Country Mile

WELCOME TO THE ENDGAME

Pen scratching on paper was the only sound heard throughout the classroom. Genna had agreed to stay an hour after school every Wednesday for Ms. Cutler's class in order to earn the necessary extra credits to raise her grade. She was throwing all of her effort into earning an A/B report card by mid terms.

As if by divine intervention, this was the second week Lauren Abernathy had stayed late for extra credit as well. Although the girl gave Genna dirty looks and ignored any kindness that was shown to her, her interest was piqued the moment a piece of paper was slid across her desk.

"What's this?" Lauren asked, tone dripping with disdain. "If this is your number, I don't want it."

"Oh, it's not my number," Genna smiled. "It's Davis' number. I've seen the way you look at him. And the way he talks about you to Archer and I, it's pretty obvious he likes you too."

Lauren gingerly took the paper. She ran a thumb over the numbers as she smiled to herself. Lost in her thoughts only for a moment, she shook her head and looked up at Genna suspiciously. "Why would you do this for me?"

"Why not?" Genna countered.

Lauren bit her lower lip and dropped her gaze. "Because I.. I've been pretty terrible to you," she admitted, reluctantly glancing back up.

"Yeah, you have," Genna agreed with a shrug. "Everyone makes mistakes. Being friends with Valerie and going along with whatever she says, would be your second biggest mistake."

"My second? What would be my first?"

Genna reached out and tapped the paper in Lauren's hand. "Not accepting my olive branch," she smiled warmly.

A light chuckle escaped Lauren's lips, "I.. I don't know what to say."

"Say you'll give him a call," Genna said while adjusting her book bag on her shoulder. "And say you'll give me a chance," she added. "I'm not as bad as some people make me out to be."

Lauren nodded her head and smiled genuinely. "Thanks Genna," she held up the paper, "for this, and for the olive branch."

The girls smiled at each other before parting ways. Genna exited the school with a broad, triumphant grin on her face.

Phase one was complete.

She hopped in Adam's waiting truck and pecked a kiss on his cheek.

"I ain't ever seen ya so happy to get outta school," Adam chuckled.

"I had a really good day."

"Glad to hear it," Adam drawled with a smile.

Later that evening, Genna was getting ready for bed when her phone pinged as a text came through. The unknown number read:

Got ur cell# from Davis. Just wanted 2 say thx, he n I have a date on Sat! -LA

Genna texted her a congratulatory reply, and even went as far as asking to hang out the day after:

Omg yay! Ur welcome! We gotta meet up on Sun so u can tell me all the deets! I'm so happy 4 u 2!

She held her breath, hoping she wasn't trying too hard and that the girl wouldn't catch on to her game.

Def! Coffee shop on Main st @ 3:30?

A victorious grin spread across Genna's face.

See u then!

Setting her phone down on her night stand, she climbed into bed and slipped beneath the sheets. Lauren Abernathy could officially be checked off of her list.