Lead Me Astray - Updated Every Monday

Chapter Ten ~ Hunter

I kept my eyes peeled for Frankie. I wasn't sure why but I think it was because I wouldn't tell Matt or Candy how I did on my test until I told Frankie. I had to see her eyes when I revealed whether or not I was staying on the hockey team and whether I'd graduate on time. In such a short amount of time, I came to view her as the most important person in my life.

And I didn't know why. I just knew I had to run with it. Something deep down told me that Frankie was the one so I had to get her. But there was a problem.

Bradley.

I didn't know her boyfriend personally as my life revolved around hockey until now but I looked him up in the yearbook. He could only be one person because there were two other guys with his name but they went by Brad. The way she talked about him, Bradley seemed uptight and the type to go by his full name.

I don't creep around, especially with other guys' girls so I had to get on her radar then ask her to break it off. The problem was, how did I get on her radar? As a romantic prospect. She might as well see me as a baby right now. That would not do.

I was so focused on myself, I didn't notice the crowd cheering until after Matt scored a touchdown. I came alive so I could support my friend.

The game wasn't even close. My best friend was definitely going pro.

While everyone was rushing onto the field, I hung back, feeling like someone was watching me. I turned to see and came eye to eye with Frankie. She looked stunning.

Her hair was in a high ponytail but the wind was blowing her curls all over and she reminded me of Pocahantus when she waved goodbye to John Smith. I lifted my hand and she did the same with a tiny wave.

I angled my head towards the snack shack and she nodded.

I looked around to make sure no one was looking at me then tiptoed off. I made it to the stand that served food at every game played on our home field and waited for Frankie.

It took less than a minute for her to show up. I drank her in like it'd been years instead of hours since I'd last seen her. "How'd you like the game?!"

She smiled, her voice still really soft even though we had to yell over everyone else screaming. "It was great!"

"Will you come to more?!"

"Why?!" Her eyes twinkled.

She was teasing me?! I liked that. I moved closer and watched her big eyes grow. "To sit with me!"

Her cheeks went red. You'd think she couldn't blush but under her copper skin was- what's a good word for red? Scarlet? Yeah. Her skin was scarlet. "I'll think about it!"

"Think about me!" Slipped out.

Those eyes of hers got even bigger. Her tiny tongue poked out and ran the length of her upper lip slowly.

"Would you like a drink?!" I leaned even closer.

"Parched!"

I had no idea what that meant but it seemed to be good. I took her hand and led her to the booth. "What would you like?!"

"Blue raspberry slushee!"

I hummed cuz that sounded good but I saw she was watching my mouth. I smiled and asked for two. I received them and gave her one.

She began sipping through her straw as she walked towards the back of the bleachers. "You don't seem sad."

It was much quieter back here. "Why would I be sad?"

"You had to have passed. Right?" I could see the hope in her eyes, on her face.

I searched her beautiful eyes. It seemed really important to her for me to pass. "I did."