways, our destination being the team office next to the locker rooms.

The Locker Rooms were strictly off bounds to most people, and completely off bounds to everyone but team members during their games or after practice to protect the privacy of the people changing. Most captains used the space at the back of the room for quick team meets, but since this meeting would be a combination of the Cheerleading Team and the Football Team, we needed extra space. Passing by the locker rooms, Lucas and I come to a halt right before the team office and face each other, waiting for who would speak first. When no one speaks, Lucas moves to grab the door handle. Unconsciously, I grab his wrist, and Lucas turns his attention to me.

We had agreed not to tell our team, but for my own conscience I needed to go over the plan for today.

So guess who gives in to talking first?

Surprise, surprise, it's me.

"We have to project unity so they don't think anything is wrong." I start.

Lucas nods, face serious. His jaw is clenched and his curly blonde hair is just barely brushed, falling into his eyes.

"We go in there and tell them they should stay together as much as possible. Why?" I question.

Lucas comes through with a perfect answer.

"This year's competition is strong, and there are a lot of eyes watching us. Let's promote unity and confidence, even in our school."

I take a deep, steadying breath and nod.

"And what exactly does promoting unity entail?" Lucas asks, looking at me with a tranquil expression.

"Walking around in groups, attending pep rallies, and supporting all Blackstone teams."

"Including?"

"Including the football team."

"Continue." Lucas gestures with his hand for me to keep going.

"Lucas and I know that our...thing... has made interactions between the teams strained sometimes. We never told you not to interact with each other, or to side with your captain against the other team, but that seems to be what has happened."

Lucas picks up after me. "Cass and I want to end that. We are trying to put our disagreements behind us and get along, even if it is just for our teams. You do this for us, and we'll try and get along for you."

I nod at him, and give him a brief smile. He smiles back, and once again turns back to the door.

He moves to open the door but I grab his arm yet again.

Lucas spins back to me yet again an eyebrow raised. I turn my gaze from his face to my shoes, scuffing the sole against the polished white tiles. I'm unable to meet his eyes. My voice is soft and gentle and I finally do what I've been contemplating for the last four days.