The Boy Next Door

Chapter 17

Chapter 17

"Welcome! This is the first game of the season and we're all excited! Now, welcome your home team, the Bluejays!" The stands behind me became incredibly loud as our team ran onto the field. "And our visiting team, the Vipers!"

Rebeca stood in front of us and ran through most of the cheers again, reminding me how to hold my hands with the others so that we can toss and catch Morgan. I nodded in understanding and stood in my designated spot.

"Ready, okay."

My whole night I was cheering, smiling, and watching Evan play. My parents came down once during half time and complimented me as they took Madelyn to get a snack.

"Having a good night?" I jumped and turned around.

"What are you doing over here?" I asked Evan.

"Seeing if you're enjoying yourself."

I nodded. "None of the people here that I don't know have tried to talk to me, so it's okay. The cheerleading itself is really fun."

"Good. I gotta go, I'll see you after."

Cal nudged me with a smile. "Head over heels. My boyfriend's in the stands. He's smiled at me, but he hasn't come down to say hi. And he doesn't have plays to focus on."

I just laughed and turned toward Rebeca. Evan was not head over heels for me. That was ridiculous. He was more focused on his dad now than anything. He needed to be focused on his dad.

We won the game, which meant that a party was going to be held inside the school. The classrooms were supposed to be off limits, so naturally each had students inside.

The main area for the party was the gym. Evan and Rebeca had to stay there, as the captains of the teams. Because of that, I also stayed. Evan was smiling all night, and even asked me to dance at one point.

It was the best night of my life, although my uniform began getting uncomfortable.

"Having a good time?" he asked.

"The best. Thanks for making me stay." My first instinct was to go home, but he convinced me not to.

"No problem. Uh, that guy is watching you." Following his gaze, I shuddered. He appeared to be in college or fresh out of, and was wearing black, standing in the corner. His eyes bored into mine. When our eyes met, he pushed off the wall. Evan immediately put his arm around me and kept me close to him. But the guy merely walked out; he didn't glance back once.

"That's creepy."

"You're going home," he said sternly. "Now."

"Yeah, I think that's for the best. How do I get home though? Mom and Dad left immediately after the game."

"I'm driving you. Let's go." He kept me right against him as we rushed through the crowd outside to his car. He stood between me and the darkness beyond while I climbed in, then closed my door and rushed to the other side.

Who was that guy? I wondered while Evan drove. Why was he watching me?

"Did you recognize him?" asked Evan.

"Did you? I have no clue who he was, but he's really spooked me."

"Neither do I. I want to walk you up to your door though and I'll be explaining what happened to your dad."

"Nothing happened. A young man looked at me, then left when I caught him."

"He had been staring at you for a while. I'm surprised Brianna didn't notice, or any of your teammates."

After turning off the car, Evan waited patiently for me to get out and put his hand on the small of my back to lead me to the door.

"I know it was probably nothing, but I want to be sure."

I nodded and walked inside, followed by Evan.

"Dad?" I called. He walked around the corner.

"Back so soon? I thought you'd be out until midnight at least."

I bit my lip. "Uh, there was a small problem."

"I'll tell him," said Evan, "goodnight, Liliana."

"Night, Evan. I'll see you at church."

Dad looked confused as I walked out and into my bedroom. Immediately I threw my blinds closed and sat on my bed. A sleepy-eyed Madelyn stumbled into my room.

"You're back. I was waiting in bed," she yawned, "because Mom wouldn't let me stay up."

"Your bedtime was a while ago. Come on, you need to sleep." I brought her back to her room and said goodnight. Lightning flashed as I was closing the door and she whimpered.

"Can I sleep in your room, Meg?"

"Sure."