Chasing Her

Chapter 8: Cracked

Taylors POV

I wake up a couple of hours earlier than needed and couldn't fall back asleep. I check my phone, no missed calls or messages from Erin, good. I don't need to get slapped again like yesterday. I eventually decide that I am going to put this energy to good use and get ready to go for a jog.

After putting on my running shoes, shorts, and a hoodie, I head out the door undetected. It was early enough to where nobody else was awake and I liked it that way. It gave me time to focus and let myself think clearly. 

While jogging there were only two things that kept going through my mind: how will I get to talk to Allie again and how will I do it without Erin seeing? I don't know how but Allie and those blue eyes have a hold on me that I probably will never understand. I mean at my old school I had girls throwing themselves at me after football games, mostly cheerleaders. I never had to chase after someone before or had to go out of my way to talk to one of them so this was different for me. 

I barely know the girl but I can tell from the way she held the camera she was familiar with the device. Erin did mention she was part of the yearbook club which is typically not my type. I usually go out with outgoing sporty girls, like Erin for example.  They usually understand the crazy schedule that came with football season so I didn't have to worry about not seeing them much. Judging by the way Allie went on the offensive when I confronted her, rudely I will admit, made me realize there is more to her than you see on the surface. She can be feisty and protective if push comes to shove. 

I round the corner back to my aunt and uncle's house, with enough time to spare to shower and get ready for school.  I enter the door and everybody is in the kitchen already. They all look at my sweaty mess confused.

"Honey is everything okay? We didn't even know you had left." My aunt says, the first one to acknowledge the admittingly odd scene.

"I'm alright, just woke up early and couldn't fall back asleep so I decided to go for a jog before school." I explain.

"I would never willingly do that, like ever." Stephanie says, earning a laugh from everyone around her. I head to my room shaking my head and getting in the shower. Once I have my football gear and I'm ready to head out I opt to walk to school again.

"Really taking advantage of the weather huh?" My uncle asks as I'm about to leave. I nod my head in his direction and continue to attempt to leave.

"Hey, don't go just yet I need to give you something." He says slightly raising his voice. It puts me on edge, I have no clue what he needs to give me and I'm scared to find out. I turn around as my uncle approaches me. In his hand is two brown paper bags. I look at him confused.

"Your aunt packs lunch for Jason while he is in soccer in the fall, he eats for four during all his sports seasons. From what your mom told us you should be the same way." He says with a laugh. I smile with teary eyes. Even being two hours away my mom is thinking of me, making sure I eat enough when she isn't here to make sure of it herself. I take the lunches and quickly hug my uncle then head out the door saying thank you. I'll have to make sure I thank my aunt when I get home. 

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I arrive at the school and put my backpack and lunches in my locker. I head to the locker room, phone in hand, not paying much attention to the people around me. As I reach the doors I hear sniffling nearby. It makes me jump as I look up from my phone confused. Underneath the bleachers, I see familiar blonde hair and a camera on the ground. 

Allie. 

I set my stuff down and headed toward her, she was pretty far under the bleachers so it took me a minute to get to her. I crouch and tap her shoulder.