Date: Fri, 29 Oct 2021 01:41:12 +0000
From: Justin Luong <yellowcard_911@hotmail.com>
Subject: Remember Me Chapter 30

Chapter 30: Fear the Reaper

	My whole body ached. I didn't think I'd feel like this till I was
older like twenty-five or something. Why am I even here? I'm supposed to
only be here for moral support. Why do I always get roped into these
things?

"Good! Now the other side," Mrs. Parrish instructed.

	Tryouts haven't even started. We're still in gym class but Coach is
sick so we have a free period. Usually that means the class just dicks
around until the end of the period but we have Mrs. Parrish, the girls gym
teacher supervising both classes today. She split the class between the
ones who wanted to play indoor basketball and the other to practice yoga,
which is basically just stretching. Obviously the guys picked basketball
over yoga except for me and Carver. So while our class and a few of the
girls went off to play basketball on the other side of the gym, we were
over here stretching on these semi-soft half inch foam mats.

	So let me reiterate, instead of playing some sport that I
definitely have no eye coordination for, so thank the universe I'm not in
that hell hole, but we're instead stretching because Carver said he needs
to stretch before running. I don't know which one's worse but I sure as
hell know that I don't like this. Carver always talks about how he usually
stretches before he goes out for runs and then he brought up that I should
start stretching too so I don't get hurt while we do sexy things together.
I don't know why I need to start now. I sure as hell didn't do them before
and I'd like to think I'm doing pretty well for someone with little to no
experience. Sure maybe I injured myself maybe once out of all the other
times we've done it but I'll take my chances. Besides if it's anything like
what we're doing now, I'd much rather chance a sex injury. At least I'll
get pity service from the hottest guy in school, well the whole universe.

"Isn't this great?" Carver asked with his hands and feet pressed flat
against his mat, his perky butt pointing straight in the air, and his head
dangling as he focused on his pose. Mrs. Parrish calls it the downward dog
but I don't think it looks anything like a dog. Maybe a triangle, the most
uncomfortable triangle.

"Yup, so glad," I said sarcastically panting just trying to stay in the
same position as him and the rest of the class, only to falter a couple
seconds into the pose. "Am I the only one in pain? Is this supposed to
hurt?"

	Exhaling out my frustration, I could hear the guys snickering on
the other side of the court. When I looked up, I saw a cluster of them
pointing and laughing at us, maybe it was just me honestly. I seem to
always be the butt of a joke. Even with Brock transferring out, the
majority of the guys in class still have a similar mindset.

"Ignore them, they don't deserve your attention," Carver said.

"Kinda hard when they're all pointing and laughing at me."

"Just focus on me, focus on my voice. Let my voice cleanse your mind of any
negativity. You can do this."

"Okay, if you say so," I sighed. First I got on all fours and then slowly
slid my feet forward until they were pressed flat against the mat. Then I
pushed my hip up, straightening my legs and letting my head hang low. I
exhaled slowly and shaky as I tried to keep the pose, but I can already
feel my body buckling after a few seconds. "I-I don't think I can hold
it. It hurts. Why does everything allegedly good for you have to hurt?"

"Try bending your knees slightly and lift your heels off of the mat, shift
your weight to the balls of your feet. That might be easier if this is your
first time," he suggested.

"You talk like you've done this before," I said as I did as he instructed.
Well what do you know? It worked. "Wait have you done this before? You're
not like some secret yoga master, are you?"

"I think the word you're looking for is yogi but uh yeah, I used to do this
all the time with my mom. She would do a couple of poses right before work
and I would often times watch her and then one day she asked me out of the
blue if I would like to join. It was a lot of fun. I kind of forgot just
how much I missed doing this," he said smiling as he reminisced on a past
memory.

"If you like it so much, why'd you stop?"

"I-I wasn't allowed to do a lot of girly things growing up with my dad.
When he was around, I had to be a man. That meant doing things with my
hands and a lot of time that meant fixing the things that he broke in his
fits of rage. Standing around doing yoga, not the manliest thing out there
according to him."

"Yoga isn't girly. A lot of guys do yoga," I said. Even with Carver's
suggestion earlier, I was still struggling to stay in this ridiculous
position. "And by a lot of guys, I mean not me. Clearly not me."

"It's your first time. You'll get it. I'll make sure of it."

"Wait, you don't mean to tell me that you want us to do this more often do
you?"

"That's exactly what I'm saying. What, did you think I'd let you out this
easy? Have we met?"

"But Carver," I whined.

"No buts, I need you for moral support."

"Yeah moral support meaning I stay on the sidelines while you do all the
work and show off your talents."

"Not to me. Look we always do stuff you like. Maybe instead of immediately
passing this off, why don't you just try to enjoy it? I don't mean to come
off like a jerk and putting you on the spot like this but I would love it
if you would just try to do stuff I like too. I always do stuff you like
without complaining. Why can't you do the same for me?"

	He's got a point. Hell he even got himself into gaming and that's
something I never thought he'd be up for.

"Fine, I'll do yoga and maybe even start going on runs with you, if that'll
make you happy, but that's it. Be warned though, I'm gonna complain the
whole time."

"That's okay. Even when you complain, I'm happy. Th-That came out wrong.
What I meant is that no matter what's going on, I'm happiest when I'm with
you. So even if you're miserable and hate me for pushing you to exercise
with me, I'm happy cause it's you. You make me happy."

"Well I can't hate you now after you said that. I'll just call this yoga
running thing a free trial period. Even though I'm pretty sure I'm
subscribed for life now."

"Don't act like you don't love it. If you keep doing stuff like this with
me, you can learn how to do the splits eventually."

"The splits?! Are you crazy? I'm just trying to stay alive."

"And you will. The splits are like an added bonus."

"To whom?"

"To me," he winked flashing that infectious smile of his.

"Perv."

	For the rest of class, Mrs. Parrish switched up the positions every
couple of minutes or so, each one with a new set of challenges for my weak
body. I have a feeling I'm going to be a lot more sore by the time track
tryouts happen. Thankfully he's the only one trying out because I'm pretty
sure I will not be able to run after this. It wasn't too bad, I had Carver
and his motivational chatter throughout this hellish limbo. Made the whole
thing less miserable and all together kinda enjoyable...to an extent. I
don't think I'll ever enjoy exercise no matter what benefits my body and
mind will reap.

"Alright ladies, that's it for today! Carver, Fang, it was nice of you to
join us today. If you boys are up for it, we'd love for you two to join us
again. I think you made the girls feel a lot better about themselves Fang,
isn't that right ladies?" Mrs. Parrish clamored the girl's class. They all
giggled in unison much to my displeasure. "I'm kidding Fang. You were great
too!"

"Oh ha ha, I'm sure I'll be back to torture myself while giving you guys a
motivational demonstration of what not to do," I said sarcastically.

"We'll be waiting," she answered back as the class walked back to the
girls' locker room.

"Always the butt of a joke," I sighed, my head hung low.

"Hey come on now, don't say that about my boyfriend. You're much more than
just a butt. You're the butt to my heart," he joked.

"I don't even know what that means but sure I'm the butt to your heart.
Weirdo," I said grabbing our bags off of the bleachers.

"Hey can I have drink of water?"

"Yeah sure," I said pulling our giant sixty-four ounce water jug out of my
bag. "Here you go. I made sure to fill it up at the good fountain by our
lockers."

"Aw babe, you didn't have to go that far. It's just water," he said
flipping the plastic straw lid up, sipping on the straw.

"Just water? You do know the other fountains are disgusting right? The one
in the art hall is always muddied up with the colors of the rainbow, the
one here in the gym is always clogged with paper towels, and you don't want
to know what they do to the one in the science hall," I said shuddering.

"Well thanks, I appreciate it. Thanks for looking out for me," he said then
went back to slurping down more water.

"Easy there camel. How much water do you need?"

"I have to stay hydrated!"

"Yeah I get that but I've refilled this monster like three times now. I
think you're good. You've had to pee like twenty times too."

	His face scrunched up as he stared at me while still continuing to
drink water. I think he was trying to spite me. After a few more sips, he
pulled the jug away and handed it to me. It was so light.

"Okay so refill number four, coming up!"

	His only response was to glare and stick his tongue out.

"Well we have some time before tryouts. What do you want to do in the
meantime?" he asked slinging his bag against his back.

"Maybe you should pee? Ya know, before I have to refill this beast again."

"Ha ha ha, I'm being serious."

"Uh I don't know. How much time do we have exactly?" I asked grunting as
laid my bag strap against my shoulder. God this is heavy. It was fine with
just my textbooks but now with both of our school clothes in here and that
incredibly large jug, it's ridiculously heavy.

"You okay? Want me to hold that for you?" he offered.

"No, no, I got it. Just need to...readjust," I huffed adjusting the strap
till it was sorta bearable. "See! All good. Now what were you saying?"

"An hour."

"Huh?"

"An hour. We have an hour till tryouts," he answered. "You sure you don't
want me to carry that?"

"An hour?! What the hell? What are we gonna do for an hour?"

"Oh I don't know, maybe we could revisit rainbow road," he suggested
fishing his Switch out of his bag. "So how about it? You ready to get your
butt whooped again?"

"I can't believe I'm turning my boyfriend into a gamer," I said deadpan.
"Not that I'm complaining though. And I seem to remember that I was the one
who could stay on the road while someone else kept flying off the edges of
the road."

"Only because you wouldn't tell me how to drift! But I've practice and I
think I got it now."

"I did too tell you how to drift. You just didn't listen."

	Carver and I raced back to the bleachers just so we could start
round three of our little gaming competition. Since school was out already,
it's not like us getting caught with such a thing would get us into
trouble. Besides the basketball team already had started hitting the court,
dribbling around the court, their shoes skidding across the glossy wooden
slats. No one's even gonna notice us gaming on the sidelines. As soon as
Carver switched the console on, we heard a loud familiar voice from across
the gym.

