Book 1: Beyond Me and You

Game Day

Nathan and I spent the rest of the time watching a movie and talking about random things. He told me more about his past and who he use to be. The old Nathan is nothing like the Nathan I know today and I'm glad that he's realized his main priority, Ailee.

After a while, he had to go pick up Ailee so we said goodbye. Kayla and dad must've gone out because it was silent downstairs.

As I walk up to my room I notice that the hallway is slightly lit with the light of a television. Dean's door is slightly opened. Him and I haven't talked much and I can't help but feel like it's my fault.

Before I know it, I find myself slowly opening the door. As soon as Dean notices he sits up straight and lowers the volume.

"What's up?" he asks, focusing his full attention on me. I open the door wide enough for me to enter his room and go sit on his bed next to him.

"Did you talk to Vivi?"

"Uhh yeah she's fine." His voice seems hesitant but I brush it off.

"So how have you been? I feel like we haven't been spending any time together." Dean scoffs as he looks away. "What?"

His eyes are once again on me and his stare is intense. "We haven't spent any time together. In fact the only time we spent together was when you...Um. When you had to stay home."

I stare at him unsure of what to say next. Him saying those words made me realize I haven't been making any time for him. Not since I overheard his argument with Carol outside of the house. Carol hasn't said a word to me lately but I can feel her burning gaze when we see each other in the hallway. She may be trying to make it seem like I don't exist but she makes sure her presence is noticed.

"You're right. I'm sorry Dean" I say as I rest my hand on his. We're gonna be step siblings soon and all managed to do is ignore him. "When is your next game?"

"Saturday. Why?"

"Because I'm gonna go."

He blinks a couple of times. Almost in disbelief of what I just said. His stare makes me feel as if I said something stupid.

"Are you sure Nathan wants to go?"

"Nathan?" I ask in confusion. I slightly tilt my head to the side as I think back on what I said and how Nathan is involved. "Nathan isn't going. I was kind of hoping me and you would get a chance to catch up. Make up for all that lost time. I mean we're going to be brother and sister soon" I say as gently bump his shoulder.

"Rightttt. How could I forget." He says as he nervously scratches the back of his neck.

The next day was like any other day. Nathan came to pick me up and we spent most of the day together. Vivian was avoiding us which didn't surprise me. I know I have to talk to her but I think I should give her a little more time. Its best if we both are given time to clear our head and think things through first.

Before I knew it, it was Saturday and I found myself getting ready for the game. My phone screen lights up with a notification and I check the time, 8:00 pm. Dean's game is at 9 so we have a bit of time. I look in the mirror one last time. My hair is in a half up, half down style. I chose to wear a black champion hoodie and light blue jeans with my vans. I make my way downstairs to find Dean in the kitchen filling his water bottle with gatorade.

"Hey" I say as I grab a cutie.

"Ready?" he says as he tightens the cap.

"Yup."

Suddenly the door is swung open and Kayla stumbles in holding at least seven bags. She struggles and Dean quickly rushes to help her.They both walk into the kitchen and drop the bags on the island.

"Thank you so much" Kayla says as she smiles at Dean. She takes a second to catch her breath and then looks up at us both. "So what are you two up to today?"

"We're actually going to my game" Dean looks over at the clock. "As much as I want to keep you company mom, we have to go or we're gonna be late." He grabs his bag and kisses Kayla on the cheek goodbye. I follow close behind him and hug Kayla goodbye.

She follows us until we reach the door. "It's nice to see you two spending time together." she says with a smile. Dean and I both smile as her and walk out the door, closing it behind us.

Once in the car Dean connects his phone and hits play on a playlist. The first song to play is GPS by Maluma.

I turn to look at him in shock at his music choice.

"What? You're not the only one who listens to Spanish music" he says as he begins to drive. I laugh at his remark.

"Looks like someone really enjoys their Spanish class"

"Claro que sí." He responds confidently.

"Mejor enfócate en manejar" I say trying to have him focus on his driving instead of proving to me he knows Spanish. 

The rest of the car ride was spent with us singing along to the rest of his playlist. Before I knew it, we arrived at this huge building that seemed to be in the middle of nowhere. We've seem to have driven a little outside of town. Dean gets out of the car and I follow behind him. 

We walk up to the door of the building which cover the built in windows with some for of a plastic that prevents people from looking in. Dean opens the door and bright lights blind my eyes. Once adjusted to the sudden light change I can see at least five soccer fields. There are people everywhere, either playing or watching the games. Yelling can be heard as teams score and people yell at the referee. 

Dean leads me to a field where there are already a few guys sitting in the bleachers putting on shoes and their cleats.

"Hey Dean!" one of the guys' yells as Dean and I approach them. Dean walks up to them and sits at the bottom row. 

"You sit over here" one of the girls' says as she pulls me to sit next to her on a higher row. "So" she says low enough for only me and a few of the other girls to hear. The rest of the girls have now come to sit to my left and in front of me, practically surrounding me in the bleachers. "You and Dean huh?"

"What?" I say confused. But the rest of the girls don't understand because they all giggle as if I've told the funniest joke in the world. A joke I apparently didn't understand myself. 

"C'mon. You show up with Dean. You must be his girlfrien-" she begins to say. 

"Nooo" I say interrupting her sentence. "I'm not- We're not-" I stutter not being able to find the proper words to say. I take a deep breath before I attempt to speak again. The rest of the girls watch me with anticipation. "Dean and I aren't together. Nor will we ever be" 

The disappointment is ridden over each and every one of their faces. 

"Wow. I really did think that the next girl he brought was going to be THE girl he can't stop talking about. I just hope you're not another Carol" the girl who brought me to sit with her says as she rolls her eyes. 

"I'm Larkin. I'm going to be his step-sister in a month" 

"Ohhh. That makes a lot of sense. I'm Tracy and this is Amanda, Lia, Veronica, Anna, Miranda, Beatrice, and Sienna." Tracy says introducing me to the rest of the girls. I smile at the rest of the girls but Sienna just stares at me without a reaction. "Sienna." Tracy says trying to get her attention. 

"I'm sorry" she says looking away. But after a second she turns around with wide eyes. "I know who you are now. I couldn't remember but now that I do I don't know how I could forget. You're Larkin, Nathan Stone's girlfriend."

"That's right" I say nervously unsure of how they're going to react. "Oh look the game is starting!" I yell trying to act excited. I mean I am excited but I might be more nervously at this point. It's my first time meeting these girls and I would be surprise if they react even worse than Vivian did, someone I've known most of my life. 

The game was intense, Dean's team is in first place so far and they were playing against the team in second place. Dean scored twice and they ended up winning 4-3. 

The game was fun, but now I had to face the girls and the questions they've been holding back for the past hour.