The Girl Next Door

17. A Comeback Clapback

Did I say cutting classes wasn't a bad idea? Scratch that. For a while, it was a good idea. The old drive-in was exactly as Astrid promised—quiet, secluded, and perfect for escaping the monotony of our usual routines. We lounged on the grass, snacks spread out like a picnic, enjoying the crisp air and the rare feeling of freedom.

But, of course, nothing good lasts forever.

The sound of engines approaching shattered the calm, and we all turned to see two pick-up trucks rumbling down the dirt path toward us. My stomach sank immediately, and from the way the guys stiffened, I knew I wasn't the only one feeling uneasy.

"Who the hell is that?" Blaine muttered, standing up and brushing grass off his pants.

Matt leaned forward, narrowing his eyes. "This can't be good."

Geoff was already halfway to his feet, cracking his knuckles like he was ready for a fight. "I don't like this."

Meanwhile, Astrid—because of course, she was Astrid—was completely unbothered. She sat cross-legged on the ground, looking down at her sneakers, like two random trucks showing up at an abandoned drive-in wasn't worth more than a passing thought.

The first truck stopped just a few feet away, and the door swung open. Out stepped someone I recognized immediately—Derek, the quarterback from tomorrow's rival team. His smug grin was unmistakable, even at a distance.

"Great," Matt muttered under his breath. "Of all people."

Derek leaned against the truck, his letterman jacket practically screaming, I'm a walking stereotype. "Well, well, well," he said, his voice dripping with mockery. "What are the golden boys of Lincoln High doing out here? Thought you'd be at practice, prepping for the beating we're gonna hand you tomorrow."

The second truck door opened, and out came a few more familiar faces—players from Derek's team. They spread out casually, but there was an edge to their movements, like they were waiting for something to pop off.

"We could ask you the same thing," Blaine said, his voice low, controlled.

Derek chuckled, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Oh, you know, just out for a drive. Didn't expect to run into our favorite rivals. Guess today's our lucky day."

I glanced at Astrid, who was still sitting calmly, now drawing patterns in the dirt with her finger. She didn't even look up, like she couldn't care less about the tension hanging in the air.

Matt took a step forward, his jaw tight. "If you're looking for trouble, you're not gonna find it here. We're just hanging out."

"Relax," Derek said, holding up his hands in mock innocence. "No trouble. Just saying hi. Didn't think Lincoln's finest had it in them to skip school. Guess you're not as perfect as everyone says."

Geoff scoffed, crossing his arms. "You got something to say, or are you just here to waste everyone's time?"

Derek smirked, his eyes flicking toward Astrid for the first time. "And who's this? New mascot? She doesn't look like much of a cheerleader."

Before I could respond, Astrid finally looked up, her expression calm but her eyes sharp. "And you don't look like much of a quarterback, but here we are."

The guys burst out laughing, and even I couldn't help but grin. Derek's smirk faltered for a split second before he recovered, but the damage was done.

"Alright, alright," Derek said, his voice tighter now. "Enjoy your little field trip while it lasts. Tomorrow, it's game over."

With that, he nodded to his crew, and they climbed back into their trucks. The engines roared to life, and they peeled out, leaving a cloud of dust in their wake.