All throughout her day, she couldn't get his deep green eyes out of
her head or his unusual, but pleasant, scent. She thought of him during
all her classes and had trouble concentrating. Even cheering practice
before the big game was tough for her to focus on. She had screwed up a
pyramid and almost broke her neck trying to do a back tuck. She sat on the
green grassy soccer field watching the rest of the squad go over the half
time routine. She shook her head a few times trying to get him out of her
head, but had no such luck.
"Cin, what's up?" Amy's cheerful voice broke through her mind. She looked to the right of her to see Amy sitting herself down on the grass next to her. Amy gave her a large smile and looked towards the rest of the girls. "What are they doing there and you doing here?"
"I just have no concentration today. I was zoning in and out of all my classes and now," Cinder replied with a sigh as she watched Torrie pull off a perfect back handspring.
"Why? What's goin on in that blonde head of yours?" she joked. Cinder gave her a stern look and shook her head.
"I don't know. I can't get that Jeff kid out of my mind. It's so bizarre," she said. "What are you doing here?"
"Matt invited me to watch them do football practice. And I saw you sitting here by yourself and almost kill yourself earlier so I thought I'd see what was wrong," she answered.
"So, you and Matt have hit it off pretty well. Can't wait to meet him," Cinder smiled.
"I'm hoping he'll ask me to the semi," she responded.
"He could very well do that," Cinder said softly.
"Do you think they have a chance against Central?" Amy asked.
"Yeah, I mean Charlie is the best quarterback we've had in years. Adam's on his best this season. He wants to be MVP all star. The defensive line is looking really strong with Marc, Mark, Glen, and Terry leading it. And Rob's doing awesome as a linebacker this year. So I think we have a pretty damn good shot," Cinder explained.
"I hope Matt gets to play. He says he's really good," Amy laughed. "I've only known him for a few hours and already know that he's an arrogant ass!"
"You have the best luck with guys!" Cinder laughed as she thought back to a horrible relationship Amy had with an exchange student from Mexico, Jesus, but everyone hated to call him that so they all gave him the name, Essa.
"Oh, gees. I don't even wanna think about him. What the hell was I thinking?!" she laughed as she slapped her forehead.
"You were thinking, wow, he's hot and exotic. Give it to me baby," Cinder teased.
"Cinder, what are you doing sitting here? Shouldn't you be with your squad?" Adam asked as he stood behind his younger sister with all his football gear on.
"Shouldn't you be with your football team?" Cinder shot back as she stood.
"Break," Adam said with a shrug. "Anyways, a bunch of us are going to Fred's tonite whether we win or lose after the game. You comin?"
"Curfew Adam," Cinder pointed out as she crossed her arms.
"Nah, I called Mom and she said as long as you're with me, you can stay out with us," Adam replied.
"Yeah, sure, why not?"
"Great. What about you Ames? I'm sure Matt would love it if you'd come," Adam smiled innocently.
"Really?!" she exclaimed excitedly. Cinder gave her a little eye roll and chuckled.
"Yeah, he asked me to ask you," Adam laughed as he pointed to Matt, who was standing next to Charlie, Jay, and Rob starring at Amy. He quickly looked away as they all looked towards him. Amy blushed slightly and nodded at Adam.
"I'm there!" she said.
"Good. We're all meeting in the football player's parking lot," Adam said as he began to walk away. They waved at him and turned to each other with smiles on their faces.
"Looks like you've got an admirer!" Cinder laughed.
"Well, he's got one too!" Amy responded.
*******************
Cinder was on top of things at the game as she led her squad in the cheers. She had completely cleared all her thoughts of Jeff and was finally focused on the situation. For the first time in years, Wakefield High was in the lead in the 3rd quarter. The fans were going wild as everyone thought they were going to win. Rico lifted Cinder in the air as she did a scorpion for the crowd. She looked at the top of the bleachers where Amy was sitting, cheering her little heart out, and she noticed she wasn't alone. She looked right into those deep green eyes and smiled slightly. Adorned on his blue hair was a baseball cap, helping keep his hair out of his face. He wore a big baggy black sweatshirt that had Pearl Jam on it and what looked to be baggy black jeans. He looked towards her and gave her a slight wave with a friendly smile. She felt her leg start to wiggle underneath her as Rico tried to keep her straight. She looked down, lost her balance and fell right onto the ground. Everyone in the crowd and the benched football players all ooooooed, as the other cheerleaders gathered around her.