"Fang! Carv!" she yelled.

	Without having to look up, we knew exactly who it was. Our other
mouse to our three blind mice or our amigo to our three amigos, as Carver
likes to say. I don't know, I thought three blind mice fit better with our
dynamic.

"I should have known I'd find you two here. I went all the way to your
mom's office thinking you guys were hanging out with her after class," she
said out of breath. She was dressed in a pretty conservative school
uniform. A plain white blouse paired with a navy blue blazer cinched at the
waist and a baby blue plaid, knee-length skirt with opaque black knee-high
stockings paired with those light brown sheepskin fur boots. Her hair was
braided tightly in neat, even rows and tied in a pastel blue bow in a high
pony tail with the ends that just barely laid against her lower backside.

"Someone's dressed fancy today," Carver commented.

"We all literally have first period together Carv and lunch! How did you
not notice this earlier?" she asked. "We literally talked about it in first
period!"

"Yeah, don't you remember? I brought up how she must be in trouble cause
she only ever wears this when she's in trouble."

"Uh," he paused looking up to think about the past six or so hours.

"Babe, you know you don't have to actually think about it. I think we all
know the answer, right Lulu?"

"Obvi, the only person he has room up there is you."

"Hehe, sorry, the only person I'm focused on now. Only one who keeps me
going and sane," he said leaning up against me. "How are you and Kiko?
Still ignoring her or as I like to call it, leave her yearning for more
than just breadcrumbs?"

"Excuse me? Carv, I am not ignoring my girlfri—I mean Kiko."

"Could have fooled me. You can't even call her your girlfriend. And it's
not like we ever see her."

"I'm just really busy with the science fair and work. She understands."

"Does she though?" I asked. "We all go to the same school. You two can make
time to see each other here if you guys can't outside of class."

"Okay, I really don't appreciate this interrogation guys. If you have to
know, she's busy too cramming for entrance exams, but since you guys
suddenly care so much about my love life all of a sudden, I'll text her
right now," she caved irritated. She whipped out her phone and her eyes
widened. "Whoa! When did I miss all these texts?"

	She looked up and caught us looking down at her. My brows were
raised in a suggestive manner, Carver just stared her down.

"You know what, I'll text her later," she said placing her phone face down
next to the console. "Now for the matter at hand. I brought the drone
today. I thought we could run a field test today."

"Field test what? You guys haven't even started tinkering with it. Carver's
grandparents just bought it a few days ago. Do you even know how to use
that thing?"

"No, but it shouldn't be too hard, right?" she said confidently. "And if
it's not, I'm sure Carv here can modify it or whatever, right?"

"I'll do my best!" he grinned.

"Now that's what I like to hear!" she yelled happily patting him on the
back.

"Oh jeez. You two are rather confident. I'll do what I do best, watch from
the sidelines. Ya know, safe and sound from any and all incoming danger
that comes with science."

"Uh uh, you're a part of this team too Fang. If all else fails, I need you
to run up and retrieve the drone just in case we crash it into the ground."

"Ugh, I have to run too? I might as well tryout for Track too while I'm at
it."

"I wouldn't mind," he said giving me a look. "We could race."

"Ugh!" I sighed loudly. "I hate it here."

"You love us. Quit lying," Lulu said pulling me in for a hug. "You too
Carv! Come here, big guy!"

"Let...me...go," I whispered only because the life was being squeezed out
of me. I forgot just how strong Lulu is. Why does everyone I know hug so
tightly?

"One more squeeze," Lulu squealed squeezing even tighter.

"I...can't...breathe," I admitted. Our faces were pressed up against each
other. I swear our faces were about to merge together if we stayed like
this any longer. With one restricted inhale I slithered out of her death
grip. "Jeez, this is why we don't hug all the time."

"You act like you were going to die, Fang. You were fine."

"I was this close to passing out," I said showing her the milometer gap
between my thumb and pointer finger.

"Drama queen," she joked sticking her tongue out.

"My drama queen," Carver sweetly added wrapping his arms around me, our
cheeks pressed firmly against each other.

"Okay, this I don't mind."

"Ugh, you two are grossly cute," Lulu said side eyeing us.

"You know, you could be grossly cute with you know who too," Carver added
all smiles.

"Mm I'll think about it," she shrugged. She dropped her book bag onto the
bleachers and pulled out the drone, still in its box. "So are we going to
take this baby out for a test drive?"

"You had that in your bag this whole time?" I asked.

"No, it was in my locker. I got it after class...when no one was looking.
Don't want any prying eyes, if you know what I mean."

"Won't Principal Weathers' have a problem with us flying a drone on school
property?" I asked even though we were just moments away from gaming on
school property. No one cares about double standards between friends right?

"Not if we do it in a secluded spot out back. And if for whatever reason he
tries to say anything about it, I'll just say it's for Robotics club."

"But we don't have a Robotics club."

"He doesn't know that. I doubt he keeps track on what clubs his school
offers. Only cares about sports and the money trail from the PTA and
bleeding the cash cows dry. No one's going to care about our little
project."

"If you say so," I said.

	I believe her, trust me I do, but the angel on my shoulder is
telling me otherwise. If we get caught, I don't know how we're gonna get
out of it. But Lulu's the expert of getting out of trouble, for the most
part. She hasn't exactly mastered the art of eluding her grandmother.
Probably because Grams is actually privy to Lulu's mischievousness. She's
had a lot of practice too with Dante. That woman's got a lot of patience,
at least with me she does. It wears pretty thin with Lulu and even thinner
with Dante. I don't know how she does it. I usually cave with either of
them.

	The three of us walked out back towards and on our way there,
literally just opened the back door leading out and we ran into my mom who
was a little worse for wear. She was beyond frazzled.  Apparently she was
on her way to come find us. Lulu may have instilled a small ball of fear
into her when she was looking for us.

"Oh my God! There you guys are! Lulu, thank God you found them!" My mom
said exasperated, hugging me tightly.

"Sorry Miss Winters," Lulu grimaced. "I made you worry for no reason. They
were in the gym the whole time."

"You did what?" I asked shocked as I could feel the air being squeezed out
of me again.

"Yeah, sorry. I'll text next time."

"Did you hear that? You can let go of me now, Mom."

"Hold on, one more minute."

"Any longer and I'll pass out," I yelped.

"I think I have a solution," Carver cut in, tapping my mom on the shoulder.

"Save...me."

"Carver, honey, I like you but I'm sorry, you're not taking me away from
my—."

"I was actually wondering if I could join in?"

"What?!" I yelped glaring right at his cute yet smug face.

"Bring it in!" my mom encouraged motioning with her left arm.

	I took that as my only chance to dip as her guard was down and
there was now an opening for me to slip out. However, I wasn't fast enough
because Carver quickly sealed off the gap.

"And where do you think you're going?" he chuckled as he pushed me
back. "Lu, get in here!"

"Yes!" she shrieked excitedly.

"Okay, I think I've reached my hugging quota! Let me go now!"

"Ah ah ah, not yet," Carver sweetly cooed.

"You're all so embarrassing! I hate...you all," I whispered as the triad
hugging deathtrap smothered me.

	Not long after this hug-fest, I retold her that I was staying after
for Track tryouts. She freaked out, not in the way that she was against me
trying out, but more surprised that I was trying out. She calmed down after
I told her that I wasn't and I was only going to support Carver. That made
much more sense to her. She even laughed at herself over her overreaction.
She then offered to come with us in garnering extra support but by the look
on our faces she knew instantly that this was more our thing. There wasn't
any bad blood or anything. Since we were staying longer, she told us that
she was going to hang out with Mr. Lane for the time being. His classroom
window directly faces out towards the track field so I think that was her
way of letting us know that she'd be watching even if it was from the
sidelines inside instead. Before letting us go on our way, she wished
Carver the best of luck. He was appreciative of her support and they shared
a couple silent nods. I don't know what that was all about but it really
lit a fire under his ass, like he was really pumped up now.

	The three of us found a secluded spot not too far away from the
track field. While the two of them were unboxing the drone, I sat
underneath a giant Elm tree with my back against the base of the trunk with
my right leg stretched long and my left leg bent underneath resembling the
number four. If there's anything I'm going to avoid it's stretching for any
more than I already have today. I made sure to stay relatively close by to
the two of them. I was far enough where I wasn't in the way but close
enough to just barely hear what they were saying. It wasn't really all that
crystal clear but I could make out most of the words leaving the rest to be
filled in by me. I know them pretty well so it wouldn't be hard to figure
out what they're talking about even with missing context.

	I could make out most of their conversation. Carver continued to
tease Lulu about her relationship status and was trying to get Lulu to text
her to hang out with us while Lulu was deflecting the whole time and trying
to keep the focus on the drone. It seemed like she was trying to ignore him
by reading the instruction manual for the drone. Even though he was engaged
in their little conversation, he managed to keep his attention on me
throughout. For the most part, he would stay focused on their conversation
but then ever so slightly he'd quickly look up and watch me for a few
seconds. In my head, I played it cool. I didn't look back but let me
promise you, I was blushing the whole time. I don't even know why either.
We're pretty well established as a couple so for me to be easily flustered
like this with him just looking at me is pretty...embarrassing.

"Thank god I'm not part of that messy situation," I said to myself.

"What did you say baby? I can't hear you from here!" Carver yelled.

"N-Nothing! Just talking to myself!" I yelled back sitting up straight,
tensed up. Man, the ears on that guy. How the hell did he hear me from all
the way back here? Sharply exhaling, I leaned back against the trunk of the
tree only to now realize that there were splashes of white with black
ashes. That's right folks, I was leaning against bird poop! "Oh my god!"

