Secrets Look Different in the Light

Chapter 38

Theo's POV

The Homecoming Football game is a big thing for our school. Everyone treats it like it's the Super Bowl. Our team has a twelve year winning streak and every year that's added brings on even more pressure. Most of the school day is spent doing dumb traditions that are supposed to "guarantee" a win and boost school spirit.

Usually it's the one day a year that I skip since it's one of our less educational school events. I always end up going to the game that night though, so Avery didn't have to sit alone while cheering for Jayden.

This year is the first time things are changing.

I'm not just background noise while the girl I love roots for someone else. We're going to the game together—as a couple. No hiding. No pretending it doesn't sting. Just us, taking part in the ridiculous high school ritual.

Ritual #1
We crowd into the gymnasium to witness the cheer squads' most inappropriate dance routine then applaud them like they just found the cure for cancer.

Ritual #2 
Listening to our principal's newest hype man speech, before introducing our Football Team one by one. He gives each of them a jersey from our very first winning team to wear through the day. And no, they definitely haven't been washed since that 1st winning game.

After that, we're herded back to class, where most teachers will spend our time playing a movie or Kahoot games. Learning is more of a suggestion today.

"Do you think we'll escape the face painting brigade?" I ask Avery as we push through the packed hallway.

"Unlikely," she says dryly. "Better to surrender now and get it over with."

She grabs my hand and pulls me toward one of the many makeshift face-painting stations.

Ritual #3
The cheer squads dedication to painting the face of every student in preparation for the game.

"Besides," she adds, grinning, "if we go willingly, maybe they'll make us match." 

"Lucky for you, I'd do just about anything when you smile like that," I say honestly. She squeezes my hand again, her expression softening.

"We volunteer as tribute. Something matching if you'd be so kind." she requests to one of the girls, who eagerly grabs her brushes and motions for us to sit down. 

I watch as she gives Avery a swirl of green and blue around her eye and a trail of polka dots along her face. Once the girl is done with her, Avery leans in and whispers something to her. before she faces me.

Then she leans in and whispers something to the girl. I raise an eyebrow.

"Turn your head," the girl says, spinning me to face forward.

In a few swipes the girl sets her brush down and claps her hands. "All done gorgeous."

She holds up a mirror revealing her merciful paint job. A swipe of blue and green under both of my eyes—classic game-day war paint.

"You're welcome." Avery says, smug. 

I latch my hand to hers, walking to her first class. "So what did you say to her to get me such a look?" I ask.

"I told her she was popping your face painting cherry, and it's always nice to be gentle on the first go." She winks at me before disappearing into her classroom, leaving me dazed and smiling.

Jackie's POV

Hoodie on and sneakers tightly secured, I quickly make my way to homeroom the moment assembly's over. I've dodged the cheer squad's annual face painting epidemic for three years and I'm not about to break that streak now.