"Ow," she cried as she cringed slightly in pain.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to drop you. You just started wiggling around," Rico apologized although he didn't sound too sincere.
"It's okay, I lost my balance, that's all," Cinder replied as Alanah and Jackie helped her up.
"Oh sure, we get a captain who can't even hold a simple scorpion for 5 seconds," Dawn Marie complained.
"Oh shut up Dawn. It was one little mistake. Live with it," Trish exclaimed angrily as Cinder brushed herself off.
"I bet Torrie could hold it better than you can!" Stacy said glaring at Cinder.
"Would you all just cool it!?" Lisa Moretti sighed.
"Are you okay?" Alanah asked Cinder with her hands on Cinder's shoulders.
"Yeah, I'm alright. No biggie. Adam's done much worse to me," Cinder said with a small smile.
"You guys, Marc just got hurt!" Jessy said as everyone looked out onto the field. One of the best defensemen was down on the field. He held his leg tightly as everyone could hear his cries. All the players retreated from the middle of the field as paramedics rushed in. Cinder looked at the scoreboard, noting the fact that there was about 8 minutes to play and Central had caught up with Wakefield with possession of the ball on the goal line. Cinder shook her head as they carried Marc off the field. The end of the game was Central over Wakefield once again. It was a close game and if only Wakefield could have gotten one more touchdown and a field goal they would have won. The football team slowly made their way off the field towards the locker rooms.
"Um, great job you guys. You did great tonite. Practice tomorrow after school till 4," Cinder said as she dismissed her squad. Cinder and Trish stood next to the field together with frowns on their faces.
"Hey, Cin, you alright?" Amy asked as she ran up to them. Trish and Cinder turned and smiled at her.
"Yeah, I'm fine. You know me. Adam has put me through a hell of a lot worse," she laughed.
"It was a good game you guys," Amy said.
"Yeah, but it would have been nice to get just one win over them," Trish sighed.
"Next time," Amy nodded.
"So, I guess we should get ready to go to Fred's, huh?" Cinder said as they began to walk towards the locker rooms. Standing next to the gate to the field was Jeff. His arms crossed over his chest and his head down. They started to walk by him when he stepped in front of Cinder. He smiled at her and she smiled back as they stood there starring at each other. "Hey."
"Hi. You, um, you okay?" he asked.
"Oh yeah. I'm perfectly fine," she smiled as she watched Amy and Trish get further away. "What are you doin here? Wanted to see Matt play?"
"Yeah right!" he laughed. "Actually, no. I came cause Amy didn't want to sit by herself. She's a pretty cool girl."
"Yeah she is. We've been friends since kindergarten," Cinder said. "You goin to Fred's?"
"Fred's?" he asked.
"Yeah, it's a diner that's known for the hoards of Wakefield students that travel there to hang out," Cinder laughed.
"Oh, I wasn't asked," he said with a shrug.
"You should come with us. It's gonna be a lot of fun. I don't exactly know who's coming, but it's never a dull moment when we all go out."
"Um, well, I don't know. I don't wanna interfere in a group type thing," he said digging his foot into the dirt.
"Come with us. Please? You'll fit right in with us," Cinder said giving him a reassuring smile.
"You really think so? I've seen you friends and I don't think they'd like me very much," he said.
"Seriously, I am friends with everybody. My friends are very diverse. I wouldn't have it any other way," Cinder said. "Plus you like Amy, so you'll have her there."
"Yeah, I guess. I'll come," he smiled.
"Good, I'm glad," she replied with an excited smile on her face. "You goin to the semi-formal this Saturday?"
"Oh, um, well, uh, those kinds of things aren't really my deal. I'm not too into dressing up," he chuckled.
"Oh, neither am I. But my friend Trish is making me go. And I'm sure my boyfriend wants me there, so I'm kinda obligated to go," Cinder laughed.
"Oh, your boyfriend?" he said raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah, Charlie Haas. The quarterback," she answered.
"Oh, I see."
"So, you should go with us to the dance. It'll be fun."
"I don't know. I'll have to think about it," he said.
"I hear you're tryin out for Shannon's band."
"You know Shannon?"
"Oh yeah, me, him, and Amy are the three musketeers," she laughed.
