Hayley's Beginning

Chapter 8

While days grew into weeks, Gabriel and I became closer and eventually became friends. He told me about wanting to join our school's football team before we all graduate and I told him to go for it. Throughout almost four full years I've been at this school, we have not had a victory. Maybe with a new addition, we'd stand a chance. Luckily, despite Gabriel's late tryout, Couch Tanner allowed him to join, which surprised me, to be honest. Ms. Finn was our regular P.E teacher, but Couch Tanner ran the school teams, sometimes alongside Ms. Finn. I never really understood why the school decided to do that, and probably consider it until the game. Speaking of which, Amelia would not stop bragging about how her cheers were noticed by Blake Anderson. The girl has had a crush on him since High School but never dared to tell him. I decided to skip the lunch food today since Amelia begged me to attend one of her squad practices to "debate what we should do better" as Amelia says. As I was walking, someone covered my eyes, and I halted.

"Boo," I knew that voice anywhere. I turned around and there she was.

"Katherine! You're finally returning?"

She nodded, "Yeah, the doctors cleared me this morning. That's why you didn't hear from me for the last two or three days"

I hugged her, "I'm glad you're back"

"Same. Which is strange"

I laughed, "I'm going to visit the classes I missed for the assignments. Coming with?" She asked.

"I wish, but Amelia wanted me to see her cheer practice. I'll see you in Biology"

"Okay, see you" She walked off and I continued to walk to the field

When Amelia saw me she rushed in my direction and took my hand and walked with me. I saw the whole squad preparing for practice. I sat on a bleacher, while the girls performed in front of me. I was thoroughly impressed and see why Amelia caught Blake's attention. When they finished, Amelia sat beside me while drinking some water.

"Well? what do you think?"

"I think this is one of the groups' best cheers"

"Really? I mean, I think we did good, but was it that great?"

"I'm serious. I can see why a certain someone caught you" I nudge her shoulder and point in Blakes's direction.

"He's a star football player Hayley. Plus, he's probably got plenty of girls and not interested in something serious."

"You will never know if you don't try" I hugged her. Then I see Charlie walk over to us.

"What's going on girls?"

"I'm going to head for the showers before lunch is over."

"See you later"

"See you" She walked off, and now it was just me and Charlie.

He looked out to the field and I could tell there was something off.

"What's wrong?"

"Hm? Oh, nothing" I nudged his shoulder

"Come on, I've known you for five years. I know when something important is on your mind"

He sighed, "You know how prom is coming up in a few months right?"

"Yeah. Did you decide who to ask? You know it's guys ask the girls this year" 

"Yeah...you"

"Me?" I was stunned

"Yeah"

"Charlie..." I took his hand and looked at him.

"We've known each other since Elementary school, I know you like me but, I like you... as a friend," I said. I feel awful that I don't feel the same way as him, but I have to be honest.

He sighed and got up, taking his hand away from mine, "It was worth a shot" He said, then walked away from me.

I sat on the bleachers for a few extra minutes before the bell rang. when I was walking to the door Gabriel joined me.

"What class do you have?"

"Biology. You?"

"Free period"

"Lucky. I got to go now, Ms. Hart is getting more testy each year" We laughed and I walked to class.

This is one of the classes I enjoy. Ms. Hart was around five minutes late which benefited me since I forgot to do the last few questions on my homework. Which also meant I had to get used to having Katherine sitting beside me again.

"Alright class, put your things away, pop quiz time," Ms. Hart said as she entered. 

We had the whole class time to complete the quiz. Within fifteen minutes I finished, which meant I got the rest of the period free, and I ended up going to the library. As I browsed, I decided to go to the history section and looked for the town's history book. I went to the librarian so she can scan the barcode to my student profile.

"History of Blaire River? You're interesting in the town's history?" I jumped as I heard Gabriel behind me

"I swear, one of these days I'm going to get you back"

"You could try" We laughed together

"And to answer your question, I'm just doing some research. I'm trying to understand something"

"Book please," The librarian asked, and I handed it to her.

"It's due in a week," She said, and I nodded

"Thank you," I said and we walked out together.

We walked to my locker and as Gabriel leaned against the closest locker, I could see Charlie staring at us, while Amelia was talking to him. I looked away and grabbed my books for French.

"French class?" I asked and he smiled

"French class"