The Boy Next Door

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

I snuck glances at Evan, sitting alone, during church the next morning. He and his dad always sat in the same spot every week like mine did, so he wasn't hard to spot. He looked lonely, but too preoccupied by listening to notice. I didn't have the best track record with listening, and I was trying to get better about it, but there were moments.

He glanced over once, probably feeling my stare, but I looked away before he noticed. I felt bad that he was alone. But Mom and Dad probably wouldn't feel too good about him sitting with us. Maybe he can sit with Scotty.

During youth group he was very vocal, I could hear his group from where mine was. Answering almost every question, Evan had to be told to let the other boys answer. And I was shocked by how seriously he answered them. Not even a joke from one of the others broke his concentration. He didn't just need to be here for his spiritual benefit, he needed to be here for his physical, mental, benefit. He was serious about God. I needed to learn how to be like that.

Brianna and I were hanging out outside our parents' small group room to wait for them to come out when I decided to tell her about cheerleading.

"Brianna," I started nervously, "I have something serious to tell you. I don't want you to laugh, okay?"

She nodded somberly.

"I tried out for cheerleading yesterday."

Her jaw dropping, she began asking if I had made the squad and about Rebeca. "She let me on the squad. Did you know that Evan's the captain of the soccer team?"

"I think you're the only one that didn't," she chuckled. "I'll cheer you both on." The door opened and our parents came out together.

"We're going out to lunch today," said Mom. "Evan isn't planning to come over, is he?"

"No," I shook my head. "He's staying with Scotty's family for lunch today."

"Good."

We picked up Madelyn, who, along with mine and Brianna's parents, was excited that I'd joined the cheerleading squad.

"Our first game is in two weeks on Friday," I informed them.

Brianna's parents nodded and we separated to get into our respective cars and head to the restaurant.

Two days later, I stood at the edge of the football field, now painted for soccer instead. Evan patted my back as he strode past and gave me an encouraging smile. I smiled back.

As I was walking out to the rest of the squad, I barely stepped foot on the grass before being bombarded by the team members desperate to tell me their names. "What's going on?" I hissed to Rebeca.

"They've heard you're dating Evan. And you're beautiful." I smiled and thanked her for the compliment, trying to remember the girls' names.

My first practice went well. I did about as well as the other girls during stretches, and Rebeca taught us a few new cheers that she'd worked on since break, along with reminding (and teaching Cal and I) a few old ones.

Evan was right, soccer practice did go longer than cheerleading. I sat in the stands watching him and his coach lead practice. Evan was an offensive player, but he was just as good as defender.

After it was over, few girls from the squad lingered. Evan walked up, breathing slightly heavier than usual. He sat beside me wordlessly and looked over at...Morgan and Serina, I think their names are. They were watching us together with hearts in their eyes pretty much.

"What's up with them?"

"They find you extremely attractive. Not sure why," I smiled and he shoved me playfully.

"Come on, let's get you home." We stood and he grabbed my hand in his. I had to force myself not to think too much of it.

"How did practice go?" asked Mom when I walked inside.

"It was good. I picked up on the cheers quick enough." I still needed to be able to fall into the splits, that way I'd be able to do them in a jump. Only three of the twelve girls were jumpers like that, but I still wanted to be prepared.

"How about Biology?"

"I need to go study." With that I slipped out of the living room and into my bedroom, closing the door behind me to ensure silence. Evan's blinds were open, I realized as I sat down, and he was in his room. He grinned when he saw me and made to open his window, but I just smiled sadly and showed him my Bio book. He nodded and moved away, continuing to do whatever he was doing.

I spent the next two hours on homework and Biology. Even though science came easily to me, I still had to work on it a lot.

"Liliana," Mom called, "dinner."

Signing with relief, I put my books down and scooted precariously off my bed.