"Wow, you guys don't look like you should be friends."
"Don't be fooled by my appearance today. I don't normally wear this kind of stuff. Give me a pair of jeans and a tank top any day!" she laughed.
"Yeah, I know the feeling," Jeff replied. "But um, yeah, I'm trying out for Peroxwhygen. I just hope the band members like me."
"I' m sure at least one of them does," Cinder laughed innocently.
"Well, I know Shannon and I are on good terms, but I don't know about that Chris guy. He seems a little, much."
"Chris is harmless. He's all talk and no action. Partly my fault, but he's a good guy."
"Cinder! Come on, get a move on!" Adam yelled.
"Well, I gotta go get changed. I'll meet you in the front parking lot. That's where all the football players hang out," Cinder explained as she began to run off.
"Okay, see ya there!" Jeff yelled after her as a smile crept across his face. He stuck his hands in his front pockets and slowly made his way to the parking lot.
"Was that Jeff?" Trish asked as Cinder slipped a dark blue muscle tee over her head. She fastened her belt and smiled.
"Yeah, that's Jeff. I convinced him to come with us tonite," she replied.
"He's a cutie," Trish smiled.
"Trish, you've got Shannon," Cinder said throwing her cheering shoes in her locker.
"Shannon and I are not a couple. We're just, um, dating I guess you could say," she said shyly.
"You and that fine piece of ass are dating?!" Stacy exclaimed as she walked around the lockers towards them. She crossed her arms over her pink bra covered chest.
"Stacy, stay out of our business," Cinder requested.
"I'll be involved in anything I wanna be involved in. He's a fine piece of ass and I don't know why he'd want a trashy hoe like you, Trish. Especially when I'm around," Stacy said.
"You're such a bitch, Stacy," Trish said shaking her head.
"You've got Andrew. Enjoy him. He's a great guy," Cinder said angrily.
"Yeah, he is. But it doesn't mean I can't look and sometimes touch," she smiled.
"Stacy, I swear if you hurt him, I'll hurt you!" Cinder threatened.
"You're just like Chris Irvine, Cinder. All talk and no action," Stacy said as she walked away.
*************************
"Jeff, what are you doin here? Did you come to watch me kick some ass on the field?" Matt asked his little brother smugly.
"No, Matt, I didn't. I came to see that girl I was telling you about. She invited me to come along with you all tonite," Jeff answered.
"Does my little brother have a girlfriend?" Matt asked in a childish tone.
"No, she's got a boyfriend. And I don't need a girlfriend anyways. I have Beth," Jeff said with a shrug.
"Jeff, you and Beth broke up because we were leaving," Matt said softly.
"Maybe I wanna get back with her," Jeff replied.
"There are so many other wonderful girls here. I'm sure you can find one you want to be with," Matt said.
"Dude, you had an awesome game today!" Adam said patting Matt on the back.
"Thanks, you too. I really appreciate you all accepting me like you have," Matt said.
"No problem. You're one of us now. You're in for life," Jay said with a friendly smile.
"Thanks. Oh, this is my little brother Jeff," Matt smiled. "Jeff, this is Adam and Jay."
"Hey," Jeff nodded.
"I hope it's alright with you guys that he comes with us tonite. Some cheerleader that he met asked him to come with us," Matt laughed.
"Oh? Who?" Adam asked curiously.
"Your sister, actually," Jeff replied.
"Oh, yeah. That's fine that you come. The more the merrier," Adam smiled.
"You'll like Cinder. She's a really great girl," Jay said. "She may be the most popular girl in school, but you'd never really know it. She likes pretty much everyone."
"Yeah, I noticed. She's already kind of befriended me," Jeff smiled.
"Are we goin or what?" Trish asked as she, Amy, Alanah, and Cinder walked towards the four guys.
"Just waiting for Charlie and Rob," Adam answered.
"Matt, this is Cinder, Alanah, and Trish," Jay introduced them.
"Hey, nice to meet you girls," he smiled although he was more interested in looking at Amy than acknowledging anyone else. Amy walked towards them and they slipped into a conversation by themselves.
"Jeff, this is my friend Trish and Adam's girlfriend, Alanah. Trish, Alanah, this is Jeff," Cinder smiled.
"So, um, what's up with the hair?" Trish asked with a smile.
