Now & Then (A Newland High School story)

10. Two months ago

"God I hope not."

"Why not?" I squeeze Aric's hand. "You don't think you could make a long distance relationship work?"

"Fuck no." He kicks a pebble that was in the middle of the sidewalk back onto the school playground. "I'd never even try. I told you about my parents."

He had. During our late night calls, when we both are tired and vulnerable and seem able to talk about literally anything.

His dad used to travel frequently for work. At times, he'd be gone for weeks. Apparently, Aric's dad wasn't exactly focused on work during those times.

When he told me the story, it explained so much: why I always get a cold vibe from him when it comes to his dad, why he is so close to his little sister who he thinks he needs to protect, and apparently, why he would never attempt a long-distance relationship.

"I'm just glad you're not going anywhere next year." He grins at me from the side of his mouth and stops walking. We're at the gym entrance now, which means our evening stroll is over.

"I wish I could go in." He lets go of my hand. "Mr. Greenwood is such a dick. He should be over it by now."

I smile, shaking my head, as Aric slides my duffle bag off his shoulder and hands it to me. "I'll see you tomorrow?" He asks.

"I can't. The whole family's volunteering at the food pantry all afternoon."

He cups my cheek. "My perfect volunteer. Why am I not surprised?"

Standing on my toes, I give him a quick kiss. "Call me later if you're home."

I'm not sure what his plans are tonight. I pride myself in not being one of those girlfriends who has to know where her boyfriend is at all times. He usually tells me what he's doing without me asking, so I don't think he's hiding anything.

"I will. Have fun, and as always, any pics of you in your cheerleading uniform are much appreciated."

"Let's go Bulldogs!" I yell through the megaphone to the packed bleachers. The game has been a tight one, and since it's for the state championship, the fans don't need much help cheering. But still, I want to feel useful.

I set the megaphone behind me, far enough away that there's no danger of another cheerleader tripping on it, and catch a glimpse of a familiar navy blue hoodie through the gym doors and in the school hallway. A head full of dark hair confirms it. What is Aric doing here? And what if Mr. Greenwood sees him?

Bailey is next to me, and I tap her shoulder. "I'll be right back. Have to use the restroom."

She waves me off, smiling. "Take your time. No one's paying attention to us anyway."

I exit the gym and hurriedly move toward where I saw Aric. He's not there, so I venture further down the hallway. There is a group of three or four people around the corner, just barely visible from where I am.

One of them, a girl, leaves the group and begins walking my direction. I don't know what to do. Should I hide? I don't think so. There's no reason I shouldn't be here.

As the girl gets closer, I can see it's Veronica, a girl in my grade. "Hi Lilly!" She practically shouts. "Looking for Aric? He's just down there." She points behind her before moving on.

"Okay. Thanks." I try to sound as casual as possible, like I'm not surprised at all to see my boyfriend here, hiding at a basketball game that he is most definitely not supposed to be at.