BlackJack

4. Puppy

Bea Messina

Point after point, these guys were getting absolutely crushed. By the end of the block, we won with a score of 56-3, and that's because we let them get the field goal so they'd feel better about themselves.

"How's that for a girl?" I ask helping Ace up.

"That last one didn't count." I mumbled, wiping himself off.

"Why? Because you were tackled by a girl who weighs a 120 pounds?" I ask with a smirk. I had tackled him on the last play, giving Richie an opportunity to run it in.

"Don't be a sore loser, it was lots of fun. Besides, I'm not joining the team, so you don't have to worry about me taking your spot or anything." I add as we walk back towards the school.

"Wait." He grabs my arm and spins me toward him, looking me in the eyes with his beautiful blue orbs. "You're not trying out? You could be team captain, all the guys adore you."

"I don't really wanna be on the team this time. All my other schools I was, I didn't hate high school any less for it, it makes no difference to me. Why would I take your chance away for something I'm not passionate when you clearly are?" I ask with a small smile. "I appreciate it, but I'm not trying out. Now let's go and get changed before my 120 turns to a 110 from not eating." He chuckles and follows me towards the school.

Halfway there, he puts his hand on my lower back, I look at him and he flashes his pearly white teeth like it means nothing. I shake it off and continue, maybe it does mean nothing.

After changing, I headed to the cafeteria to meet up with Ace and the others. Apparently I sit with the football team now, they adore me.

"Was up Bea." Weston says as he scootches over and makes room between him and Ritchie.

I smile and sit down, placing my bag at my feet, "You know, living in the gloriousness of winning that game in gym." I say with a sly smirk.

He scowls and looks away, mumbling something as he takes a bite from his sandwich. "Do you still want to go puppy shopping after school?" I ask him grabbing a water bottle from my bag.

"Of course I do!" He squeals turning back to me.

"Ok, I'll run home after school and grab my car and come pick you up afterwards. I hope you know, you'll be the first person to ride in what I call 'The Devil.'." I say smiling at the name for my bright red car.

"As long as it's not some stupid little girly car, I'm fine." He says shrugging.

"Only if you call a Boss 302 Mustang girly." His eyes lit up and then for the rest of lunch, he would not stop on my car choice. Some of the other guys from the team joined, saying how it was cool how I rode a motorcycle and actually liked cars.

Out of the blue, one of the smaller guys, Nathan sparks a question that makes the table go silent, "Why aren't you fawning over us like every other girl? Usually we never let any girl sit at our table because they are way too clingy." I look around and they all nod, wanting to know the answer.

"I don't know, I don't really get along with girls, guys are easier to hang out with. Plus I know how high schools work, the table we are sitting at is known as the 'bad boy table' or the 'players table.'. I don't date players, you guys are hot and all, just not my type." I say in a matter of factly tone. I see them smile at each other and nod.

I hear multiple "I like her" or "she gets it" around the table being quietly whispered. I shake my head and continue drinking my water and talking with Weston about what kind of puppy I should get.

§§§

After school finally finished, I hopped on my bike and quickly went home. The guys wanted to fawn over my baby longer but I told them they could look at it closer tomorrow at lunch. They agreed and let me go.

When I got back to the school, Weston came out the front doors and smiled. Instantly, he jumped in the car and I could practically smell his excitement for a puppy.

When we got to the pet store, I went for supplies first. I knew I'd need everything. Bowls, toys, food, bed and even a little football jersey. I bought all of it and Weston could not stop pouting, he was mad we didn't go to the puppies first. I knew exactly what size of dog I wanted, a small one, I hate big dogs.

Weston kept going towards the husky puppies. While they were cute, I knew they'd get too big.

One, little, French bulldog caught my eye. She was sitting in the corner, looking around at the people milling and looking at the puppies. She had a fawn colouring with big eyes.

I showed Weston and his heart melted. The moment I picked her up, she snuggled into my hands, I instantly knew she was mine.

After adopting her, I gave her to Weston for the drive home. "What are you gonna name her?" He asks petting my precious little puppy as she looks to me.

I think for a moment and smile, "Yuli."

"Yuli" Weston whispers, "I like it." He says smiling. I smile as we pull into the house. "I'll get the stuff if you want to take her inside." He offers going to the trunk. I was about to nod when I remembered something, my gear was in there.

By the time I tried stopping him, he was already looking in at my gear. "Weston just wait, I can explain." I say putting the puppy down so she can look around the garage.

He picks up my sleeveless, black hoodie with the jack of hearts and ace of spades on fire on the back, and looks at me.

Instantly he looks to my challenger and sees the cards painted there as well. "You're BlackJack?" He asks in a hushed tone, as if someone would hear him.

I nod slowly, looking to the floor. "You can't tell anyone Wes, bad people don't like what I can do, I need my true life to stay hidden." He sighs and puts the sweater back in the bag.

He takes in a deep breath and grabs the bags of puppy things, "Fine, but only because you're BlackJack and could mess me up in an instant." I giggle and grab Yuli, leading them into the house.

"Since you know now, you know where the arena is in this town? I was gonna go look for it tonight." I say taking food and bowls out for Yuli and placing them on the floor.

"Yeah, it's in a bar. It's called the Daily Planet, they have fights every night. As for the racing I know you do, go to the outskirts of town and ask to be part of the race and they'll offer you cash." He answers crossing his arms over his chest.

"Thanks Weston. I'm really glad you're ok with this, I don't want to leave again, I like it here." I say with a smile in almost a whisper.

"If you're going to fight tonight, let me know, I want to watch." He says chuckling and walking to the front door.

"Probably will." I yell as he exits the house.

He turns back and nods to me before continuing down the path. Then, I realise I don't know which house he lives in.

I run upstairs and watch through the window as he enters a huge house down the street.

Not only is his twin Richie at the door waiting, but so is Isaac and Raphael. They can't live together, can they?

Then I think back to what Nicky said to me earlier. "That seat belongs to the quarter back. Him and his friends always sit back there, no one dares sit there, there's even rumours their all in a gang together."

Are they really in a gang? What did I get myself into in this little town?