Lucas Mabry wants it all.
He wants a girl, team captain, and the popularity that comes with it.
Unfortunately, the new girl wants nothing to do with him and he turns to the only person he thinks will help.
Nikki Young.
His worst enemy.
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Lucas
"So, you think you'll be the captain of soccer next year?"
"Of course!" I smirk arrogantly. "Who else?"
Avan pats my back, laughing as if I said a joke. He repeats what I said to the table and begins chatting about whatever he deems important. I force my lips to curl into an upwards smile as I play with the corn on my plate. A surge of hunger ripples in my stomach and I decide to gulp down the most edible thing on my plate.
The chocolate milk.
Huh, it has a more plastic taste today.
My eyes wander around the cafeteria. My eyes drink in the atmosphere and the surroundings.
Things are peaceful now. The school is not focused on anything specific. The nerds are studying at their table in the back. Some cheerleaders are sitting at the popular table, the others are sitting at a nearby table with other popular people. Most jocks are at the popular table, the cheerleader's table, or somewhere outside. The middle, try-hard people are in the middle of the cafeteria, occasionally glancing at my table. The more quiet, careless people are scattered around by themselves.
And me? At the center of it all.
It's been about a month since I've become co-captain of the soccer team. About a month since I've become the most popular student in the school. And about a month since I've talked to Nikki.
I think it's safe to say I am content... on most days anyways. I arrive at school and I'm surrounded by my team. Other times, I'm also surrounded by other athletic teams. And usually, I'm surrounded by girls, cheerleaders, gymnasts, nerds, and just about anyone you can think of. They all jump around and try to talk to me. They say what I want to hear and do things without me asking.
It's flattering.
On those rare days, I search for Nikki in the crowd. Sometimes I think I spot her and other times, days go by without a sighting. When I think it's her, she's wearing a hoodie, jeans, and anything bendable in the crowd. No one seems to notice her expertly passing by the crowd. Other times, I think I see her outside the cafeteria having lunch with Wyatt and Darren. Sometimes, she's wandering the halls with Wyatt. But most of the time, she's gone.
And all the time, I feel fine. I can't describe it any other way. I think I'm okay.
"Lucas!" A shrill voice squeals.
I roll my eyes as the familiar arms wrap around my neck, crushing my backside against her body. The once peachy scent is now fruity. The once innocent face is now sinister and full of faux friendliness. And the girl I once liked, is a girl I would never like.
"What?" I throw a dry chicken tender in my mouth. "Shouldn't you be in hell instructing the angels?" I raise an eyebrow and swallow.
She plops down beside me. "I missed you!" Her eyes are twinkling in excitement. "Did you miss me?" She whispers in my ear.
