Deviant

Chapter 18~ Whisked Away

Kat's cheer friends, Zach's football friends, and I celebrated the first varsity win by going to a diner that same Friday night.

We all sat around a huge table-nearly 20 of us total. Laughs echoed from around the table, their worries eased by the win. There was a dance floor and, occasionally, they'd request a song and they'd all get up and dance freely only coming back to rest, talk, and repeat.

It was nothing like the stereotypes. There weren't any loud house parties or scantily clad girls dancing to trap in a crowded room among shirtless football players. It was just a simple night out with friends-nothing too crazy. These football players and cheerleaders weren't all unapproachable and popular-they were genuine, fun loving teenagers that associate with varying groups of people.

I really felt comfortable around them most times.

But today, as their worries were whisked away, my stomach was in knots. I couldn't eat much and didn't feel like dancing much to the dismay of all the others.

My thoughts were too involved between my game and Alex's absence. The rest of my family still vowed to come since they were ecstatic when I first told them I had made the team, but I knew it wasn't going to be the same.

I wasn't in the mood for celebrating so I refused to get up.

Kat frowned and tried to drag me onto the dance floor but I just shook my head. Zach bought me a milkshake, which I sipped aimlessly.

My mind wandered. Thankfully, Alec and his new found cocky crew weren't invited.

I stirred my milkshake with the straw, staring in deep thought. I flashed back to what Alec said-how the team was using me. I didn't believe him. I know he only wants to get to me so I quit. I chuckled internally at his sexist stupidity.

There was no way I was quitting now.

I excelled in practices and developed ties with my team. They all warmed up to me, except for Gingham. Zach told me not to worry about it. Gingham didn't like how I had reached his level.

Our game was at 12pm tomorrow. Kat and Zach as well as JJ, Henry, Derek, and Morgan would be there to cheer me on and despite my nervousness, I felt somewhat confident.

My assurance shifted greatly along with my mood.

I picked out a fry and chewed on it, looking over to the dance floor.

No one else was here besides us but it was still loud. The room was filled with laughter and chatter behind the music. Zach was having a dance contest with Derek and Morgan as Henry recorded it on his phone. Derek's girlfriend Sahara (pronounced Sa-hau-ra) was giggling and leaning against her best friend, Giselle. Kat was dancing around with Brittany and the other cheer girls.

The football players were still in their uniforms although the cheerleaders ditched their uniforms for their cheer shorts or sweatpants and shirts, their hair still in ribbons.

I felt so out of place yet honored to be involved all at the same time. Kat took a break and walked over to the table, sipping lemonade and breathing out. She glanced at me and wiped the sweat off her brow, settling into a chair next to me.

"You okay, Nat?"

I smiled. "Yeah, just pregame worries." I said, not telling her the full problem.

She frowned. "Is it about Alex?"

I told Kat and Zach about his departure just yesterday. I nodded. "Partially, I guess."

"I understand how it is. You'll do great in your game-I just know it. Don't let that prevent you from having fun. Yeah, it's hard but Alex probably wouldn't want you to beat yourself up on it so much."