Saving Angels *Rocky Lynch Love Story*

Chapter 2: The Competition

Rocky's POV: 

"I have an idea!" I say, thoughts whirring in my head. "Let's have a cooking competition first. Whoever stays has to be able to feed her well." Cicera laughed. 

"Yeah, that's a great idea!"she says, smiling. "You each get... Let's say twenty minutes to make a lunch.  Whichever one I like best, wins!" Everyone agreed, but Stormie said that she was gonna pass on the competitions. 

"I have way too much to do at home. And the kids need to learn responsibility," she says, chuckling. 

"Okay, ready? Set? Go!" 

Everyone dashed for the kitchen, with me in the lead. I run to the fridge to grab cheese, but then get an idea. I go to the kitchen table and text someone, before putting my phone away and watching everyone else frantically run around the kitchen. Ride was shoving Ross away from the stove as she put a pot on it with water. Everything was complete chaos, making me glad I was already done. 

When there was three minutes left, I grabbed a plate and went to the door for my food to arrive. The pizza guy drove up and handed me Cicera's favorite pizza: sausage and pepperoni. I walk back in, place two pieces on the plate, and sit back as everyone else is plating their food. I was totally gonna win this. 

Mom called time and everyone lined up their plates on the kitchen counter. Cicera fluffed her hair, smoothed her clothes, and began walking down the line, looking at the food before eating it. Her nose wrinkled at Ell's which was a weird brown blob. 

"It was supposed to be pudding!" Ell said, defending himself. Cicera laughed and continued down the line. She smiled deleted when she came to Rydel's, spaghetti and meatballs with a salad. How she did that in twenty minuted, I have no idea. Cicera giggled at Riker's grilled cheese and nodded approvingly at Ross's pancakes. When she came to mine, her face lit up. 

"Rocky wins," she declared, taking the pizza and diving in. 

"But, wait, you didn't even eat the rest of ours!" said Ross, appealed. "And Rocky didn't even make that!"

"Yeah, my pudding is over here all lonely!" said Ell, crossing his arms. She shrugged, pizza sauce on her face. 

"Sorry, but I would rather have pizza for lunch," she said, wiping her face off and grinning at me. I winked and pulled out the whole pizza, making her gasp slightly. 

"Oh my gosh, you're my soul mate," she said, grabbing the pizza from me, making everyone laugh. 

"First round goes to Rocky," said Stormie, pulling a pad of paper from the pile and writing Rocky's name on it with a tick mark by it. 

"Okay, what should the next one be?" asked Ross, eating the pancakes he made. Riker piped up. 

"Why don't we do a type of fitness thingy? Whoever is watching Cicera need to be able to protect her, right?" Everyone nodded in agreement, but Rydel. 

"Well, I'm out on this one," she said, sitting down, laughing. "There is no way I could win this." Cicera laughed and went and hugged Delly. 

"Okay, first part of this challenge, a race down the street and back?" I suggest. 

"Wait!" said Cicera. "Let's have this part be against Ell, Riker and Ross. Since Rocky won the last one, whoever wins this challenge has to go against Rocky in the final challenge thingy?" Yes! That's a great idea. Now I don't have to run. 

"Sure!" said Ell. "I'm gonna roast you guys." He cracked his knuckles, trying to look treating, but only making himself look vulnerable, causing everyone to laugh. We all head outside, and to the sidewalk. Cicera and her dad lived in a cul-de-sac so that made it much easier. 

"Okay, so just run to the end of the street then come back. First person back wins," said Rydel, explaining the rules. "Ready?" The boys nodded, taking their positions. Delly yelled "go!" and they were off. 

Cicera's POV: 

I was surprised at how fast they took off. It was like three guns had been shot and they were the bullets. Me and Rydel cheered as the boys took off down the street. When they reached the other end and turned around, it seems like Riker was in the lead. Out of nowhere though, Ross put out a burst of energy and sprinted to Stormie, tagging her hand, signifying the end of the race. He punched his arm in the air, breathing heavily. I laughed as Riker ran up, breathing heavily. Everyone was congratulating Ross when I said stop. 

"Guys wait... Where's Ell?"I ask, looking around. Everyone stopped, looking around for Ell. 

"I'm over here!" I heard a voice yell. Looking a bit down the street, I saw Ell, walking slowly down the street, breathing heavily. "I'm good!" (I know Ell wouldn't actually be this tired, but I just thought this would be funny. Sorry El!) Everyone laughed as Ell made his way over to where we were standing. "I was trying okay?! I just... needed a break..." he said, making up an excuse. I rolled my eyes, lightly punching him. These guys are so awesome. They are really helping me keep my mind off of dad. Of dad... Dad... 

I felt a tear slip out of my eye, but I wiped it off my cheek, smiling through the pain. I saw Rocky's face change a bit. Drat. He saw. Rocky walked over to me. 

"You okay?" he asked, his voice full of concern. I nodded, playing it off. 

"Yeah, I'm fine." I say, putting on my best smile. He gave me 'the look' before pulling me aside. 

"Are you sure? You don't seem happy. Did we do something?" he asked. I shook my head. 

"No no! It wasn't you at all. I.. I just miss my dad a bit... Sorry, it is stupid..." I say, waving it off. 

"No, it's not stupid! I would totally miss my dad if I didn't see him for a while. I miss my siblings when I go places. I can't imagine what you must be feeling right now." he said, his voice full of sympathy and an urge to help. "Is there anything I can do to help?" I shrugged my shoulders. He sighed, pulling me into a tight hug. I let out the breath I was holding in, another tear slipping down my cheek. 

"It will be okay. He will be back safe and sound. I promise." said Rocky, pulling away and wiping my tear. I nodded, half smiling. 

"Thanks Rocky..." I said, wiping my eyes, embarrassed. 

"Any time," he said, smiling. "Let's go back to the group." He took my hand lightly, leading me back to the group. 

TADAAAAAAA! Here is the next chapter! Thank you all for reading! Is it weird I am so happy I have more than ten reads? Thirteen reads is so much for me and I am so happy! Thank you! Let me know how this chapter it! Should I continue the story? Please tell me! Peace to peeps!

~Maddie