"Let's get going!" Rob yelled as he and Charlie ran out of the locker rooms. They all jumped into cars and drove to their diner. They crammed into a small booth together and ordered food.
"I can't believe we lost!" Charlie said as he placed his hand on top of Cinder's.
"You guys did awesome tonite though. You all had a good game," Amy said.
"We would have won if they hadn't attacked Marc," Jay complained.
"We'll get em next time guys," Rob said smoothly.
"So, Jeff, are you and your brother close?" Cinder asked as the others got in a conversation about the game.
"Oh yeah. We're really close. I love him," Jeff smiled. "How bout you and Adam?"
"Oh my God yes! We are so close. We even have the same friends. He's always been there to protect me. We hardly fight, unless it's about Charlie. I love him to death!" Cinder smiled happily.
"He's your older brother. He has to protect you. It's the older brother rule book. Just ask Matt," Jeff laughed.
"Well, we don't have a father. He, um, he walked out right after he heard our mom was pregnant with me. So I never knew him and Adam was only like 1 when he left. So Adam's always had to be my father and brother and best friend. He always yelled at me when I was wrong or bad, he always comforted me when I was upset, he just took care of me like a father should have. I may have hated him for what he did as a child to me, but now I completely understand why. He just loves me and didn't want me to get hurt. Although he had a tendency to do it himself," Cinder laughed.
"Oh yes, the older brother cardinal rule of injuring the younger sibling," Jeff joked. "Matt's injured me a few times as well."
"I'm sure he has. So, why'd ya'll move here?"
"Our Dad got a job transfer," Jeff answered.
"So do you have any other siblings?"
"Nah, it's just me, Matt, and my Dad," Jeff smiled.
"Where's you mother?" Cinder asked curiously as she rested her head on her hand after pulling it out from under Charlie's.
"She passed away when we were little. I was 9 and Matt was 12," Jeff answered sadly.
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," Cinder said softly.
"Thanks, I'm sorry about your situation too."
"Cinder, earth to Cinder!" Adam yelled snapping his fingers in front of her face. She looked over at him with a glare. "We should go. It's after midnite."
"Oh, yeah. We should. So, Jeff, I'll see ya tomorrow. You should hang out with us in the morning. Meet us by the benches in front of the school. It's usually me, Trish, Shannon, Rob, Amy, Chris, and Shane Helms," Cinder said as Jeff let her out of the booth. Charlie went with her and put a protective arm around her waist. As if to tell Jeff that she was his property.
"Yeah, I'll probably see you then," Jeff smiled.
"See you guys later," Adam said as he took Cinder's hand. Cinder pulled back and gave Charlie a deep kiss.
"I love you," she said softly as she caressed his face.
"I love you too baby," he smiled as she and Adam left.
"Me and my brother better go too. See you guys tomorrow," Matt said as he grabbed Jeff's arm tightly. "Dude, lay off Cinder."
"Lay off her? I just wanna be friends with her. I want nothing more than that. I like Charlie. And I think her brother my kill me if I tried to interfere in her relationship," Jeff said.
"Word is that Adam hates Charlie," Matt said as they climbed into his black blazer. "I didn't expect her to look like that though. I expected someone more like you."
"I don't know what it is about her but I felt this instant connection with her. I can't explain it. There's just something about her and those eyes and that smile amaze me," Jeff smiled. "What's up with you and Amy?"
"Do you like Amy?" Matt asked quickly.
"Yeah, she's a great girl. I have US History with her last period. That's why I went to the game. She didn't want to sit by herself. Plus I did want to see Cinder again and maybe talk to her," Jeff said. "Do you like Amy?"
"Oh hell yeah. I really do like her. I'm asking her to the semi this weekend. You should go," Matt said.
"You know that it's not really my scene," Jeff said. "Plus I don't have a date. And those are the kind of things you want to go with some one to."
"I'm sure you can find some one by the end of the week," Matt said.
"I don't know. Maybe Cinder can hook me up with one of her cheerleaders," Jeff joked.
"Cin, what's up?" Amy's cheerful voice broke through her mind. She looked to the right of her to see Amy sitting herself down on the grass next to her. Amy gave her a large smile and looked towards the rest of the girls. "What are they doing there and you doing here?"
"I just have no concentration today. I was zoning in and out of all my classes and now," Cinder replied with a sigh as she watched Torrie pull off a perfect back handspring.
