Page 9 of XO

“He still shouldn’t have said them. He doesn’t understand anything outside of football. He especially doesn’t understand anyone with a creative streak.”

“You don’t seem as enthused about the game as he does.” Being a non-football fan, I haven’t been to any games, but his reputation precedes him. According to teachers and students, he’s a natural-born talent. Yet, there doesn’t seem to be any passion alighting his eyes.

“I do enjoy it. Just probably not enough to ever makehimhappy.”

There’s a moment where we both fall into quiet reflection.

“What would you do otherwise?”

Jacob again lifts his face to the sun before lying on his back, lost in thought.

“I don’t know. My whole life to date has been my father’s doing. All I know is, wherever I end up, it will be far, far away from here.”

3

THEN

“I just don’t understand why we have to be here,” Kevin Foster says to Ms. Zagwich, crossing his feet on the chair in front and defiantly folding his arms. I’m standing by the door at the back of the room observing the five committee members already seated, debating if I should turn on my heel and pretend to be none-the-wiser, especially because, for some unexpected reason, Jacob and his football buddy, Kevin, are sitting in on the meeting.

“Because…” Ms. Zagwich starts, sitting on the edge of the table and crossing her left ankle over the other, “… you two have been nominated by Coach Carter to diversify your resumes, and this is what he thinks is best.”

“But we don’t know the first thing about organizing a prom. Can’t you let…” he glances at the girl next to him who he’s probably never noticed before, “… Rebecca—”

“It’s Anna,” she corrects in annoyance.

“Whatever,” he rudely dismisses. “Can’t you let Anna, and whoever else, take care of this? I got a game to focus on.”

Ms. Zagwich smiles tightly. She’s probably just as unhappy with the situation. Being the drama teacher, she isn’t used to dealing with football egos.

“Kevin’s right,” Jacob finally speaks up, albeit with more manners than his friend. “This isn’t the best use of our time. We have state finals coming up and—”

“Miss Reign,” Ms. Zagwich interrupts the boys when she sees me standing at the door. She looks both relieved and happy. Everyone, including Jacob, turn, and I wish I hadn’t hesitated making a run for it earlier. “I was hoping you were planning on joining the committee. Come in.”

“Actually, I was—”

“You will be our only artistic influence,” she interrupts. “So, you’ll be playing a vital role. Come on, come in. And look…” her voice raises an octave, “… Jacob is here, which means you can squeeze in a little extra rehearsal time.”

Fan-fucking-tastic.I roll my eyes.

Kevin turns in his seat, throwing a mocking glance at his friend. Jacob responds with a not-so-subtle kick to the back of his chair. So, Jacob was attending rehearsal under sufferance which makes things far more awkward. Almost like I’m his jailer.

But back to the present, things are certainly not going to plan. Everyone continues to stare. Their levels of varying scrutiny forcing me to respond in some way. My legs decide what’s best and soon I’m joining the small group sitting together. Jacob watches and smiles, his unwanted attention causing my cheeks to redden. Before I reach my destination between Jacob and Anna, I’m elbowed out of the way by non-other than Chelsea Campbell, the glorified, complete bombshell-complete bitch cheerleading captain. She takes the seat I’d already committed to, forcing me to sit behind the group. Jacob notices but says nothing as she sidles up to him, her perfectly glossed lips smile playfully as a polished hand rests on his muscled forearm. Jacob shuffles over to make more room, but Chelsea leans in close, big doe eyes set to flirt mode as she begins whispering tales of gossip like he’s at all interested.

“Ms. Campbell, how lovely of you to join us,” my teacher says with an air of disappointment. Her life just got a whole lot harder as did everyone else’s in here.

Chelsea turns to face Ms. Zagwich, switching from popular gossip girl to teacher’s pet in a heartbeat. “You’re welcome. I’m here to lead this year’s prom,” she starts, voice like honey. “And to ensure it’s not a fu…” She pauses a moment before correcting herself. “Not a balls-up like last year’s was. I have a lot of ideas that I’m sure will trump any you’ve heard so far.” Her confidence is cringeworthy.

Ms. Zagwich takes a moment to gather her words. “Well, I do like your enthusiasm. However, no student will be a leader of this event, simply to avoid what happened last year. You will, however, be working in a team. So, if for instance, you have an idea for decoration, you’d turn to Rosie who will be in charge of the artistic side given that’s her strong suit.”

Chelsea shrugs. “Who’s Rosie?”

I sigh. Chelsea and I have attended the same school since sophomore year, and she still can’t place my name with the person she barged out of the way. Jacob covers his mouth to hide his laugh, but he isn’t laughing at my expense. With a thin, exasperated smile, Ms. Zagwich points to me.

Chelsea turns, brows knitted in annoyance as she looks me up and down before turning back to our teacher. “Ms. Zagwich, I’m all for working as a team, but perhaps having a new girl in charge of the decoration isn’t such a great idea.”

Jacob’s laugh erupts, and I too have to bite my bottom lip from joining in.

Chelsea remains undeterred. “There’s a lot of girls with high hopes, me included, and I don’t want them to be let down.”

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