The Whisper Seekers

Scraped Knees and Sparkly Heels

By Friday, excitement buzzes through the hallways as everyone counts down the minutes to the first football game of the season. The boys are eager to finally wear their football jerseys, and the girls squeeze into their cheer uniforms. The rest of the student body is a sea of navy and yellow, our Texan football spirit on full display.

After my last class, I rush out of school and head to Harper's house for a team dinner with the rest of the cheerleaders. When I arrive, the girls are scattered around her living room, styling each other's hair and securing large yellow bows into ponytails. I plop down on the floor, and Harper sits behind me on the couch, gathering sections of my hair to braid.

"So, who here is going to Piper's party tonight?" Harper questions and everyone breaks into conversation at once. It feels like everyone is going to the game and making plans to meet up with the boy they've set their sights on. Harper, of course, can't contain her excitement about going with Liam—she brags to anyone who will listen. I want everyone to know I am going with Liam, so they know he's taken.

"Liam's in my Spanish class," Brittany boasts to Ashley, who's sitting directly across from her. "Mrs. Raine sat him right in front of me, so I get to stare at that gorgeous head of brown hair every day."

Ashley laughs. "Has he ever said anything to you?" Brittany nods, but before she can say more, Sarah grabs her head to keep it still while she braids her hair.

"Yeah, we had to pick partners to go over a section of our book. I don't even know why he is in that class. He pretty much speaks it fluently." Sarah ties off a section of Brittany's hair and stands to stretch her legs.

"If I were fluent, I would take it. It's an easy A." Liam's class schedule stays the topic of conversation until the doorbell rings and I purposely stayed quiet during that discussion. 

 The pizza arrives and all the girls quickly spill into the kitchen, eager to get a hot slice. We are sitting around the table picking the meat off the pizza, when Caitlin asks, "So Ellie, you spend a lot of time with Liam. What's he like?" Seems like all roads lead to the hot new kid tonight. Their eyes fall on me, hungry for information. 

Harper puts her pizza down and stares at me as I reply, "Uh, he's nice, I guess." 

Brittany scoffs and adds, "That's all you have to say? I saw him drive you out of the lot the other day. Where did you go?" I didn't mention that to Harper and I feel the beams of hatred coming from her eyes. She knew we all hung out yesterday, but I definitely didn't mention any of our one-on-one time. 

"Oh yeah, I didn't feel good, so he just drove me home." Unfortunately, Brittany doesn't let up. "Yeah, but I saw you walk back in together after second. Go out for a quickie?" She nudges me with her elbow and my face explodes with heat. It seems everyone has forgotten I am with Derek, except for a fuming Harper.

"Uh no. I felt better after I ate and didn't want to miss more classes, so he brought me back. We just ate and hung out. Nothing too exciting," I reply as unenthusiastically as possible, even though I know Harper won't let this go. I know she is going to dwell on this new information. I can feel her rage, so I add, "It's easy to be friends with Liam because I have a boyfriend. There is no pressure, it's just hanging out." 

My buzzing phone saves me, giving me an excuse to leave the table. I don't recognize the number, but I walk away anyway, pretending it's something important. I let it go to voicemail, not expecting anything real to come from it.

A few seconds later, I hear the ping announcing there's a message. I hit play, assuming it's spam, but then I hear Liam's voice and freeze. I instinctively glance over my shoulder to make sure Harper isn't nearby before bringing the phone closer to my ear to listen: Hey Ellie, it's Liam... Greysor...I didn't get the chance to ask you while we were at school today, but I was just wondering if you were still going to that party tonight? I'm down to do something else instead. I just don't think the party is a good idea after all. Umm... yeah okay just let me know. See you at the game I guess. Bye.