"Why? What's goin on in that blonde head of yours?" she joked. Cinder gave her a stern look and shook her head.
"I don't know. I can't get that Jeff kid out of my mind. It's so bizarre," she said. "What are you doing here?"
"Matt invited me to watch them do football practice. And I saw you sitting here by yourself and almost kill yourself earlier so I thought I'd see what was wrong," she answered.
"So, you and Matt have hit it off pretty well. Can't wait to meet him," Cinder smiled.
"I'm hoping he'll ask me to the semi," she responded.
"He could very well do that," Cinder said softly.
"Do you think they have a chance against Central?" Amy asked.
"Yeah, I mean Charlie is the best quarterback we've had in years. Adam's on his best this season. He wants to be MVP all star. The defensive line is looking really strong with Marc, Mark, Glen, and Terry leading it. And Rob's doing awesome as a linebacker this year. So I think we have a pretty damn good shot," Cinder explained.
"I hope Matt gets to play. He says he's really good," Amy laughed. "I've only known him for a few hours and already know that he's an arrogant ass!"
"You have the best luck with guys!" Cinder laughed as she thought back to a horrible relationship Amy had with an exchange student from Mexico, Jesus, but everyone hated to call him that so they all gave him the name, Essa.
"Oh, gees. I don't even wanna think about him. What the hell was I thinking?!" she laughed as she slapped her forehead.
"You were thinking, wow, he's hot and exotic. Give it to me baby," Cinder teased.
"Cinder, what are you doing sitting here? Shouldn't you be with your squad?" Adam asked as he stood behind his younger sister with all his football gear on.
"Shouldn't you be with your football team?" Cinder shot back as she stood.
"Break," Adam said with a shrug. "Anyways, a bunch of us are going to Fred's tonite whether we win or lose after the game. You comin?"
"Curfew Adam," Cinder pointed out as she crossed her arms.
"Nah, I called Mom and she said as long as you're with me, you can stay out with us," Adam replied.
"Yeah, sure, why not?"
"Great. What about you Ames? I'm sure Matt would love it if you'd come," Adam smiled innocently.
"Really?!" she exclaimed excitedly. Cinder gave her a little eye roll and chuckled.
"Yeah, he asked me to ask you," Adam laughed as he pointed to Matt, who was standing next to Charlie, Jay, and Rob starring at Amy. He quickly looked away as they all looked towards him. Amy blushed slightly and nodded at Adam.
"I'm there!" she said.
"Good. We're all meeting in the football player's parking lot," Adam said as he began to walk away. They waved at him and turned to each other with smiles on their faces.
"Looks like you've got an admirer!" Cinder laughed.
"Well, he's got one too!" Amy responded.
*******************
Cinder was on top of things at the game as she led her squad in the cheers. She had completely cleared all her thoughts of Jeff and was finally focused on the situation. For the first time in years, Wakefield High was in the lead in the 3rd quarter. The fans were going wild as everyone thought they were going to win. Rico lifted Cinder in the air as she did a scorpion for the crowd. She looked at the top of the bleachers where Amy was sitting, cheering her little heart out, and she noticed she wasn't alone. She looked right into those deep green eyes and smiled slightly. Adorned on his blue hair was a baseball cap, helping keep his hair out of his face. He wore a big baggy black sweatshirt that had Pearl Jam on it and what looked to be baggy black jeans. He looked towards her and gave her a slight wave with a friendly smile. She felt her leg start to wiggle underneath her as Rico tried to keep her straight. She looked down, lost her balance and fell right onto the ground. Everyone in the crowd and the benched football players all ooooooed, as the other cheerleaders gathered around her.
"Ow," she cried as she cringed slightly in pain.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to drop you. You just started wiggling around," Rico apologized although he didn't sound too sincere.
"It's okay, I lost my balance, that's all," Cinder replied as Alanah and Jackie helped her up.
"Oh sure, we get a captain who can't even hold a simple scorpion for 5 seconds," Dawn Marie complained.
"Oh shut up Dawn. It was one little mistake. Live with it," Trish exclaimed angrily as Cinder brushed herself off.
"I bet Torrie could hold it better than you can!" Stacy said glaring at Cinder.
"Would you all just cool it!?" Lisa Moretti sighed.
"Are you okay?" Alanah asked Cinder with her hands on Cinder's shoulders.
