Solo (20 page)

"You better get going. You only have two minutes."

"I'll never make it."

"Do you have to pee?"

I did a double take. I couldn't believe he'd said that. "No, I want to freshen up before everyone hits the halls. I don't need to give them something else to talk about."

"Use the mirror in my truck."

"That's a good idea." I climbed into the truck. My reflection horrified me. I had raccoon eyes from my mascara and a frizzy bird's nest on top of my head. "You could have told me I looked like the Bride of Frankenstein."

"I thought you were trying to sport a new look."

"Funny." I brushed my hair and pulled it into a ponytail. Then I did a little touch up on my makeup, removing the raccoon eyes and sweat beads from my forehead. "That should do." I climbed out of the truck.

"That was fast."

"I'm not high maintenance."

"We should find Casey, she was worried about you." He grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the building. "There's Jack."

"Casey is probably with him." Sure enough, Casey was beside him, but it was hard to see her because she was so short. "Hey Casey."

"Eliana, where did you go? I couldn't find you after class."

"I went to the track to run out my frustration. I didn't mean to worry you."

"That's okay, as long as you're all right."

We were interrupted by the annoying sound of Sasha's voice. Some of the girls on the cheer squad circled her listening to her crack more jokes about me. I turned to walk in her direction.

Casey grabbed my arm. "Eliana, she isn't worth it."

"Listen to Casey," Lucas added.

"No, I'm tired of this. I'm going to shut her up—my way. I'll be right back."

Lucas pulled me back. "Don't do anything crazy."

"Don't worry; I'm not going to touch her." I walked toward Sasha and she resorted to whispering. I shook my head and went to the bulletin board. On the talent show sign-up sheet, in big, bold writing, I printed my name and the word "DANCING" next to it. She laughed hysterically as I walked back to Casey, Lucas, and Jack. I didn't respond to her loud comment about giving me another "beat down" on the dance floor.

"What are you doing, Eliana?" Casey asked.

"Don't worry. You'll see."

 Suddenly, Casey said, "I'm tired of Sasha laughing at other people's expense. I'm going to do something I should have done before now." She walked up to Sasha.

"What do you want, traitor?" Sasha rolled her eyes.

"I'm tired of being quiet. You have changed so much. You think you're some kind of Queen Bee, but you're just a local girl trying to act like you're better than everyone else. You're forgetting we all grew up together. You're no better than any of us. I can't stand the person you've become. You think you're some kind of socialite.
Newsflash,
you live in Myrtle Creek, this isn't New York or Los Angeles."

Sasha's jaw dropped. "You're just under the influence of Eliana."

"You don't get it. You're just a mean person and have been for years. Do you really think Evan is going to take you out of this place? Beauty fades, and then what will you have? NOTHING! At least Eliana has integrity. She knows you took her clothes and she hears all your rude comments, but she rises above it. Eliana won't sink to your level." Casey stood on a bench so everyone could hear her pint size pipes. "Listen up. I know you've all heard an interesting story about the weekend at my house. Here's the truth coming from someone who had a front row seat. Sasha claims Eliana made a move on Evan. The fact is Sasha is humiliated because Evan,
once again,
tried to cheat on her. It's pathetic that she defends him after he's repeatedly cheated with more than one of you girls in this hallway." Casey stared directly at a few faces. "He tried to kiss Eliana without her permission. The so-called 'beat down' was one push from Sasha." Casey turned and looked at Sasha, "So in the end, you're the
pathetic
one."

The common area went completely silent. Casey stepped down from the bench and walked back to Jack, Lucas, and me. Lucas gave her a hug and whispered, "Thanks." I couldn't believe that someone had defended me like that. I was indebted to Casey.

Lucas grabbed my hand. "So now that you've already ran, what are you going to do while I'm at practice?"

"I'm not sure." I looked at Casey. "Are you staying for practice?"

"I can't stay today, but I'll be here for tomorrow's game."

"I guess I'll listen to my iPod and brainstorm for the talent show."

Jack looked at Casey. "Lucas and I have to get going."

Casey said goodbye to Jack and I walked her to her car. "I still can't believe you're doing the talent show. You're
really
brave. You only have three weeks to prepare. Sasha and the girls have been working on their routine for months."

"I guess I'll just have to work extra hard."

"Well, if you need any help or ideas, I'm here."

"Casey, I think I'll be all right, but I'll keep that in mind."

I waved as she drove away, then I walked to Lucas' truck to grab my hoodie off the front seat before heading to the baseball field. I wanted to cover up. Thanks to Lucas, I knew I had a little fan club. Unfortunately, his truck was locked.

Great.
Suddenly, the door unlocked. "What the..." I turned to see Lucas at the entrance to the baseball field with his keys pointed toward his truck. I waved and then opened the door to grab my hoodie and sunglasses.

When I reached the bleachers, Lucas was on the field stretching with the rest of the team. There were a few girls near the top, so I decided to sit toward the bottom. Thankfully, I had my iPod; I didn't feel like listening to anymore awful comments. I put my sunglasses on, and even though I got lost in my music, I kept my eyes fixed on Lucas. I watched his every move and the way his muscles flexed when he threw the ball. He was perfect in every way. To top it off, he looked really great in a baseball cap. I couldn't believe he'd chosen me. That slice of perfection was my boyfriend.

I started to think about the talent show. I needed to choose a song that would speak to me, but still get my message across. A few ideas for my dance came to mind, but I wanted to throw some curve balls, so to speak.

