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 cheer outfit from Maddie. The game was at seven. Xander texted me saying to pack a bag so we can leave for his house right after the game. I asked him where he got my number from because I don’t remember giving it to him, and he said Peter. I packed just two pairs of clothes and some nightwear. I got ready for the match. I wore minimal makeup that matched my outfit and never wanted to overdo it. I made my way towards the field.

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

“Scarlet, you’ll be Harry’s cheerleader, and Shortie, you’ll be the captain’s,” said Maddie.

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 to the guest team’s cheerleading team. Alright girls, let’s go.”

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

“About time!” said Peter. “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 his cheek.

“Good luck and score for me,” I said. He winked at me, mouthing, "I will."

“Shortie, you’re on the front,” said Maddie. I looked ahead and saw Xander. Okay, so he’s the captain. I wonder why he asked for me. He looked at me and smirked while 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 would give you something later on if you win.’

His eyes lit up on hearing this.

“You promise?” he asked.

“Yes,” I said. The coach came and told us to walk towards the field. We formed two lines; every player was 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 the teams were equally good. Xander tried to score a goal but was blocked by the other team’s defender. Both the teams tried to score, but it was really difficult. By halftime the scoreboard was still at zero.

We walked towards the field as the boys made their way to the sidelines. Xander looked really frustrated because he couldn’t score. It was our turn first to do the routine. I was in the middle as I was going to be thrown up in the air. I was nervous. We completed our routine perfectly in sync, and the guest team’s cheerleaders started theirs. In the end we joined them. As we finished, the halftime was almost over.

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

“Hey, you were great out there. I’m Mike,” he said, extending his hand towards me. I was about to take his hand when someone suddenly grabbed me by my waist and said, “Back off, dude.” It was Xander.

“Sorry, man, didn’t know she was taken,” said Mike, throwing his hands up in the air while walking back.

I turned towards Xander angrily.

“What the hell, Xander?”

“What?” he asked, acting innocent as if he didn’t scare that guy away.

“You know what? I’m not in a mood to talk to you,” I said and walked towards 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 that 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 the team. The game came to an end, and our team won. Everyone rushed over to the field. I stayed back because the scene in front of me looked suffocating.

Everyone was now leaving. 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 and said,

“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 happened a little while ago.

“I’m not sure. I just really want to relax and watch some movies. Not in a 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 didn’t get any time to hang out with each other,” he said.

“True. Sunday it is.”

“It’s a date,” he said, winking, and walked towards the exit.

I turned around and saw a few girls still in the field clicking pictures with Xander. I rolled my eyes and walked towards 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, which had the clothes for my stay at Xander’s. I don’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 are 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 towards 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 into it, 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 deserve a cheer.”

“What did I do?”

“Not this again, Xander. You destroy my every chance 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 big gate. I guess we reached our destination. Why does he live at the frat house if his house is this close?