"Babe! What's wrong?" Carver yelled again.

"Oh nothing, just sat up against bird poop! I give nature one chance and
they do this to me!" I complained standing up brushing off the back of my
shirt, grossed out the whole time. I'm not sure if I actually got any
residue on me but it can't hurt. Still gross though. Once I was satisfied
after twisting and turning trying to see if I could see any speckles of
white smeared along the back of my "My Chemical Romance" t-shirt, and not
being able to see anything, I sighed giving up and walked back to them. "So
how does it—Oh my god!"

	Just as I reintroduced myself into our inner circle, I was knocked
back down to the ground hard as the drone zipped past me. It was mere
inches away from my face and I'm pretty sure the propeller on that thing
clipped a bit of my hair.

"Warn a guy before you blind someone with that, will ya?!" I yelped from
the ground.

"I got you," Carver said helping me back up. "You okay?"

"I'm fine," I scoffed. "Butt hurts though."

"I can help you with that," he winked.

"Oh no you will not!" I said raising my voice and playfully pushing him
away. "Get your mind out of the gutter and try to stay focused for a
second."

"I am focused. I can multitask," he winked again.

"Ugh, what am I gonna do with you?" I sighed.

"I can think of a few things."

"If you two don't quit it with the lovey dovey gay bi boy stuff I will
bring the drone back there and cause a scene," Lulu said as she continued
to play with it.

"Please don't," I whined revisiting the trauma that just occurred. "Pretty
sure my butt is bruised so I'd rather not fall on it again thank you very
much."

"I'll catch you this time. So don't worry about next time," Carver said
rubbing my shoulder.

"Promise?"

"Promise," he said confidently, planting a kiss on my forehead and holding
me close.

"You two done yet?" Lulu asked with her back facing us, still piloting the
drone as it zoomed about around the three of us.

	I looked up at Carver and he in turn looked down, winking at me. I
smiled and blushed.

"Never," we both answered defiantly.

"Ugh," she growled. "I love you guys, but you're too cute for comfort."

"Well we could ask Kiko to join us. She's probably still painting in the
art room," Carver mentioned. "What do you think babe? Should we call her?"

"I've got a better idea," I said stepping away from him for a second. With
one deep breath, I screamed at the top of my lungs, "KIKO!"

"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Lulu screeched, twisting her
body around to face us.

"Um...I thought I was helping?" I grinned mischievously.

"Yeah were absolutely just helping," Carver laughed.

	Lulu glared at us both with her arms crossed. Her soured expression
was pretty scary I must admit but it only last a second because the drone
she was controlling earlier had zipped around then inevitably crashed
through Principal Weathers' office window.

"Oh no," Lulu gasped. "You guys don't think he's still here, do you?"

"Well he could—."

	I froze as I saw a shadowy figure standing right by the very same
window. Shit.

"Maybe we should run," I suggested staring down at the shadowy
figure. "Yeah, we should definitely run."

"If we run, we'll look guilty," Carver added.

"If we stay here, we are guilty. We're literally within the trajectory of
the drone's path!" Lulu panicked.

	As we started to argue, I noticed in the corner of my eye that the
figure still hadn't moved. I don't know about anyone else but there's
absolutely no way someone wouldn't have moved after an occurrence like
that. I myself would have jumped stricken with shock or something. But
nope, this figure stood as still as possible. It was a little eerie.

"Hey guys?" I said, my eyes still locked on the shadowy figure.

"Hmm? What's up babe?"

"So Weathers hasn't moved since the crash. Anyone else think that's weird?"
I asked pointing at the figure in the window.

"Huh, that's odd. Weathers' isn't exactly the type who doesn't scare easy,"
Lulu said. "Carv, why don't you take a closer look?"

"Him?! Why not you? It's your fault!"

"Me?! If we're going to be pointing the blame at anyone, it's Fang! He's
the one who started it by yelling her name! I wouldn't have gotten
distracted had you not done that!"

"Okay but shouldn't you have landed that thing before taking your eyes off
of it?"

"Excuse me?"

	As the two of started bickering back and forth continuously placing
the blame on each other, I walked towards the window only to stop when I
realized what we were dealing with.

"I don't think we have anything to worry about," I said softly.

"What are you on about?" Lulu asked.

"It's a cardboard cutout of Chloe's dad," I said pointing up towards the
cutout.

	The two of them looked up at where I was pointing and nodded.

"I know Weathers is a simp for the mayor but this is a little much, don't
you think?" Lulu cringed. "He's acting like a teenage girl."

"No, you're right. This is borderline crazy," I agreed.

"So what are we going to do now?" Carver asked.

"Obviously we're going to have to get our stuff back," she said
nonchalantly.

"Wait what?! But it's in Weathers' office. How in the hell are we going to
get in there?" I panicked.

"I don't know but I'm not about to let my sentencing get any worse than it
is now. If Grams finds out about this, I'm going to be buried six feet
under by tomorrow morning."

"Carver, can you talk her out of this?" I whined.

"Usually I would but if my grandparents find out about this, I think I'll
be dead in the ground too," he gulped.

"No way! Your grandparents are actually cool. I bet you can get away with
literally anything."

"I don't think they'll appreciate us using our science fair project to
crash into our principal's window though. They're not big fans of
recklessness."

"Okay but what about tryouts?" I asked trying to steer his attention back
to the main point of why we stayed after school ended.

	Carver looked at his phone and then said, "We have twenty minutes.
And by the looks of it, nothing's even set up yet so I think we're in the
clear. So don't you worry your pretty little head. If things go sour, I'll
make sure you don't get any of the blame."

"As much as I appreciate it, you've had enough trouble for one year
already. So I'd rather you not take the hit for me if we get caught. I'd
rather stand with you than behind you, if that makes sense."

"I appreciate you so much," he smiled then kissed the top of my head.

"You can take the blame for me Carver" Lulu cooed while batting her
eyelashes.

"Hah! Good one. I'm only responsible for this cutie," he said ruffling my
hair. "Sorry, but you're on your own."

"Ugh great," she said dryly. "Well should we get going? The longer we stay
here, the shorter our window of opportunity gets."

	I don't even know why we did this but as we were heading back
inside our school, we sneakily crept alongside the back of the building
like in one of those retro detective cartoons. It didn't really make much
sense since we were out in broad daylight and I'm pretty sure if there was
anyone around they could see us without much trouble. We went up the back
steps and through the back door and up even more steps. His office was
located right around the right corner of the stairs. When we turned the
corner, Lulu immediately ducked and yanked us down with her.

"Whoa, what's up?" Carver whispered.

"Did you guys not see that? There's someone in there!" she whispered,
pointing up at the single square window nestled within the door leading
into his office.

	The three of us slowly crept up peering through the nearby office
window. There was definitely someone in there. It was too dark in his
office to tell who it was but I don't think it was him. The shadowy figure
was way too petite with long, flowing hair that blew in the breeze.

"Who is that?" Carver asked.

"I don't know but I don't recognize them, whoever they are," Lulu said.

"You can't even see their face though. It could be Mrs. Parrish," Carver
said.

"Why would Coach Parrish be in his office though? That doesn't make any
sense!"

"What if it's a ghost?" I gasped.

"Oh crap! It totally could be a ghost! What if our school was built on top
of an ancient burial ground?" Lulu hypothesized.

"Okay now you two are being ridiculous. Even if our school was built on top
of some burial ground, which it isn't because that doesn't make any logical
sense, ghosts aren't real," Carver argued.

"Yes they are! Fang's seen multiple ghosts! Are you saying he's crazy?"
Lulu argued back.

"To clarify I've only seen one ghost," I chimed in. Then I thought about
that time, I saw my dad on Halloween last year. I still don't know if I
actually saw him though or it was a figment of my imagination. "Actually
make that two. Maybe? I'm not sure."

"See!"

"It's okay if you don't believe me. I don't think I'd believe me to be
honest."

"Look, I believe you saw something. I don't know if it's a ghost or maybe
your mind playing tricks on you, I can't say for sure. I don't believe in
ghosts and I don't think we're dealing with a ghost now. But at the end of
the day, if you tell me you saw something reminiscent of a ghost, I'll
believe you even if I don't believe in it myself. I hope that makes sense,"
he answered. "I never want you to feel like I don't believe you. I know all
too well how it feels to be believed."

"No, I understand," I nodded.

"Ugh, somehow, somewhere, I've fallen into the lovey dovey trap all over
again," Lulu rolled her eyes annoyed.

"As long as you're with us, you'll forever be trapped. Might as well
embrace it," Carver teased.

"I guess this is what I get for third wheeling all the time," she groaned.

"So if it's not a ghost and it's not Mrs. Parrish, who do you guys think it
could be?" I asked.

	The three of us went back to watching the figure shuffle around the
room. I caught a couple split second glances and I could tell it was a
woman. I just couldn't tell who it was but for some reason, she reminded me
of someone I know. I just can't place my finger on it. We watched as the
figure picked up the drone and shake her head. Peering closer in, we saw
another shadowy figure but more than twice her size, built like a tree. Had
to be a man or a very, very large and bulky woman like a hardcore body
builder.

"So what now?" Lulu asked. "I'm not leaving without the drone but I don't
know about that big guy in there. I was going to suggest we rush in and
just grab it out of their hands but now with that thing in there? There's
no way. I guess I'll be buried alive tonight."

"Not so fast. I think I know who they are," Carver said squinting at the
shadows.

"You do? Who? And why don't we know who they are?" I asked confused.

"You do know them. You see them literally everyday and you live with one of
them."

"Now that you mention it, they do kinda look familiar...just basing it on
their outlines."

	Carver stood up and knocked on the window.

