SEVENTEEN [ THIRTEEN REASONS WHY ]

[0.6]

Montgomery de la Cruz-

"Monty- dude," Bryce yelled as he came into the locker room where the rest of the boys were getting changed for practice.

"What?" Montgomery said throwing on his jersey.

"Party at my house Saturday, alright?" the blonde boy laughed and patted Montgomery's back.

"Who's invited?" Zach Dempsey yelled as he threw his helmet on his head.

"Everyone," Bryce yelled back, "bring everyone you know," he said once again, "which means, Monty. You better bring that lovely girlfriend of yours".

"She's not my girlfriend. Not yet, at least," Monty joked.

All of the other boys began to leave the locker room, but before Bryce could Monty grabbed onto his arm and looked at him.

"Can I ask you something?" Monty said.

"Of course, what's wrong?" Bryce replied sitting down on the metal bench.

"Did something happen between you and Alice at Monet's?" Monty asked and leaned against the lockers.

"No, did she say something happened?" Bryce said, lying through his teeth.

"No it's just she seemed upset walking out of there. I was just wondering if- you wouldn't lie to me, would you?"

"Oh come on, Montgomery. You're my brother, of course I wouldn't lie to you," Bryce explained and looked his friend in the eyes, "she's totally falling for you".

"I'm falling for her too," Monty said quietly and walked out of the locker room.

Friday morning was hot and humid which made Monty dread football practice. He got up, got ready, and quickly left his house dodging his father.

He drove to Monet's and picked up two coffees, one for the girl he was desperately falling for. The boy had woken up extra early that day to show Alice a grand gesture in hopes she'll like it.

Monty sat in the school's parking lot knowing Alice Rose would be here soon for cheer practice and he waited patiently. The second he saw the girls headlights he turned off his truck, threw his football bag over his head and grabbed the coffees before running over to the girl.

"Alice!" Monty shouted happily and walked over to the smaller girl.

"Oh, Monty! Hey," she said and smiled.

"I- uh- I got you a coffee to start off your morning right," he said with a cheeky smile and passed her the cup.

"This- this is amazing. Thank you so much. I do appreciate it," she said and returned the smile.

Monty watched as Alice began walking toward the school, but he quickly pulled on her arm causing the girl to shrivel in her place.

"Stop," she said quickly and turned around to see the shocked expression on his face, "I'm sorry," she choked out.

"What, I mean are you okay? I'm sorry if I hurt you," Montgomery uttered, "I just wanted to ask you something".

"Don't apologize. I'm just a naturally jumpy person," Alice said stifling out a laugh and smiled, "what did you want to ask me?"

"I like you, like a lot," Montgomery stammered before looking up, "which is why I want to take this relationship slow.. but-"

"But what?" Alice giggled waiting for him to ask his question.

"Wanna go to a party tomorrow- with me, like a date? Or as friends or just say hi or-" Monty said nervously as he rambled on.

Alice smiled and hid her blushed cheeks and opened her mouth, "Monty, of course," she said softly touching his hand, "I'll meet you there, okay?" she said and stood beside the boy holding out her hand, "walk me to the locker room, monsieur".

"Anything for you, mademoiselle," the boy said smiling cheekily and grabbed her hand, "this is okay?"

"Yes, of course"

Right after Alice went into the girls locker room, Monty skipped happily down the hallway into the boys locker room. He entered with nothing but positive energy and soon his smile faded when he saw his teammates standing there- laughing.

"Woah, why are you so happy?" Bryce Walker chuckled.

"Alice said yes!" Monty screamed and jumped up.

"You guys are dating or something?" Justin Foley asked as he pulled on his liberty high shirt.

"No, I just meant yes to the party that Bryce is throwing. You coming, Foley?" Monty asked his teammate.

"Oh, no I don't think I will," Justin replied avoiding eye contact with Bryce.

"Justy, why not? You love parties," Bryce said loudly and stood up.

"Jessica probably won't want to go-"

"You don't need jessica to come," Bryce said cutting him off quickly, "whatever it's your choice. Let's go boys," Bryce called for them to hurry toward the turf to practice.

Monty dragged behind as he changed quickly. Justin stayed behind to wait for his friend and sat on the metal bench, "you know- I would keep an eye on Alice at the party. Don't let her drink too much, especially around Bryce," Justin whispered toward Monty.

"Why are you..." Monty began and trailed off, "did something happen with Jessica?" he asked quietly sitting next to Justin.

"Um-" Justin said, but stopped. It was enough to answer Monty's question.

"I'm sorry, I thought she cheat-"

"Most people do," Justin cut off Monty quickly and continued, "and most people know what happened. Just keep her safe, alright?"

Monty nodded as they got up and began walking toward the turf for practice.

An// Justin and Clay will play an important part soon