"Yeah, I'm alright. No biggie. Adam's done much worse to me," Cinder said with a small smile.
"You guys, Marc just got hurt!" Jessy said as everyone looked out onto the field. One of the best defensemen was down on the field. He held his leg tightly as everyone could hear his cries. All the players retreated from the middle of the field as paramedics rushed in. Cinder looked at the scoreboard, noting the fact that there was about 8 minutes to play and Central had caught up with Wakefield with possession of the ball on the goal line. Cinder shook her head as they carried Marc off the field. The end of the game was Central over Wakefield once again. It was a close game and if only Wakefield could have gotten one more touchdown and a field goal they would have won. The football team slowly made their way off the field towards the locker rooms.
"Um, great job you guys. You did great tonite. Practice tomorrow after school till 4," Cinder said as she dismissed her squad. Cinder and Trish stood next to the field together with frowns on their faces.
"Hey, Cin, you alright?" Amy asked as she ran up to them. Trish and Cinder turned and smiled at her.
"Yeah, I'm fine. You know me. Adam has put me through a hell of a lot worse," she laughed.
"It was a good game you guys," Amy said.
"Yeah, but it would have been nice to get just one win over them," Trish sighed.
"Next time," Amy nodded.
"So, I guess we should get ready to go to Fred's, huh?" Cinder said as they began to walk towards the locker rooms. Standing next to the gate to the field was Jeff. His arms crossed over his chest and his head down. They started to walk by him when he stepped in front of Cinder. He smiled at her and she smiled back as they stood there starring at each other. "Hey."
"Hi. You, um, you okay?" he asked.
"Oh yeah. I'm perfectly fine," she smiled as she watched Amy and Trish get further away. "What are you doin here? Wanted to see Matt play?"
"Yeah right!" he laughed. "Actually, no. I came cause Amy didn't want to sit by herself. She's a pretty cool girl."
"Yeah she is. We've been friends since kindergarten," Cinder said. "You goin to Fred's?"
"Fred's?" he asked.
"Yeah, it's a diner that's known for the hoards of Wakefield students that travel there to hang out," Cinder laughed.
"Oh, I wasn't asked," he said with a shrug.
"You should come with us. It's gonna be a lot of fun. I don't exactly know who's coming, but it's never a dull moment when we all go out."
"Um, well, I don't know. I don't wanna interfere in a group type thing," he said digging his foot into the dirt.
"Come with us. Please? You'll fit right in with us," Cinder said giving him a reassuring smile.
"You really think so? I've seen you friends and I don't think they'd like me very much," he said.
"Seriously, I am friends with everybody. My friends are very diverse. I wouldn't have it any other way," Cinder said. "Plus you like Amy, so you'll have her there."
"Yeah, I guess. I'll come," he smiled.
"Good, I'm glad," she replied with an excited smile on her face. "You goin to the semi-formal this Saturday?"
"Oh, um, well, uh, those kinds of things aren't really my deal. I'm not too into dressing up," he chuckled.
"Oh, neither am I. But my friend Trish is making me go. And I'm sure my boyfriend wants me there, so I'm kinda obligated to go," Cinder laughed.
"Oh, your boyfriend?" he said raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah, Charlie Haas. The quarterback," she answered.
"Oh, I see."
"So, you should go with us to the dance. It'll be fun."
"I don't know. I'll have to think about it," he said.
"I hear you're tryin out for Shannon's band."
"You know Shannon?"
"Oh yeah, me, him, and Amy are the three musketeers," she laughed.
"Wow, you guys don't look like you should be friends."
"Don't be fooled by my appearance today. I don't normally wear this kind of stuff. Give me a pair of jeans and a tank top any day!" she laughed.
"Yeah, I know the feeling," Jeff replied. "But um, yeah, I'm trying out for Peroxwhygen. I just hope the band members like me."
"I' m sure at least one of them does," Cinder laughed innocently.
"Well, I know Shannon and I are on good terms, but I don't know about that Chris guy. He seems a little, much."
"Chris is harmless. He's all talk and no action. Partly my fault, but he's a good guy."
"Cinder! Come on, get a move on!" Adam yelled.
"Well, I gotta go get changed. I'll meet you in the front parking lot. That's where all the football players hang out," Cinder explained as she began to run off.
