Stuck In The Middle

Chapter Twelve

I hum softly as we climb into the stands in search of a seat. We find one about halfway up the bleachers. Lights shine down onto the field where both teams are getting ready to start. I run my fingers over my smooth cheeks. I took the face paint off when we arrived at the school and it feels nice to have a clean face again.

This game is big, but not just because it's a night game. There are scouts from Trey's top choice university here tonight to watch him. He's already amazing at football, now he just needs to prove it to the scouts. I smile. He can do this.

The game begins and everyone starts to cheer, including me. I look over at Cody, but to my surprise he's already watching me. I blush and look away. 

"Stop staring," I say softly, bumping his shoulder with my own. He smiles at me and for a moment it's like there is no one else around us. Unfortunately, I look back at the game, ruining the moment. If it can even be called that. Maybe it's all just in my head.

Our team gets a touchdown and the crowd erupts into cheers. I smile as I watch Trey and his teammates high-five each other and celebrate their first touchdown. The cheerleaders, which include Amber and Angel, continue to cheer and pump up the crowd.

I watch as Amber waves to Trey. He smiles at her, waving back. My hands clench into fists, digging my nails into the palm of my hand. I clench my teeth. Just ignore her.

But there's something in me that doesn't want to loose Trey to her.

The game is coming to an end and everyone is on their feet, cheering their loudest. Unlike everyone else, I watch silently. This is Trey's moment. It's currently a tie and if Trey can get this touch down, we will win.

As soon as the ball hits the ground, I scream. I turn to Cody, pulling him into a hug. I pull away and look back at Trey on the field. He looks so happy. Trey looks up at Cody and me in the bleachers and give us two thumbs up, which we return. 

"Come on," he says, taking my hand and leading me off the bleachers toward the parking lot. We locate Trey's car in the back. I slide into the back seat and we begin our wait for Trey. 

Fifteen minutes later, he comes jogging out of the building, a huge smile on his face. He jumps into his seat behind the wheel.

"How'd it go?" Cody asks him.

"The scout loved me! With my good grades and my awesome playing, I will definitely get in!" he exclaims. I smile and lean back in my seat, tuning out the rest of their conversation. I still can't believe we're all going to go to different universities. It's going to be the first time we've been separated. Ever. They'll both be going to universities far away and I'm probably just go to the community college.

Everyone leaves.

I close my eyes. For the first time I realize how true that is. Everyone in my life does leave me at one point or another. My dad, mom, Ethan, and soon Trey and Cody. The car comes to a stop and I open my eyes.

We're parked about a half a block away from the house, but I can hear the music. I step out of the car with Cody and Trey. As we get closer, I notice tons of people in the front yard, most of them already drunk. 

Once we get into the house, I say goodbye to Trey and Cody to go off on my own. I wonder through the crowd of people until I find the kitchen. 

"Finally," I mumble under my breath. I need a drink. I grab a can of beer and drink the whole thing right off the bat. Some guy passes me a red cup filled with something. I raise it to my lips, taking a sip. Vodka. I don't mind vodka so I leave the kitchen with the cup. 

Tomorrow is going to be hell. I still have to go to school since it's friday. I'm going to have a horrible hangover.

I push through all of the people in search of someone to hang with. I smile as I spot Sally. My party buddy!