Step by step

Chapter Sixteen

To say that Emmett's confusingly friendly demeanor wasn't as much as a bother to me than Matt's sudden MIA was an understatement. Both parties were acting so odd that I wanted it to add to the Guinness book of world records.

"It's a Friday, El. What's gotten you so blue?" Therese checked her newly polished red nails for the nth time.

"Besides getting a load of school work on my back? Nothing." I settled into my seat, making a calmer appearance to Therese to make her stop prying.

"School work has always been nothing to you. What's up?" She finally let her slender fingers fall on her lap, brushing off imaginary dirt over her short blue skirt.

"The sky." I joked but only to have Therese raising her eyebrow at me. "Well it is true."

"Stop the bull, El. I know when something's wrong and something is def wrong with you. Is it Matt?"

Well of course it's Matt. It's always been about Matt. It has always been Matt.

"Like I guess. He hasn't answered any of your texts or calls?"

I shook my head.

"Give him some time, maybe he's adjusting to new arrangements." When I looked at Therese, she looked away. I know what she meant by new arrangements and I know it isn't about his family.

Suddenly, the crowd roars and the football team came charging into the field. Fits of screams and shrieks clouded my hearing as the people around me went wild in cheering. Following the football team was the basketball team, volleyball team, badminton, table tennis players and finally, the cheerleaders.

Next week would be the start of sports tryouts for intramural the following month or so. Today, however, will be the speeches and introduction of the team members to the freshmen to attract them into trying out.

And as much as I wanted to wallow in my Matt withdrawal, I needed to be here for so many reasons.

"Good morning Climbers!!" The student body president, Julia Bowen, greeted enthusiastically into the mic. "For all of you who are gathered here to witness this short event, I thank you. I won't lengthen your boredom even further, I present the captain of the male basketball team, Dennis Wayne!"

A few speeches and introductions later, the event was concluded to a close and the crowd started filing out. I tugged at Therese towards the football team's locker room because, well, duty calls. Or it might be the guilt.

The locker room was echoing the laughter and grunting, probably from harsh play, of the football team.

"El!" Kit announced my arrival and the whole team turned to give me warm smiles, even Emmett. "And who might the beautiful company be?"

As Therese smile and went to open her mouth, Francis suddenly blurted out, "Therese Hart."

"Well someone knows his classmate." Therese giggled, a giggle I've only heard from her when she likes someone. "Francis Lawson, if I'm correct?"

"Yeah. I didn't think you'd remember." Francis shrugged, a nervous smile fleeting over his lips.

"Won't remember? Please." Therese giggled once more.