Page 14 of Something Rad
“I’ll see ya later, Robbie,” Denise says, turning away to prance in the direction of Ginger’s car. “Take care of yourself, okay?” she calls over her shoulder before disappearing between the rows of cars.
“Um, what?” I ask myself outloud.
Did Denise Davis just…break upwith me?
No one haseverbroken up with me.
No. Denise clearly doesn’t know what she’s doing. Her head’s not on straight. I mean,come on. We’re perfect together. She has to know that. I mean, everyone else in the school does. No, she must just have a lot on her mind. I’m not sure what all it is exactly, but–
The pep rally.
That’s it. Tomorrow is the first pep rally of the school year. That’s got to be what’s stressing her out and causing her to make irrational decisions. She’s too focused on being on the top of the pyramid in front of everyone at school tomorrow to see what’s right in front of her. To seeme.
An idea works its way into my brain suddenly, and a smile comes to my face.
I’ll just have tomakeher see.
I glance up, searching to see who’s still left in the parking lot. An explosion of high pitched giggles sounds suddenly from right behind me, and it’s like music to my ears. I spin around, seeing three other girls I recognize from the cheer team making their way down the steps of the school.
I turn to look at my reflection in the window of my car, quickly running my fingers through my hair and popping the collar of my jacket back up. I turn back just as the girls’ feet hit the edge of the parking lot.
“Sandy, Kate, and Lisa!” I call to them.
All three of the cheerleaders stop dead in their tracks, looking like deer in headlights.
“Just the ladies I wanted to see,” I smile, taking a step closer to them.
It’s Kate that composes herself first, speaking up. “Um, hi, Robbie. What’s up?”
I walk around the girls, throwing my long arms around all three of their shoulders, pulling them into my side. “I have a favor to ask you ladies.”
All of them beam nervously at me in response.
“Think you can maybe help me out?”
five
SARA
“I just can’t believe this.”
Click.
Denise Davis twirls her blonde ponytail around her finger as she turns to say something to Lisa McDaniel.
Click.
A huge smile lights up Denise’s face the second I take the picture, as if she sensed it. In a way, I’m sure she did. She’s used to it. She’s a girl with eyes on her at all times. A girl who is always thought of. Always noticed.
Though Denise might be completely unaware of what’s going on around her, every person around her always knows exactly what’s going on with Denise.
I wonder to myself if that’s a blessing or a curse.
“I mean this just isn’t right.”
I shake my head, swiveling away from the cheer squad to focus on the band members in the bleachers.
Click. Click. Click.
