Everyone Talks

4 - Heard it Through the Grapevine

Nellie hated Calculus.

Well, okay. So she hated math in general, but AP Calculus was like pure torture. However, she needed to make an A if she wanted to stay on track for her scholarships to Mizzou. Officially, she hadn't been offered anything yet, but her admissions counselor said she had a good shot at getting most of her tuition and room and board paid for if she kept up straight As in all the advanced classes Shadow Creek had to offer, even if that was only English, History, and Calculus.

Also, focusing probably wouldn't be as bad if it weren't for the constant hushed conversations going on around her, either about Sophia and Caleb's breakup or the so-called Extra Credit List.

"Can't believe it's got a name," she muttered to herself as she glared at a couple of cheerleaders next to her, currently making their own predictions about who was on it. They had been speculating for the last 15 minutes, ever since Mr. Tolbert had given them free rein to work on exercises at the end of the chapter. At this point, they might as well run CreekTalk.

Wait. Maybe it was one of them.

"It's gotta be Sophia. Come on. It's too convenient," Marley Freeman whispered not-so-softly to Emily Rohde.

Sophia. The name at the top of everyone's list.

Nellie looked around the room, her eyes falling on Caleb. He was sitting two seats over from her next to Noah, the team's running back. Caleb had obviously heard the observation, his hand tightening around his pencil as he glared daggers at his book.

She heard giggling and looked back at the two girls, frowning. There was no love lost on her part, but she almost felt bad for Sophia. Barely. It wasn't enough to say anything to them, even though she could do without the commentary while she tried to figure out differentiation. She looked up at the teacher, Mr. Tolbert, finding him at his desk focused on grading papers. Now would be a good time for him to say something.

Thankfully, a few minutes later, the bell rang. Caleb shot out of his chair and was the first person out the door, Noah shooting an annoyed look at Marley and Emily as he followed at a casual gait. Nellie wasn't far behind, following them to AP history.

"Look, ignore it," Noah said.

Nellie's eyes widened, and she realized they didn't know she was just behind them. She almost slowed down to give them privacy; however, the hallway was surprisingly crowded, keeping her glued to their backs practically.

"It's stupid shit, Caleb. Besides, I thought she broke up with you," Noah continued.

"Yea," Caleb replied.

"Seriously. OSU is yours to lose. And lettin' shit like that get into your head before the game will make ya lose it. Do ya want that?"

Nellie watched the back of their heads, almost inching closer. She wasn't sure why she was so invested in eavesdropping, but it was a rare glimpse into Caleb's life. Nellie told herself that was why and nothing else.

The dark-haired football player sighed heavily and shook his head as they walked into Coach Miller's room.

"No."

Noah slapped him on the back, a smile on his face.

"Good. Need to meet ya on the field durin' Bedlam," he replied before taking a seat at his desk.

"Right."

Caleb stopped next to his desk, his eyes flicking back and meeting Nellie's gaze. Her eyes widened as she gulped and ducked her head, moving quickly to a seat at the front. She hadn't meant to eavesdrop. Or get caught. She could feel his eyes following her as she placed her books down and sat, certain her cheeks were bright red.