Almost Always You

Chapter 13

Xander and I couldn't meet up for the rest of the week. He had football practice, and I had cheerleading practice.

Soon, it was Friday—the first game of the season.

I got my cheerleading outfit from Maddie. The game was at seven. Xander texted me, telling me to pack a bag so we could leave for his house right after the game.

I asked him where he had gotten my number because I didn't remember giving it to him. He said Peter had given it to him.

I packed just two pairs of clothes and some nightwear. I got ready for the match, wearing minimal makeup that matched my outfit. I never wanted to overdo it.

I made my way toward the field.

I was nervous and excited.

I went to the changing room and got ready with the other cheerleaders.

"Scarlett, you'll be Harry's cheerleader, and Shortie, you'll be the captain's," Maddie said.

I got confused and asked, "I thought you were the captain's cheerleader since you're the head cheerleader."

"He specifically asked for you. When I asked him why, he said, 'I'm the captain, and because I said so,'" Maddie said, rolling her eyes.

She walked up to the bench and stood on it. Everyone gathered around her.

"So, you know how it works. We'll walk onto the field with the players, and once the game starts, we'll cheer from the sidelines. During halftime, we'll perform our entire routine opposite the guest team's cheerleading squad. Alright, girls, let's go."

We made our way to the hall where the boys were waiting for us.

"About time!" Peter said. "Hey, babe, aren't you going to give me a good-luck kiss?" he asked, whispering in my ear.

I got on my tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek.

"Good luck, and score for me," I said.

He winked at me and mouthed, I will.

"Shortie, you're on the front," Maddie said.

I looked ahead and saw Xander.

Okay, so he's the captain.

I wondered why he had asked for me.

He looked at me and smirked, staring at me from head to toe.

"Why did you ask me to be your cheerleader?" I asked.

"Because you were Harry's, and I never wanted that."

"Why? He's really cute. Maybe he would've asked me out."

"Nope. And I want you screaming my name while you're jumping up and down in that pretty little uniform. Now give me a kiss before we go," he said, leaning in.

"Wait, no. Why would I kiss you in front of everyone?"

"Well, I gave Peter a good-luck kiss, so why can't you kiss me?"

"Because Peter is gay. And remember, our deal is a secret," I whispered the second part.

"Oh, come on, El! No one's watching."

"Nope. I'll give you something later if you win."

His eyes lit up when he heard that.

"You promise?" he asked.

"Yes," I said.

The coach came and told us to walk toward the field.

We formed two lines, with every player paired with a cheerleader. We entered the field, and the crowd started screaming.

The guest team was next to enter.

Soon, the match began, and we were on the sidelines cheering for our team. Both teams were equally good.

Xander tried to score a goal but was blocked by the other team's defender. Both teams tried to score, but it was really difficult.

By halftime, the scoreboard was still at zero.

We walked onto the field as the boys made their way to the sidelines.

Xander looked really frustrated because he couldn't score.

It was our turn to perform first. I was in the middle because I was going to be thrown into the air.

I was nervous.

We completed our routine perfectly in sync, and then the guest team's cheerleaders started theirs. In the end, we joined them.

As we finished, halftime was almost over.

We made our way back to the sidelines when a player from the guest team came toward me.

"Hey, you were great out there. I'm Mike," he said, extending his hand toward me.

I was about to take his hand when someone suddenly grabbed me around the waist.

"Back off, dude," Xander said.

"Sorry, man. Didn't know she was taken," Mike said, throwing his hands up in the air as he walked away.

I turned toward Xander angrily.

"What the hell, Xander?"

"What?" he asked, acting innocent as if he hadn't just scared that guy away.

"You know what? I'm not in the mood to talk to you."

I walked toward my squad.

The match resumed.

Xander was able to score within the first five minutes.

He was surrounded by all the team members. Everyone was cheering—well, everyone except me.

The match continued. Our team defended very well, so the guest team didn't get an opportunity to score.

In the final two minutes of the match, Peter scored another goal.

The crowd cheered wildly.

I was so happy. I cheered for him too.

He was tackled by his teammates in celebration.

The game came to an end, and our team won.

Everyone rushed onto the field. I stayed back because the scene in front of me looked suffocating.

Everyone was now leaving when Peter came over to me.

"I scored for you, b***h," he said with a huge smile on his face.

I smiled back at him.

"Thank you, and I cheered for you."

"I saw that, and I loved it. So, are you coming to the party?"

Of course, there would be a party, I thought.

I wasn't sure if I still wanted to go to Xander's house after what had happened a little while ago.

"I'm not sure. I just really want to relax and watch some movies. I'm not in the mood for a party."

"Alright. I'll let you go for now. But let's meet on Sunday afternoon for lunch. Just the two of us. We haven't had any time to hang out with each other."

"True. Sunday it is."

"It's a date," he said, winking before walking toward the exit.

I turned around and saw a few girls still on the field, taking pictures with Xander.

I rolled my eyes and walked toward the exit.

I went into the changing room. I showered and got dressed.

I wore a red dress that came up to my mid-thigh. I applied a little makeup and put my hair up into a messy bun.

I took my bag from my locker. It had the clothes I'd packed for my stay at Xander's.

I didn't know what I should do.

Should I go with him or stay back?

I was really confused.

I made my way outside and saw Xander leaning against the wall, freshly showered. He looked up when he heard me.

"I hope you're still coming. My mom's gone crazy since I told her I was bringing you home."

I was excited to meet Mrs. Matthews.

I just nodded.

Xander walked toward the parking lot. It was empty except for a sports bike and a Bentley.

I started praying.

Xander better not be the one with the bike because I don't like riding bikes.

My prayers were answered when he unlocked the car.

We got in, and Xander started driving.

We drove in silence for a few minutes. It was very uncomfortable.

Finally, he broke the silence.

"You didn't cheer when I scored."

"I don't think, after what you did, you deserved a cheer."

"What did I do?"

"Not this again, Xander. You destroy every chance I have of being with a guy and then act like nothing happened."

I was angry.

We didn't say anything for the rest of the ride.

A few minutes later, we stopped in front of a huge gate.

I guess we'd reached our destination.

Why does he live at the frat house if his house is this close?