A Touchdown for the Girl

Chapter 5

I laugh as Matt pulls me up onto his shoulder so that I can see over everyone's heads, but my hands still clench at his shoulders, with my subconscious fretting about the possibility of him dropping me.

"Alright, see any freed spots in the stands?"

My eyes scan across the aluminum bleachers, which are ridiculously packed. Just then, my eyes catch a small opening up near the top.

I glance down at Matt and Sara. With a smile, I point to the vacancy on the bleachers. "Up near the top, on the left corner."

Matt nods and allows my body to slide from his shoulder to the ground. His hand grabs mine, and I grab Sara's, and we fight our way through the crowd. Our little train reaches the stairs, and up we climb. When we get to the top, the spot is still thankfully unclaimed; unfortunately, however, Beth and her little clique are all in the immediate vicinity.

Matt still slides past the aisle people over to the spot.

"Dammit," I say, when we get to the spot. "There's only room for two."

Beth is already fawning over Matt and replies with a quick solution. "Oh, that's okay. I'll just sit on Matt's lap."

Jealousy rears its head, and I have to remind myself he isn't in a relationship with me. I have no claim whatsoever. Matt looks slightly uncomfortable, but Beth has already pushed him into her former seat and placed her barely covered butt on his knees.

I roll my eyes, and Sara pushes me down next to the two of them. I lean over and whisper in her ear, "See, Sara, I have literally no skills, even with your help, compared to all the girls, like Beth, who are after Matt. Can I throw in the towel yet?"

She pulls back and gives me her signature 'yeah, right' look. I desperately pull on my pouty face, which she responds to by pinching my cheeks. "Not happening."

The crackle of the intercom draws my attention away from her and to the sprint car track. The first heat is happening with the young'uns.

The cars are pushed on the field until the engines catch and roar to life. All of the racers move into position based on their qualifying times, awaiting the drop of the green flag. They round the fourth corner and off they go.

I bite into my extremely greasy pepperoni pizza and take a sip of my soda. I feel a light kick on my leg, and I turn to find Beth has turned herself so her feet are practically on me, and Matt is forced to put his arm up, so she won't fall. She nestles her head into his neck, her hand tracing patterns on his chest. I look away, trying to keep jealousy from ruining my night.

My eyes catch the leader and follow the leader. Dirt is spit everywhere, and it's getting in my eyes, because the track wasn't wet down right. The racers zoom around the last corner. The announcer says, "...and the winner of the young'uns division is none other than twelve-year old, Casey Illingworth."

The stands of course erupt in cheers, our adrenaline pumping from the excitement of the uncertainty of the races outcome.

Matt gently pushes Beth up with an 'excuse me'. He sends me a smile and jogs down the bleachers out of sight.

Sara leans over to me. "Do not get jealous of that tramp, Beth. Matt is chasing you not her."

"Excuse me," Beth demands, standing up and cocking her hip. "You did not just call me a tramp."

"Oh, but I did, sweetheart," Sara replies sassily.

I hear a crack ring out, as Beth's hand flies against Sara's cheek. Sara stands up, fire burning in her eyes, so I quickly stand, positioning myself between the two. Beth says, "Yeah, keep your bitch in place, Ms. Desperate. We can all see through your facade, and you will never be good enough for Matt or anyone for that matter. Even your mom left you."