"What are you doing?!" Lulu panicked.

"Relax," he said calmly. "Hi Miss Winters, Mister Lane."

"Mom?!" I yelled jumping up.

	The two figures turned to look at us and noticed us immediately.
They then walked towards us and sure enough, it was my mom and our English
teacher Mr. Lane. I should have known honestly. Stupid of me to think that
they were ghosts. I've never seen an apparition here, only really at the
Haven House and well Carver's house, if that one even counts. Mr. Lane came
forward, opened the door, and then stepped back standing by my mom's side.

"Anyone want to explain what this is doing here?" My mom asked dangling the
drone by one of its propellers between her fingers.

"Careful! That's expensive tech," Lulu warned with her palms facing
outward.

"Don't worry, I've got it. Funny you kids think it's so fragile when
someone flew it through Principal's Weathers' window moments ago."

"I-I can explain," I stuttered. "We, um, we were testing out the drone and
then we started messing around and one thing lead to the other and we, um,
may have taken our eyes off of it for a split second," I explained
nervously while twiddling my fingers. "Are you mad right now? You are,
aren't you? This is the calm before the storm, isn't it?"

"I'm not mad. Well maybe a little. And I may have been watching you three
for maybe a minute from Paul's window," my mom admitted.

	Suddenly Mr. Lane cleared his throat in a few short bursts rather
loudly, he even loosened the navy blue tie around his neck in a rather
obnoxious way.

"Okay, maybe I was watching the whole time," my mom said throwing her hands
in the air. "But to be fair, I was only doing it because I love you guys
and I don't want any bad to happen to any of you. When I saw that the drone
had crashed into the window, Paul and I came right over and jimmied the
lock just so you kids wouldn't get into any trouble."

"You picked the lock?" I asked surprised. "How come I'm just learning about
this now?"

"It wasn't a big deal. Lucky for you, Mr. Weathers' has been dragging his
feet about converting all the locks here to digital. He says its a money
issue but I know for a fact that this school is swimming in ample funding,"
she explained. She then handed the drone back to Lulu looking straight into
her eyes. "I want you to be more careful with this thing alright? I'm going
to trust you with this but I don't want this to happen again. Do we have an
understanding?"

"I got it, Miss Winters. I'll keep my eyes on it and I'll make sure nothing
like this happens again," Lulu agreed as she stuffed it back into her
backpack.

"So what are we going to do about the broken window?" I asked.

"Don't worry about it. We'll take care of it," Mr. Lane assured us.

"But how? What about the cameras?" I asked pointing at all the dome-like
camera placements planted in different spots in plain sight.

"Don't ask too many questions. It ruins the mysterious allure of it all,"
my mom said. "Also those cameras are fake. Just another thing Weathers' is
dragging his feet on."

"They're fake?" I said squinting at her.

"Oh yeah, they're dummies until he decides to get real ones. Anyway, Paul
will escort you three back to the field and you three can help us set up
for tryouts," my mom said rounding us up and pushing us out the door.

"Wait, why do we need an escort? And why are we setting up? Isn't the
teacher who's in charge of that supposed to set up?"

"He is. Paul's in charge of Track and Field," my mom said nonchalantly.

"Wait, you?"

"Yeah, is there something wrong with that?" he asked.

"No, it's just that you don't look like the type of person who'd coach
Track is all."

"Let me guess, you thought I'd coach basketball?"

"Well...yeah."

"I didn't always look like this. I'm flattered though. I'd probably like
high school more if I did," he chuckled. "I did tryout for basketball when
I was your age but I was so uncoordinated back then. Most of the time I
looked like a turtle that was flipped upside down on its shell unable to
get up, but I found out that I was really good at running. Meaning I was
pretty good at Cross Country and Track and Field. I even made varsity my
first year. So trust me, I'm more than qualified to coach Track and Field."

"Okay, okay, I didn't mean anything by it. Jeez," I said with my hands up
in the air. "Lighten up a little."

"Hmph, pretty good? Weren't you the star of those teams back then?" my mom
asked. "I seem to remember all the varsity jackets, and letters, and awards
stashed deep in the back of your closet"

"I'm trying to motivate them. Wait did you say you went into my closet?" he
questioned, his brows arched. "Which closet?"

"Don't worry about it," she deflected. "Now who's ready to set some stuff
up?"

"I actually have to go. My shift starts in twenty minutes," Lulu said
slowly backing away.

"Ah ah ah, not so fast there Lulu. I called ahead. You have time to set up,
I'll drop you off after," she winked.

"Okay, I officially hate it here," Lulu moped.

"I'm there with you," I agreed.

"Come on guys! It'll fun!" Carver rallied.

"We clearly have different meanings for the word fun," Lulu said
dryly. "How do you stay chipper all the damn time?"

"Language Miss Landon," Mr. Lane said.

"Ugh, language police!" she whined.

	While the Lulu and I moped behind my mom and Mr. Lane, Carver
cheerfully walked next to us trying his best to get our morale up. I could
tell he was throwing out his best work like making funny faces and cracking
jokes and to be honest it worked for me. He always knows what to do to
lower my guard and make me smile. I can't say the same about Lulu but she's
a whole different breed. I could tell she was cracking under her steely
guise though as I could see a small glimpse of a smile forming around the
corners of her lips. Even though she was trying her very best to deflect
and roll her eyes at us.

	Instead of walking directly back in the direction of the field, we
had to make a quick pit stop at the gymnasium's storage closet, although it
felt more like a small classroom than your typical closet. It was jam
packed with miscellaneous sports gear ranging from different types of sport
balls to dumbbells to javelins, although not the same type of weapon that
I'd find in my medieval style video games, way too colorful. A lot of the
stuff looked brand spanking new yet covered in dust whereas the older
equipment used for your typical sports like all the balls, while a little
worse for wear, was sparkling clean. Luckily everything we needed for
tryouts were already rounded up close to the entryway. While most of the
gear was carried out by the two adults, mainly the heavier or expensive
items like the those weirdly unnecessary heavy metal balls that people
throw and the long stick that people hold onto when they vault over things,
stuff like that. The three of us still managed to help by carrying the rest
of what was leftover; Carver with the oddly bent posts, I think he called
them hurdles, Lulu with the stopwatch and megaphone, and me with the
colorful batons. I'm not sure if all of this stuff is going to be used at
tryouts but who am I to argue with the star player, or how I like to think
of it as, a runner of a bygone era. He's cool though. He makes my mom happy
and he's one of the few cool teachers around here.

	It took us what felt like forever to set everything up and just
like I thought, we didn't need all of the Track and Field equipment. Turns
out the majority of what tryouts consists of is just straight up running,
difference there being short burst or sprinting, mid distance, whatever
that means, and long distance running. That, and a whole other bunch of
running tests. Who knew running could get so intensive and extensive. I
thought people just run. I know that doesn't make much sense, possibly a
little too simplistic, but hey that's what I thought. I didn't know there
were different categories. All the other equipment like the poles and the
throwing weights were for another day. Today's tryouts only consists of
running and if you make the team they, meaning Coach Lane, will move
everyone into different divisions to see if they're better or worse at
that. He said something along the lines that everyone will have a
combination of running and some other specialty. I don't know Carver feels
about that though. I know he just wanted an outlet for running. Not too
sure if he's down to make an effort doing anything other than that.

	Turnout turned out pretty well. It mainly consisted of everyone
from last year's team, minus the seniors from last year, and this year's
Cross Country team. I don't know most of them, they're a grade or two ahead
of me. I mean I know them but only by reputation, when I would pass by them
in the halls, or if any of them are friends with Dante. However, I don't
see anyone who looks like any of his friends. Our grade's turnout wasn't
bad, not as big as the group that consisted of our upperclassmen though.
There were a few people from our grade that I knew first hand. The few
people I knew were Silent Sue and Ashley and regrettably, Brock.

"Hmph didn't know fairies could run," he laughed.

"Quit it Brock!" Ashley hissed jabbing him with her elbow.

"Watch it Ash. You're my girlfriend, remember?."

"Barely," she said rolling her eyes. "They didn't do anything. Why can't
you just be nice for once?"

"Sorry to break it to you, but I don't think Brock has a nice bone in his
body," Lulu jumped in.

"Heh, jealous?" Brock winked.

"I think I just threw up in my mouth," Lulu gagged. "Yeah, I definitely
did. And yet, I'll take vomit any day over you."

"Yeah you keep telling yourself that," Brock rolled his eyes. "Hey Fang,
haven't seen you around lately. How ya been?"

"No," Carver said pushing me behind him. "If you so much as look at him,
I'll break you."

"Whoa man. So touchy. I was just saying hello."

"And I'm telling you no. Back off before you regret it."

"Man whatever," Brock rolled his eyes again. He then snatched Ashley's hand
and yanked her towards him. "And you think I'm the one with the attitude?
Stay by my side, I'll protect you."

"Ugh, go away Brock. I don't want to talk to you right now. You're so
embarrassing!" Ashley yelled pushing him off of her.

"Fine! We're done then! You can walk your bony ass home!" he barked and
stomped off.

"I'm sorry about that guys," Ashley apologized.

"It's not your fault. He's an asshole," Lulu said. "I'm getting a ride home
soon with Fang's mom, Ms. Winters. You can get a ride with us, I don't
think she'd mind."

"Thank you so much, that's really nice of you, but I'm actually trying out
for the team. It's okay, I can walk. I don't live that far and besides I
could use the fresh air."

"You sure? You can ride with us," I suggested. "Would that be okay Carver?
You don't think your grandparents would mind, would they?"

"Of course not! I mean you're the one driving but I'm actually surprised
you volunteered. I wasn't going to say anything, no offense Ashley."

"Don't worry about it. I don't want to be a third wheel."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Lulu asked offended.