I leaned back and closed my eyes. I let the music flow through my head, trying to narrow my song choices. I actually dozed for a few minutes because the next thing I knew, Lucas was taking out my ear buds.

"Eliana, are you ready to go?"

"Yeah, sorry—I'm ready."

We walked to his truck.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"Yeah, I think the early morning finally caught up with me."

On the drive to his house, I asked what had happened at lunch with Jack. Lucas explained the code of conduct that all the baseball players had to sign when they made the team. If Jack had hit Evan, he would have been kicked off the team. Lucas had reminded him that he'd lose his chance for a scholarship, and also that the team needed him. But the fact that Casey was upset had made him really stop and think. The reason Evan had stormed off was because the guys had threatened to vote to remove him if he didn't keep his distance."

Lucas looked at me and smiled. "You know, you're a breath of fresh air."

"Where did that come from?"

"It's just that you're so easy to talk to. I've never known anyone I could talk to without worrying about being judged." He reached for my hand.

I smiled, looking at our entwined fingers.

Before I knew it, we were at the stables. Time went by too fast when I was with Lucas. Being with him made everything else seem trivial; I didn't stress over things so much.

"Eliana are you dozing off again?" he asked.

"No, I'm just deep in thought."

"Do you think you can find your way back to the main road from here?"

"Oh, sure, it's still daylight."

"I can lead you back to the road."

"Nope, I can handle it. There's no sense wasting your gas."

"Okay, just don't get your tiny car trapped in one of the potholes."

"You're so full of jokes," I said, walking to my car. Before I could unlock the door, Lucas stepped between me and my car and wrapped his arms around my waist, slowly pulling me toward him.

"If you want, I can pick you up for school tomorrow," he kissed my forehead.

"I think you're forgetting you have a game tomorrow afternoon."

"I didn't forget."

"I can't be stuck at school all afternoon. I have things to do." I looked up at him and he had the cutest puppy dog face, complete with the pouty bottom lip. "Don't look at me like that. It's not going to work." I stood my ground.

He leaned down and started kissing my neck.

"Now that might work."

Slowly, his mouth moved to my chin, and then to my lips. He had a way with his hands and lips that gave me goose bumps. I was so distracted I forgot what we were talking about. He pulled away. "It's okay if you don't want a ride in the morning. But if you change your mind, call me later."

"I'll let you know." I fumbled with my keys.

Lucas took the keys from my hand and unlocked my door. "I'll follow you out so I can make sure you don't get this Matchbox car stuck."

"You're just jealous because I have a cuter car."

He laughed and walked back to his truck. I made it down the dirt drive without incident. There really weren't any potholes. He honked when I turned toward the main road. I waved goodbye. It was much easier finding my way off his property in the daylight.

Mom had dinner almost ready when I got to my grandparents'. While I made the salad, I listened to Mom apologize a hundred times for the morning peep show, and I told her a hundred times it was okay.

Of course, Mom had to ask about my day during dinner. I told her it was just like any other. I didn't want to bring up the drama with Sasha around my grandparents. Instead, I said, "I signed up for the talent show." As soon as my words registered, Mom's jaw hit the floor.

"What are you planning on doing in the talent show?" asked my grandmother.

"That's a given—I'm gonna dance." I was confused. My grandmother had to know I danced. I knew Mom had invited her to my recitals for years.

"When is the talent show?" Mom asked.

"In about three weeks."

"You're going to make up a dance in three weeks?" my grandmother interrupted.

"Um, yeah. It's not like its rocket science."

"Eliana's a phenomenal dancer," Mom declared.

"That sounds like fun," Gramps chimed in.

"I hope you can all make it," I said, looking at Gramps.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world, Munchkin."

I could tell Mom had more questions, but she didn't say anything. I knew she'd be grilling me later. After dinner I cleaned the kitchen and watched the evening news with Gramps.

Later, I went to my mom's room. I figured I'd give her the lowdown on what had happened with Sasha, and then explain that the talent show was my way of getting back at her. Hopefully, it would shut her up. Mom said she was proud I'd found an outlet other than fighting. She did mention, however, that I should be dancing for me—not to get back at someone.

 "Do you have any plans for me tomorrow afternoon?" I changed the subject.

 "No, there isn't anything going on."

"Well, Lucas wants me to go to his baseball game, and Casey will be there. Is it okay if I go?"

"Go and have a good time. If you're not home for dinner, I'll put it in the fridge."

"Thanks, Mom. Since I'm going to the game, I think Lucas is picking me up for school in the morning."

"All right," she smiled.

I gave her a kiss goodnight and went to my room. After climbing into bed, I called Lucas. I was hoping he'd still be up, or at least near his phone. It went to voicemail. I didn't bother leaving a message. I set my phone on my nightstand so I could try again later.

I was startled by the sound of my phone ringing. When had I closed my eyes?

"Hello?" I yawned.

"Eliana, were you asleep?"

"No, I'm awake." I sat up, trying to orient myself.

"It's Lucas; I missed your call earlier."

"Yeah, I tried to call you a few minutes ago."

Lucas laughed.

"What's so funny?"

"Hun, you called my phone three hours ago. Are you sure I didn't wake you?"

I looked at my clock. It was almost midnight. "What are you doing up at midnight on a school night?"

He was cracking up at this point. "You sound like my mom. Just so you know, I was finishing my report for English. Baseball takes a toll on homework time. I didn't see the missed call until I got into bed."

"You should try to get your homework done during study hall."