Love Without Arms

Chapter 3: Being Picked Up Against My Will (Liz)

Elizabeth Peters

       The bell finally rung, signaling the conclusion of the school day. I was ecstatic to get out of the stuffy hallways and go turn flips in cheer practice. I gathered my books and walked out the door trying not to let my small frame get trampled. By the time I reached my locker and grabbed the things I needed for homework I could feel about 6 bruises forming where I was slammed into the doorframe of my 8th period class.

        I knew my way to the gymnasium so I flew through hallways and common areas to get there. Itching to put on my cheer uniform for the first time in 3 months. As I reached the main level I heard my name being called for the second time today.

        "Hey! Wait up Princess!"

        I rolled my eyes at the nickname and kept walking. Suddenly I was swept off my feet, literally, and flying down the hallway in the arms of the quarterback. I hit his back repeatedly trying to get him to set me down but he wouldn't release his grip of steel around my waist.

        "Jake! Set me down! I have to get to practice! You know coach won't be happy if I'm late. Especially if I was screwing around." I was trying to be mad. I really was. But that was really hard to do when my body was on fire with his touch and I couldn't even remember why I was mad at him. Much less take the smile off of my face.

        "Ooh. Screwing around are we?" He says in his best sophisticated voice. I blush hard and then correct him as his grip loosens a bit and I slide out landing hard on the floor. I mumbled a goodbye and kept going down the hall but I didn't get far before his hand caught my wrist.

        "Okay, I'm sorry Elle, I wasn't trying to upset you. Will you let me walk you to practice?" I could see the sincerity in his eyes when he said that and my heart melted a bit. I remembered why I had liked him in the first place.

        "Fine but you have to take me home afterward, K? Dad grounded me from the mini coup."

        He agreed a little too fast but of course I didn't see that. All I could see was him right now. The sweet boyfriend that would never cheat on me. Except he did. I was shaken out of my trance then.

        "Um actually Jake I'll just ask Geo to take me. I wouldn't want to impose and I'm sure that you have football today right? You better go. I mean I know how strict Mr. Reed is with start times." I said a litlle crestfallen. How could I forget what he did to me? I can't just let him back into my life. He hurt me too much. No. Jake Hudson is bad for me. I'll only get hurt again. I never want to edure that living hell again. And with those words I practically sprinted to the gym.

        I was breathless when I reached the girls locker room. I quickly changed into the purple and blue cheer shirt and top. Then I went to go warm up. I started my normal stretches and just when I was practicing splits, the whole football team walks in. All of the cheerleaders, including Coach Masters stood there, mouths agape as the boys took over the first practice of the season.

        "Uhm, excuse me Coach Reed but this is our time. We have a new routine we need to learn for your team's first game." Coach Masters is pretty laid back but if you annoy her she'll sink her fangs into you.

        "I realize that, Coach Masters," Coach Reed replied cooly, "Actually that's why we're here. Jake had a great idea to have the players do the halftime show with the girls. What do you think about that? I'm sure there could be more amazing lifts with all of my boys helping."

        If it was even possible, my mouth fell open even farther. I couldn't help but think about how I was sure that he did this to get closer to me. I looked over at my best friend Ashley who gave me a knowing look back. It looked a little sympathetic. I tried not to look over at Jake but my heart gave way to my mind and and I saw the smirk that played across his lips.

        Coach Masters actually loved the idea and thought it was "marvelous".  She even personally congratulated Jake. I was scoffing and rolling my eyes the whole time. We split into partners for the rest of practice and guess who I got stuck with? That's right. Jake freaking Hudson. And Coach said that these would be our partners until and during the game. The look I gave him when I heard this was cold enough to freeze molten lava instantaneously. He looked scared. In fact, he almost dropped me from the fly position I was in. Yet another reason to hate his guts. That could've killed me. I yelled at him and he looked really sheepish as he apologized over and over. That was when I realized something. He still liked me. Now I knew exactly what I had to do. I was going to win over Jake and then crush his heart like he crushed me. Maybe then he'd realize the extent of his wrongdoing. 

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Authors Note: 

Hey guys! I'm SO sorry about not updating for a month. I've been super busy with band stuff. I play flute if you didn't know and I've had 4 band events in the last weekend with LOTS of required practice the weeks before. It was intense. Anyway, we apologize and I can't wait for you to read the next chapter (Camden is gonna write it)! Please comment and give me feedback. Also shoutouts would be amazing! Thanks!!

Much Love,

-KR 

P.S. To the right is a picture of Elizabeth Peters