"I-I mean, er, y-you uh, what do I mean?" she stammered.

"I'm just messing with you!" Lulu laughed.

"Lu!" Carver yelled.

"I said I was just messing with her! Jeez Carv, relax," Lulu yelled
back. "You know I was just kidding right?"

"Yeah, I know. I'm friends with Chloe after all. I'm used to
overreactions," she teased. "Don't tell her I said that."

"Okay, I see you boo," Lulu smiled.

"So about that ride, it's still available if you're down," I mentioned.
"You in?"

	Ashley's eyes darted between the three of us then traced the tips
of her fingers against the tops of her ears. She squinted and stared at us
until she eventually smiled and shrugged.

"Sure, I'll take the ride," she agreed smiling.

"Maybe you should check in with your girl Chloe. Something tells me she
wouldn't approve of you hanging out with her old crowd," Lulu teased.

"I mean it's just a ride. Where's the harm in that?" she asked shrugging
then dropped down into a lunge.  "I hope you guys don't mind. I need to
stretch before I totally destroy everyone."

"You hear that Carver? You've got competition," I smirked.

"Oh yeah?" Carver questioned with a grin. "Hate to break it to you, but
you're gonna eat my dust!"

"Bet?" she asked as she pulled one of her legs up behind her like some
fancy ballerina.

"Whoa," Lulu said as her jaw dropped.

"How can you do that?" I asked shocked by how flexible she is.

"Oh this? I was in gymnastics when I was younger but I hated the leotards.
They're so uncomfortable. I've picked enough wedgies to last me a lifetime,
trust me. But hey at least I can do this," she said as she dropped right
into a split without much effort.

"Doesn't that...," I paused gulping. "Hurt?"

"This? Not at all. I used to drop into splits all the time back home. You
three are the first people I've told about my hidden talent," she admitted.

"Not even Brock? Your boyfriend?" I asked.

"Ex-boyfriend and no. His loss," she shrugged.

"Don't take this the wrong way but what did you see in that guy?" Carver
asked.

"Nothing. He's not my type. Too brutish for me. I only went out with him
because Chloe said we'd look cute together and when I didn't give her an
answer she basically hooked us up."

"Makes sense. Sounds like a Chloe thing," Lulu said.

"How does that sound like a Chloe thing? I don't get it," Carver
questioned.

"Carv, why are coming for me today?"

"I'm not. Just wanted a little clarity. I mean I know she's not the nicest
person to you two and I don't really trust her either but I don't know, it
just didn't make sense to me."

"Guys, don't fight please! I get what Lulu's saying. Chloe's the type to
insert herself in someone's life whether you want her to or not. Besides
the Brock thing, she has good intentions though."

"You lost me at good intentions," I said.

"Yeah, sorry Ashley I'm going to have to side with my boyfriend on that
one. I don't think she has good intentions. She's selfish and acts like
she's the main character in everyone's lives."

"That's what I'm talking about Carv! Absolutely, one hundred percent
agree," Lulu said enthusiastically.

"I mean it. She's a good person. You guys just don't know her like I do."

"Did you forget that we were childhood friends with her?" Lulu asked.

"Yeah, she was a good person before her family leveled up in life," I
added.

"Look I don't want to argue with you guys but she is a good person, I
swear."

"Why are you so adamant on defending her when she probably wouldn't do the
same for you?" Lulu asked. "She'd more than likely throw you under the bus
before sticking up for you."

"Maybe so but would a bad person give up their weekends to volunteer at the
animal shelter? She helps take care of the sick and injured animals there.
I remember one weekend there was a stray cat that walked towards her mom
and right as she was going to kick him, Chloe scooped the little guy away
and hid him away from her evil mother. She wound up keeping the little guy
until her parents found out. She brought him to the shelter and now she
volunteers there."

"You're joking right? You must think I'm stupid to believe a story like
that," Lulu scoffed.

"I don't think she's lying Lu. I mean who would come up with some elaborate
story just to lie?" Carver asked.

"Um Chloe could have put her under her spell."

"I don't think so. Chloe really did have a big heart for animals. Remember?
She had that big Saint Bernard that slobbered all over us, all day everyday
when we were little?"

"Oh yeah! I loved that dog," she said, her eyes glowing as she fondly
remembered Chloe's dog. "What happened to old Bernie anyway? He was the
best damn dog. Always put a smile on my face."

"He died."

"You're lying. I think I would remember Bernie dying."

"Maybe you suppressed it because I clearly remember us finding him
sleeping, as her parents called it, on their driveway one day after
school," I explained.

"Oh right," Lulu said in a somber tone. "That was a sad, sad day for all of
us...especially her."

"Yeah, she didn't speak to anyone for weeks. And the only person who could
get her to even eat again was my mom, not my other mother, but my mom now,"
I said trying to clarify to Ashley. "It's confusing. I have two moms. My
mom, the school counselor and my other mother, the absent one."

"Like the spider monster from Coraline?" Ashley asked.

"I mean she doesn't have buttons for eyes but I've never seen my other
mother and the spider monster in the same room so I guess it's possible," I
said.

"Okay so maybe you're not lying about that then," Lulu admitted. "But she's
still not a good person. Sure she treats animals better than us
humans. Should we give her an award for that? To Chloe, savior to all
animals."

"What exactly happened between you guys?" Ashley asked.

"I don't really want to talk about it," Lulu said bitterly.

"Funny, that's what she said too. I tried asking her last time she saw me
with you guys and refused to say anything. She eventually bit my head off
because I wouldn't stop bugging her about it."

"Maybe we should change topics?" I suggested.

"Probably for the best," Carver agreed.

"Sorry for bringing down the mood," Ashley apologized. "Um I'm going to go
stretch closer to the field. I've got to get my head in the right state of
mind."

"I feel you. I'll see you on the track," he said as he bent over touching
his toes.

"Cool!" she said then moved down the field closer to where everyone else
was.

"I'm going to go check if your mom is ready to go," Lulu said following
Ashley.

"Is she...going to be okay?" Carver asked concerned.

"Yeah, I think our past memories are just resurfacing after being
suppressed for so long. She's tough but she's still human."

"You guys were really close huh?"

"Yeah, we were. We, well at least I did, considered the three of us
siblings from other mothers until one day we weren't. It's a weird feeling
severing all ties with someone you care deeply about out of nowhere. But
people change all the time and we have to move on. At least that's what my
mom says. Something about not everyone who enters your life is supposed
stay in your life. Whatever that means."

"I get what your mom is saying. Maybe later on, you guys can rekindle that
friendship? You know, when we all grow up."

"That's a little too idealistic don't you think? I mean it sounds nice
because she was such a big part of our lives when we were little but as
much as I think I can get over my grudge, I don't think Lulu will ever get
over hers, and if she can't get over hers, I doubt I can get over mine."

"But you are two completely different people. Why does your ability to let
go have to be linked to hers?"

"Well if I let go, I'll get backlash for even giving Chloe another
chance. Then I have to choose between Lulu and Chloe and then—ugh, I
just don't want to deal with the backlash and the drama. I'd rather leave
things the way they are than to have to deal with that sorta thing."

"I think you can find a way to be friends with both of them without hurting
anyone in the process. I mean look at Ash, she's found a way to befriend
Chloe while us be friends with us. But suit yourself, whatever you decide,
I'll stick with you," he sighed. "Anyway, want to help me stretch? I could
really use the help."

"Um, sure why not," I said.

	The two of us sat down on the cold grass with our legs spread apart
connected at our shoes forming a diamond shape between the two of us. At
first it was just me pulling him closer to me, but then he somehow
convinced me that it'd work better if we took turns. I agreed not thinking
about it but now, pretty sure I got tricked. I did not sign up for round
two of pain by stretching. Everything hurts, again.

"Why do I feel like you're purposely trying to get to stretch? You're not
planning on actually having me tryout too, are you?" I asked as I pulled
him towards me.

"Caught on did you?" he chuckled.

"Carver!" I yelled letting go of his arms. "I can't believe you! Why would
you do this to me?"

"Relax. You act like it's the end of the world."

"It is!" I barked crossing my arms.

"Come here!" he leaning forward and then cupping my face. "I'm sorry. I
just wanted a workout partner. I knew you wouldn't have agreed if I told
you my true intentions. I'm sorry I tricked you. Forgive me?"

"You had to say this while holding my face?" I asked thinking of this
awkward position we were caught up in.

"Now that you point it out, it is a little weird, the way that we're
sitting," he admitted.

	Suddenly the sound of a screeching loud whistle wailed across the
field. We turned towards the sound and there was Mr. Lane standing on the
track field with a clipboard and that damn whistle.

"Everyone, line up!" he yelled.

"It's game time," Carver said releasing my face.

"Wait!" I said grabbing his shoulder. "Kiss me first. For um, good luck."

"Good luck? Is that what we're calling it now?" he asked smiling. He
proceeded to cup my face again, planting another one of his unbelievably,
tantalizing kisses sending chills up my spine and warming my heart.

"Mhm, good luck babe," I whispered licking my lips.

"Thank you," he said smiling at me again. "But I don't need luck. All I
need is you."

"And talent and skill and—."

"Way to kill the moment, baby. I was trying to be sweet," he laughed to
himself tousling my hair.

"I know just wanted to point it out. And there's no need to try, you
already are, sweet that is. The sweetest guy I've ever met."

	He gave me one quick peck on the cheek again and then perked right
back up. He leaned back into one last huge stretch then leaned over to pull
me back up. We walked back towards the track hand in hand to join the rest
of the potential teammates. Lulu, Ashley, and my Mom were standing around
nearby to Mr. Lane and for whatever reason the big group was split into two
groups, the upperclassmen and the underclassmen, but I don't think it was
intentional. I think everyone just wanted to stay with the people they
knew.

