Wanting You (Book 1)

Game Day

Astrid's POV

I couldn't believe my ears for a moment but after the words finally registered, I pleaded with my mother until tears welled up in my eyes, but yet, that wasn't enough to change her mind or earn some empathy.

Defeated, drained, emotional turmoil, I headed upstairs to my bedroom, took a warm and long shower, got into my PJs and climbed into bed. I had lost all appetite for dinner and mom didn't call me down as she usually did.

~

It was Thursday. The last Thursday in January, and in all my freshman to senior life at PHS, I've never seen such excitement for a football championship game. No classes were being held. Students were mostly likely readying their banners and posters and confetti guns and glitters.

"Total chaos," I said when Keri walked towards me from through the thick crowds.

"What, no. Live a lot, Astrid. This is fun," she responded.

"Fun?" I questioned like I've never heard the word before. At that second, Keri pulled me into the changing room where we got into our uniforms and headed out on the field.

The footballers were out in their numbers and they mingled with the other cheerleaders, some of them even scored kisses from their admirers on the team.

I watched as Trent pulled Annalise against him for an embrace. His arms circled her hourglass waist and as if the world had pause around them and time slowed down. His face went to the crook of her neck and he planted a sensational kiss there which made her squirmed in his arms. They looked at each other, eyes locked in, then their lips met. Trent's hands traveled down her bum and cupped them in a hold. Annalise giggled and Trent smirk as they pulled away from each other.

~

"Ambrose! That's enough of that! I need you at the offense!" the football coach, Coach Smith called.

"Yes, Coach," Trent complied. He jogged away and Annalise turned her attention to us.

"Are you ready for tomorrow?" she questioned.

"We are ready," we answered in unison.

"No. I don't think so. I asked ARE YOU READY FOR TOMORROW!!?"

"WE ARE READY!!!" we matched her energy.

The music started and we broke out into our dance routine, each stunts nailed and each poses looked like polish.

Annalise wore a smile like a proud parent.

"Well done. We're not going to overwork ourselves today. I want you all to relax after this, indulged yourselves into the school spirit, but don't you dare do anything silly or outrageous which may harm yourself and or others. I need each and every single one of you to be in perfect shape tomorrow. Am I understood?" Annalise preached.

"Understood," we answered.

"You're dismissed," she announced again and we dispersed to our own business.

~

I went in search of Mr. London and found him in the library.

"Mr. London," I announced myself.

He looked in my direction whilst holding a book he was ready.

"Ah. The student who didn't keep her word. What can I do for you today, Miss. Beltown?" he asked.

"I was hoping you'll accept this," I said and handed him my assignment.

"I cannot. You've missed the deadline and you broke you own words. Your grade will remain as is."

"I'm asking you to reconsider. Please?"

"This is unlike you, Astrid. What's really going on?"

"I've been juggling my studies, my time, my practices and my job."

"Your job?"

"Yes. Mom lost hers and I'm trying to assist with at least a payment on a bill."

"Oh my Goodness."

"Sir, this is the last time such would happen from me. It has never happened before."

"Okay. I'll go back on my word only this once. And don't mention this to anyone else, not even to Keri. The last thing I need is someone thinking I favor you over them."

"Thank you, Mr. London." I handed him my assignment which he accepted indeed and then I left the library wearing a smile and feeling less worried.

Cheerleaders.

~

Finally! The day of anticipation was here. I woke before my alarm clock, did a few stretches and hopped into the shower. I then stepped into a pair of loose fitted jeans and a t-shirt with sleeves to the wrists before leaving my bedroom.

In the kitchen, I met mom. She was professionally dressed and sipping on a cup of coffee with her back pressed against the counter.

"Mr. London accepted my assignment," I informed her.

She acknowledged me with a nod then looked at her watch.

"I do have an interview this morning at a lawyer's firm across town. I've applied for the vacant secretary position," she told me.

"That's great. Best of luck with the interview."

"Thank you. Would you like me to drop you off this morning?"

"Sure."

After breakfast, we left together and got into the car. Upon arrival at the school, students were already out and rowdy. Chants and cheers polluted the air.

"What is going on?" Mom asked.

"The game is today," I answered.

"Okay. But you're to come home right after!" she warned.

"Of course. You don't need to worry about me staying out late."

"I didn't have to worry about you being a cheerleader but you're one today. I guess the gymnastics your father got you started on did come in handy after all."

"Mom, let's not mention him. Not after what he did to us."

"Sure. Sorry, sweetie. Have a nice day and event today. Love you."

"Love you too." I existed the car and Keri immediately ran up to me wearing her usual bright smile and in her uniform.

"Why aren't you wearing your uniform?"

"The game isn't until this afternoon. I don't want anything happening to it," I answered but Keri encouraged me to change as soon as we got into the changing rooms.

~

The momentum built at midday.

I was reluctant.. or more so shy..on joining in on the chants and cheers around the school. Classes were out and we were out in our numbers. Eventually, I had to fall into the school spirit as everyone else.

Keri had styled my hair in a high curly ponytail so that it was out of my face. She applied light makeup on me and gave me a lesson as she went along. Lastly, I secured my glasses in my locker and used the contacts Keri gave me as a New Year's gift.

I inhaled and exhaled slowly, steeling my nerves before walking onto the field with the squad.

Warm-ups and a water quench later, the other team and their cheerleaders arrived.

"Paris," I heard Stormi mentioned to Annalise who quickly looked at the approaching opponents.

'Oh. That's the other girl Trent was seeing in the ice-cream parlor,' I mentally spoke and paid a keen look as to Annalise's next move.

We rallied at our head cheerleader's side.

"Annalise. We see again," Paris spoke to her.

"And hopefully it's the last time," Annalise responded.

"Here, probably. Trent's, definitely not."

"You've always wanted everything I've had so there's no surprise to you saying that."

"And I've gotten it and more. Just ensure you bring your A game."

"b***h, it's always an A with this squad and you know that. Count the wins. How many do you have?"

Paris frowned without another word and stepped back. She escorted her squad to the other side of the field where they belonged.

~

After another thirty minutes, the game started and our team was already off to a dominating start. At the first touchdown, we cheered and when the opponents match a touchdown, the other cheerleaders cheered from the other side.

It was going to be a close game. The opponents looked like they were out for blood, literally.

Annalise and everyone else gasped when Trent received a nasty tackle and dropped down to the middle of the field, motionless.