Kiss List (Book I of the List Series)

Chapter 21 - Under Arrest

I had been watching my back ever since Missy gave me her warning. To my relief, however, several days came and went and no retribution materialized. I began to wonder whether Missy's plan was just to keep me living in fear. If so, she failed because not even she could dampen the infectious feeling of elation that infused the halls of Lakeville High School after our victory over Churchill. It was impossible for me to feel miserable while people congratulated me and shook my hand wherever I went in the school. One freshman girl even asked for my autograph while I was washing my hands in the bathroom. She said she was sure I would be a soccer legend one day. With that type of support and an incredibly hot boyfriend by my side, I began to feel invincible again.

The school decided to capitalize on the enthusiasm for our victory by combining the soccer state championship celebration with the winter sports and activities kickoff pep rally. The principal cancelled the last period of a Tuesday and requested that all students head to the west gym for the rally. Sophia Perez, one of Missy's lackeys whom Missy had somehow installed as the pep rally student coordinator in her never-ending bid to control the school, announced our team to a standing ovation. We charged into the gym with our state plaque and arms waving above our heads.

Coach Dumfy and I both gave speeches thanking the teachers and students for their support. Then the president of the state soccer coaches' association awarded Coach Dumfy the coach of the year award. After that our team settled down on chairs in a corner of the gym to watch the other winter sports and activities teams parade in. I tried to avoid Paul Dolan's stare as the basketball boys walked by, nodded to a couple friends in the chess club, and waved to Payton as the competitive dance team passed us. As the rally went on, I stifled a yawn and smiled to each team and their long entourages of students. I could tell that the other girls around me were bored as well but they seemed to pick up a bit as the procession neared an end. The last two teams were everyone's favorites: the swim team and the wrestling team. Over the years both teams had been known to come out in only their skimpy uniforms. It was always a highlight of the pep rallies for us girls to see ultra-fit boys parade around in swim briefs and wrestling singlets.

When the swim team walked out all the girls groaned and leaned back in their seats. Everyone on the team was wearing their red warm up jackets and pants. Darcy was so put out that she actually started booing until Lindsey silenced her after noticing an incredulous look from Coach Dumfy. Thankfully, peace was restored on the team when the wrestlers walked out. They were wearing only their sharp-looking red singlet and this year there were some unusually good-looking boys on the team. One in particular caught my eye. "Ow-owww!" I howled as David walked by. Coach Dumfy shook his head in exasperation. Oh well, what did he expect? Putting a hot boy in a skin-tight singlet that leaves little to the imagination and parading him past a group of teenage girls should be a criminal act. If we had not had as much self control someone could have gotten seriously hurt.

Once all the clubs and teams were in the gym, Sophia picked representatives from each one to compete in hilarious competitions. She rolled out all the usual challenges, like the three-legged relay, the egg and the spoon race, and the hands-free pie-eating contest. Happily, David was one of the people Sophia selected to be a contestant. I appreciated having an excuse to watch his cute red butt. Just because I had a boyfriend didn't mean I couldn't treat myself to a bit of eye candy. After all, Payton had always told me that a girl could look as long as she didn't touch.

At one point David got covered in pie during the pie-eating contest. After the competition he stood up and started wiping pie off his singlet. I saw my opportunity. I cupped my hands around my mouth and bellowed, "Take it off!"

The soccer girls instantly picked up my call. Within seconds all the girls in the audience – and probably a few of the guys – were chanting "Take it off!"