	Before he joined the rest of the group, he escorted me up to the
cold, metal bleachers surrounding me with our bags and his water bottle
that still needs to be refilled for the thousandth time today. From here I
had a clear view of everything without being in the way of everyone else.
The moment I sat down though, I instantly got goosebumps all over my body.
Which was weird since I love the cold but the feeling of the icy metal
against my bare thighs caused me to shiver. Carver instantly noticed like a
good boyfriend would. He dug around in my bag and grabbed his jacket that I
got him for Christmas, draping it around me quickly warming me back up.

"Th-Thanks," I stuttered, shivering due to the out of nowhere breeze
against my skin.

"Why don't you change back into your regular clothes? I don't want you to
freeze to death while already dying of boredom," he suggested as he rubbed
my arms trying to quicken the warming process.

"I'm fine. Your jacket is pretty big on me so it's like a blanket...if
blankets had arms."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah I'm sure. Now you go out there and let everyone know you're top
dog. That's the right term right? Or is it alpha male? The alpha?"

"Yeah, either one of those works," he laughed into a smile. "Anyone tell
you just how cute you are?"

"Just my boyfriend," I winked.

"Smart guy."

"Eh, he's okay."

"Jerk," he teased pinching my cheek.

	Carver skipped off the bleacher steps and joined the rest of the
group while I curled up with his jacket inhaling the strong scent of the
lavender and vanilla detergent. Mr. Lane made the whole group run a couple
laps around the track. There had to be at least thirty teenagers jogging on
that track. As I watched everyone run around that oval shaped field, my mom
and Lulu walked over to me.

"We're going to head out now. I'm going to tinker around with the drone
whenever I get the chance on my break tonight," Lulu said. "I'll text you
guys later if I make any progress."

"See you later tonight, Honey," my mom said kissing me on the forehead.
Thank god everyone else was focused on tryouts or else that would have been
so embarrassing. "By the way, Lulu says you're going to take home one of
your classmates after practice. The one with the pastel pink hair, right?"

"Yup, I hope that's okay."

"Oh that's fine. She's a sweet girl. I'll give Aggie and George a call to
let them know that you two will be a little late. Wouldn't want them to
worry themselves."

"But you're watching us tonight," I said.

"Oh that's right, I am," she laughed at herself.

"Oh my god. Well I'll see you later then," I said waving goodbye.

	My mom and Lulu walked off towards the faculty parking lot. Turning
back I noticed they were still running laps so I figured this would be the
perfect opportunity to refill our jug. I grabbed the bottle and ran back
inside. Thankfully our lockers were situated pretty close to the back
entrance and the good fountain was quite literally right next to our
lockers. It was a little weird to be in school at this time like it's
eerily silent. I know we were just here like a second ago but a lot of
things can change in a second's time. The hallways were lit and most but
not all of the classrooms were dark. I walked up the stairs towards
Principal Weathers' office and I saw the custodian sweeping up the broken
glass. He already managed to patch the hole with a sheet of plastic and
masking tape too. I didn't stay too long. I didn't want to raise any
suspicion. Taking the same stairs down that wrapped around down to our
basement level. Down here to the left you can find a few classes, mainly
history and social studies, and to the right down a ridiculously long
hallway you can find the ROTC class. In the center you can find the good
fountains and an elevator that people say leads to the pits of hell but I
know better. It's a handicap elevator but it's open to everyone, well
except for that one time when last year's senior class pranked the
freshman, my class, into thinking that we had to pay to use the elevator.
That was fun. It lasted a few months too until one of the parents of the
PTA complained to Principal Weathers about it. He was not happy about that.

	As I began to refill our water jug, I had this weird feeling start
to take over me. The kind of feeling where you can tell that someone is
watching you. I turned my head to the right and noticed that the
fluorescent lighting in the ROTC hallway all kept flickering almost as
someone was playing cruel joke on an easily spooked person. I quietly crept
over staring into the hallway to see if I could see if someone was possibly
flipping the lights at the end for fun.

"H-Hello? I-Is anyone there?" I asked looking into the hallway from my
end. Of course no response whatsoever. I looked up and the lights were
still a flickering mess. "I should go."

	I turned back around walking towards the exit when I heard a loud
bang behind me. I jumped and screamed and maybe I dropped my water bottle
too. At least my water didn't break, not even a dent on it. This thing is
pretty indestructible. I gulped and turned back around. I stared down the
hall again. Someone has to be here. Suddenly the light all the way at the
end of the hallway went dark and someone stepped forward. I couldn't tell
who it was but they were tall, taller than me.

"H-Hey, that was pretty mean just now!" I yelled. The guy didn't say a
word, just stood there. "Y-Y-You're lucky I don't scare easy!"

	Whoever it was kept their mouth shut and just stared. We had a
stare off for a few more seconds and then the lights one by one went dark
as he briskly walked towards me still not saying a word. Okay now's a good
time to get out of here. As I turned around to leave, I could hear his
footsteps getting louder, squeaking with every step. Maybe it was all in my
head but I swear I could feel his breath on the back of my neck so I put
myself into overdrive and sprinted out the door. I immediately shut the
door behind me and when I turned around, nothing. Maybe ghosts do exist
here. I'm not going here all by myself ever again. Carver's just gonna have
to fill it up himself. Pretty spooked, I walked back up the bleachers
taking care to be aware of my surroundings.

"Good, no one followed me," I mumbled to myself sighing in relief. What the
hell was that back there? I looked forward at the aspirants and everyone
was standing around waiting for what's next. Cool, looks like I didn't miss
anything worthwhile. I noticed a handful of them walking off the field. I
think the laps weren't just laps. Maybe a means to trim the fat? I know I
would be walking away just after a couple laps. The other thing I noticed
was Carver and Ashley were talking to each other. They seem to be
bonding. It's a good thing if she's going to become a new member of our
group. I'm not jealous or anything. I must have been staring for longer
than I thought because I was easily caught by surprise by someone I hate.

"Hey Fang," Brock said standing by the bleachers nearby. "You look lonely
all by yourself."

"Oh god, not you," I said annoyed. Could the person running after me have
been Brock? He does fit the bill as a crazed maniac and the last time I was
alone with him he did try to take advantage of me. But he was running with
everyone else, wasn't he? "Brock, you weren't just inside by the handicap
elevator, were you?"

"What are you talking about? You know I was running with the rest of those
freaks. Anyway, I just wanted to say hey. I can't even do that?" he asked.
Well that rules him out. "I miss you. You wanna get out of here? I know a
place."

"Miss me?" I scoffed. I know exactly what he's trying to do and it's not
working. His place that he's talking about is just below the bleachers.
That's where he takes all of his victims. It's not a well known secret if
I'm being honest. Locker room gossip and whatnot. "Just leave me alone
before I scream. And if I scream, he'll come."

	I kept my eyes on Carver hoping that he'd look my way. But it never
happened. His eyes were only on her, on Ashley.

"Bet? Look at him, he's with Ash now," he said pointing at them as if I
wasn't already paying close attention to them.

"They're just friends. You wouldn't know what that is. You'd need a heart
to have one."

"Friends? You're as dumb as you are cute," he chuckled. "Ash used to talk
about you guys all the time. Man was it annoying. But the person she would
always talk and fawn over was Carver. Even though she was with me, I knew
she had a cloyingly sweet crush on him. It's disgusting. I mean just look
at her. The way she's practically falling at his feet with every fucking
thing he says."

	I didn't say anything this time. I don't know why but the things he
said was seeping through the cracks of my guard that was already down
because of that freakish encounter inside. Was what he was saying actually
true? Is Ashley trying to steal Carver away from me? No, it can't be. I
know I barely know her, but we're friends now. Friends don't do that to
each other. She would never do that to me, would she?

"Leave me alone Brock," I said partly defeated succumbing to his blatant
lies.

"Don't say I didn't warn you," he said walking back to the group of
runners.

	Even though Brock was no longer feeding me lies, I couldn't help
but to think what if, what if Ashley was just trying to steal Carver away
from me in some off-colored form of trickery. I didn't want to believe it
but the gears were already turning and my heart aching because of it. I
continued to watch them from where I sat oblivious to the outside world.
Maybe if it weren't for me, they'd be together. They do look cute
together. Ugh! Fucking Brock! He did this to me on purpose! The longer I
looked at them chatting and smiling at each other, the more self-conscious
and riddled with doubt I became until I was practically burying myself
within Carver's coat. Closing my eyes, I tried to rid myself of these toxic
thoughts but they kept branching off into their own separate but equally
heartbreaking scenarios. I couldn't help but continue falling deeper into
the void of my own mind with no light in sight. Is this what jealousy feels
like? I hate it. I hate it! I could barely hear any outside noise, just my
own inner voice getting louder and louder. It was unbearable. I couldn't
tell if I was still shivering due to the cold or it was just my own body
trembling in fear of losing the one person who makes me happy.

	Suddenly, I felt short bursts of vibrations close to my feet. I
reluctantly poked my head out of his jacket and looked down at my feet. My
bag beside my feet was buzzing about. I reached in and grabbed my phone. It
was a text from my mom.

"You two better drive safe. Don't be reckless on your way home!" read the
text.

"I won't. Don't you remember what kind of kid I am?" I texted back. "Here's
a heads up. I'm not one of the cool kids."

"I'm just saying. I love you. I'll see you in a couple of hours."

	I smiled and was about to put my phone back in my bag but then had
a last minute thought. I raised my phone to my mouth and said, "Call Mom."

"Hey, what's up? Didn't I just text you?" my mom giggled from the other
end.

"Yeah, it's just—can I ask you a question?" I asked. "Just between us,
don't say anything to anyone, please?"

"Honey what's wrong? You don't sound like yourself. Is everything okay? Do
I need to come back?"

"No! No, it's just—ugh," I sighed. "What do you think of Ashley Ambers?
The girl with the pink hair."

"Well I haven't really spent much time with her but she seems like a sweet
girl. Why? Did something happen?"

"No, not exactly. You don't get a bad vibe from her or anything
backstabber-y?"

"No not at all. Should I? What's wrong? I thought you liked her. That's why
you're giving her a ride home or is that not happening anymore?"

"It is. It's just that Brock came up and spoke to me and—."

"Brock? The same Brock who's been bullying you for as long as I can
remember? What did he say to you?"

	I opened my mouth to say exactly what happened but when I did, none
of my words made it out, just more sighing.

"Honey, what did he say? You know nothing he says ever means anything.
There's no truth to anything he says. He's just one of the antagonists
life's thrown at you. A pretty minor one if you ask me."

"I-I know," I sighed again. "He said that Ashley is going to take Carver
away from me. And I've honestly been stewing here thinking of that possibly
happening and, and it's making me question the dynamic of our
relationship."

"Oh Honey," my mom pouted over the phone. "It's all in your head. You can't
let that neanderthal poison your mind like that. It won't do you any good.
And that boy, Carver, loves you with all his heart. I honestly can't see
him leaving you for anyone. I know you know that to be true, deep down."

"I know it's just—I'm scared. What if he's right? What if for once in
his pathetic life he's actually right and I'm just a stepping stone for
Carver to get with someone better? He can fit in better if had a girlfriend
instead of a boyfriend. He can be in a normal relationship."

"You know what? That's stupid and irrational. You know there's nothing
abnormal about who you fall in love with. Two boys together is as normal as
a boy and a girl or two girls or hell a poly relationship. There's nothing
wrong with any of that. Bundle up all of that negativity and throw it
straight into the dumpster fire that stupid troll started. You are such an
amazing young man, one of the best. Don't let the darkness of others
squelch the light within you. Shine bright and blind that asshole."

"Mom I don't think you're supposed to say that kind of stuff, as cool and
reassuring as it is though. Is that how you talk to all of your patients,
er, I mean students? Also aren't you supposed to say I'm the best, not one
of the best?" I questioned her. "I am your kid by the way or did you forget
that all of sudden?"

"Yes, yes, I know but I don't want to inflate your ego," she joked.

"What ego?"

"Exactly. And only to the ones who I know won't narc on me, so I would say
maybe only one or two kids out of the bunch who I counsel."

"Mom! You could get in trouble for saying stuff like that. What if Weathers
heard you say stuff like that? You could lose your job!"

"Eh, all that's going to result in is extra paperwork. He knows not to mess
with me. Don't worry about it. Anyway, what was I saying?" she asked
pausing for a split second. "Oh right, right, blind that motherfucker."

"Okay Mom, I will," I laughed to myself.

"So how are tryouts going?"

"Um, let me check."

	I looked up and everyone was lined up in a straight line. It looks
like Mr. Lane was gauging everyone's running ability or something. One by
one they would run as fast as they could making a single loop around the
track at the sound of a whistle. I scanned the line for ones I knew. Brock
was up in front looking as cocky as he always does, flexing and kissing his
biceps. Farther down the line towards the middle was Ashley and Silent
Sue. They weren't socializing even though they were right next to each
other. I could tell Ashley was trying to initiate a conversation with her
though. She was talking but as the name suggests, Sue wasn't talking
back. It was all very awkward and uncomfortable. She was getting frustrated
and then she turned around and stared at someone in the back rather
longingly and when I followed her gaze, there was Carver all the way back,
last in line, frantically waving his hands at me. I think he's been trying
to get my attention. I don't know for how long though but he looks pretty
winded.

"Finally!" he belted from his spot.

	Everyone in line, and I mean everyone, turned and looked over at
Carver and then at me. I haven't felt this uncomfortable in a while. Have I
mentioned that I don't like being the center of attention?

"Was that Carver? Why is he yelling?" my mom asked.

"He may or may not have been trying to get my attention and I just now
noticed," I said uncomfortably waving back at him.

"See! That boy is absolutely crazy about you."

"You're right. I was stupid earlier. Thanks for setting me straight. Anyway
I should go. He looks pretty thirsty."

"Oh I'm sure he is," she teased giggling again.

"Mom! Ew!"

"Oh hush, that was too good to pass up."

"Okay, bye I'll see you later. Don't burn the house down though okay?"

"Hey who's the parent here?" my mom questioned defensively. "And I'll have
you know that you're not the only one in this house who can cook."

"Um you are, obviously. I'm just saying. Baking and cooking are two
separate things. You can bake, but I've seen your cooking and it's hit or
miss. Like that one time when you made that casserole that was oddly
crunchy and gummy at the same time. What did we call it? Boneless
casserole?"

"Excuse me!"

"Bye Mom!" I said ending the call. I reached over grabbed our hefty water
jug.

	God this thing is massive and heavy to boot. Hopping off the
bleachers with my phone and jug in each hand, I skipped over to him.

"Here. You look like you need this," I said flipping up the plastic straw
lid.

"Aw thanks Baby. I really need that. Thank you.," he said leaning over and
sucking the straw. "I see you refilled it. That's where you were going
earlier."

"Oh you noticed?"

"Well yeah, of course I noticed stupid," he said playfully pushing me.

"So how're tryouts going? Having fun?"

"It's a lot of fun! I'm really happy that you're here to support me
though. I don't think I would have done this if it weren't for you being
here."

"I-I-I don't know about that."

"Honest. You being here is a total morale booster."

"What are you talking about? This is in your wheelhouse. What does me being
here have to do with your morale?"

"Well for one, everyone on the varsity team are so intimidating. They're
scary good. I'm second guessing myself for even being here but then I look
up at you and all my worries and doubts just wash away. There's just
something about you, your smile, your light, i-it just makes everything bad
go away."

"I-I do?"

"Yeah," he answered smiling. "You mean the world to me and you being here
means the world to me."

"I-I didn't know that I did all that. Now there's a lot of pressure just
for me to sit there. Any specific way that you want me to sit? I can cross
my legs and man spread them or something. Whatever you want. I-I don't know
how to process this."

	He busted out into a short chuckle and caressed my cheek then said,
"Just be you and keep your eyes on me. That's all I need. Just look at me
with those perfectly brown eyes. Maybe bust a move or two."

"I am not dancing in front of the entire school," I said snapping out of
his hypnotizing ways.

"But it's not."

"It will be when everyone takes out of their phone and records me acting
like a fool."

"Fine, don't dance. Just go where I can see you."

"That I can do."

"Carver, you're up!" Mr. Lane yelled.

"I'm just gonna go sit," I said pointing back to the bleachers with my
thumb. I quickly ran back up the bleachers sitting in the exact same spot I
was in earlier. "You got this Babe!"

	He looked back at me and smiled while also giving me two thumbs
up. Then he instantly switched into a more serious expression. He has his
game face on. Looking over at Mr. Lane, he had that damn metallic whistle
held between this thumb and the side of his forefinger, his lips pursed
snug around it. His massive chest rose and as soon as his gaze connected
with Carver's the whistle screeched. Carver pushed himself forward and
zipped through the track like a bolt of lightning. He was making his way
around the track going as fast as he could without looking like he was
tiring himself out. Maybe it's all in my head but I could have sworn that
when he reached the midpoint he winked at me. He could have easily just
been blinking at that moment too, I don't know but it made me shoot up and
do a little cheer.

"Rah rah, he's my man. If he can't do it, no one can!" I cheered in my best
cheerleader chant shaking my clench fists like pom poms, shaking my little
booty, and even jumping, uppercutting like some two dimensional video game
character. "Gooooooo Carver, go Carver!"

	It was such an involuntary response that it wasn't until after I
finished my chant did I realize what I had just done. I stood there
extremely uncomfortable, wide eyed and face burning red. Luckily for me, no
one was paying attention to me...except for Ashley. She had the exact same
expression as I did, but in her case, I'm pretty sure it was second
embarrassment. She had placed her hand over her face like a tilted salute.

"I'm just gonna sit down now and pretend that didn't happen," I said to
myself throwing Carver's jacket back around me, shrouding me away from my
own embarrassing actions. I kept a small slit open just enough to let me
see him.

"Impressive," Mr. Lane said as Carver hit the starting line again.

	Carver smiled and looked back at me waving. He jogged back up to me
and patted me on the back.

"Rah rah, he's my man?" he said giggling.

"Oh god, I don't even know why I did it!" I moaned.

"It was cute."

"I'm not doing it ever again," I mumbled to myself.

"Don't say that. I loved it. Although it did surprise me. You didn't do it
because I winked at you, did you?"

"...maybe," I groaned. "This is why I'm not spontaneous."

"Baby I didn't even think you'd notice, let alone actually see me doing
it. I'm sorry if it made you feel like you actually had to dance for me,
I-I was kidding earlier, but I thought it was really sweet."

"You think so?" I asked in a baby voice poking my head out.

"Yeah! If you think I was pumped up before, I'm even more pumped up now.
Coach Lane even said that my time was really good too. I couldn't have done
it without you and your cute, little dance."

"Well you better remember it because I'm not doing it again."

"That's fine. I already have it saved and set to play on a loop for the
rest of the day. Maybe even the rest of the week if my boyfriend is going
to continue to act grumpy," he said smiling. "I'm going to head back. Can
you pass me the water? I'm going to keep it with me so it's nearby."

	I handed him the jug and then watched him hop down the steps and
jog back to the group. They continued to run more drills of varying
intensities. Coach Lane even started setting up the hurdles along the track
field. I didn't think that they were going to use those today especially
since more than half of the aspirants looked pretty winded already and
drenched in blood, sweat, and tears...maybe not so much blood but you get
the gist.

	Ashley, Brock, and Carver looked fine though albeit a little
competitive between the three of them. Even though they were sweating a ton
and breathing heavy, they all had their serious game faces on. Even though
Brock just broke up with Ashley maybe twenty minutes ago, she didn't seem
phased at all by his mad dogging. And trust me, he was trying his best to
psyche her out but she was holding her own, maybe even better than him. She
was serving him her own version of psyche outs and I could tell, even from
back here, that it was working. He couldn't even keep eye contact with
her. She's a little scary on the field. It didn't help that Carver was
glaring him down too. They looked like a pack of wolves snarling at a
frightened moose. Yes I said moose, have we all forgotten Brock's a hairy
behemoth of a man? I no longer had the jealous feeling that was given to me
by Brock. I can see now that Ashley is just a friend who will probably be
Carver's good friend on the team. I approve. Plus she dyes her hair. Maybe
I could ask her to dye my hair some funky, cool color down the line? Not
pink though, not that there's anything wrong with it. It's just not for me.

	Thirty minutes has passed and tryouts is still going on. I don't
know why but I thought tryouts was only going to take at most half an hour
out of my life instead of it so far being almost an hour long endeavor.
Carver looks like he's having loads of fun though so I'm not going to be
that person and ruin it for him. I really want him to be on the team. It'll
be really good for him. I don't have doubts on him not making it on the
team though. I know he'll be on it based on how well things have been
going. Every now and then he would look over at me, wave, and blow me a
kiss. A part of me says he did that to continue on his sweetness arc but
another part of me thinks he only did that to make sure I was still here,
still present. He knows this sorta thing, anything sports related, bores
the hell out of me. If it weren't him, I'd probably find a little hide-y
hole to crash. But since it is him, I'm actually really invested in all of
it. I have a whole new appreciation for people who do this voluntarily, the
people who don't find this a punishment like me.

	The whole team clumped up together one last time to do one last
hurrah and as I watched them run around the track, the hairs on the nape of
my neck stood at attention and I got goosebumps all along my arms. I wasn't
cold but I had this odd feeling that I was being watched...again. Standing
up I turned around squinting at a far away shadow in the parking lot behind
the bleachers. I couldn't tell who it was at first but they were smiling
and waving at me. It had to be me. There was no one else nearby. I stepped
up closer to the very top seats of the bleachers and once I did, I noticed
immediately who it was. It was Carver's dad, Declan. I couldn't believe
it. We haven't seen him ever since that day and I can't forget it.  My
entire body started shaking, my breath shaky. He was staring straight at me
in a devious way while putting his forefinger up to his lips. I couldn't
move. My hands were trembling as I tried to reach for my phone in my back
pocket.

"What are you looking at?"

	I screamed at the top of my lungs clutching the upper railing.

"Whoa, hey, hey, relax it's me," Carver said holding on to my side. "I
didn't mean to scare you. What's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost."

"I-I-I saw, I-I-I saw," I stuttered. Should I tell him? That first
encounter with his dad plunged Carver in a pretty dark abyss that I don't
want him to ever go into again. But I have to tell him, I can't just keep
this from him.

"Hey, are you guys ready to go?" Ashley asked at the bottom of the
bleachers, wiping the sweat off her brow.

"Baby? What happened?" Carver asked sternly.

	I turned back to look at the lot and he was gone. Was he actually
there? He had to be. I would never imagine him. Ever.

"Fang?"

"I saw him."

"Who?" he asked concerned.

"Him. Y-Y-Your dad."

	He gulped as his concern for me intensified. Even though he didn't
say anything I could tell he was freaking out internally, his body started
to shake and his gaze shifty. He reluctantly looked over my shoulder and
when he didn't see him, asked me in a rather serious tone, "Are you sure
you saw him?" I nodded. His brows furrowed as he bit into his lower lip.
The reality of his dad still being present and possibly stalking him, me,
or maybe both of us was scaring us to the bone.

"Guys?" I heard Ashley ask again. "Is everything okay?"

"We have to go," Carver said stepping back and quickly stepping off the
bleachers. I followed behind him, but not before rushing to grab our bags
and slinging them across my back.

"Are you guys okay?"

"Yeah, we're fine. I just told him that my mom is making tacos tonight. He
just really wants a taco," I lied terribly.

"A-Are you sure this is about tacos? He seems really mad. I-I can just
walk."

"No!" Carver barked. Ashley jumped back scared by Carver's intensity.
Carver immediately regretted it, looking away after seeing her reaction.
"I'm sorry. It's just not safe. We have to go. Now."

"Tacos?" she asked me again. I don't think she believes me.

"Yup he just really loves those tacos. No one's safe when there's tacos
around. Anyway, we really should get going though," I said, worried for
Carver.

"Is there anything I can do?" she asked me as we all walked towards the
parking lot. "I know this isn't about tacos."

	I looked over at Carver who was only arm distance apart from me. I
don't think he was paying attention to us. He was just in his head the
whole walk back. I really wish I hadn't looked behind me.

"No, there isn't. It's our problem. Don't worry about it," I told her.

"My problem," Carver said emphasizing the ownership.

"I-If I did anything—."

"You didn't."

	You'd think with what they had done this whole hour they would have
been worn out but with the urgency of the matter, we practically ran back
to the car. The whole ride back was uncomfortable and I could tell it was
eating him up inside. He was still shaking even though his eyes were fixed
out the window. Not a word was spoken the ride back, well except for me
asking Ashley directions for her house. But other than that, dead
silence. The only thing I could think of that could relieve some pressure
was to hold his hand as I drove. That seemed to rid him of the shakes.
Thankfully we were able to drop her off quickly and safely without issue.

"Thanks guys. I'll see you tomorrow I guess," she said as she got out of
the car. "I hope you feel better Carver."

	He sat there stone faced to her and the world. He didn't answer
back or do anything to indicate that he was okay. She waved us goodbye as
she walked into her house and we drove off. As soon as we got back to my
place, he immediately rushed the door open and had one foot out the door
when I grabbed his arm.

"I'm fine. Let's just go in already," he begged. He still couldn't look at
me but I hear the fear in his voice.

"Carver look at me," I said tugging at his arm.

"No, I'm fine."

"Please, just for a second."

	He still didn't move instead I heard the softest sniffle. I gently
turned his face to me and there he was puffy eyes stained red with tears
falling down his cheeks.

"Everything's gonna be okay," I whispered. "We'll figure this out,
together."

"No it's not. I'm scared Fang. I'm scared for you. He was supposed to be
locked up for ten years for what he did to me and he got out in less than
one!" he yelled angrily, slamming his fists onto the dashboard.
Instinctively, I jumped back and again he noticed just like when Ashley
jumped back. He took a few deep breaths to calm himself. I shakily reached
out to hold his hand. "You don't know him like I do. To other people, he's
a totally nice guy and he could charm his way out of anything and
everything. And honestly everyone back home loves him. Most of the people I
knew couldn't fathom that my bruises, my cuts, my broken bones were from
him. They all believed his lies. Even with all the evidence, the
conviction, everyone was still on his side. I guess it was more convenient
to believe he was such a good guy instead of a wolf in sheep's clothing, a
predator."

"Carver, I-I-I'm sorry. I didn't know," I said rubbing his shoulder.

"Of course you didn't know, because I didn't want you to know!" he barked
almost biting my head off.

"I-I—," I stuttered. I couldn't think of anything to say. Nothing I
could say could make this any better. I knew he was bad. But I never knew
that things got that bad.

"I'm sorry for bringing him up. Maybe I imagined it all in my head. Maybe I
didn't actually see him. That's a possibility right?"

"No, I don't believe you'd ever imagine him. He's back. I don't think my
grandparents will be able to scare him off again. I'm going to have to tell
them too and they're going to go ballistic. I-I don't want them to lose
their minds over this. They're good people. I don't know what to do."

"Whatever you decide, I'll be right by your side. You're not alone in
this."

"Thanks but I don't want you there."

"Wh-What?"

"I don't mean it like that. I just don't want you to get anymore involved
than you already are."

"But I love you and I don't want you to have to face this alone. I'm not
going to let him scare me away. He'll win and I don't want him to keep
winning. You need someone by your side. I won't leave you Carver. Please
don't shut me out."

"I'll think about it, but the second anything bad happens to you again,
I—."

"Nothing is gonna happen to me or you. I'll make sure of it."

"You can't promise that."

"Watch me. I'm not gonna let him come between us."

"You don't know what you're saying."

"Carver."

"Just leave it alone. Let's go inside," he said stepping out.

	The two of us walked up the stone steps and walked into my house
where we were immediately ambushed by my mom who was fanning something in
the kitchen.

"Hey how was tryouts?" she asked excitedly.

"Fine," Carver said.

"Just fine? I was expecting for a little more excitement since Paul did
tell me that you and your friend Ashley made the team. What's wrong?"

"Sorry, I have a lot going on right now," Carver said not even looking at
her and instead headed straight for my room.

"What's wrong with him?" she asked worried.

"N-Nothing, it's nothing," I lied.

"Fang?" she asked again.

"I swear, it's nothing. He's just exhausted. Can you just drop it please?"

"Fang, I'm just worried. With everything that's been going on, I just want
to make sure there aren't anymore surprises."

"And there isn't. I promise," I gulped down my biggest lie ever. I just
can't let this drag out any more than it already has.

"Okay," she said backing down. "But if I find out later that you're lying
to me—."

"You won't."

"Fine. Dinner will be ready in a couple of hours. Maybe then you'll tell me
the truth," she said walking back into the kitchen.

	Great. She didn't believe me.