"Okay, see ya there!" Jeff yelled after her as a smile crept across his face. He stuck his hands in his front pockets and slowly made his way to the parking lot.
"Was that Jeff?" Trish asked as Cinder slipped a dark blue muscle tee over her head. She fastened her belt and smiled.
"Yeah, that's Jeff. I convinced him to come with us tonite," she replied.
"He's a cutie," Trish smiled.
"Trish, you've got Shannon," Cinder said throwing her cheering shoes in her locker.
"Shannon and I are not a couple. We're just, um, dating I guess you could say," she said shyly.
"You and that fine piece of ass are dating?!" Stacy exclaimed as she walked around the lockers towards them. She crossed her arms over her pink bra covered chest.
"Stacy, stay out of our business," Cinder requested.
"I'll be involved in anything I wanna be involved in. He's a fine piece of ass and I don't know why he'd want a trashy hoe like you, Trish. Especially when I'm around," Stacy said.
"You're such a bitch, Stacy," Trish said shaking her head.
"You've got Andrew. Enjoy him. He's a great guy," Cinder said angrily.
"Yeah, he is. But it doesn't mean I can't look and sometimes touch," she smiled.
"Stacy, I swear if you hurt him, I'll hurt you!" Cinder threatened.
"You're just like Chris Irvine, Cinder. All talk and no action," Stacy said as she walked away.
*************************
"Jeff, what are you doin here? Did you come to watch me kick some ass on the field?" Matt asked his little brother smugly.
"No, Matt, I didn't. I came to see that girl I was telling you about. She invited me to come along with you all tonite," Jeff answered.
"Does my little brother have a girlfriend?" Matt asked in a childish tone.
"No, she's got a boyfriend. And I don't need a girlfriend anyways. I have Beth," Jeff said with a shrug.
"Jeff, you and Beth broke up because we were leaving," Matt said softly.
"Maybe I wanna get back with her," Jeff replied.
"There are so many other wonderful girls here. I'm sure you can find one you want to be with," Matt said.
"Dude, you had an awesome game today!" Adam said patting Matt on the back.
"Thanks, you too. I really appreciate you all accepting me like you have," Matt said.
"No problem. You're one of us now. You're in for life," Jay said with a friendly smile.
"Thanks. Oh, this is my little brother Jeff," Matt smiled. "Jeff, this is Adam and Jay."
"Hey," Jeff nodded.
"I hope it's alright with you guys that he comes with us tonite. Some cheerleader that he met asked him to come with us," Matt laughed.
"Oh? Who?" Adam asked curiously.
"Your sister, actually," Jeff replied.
"Oh, yeah. That's fine that you come. The more the merrier," Adam smiled.
"You'll like Cinder. She's a really great girl," Jay said. "She may be the most popular girl in school, but you'd never really know it. She likes pretty much everyone."
"Yeah, I noticed. She's already kind of befriended me," Jeff smiled.
"Are we goin or what?" Trish asked as she, Amy, Alanah, and Cinder walked towards the four guys.
"Just waiting for Charlie and Rob," Adam answered.
"Matt, this is Cinder, Alanah, and Trish," Jay introduced them.
"Hey, nice to meet you girls," he smiled although he was more interested in looking at Amy than acknowledging anyone else. Amy walked towards them and they slipped into a conversation by themselves.
"Jeff, this is my friend Trish and Adam's girlfriend, Alanah. Trish, Alanah, this is Jeff," Cinder smiled.
"So, um, what's up with the hair?" Trish asked with a smile.
"Let's get going!" Rob yelled as he and Charlie ran out of the locker rooms. They all jumped into cars and drove to their diner. They crammed into a small booth together and ordered food.
"I can't believe we lost!" Charlie said as he placed his hand on top of Cinder's.
"You guys did awesome tonite though. You all had a good game," Amy said.
"We would have won if they hadn't attacked Marc," Jay complained.
"We'll get em next time guys," Rob said smoothly.
"So, Jeff, are you and your brother close?" Cinder asked as the others got in a conversation about the game.
"Oh yeah. We're really close. I love him," Jeff smiled. "How bout you and Adam?"
"Oh my God yes! We are so close. We even have the same friends. He's always been there to protect me. We hardly fight, unless it's about Charlie. I love him to death!" Cinder smiled happily.
"He's your older brother. He has to protect you. It's the older brother rule book. Just ask Matt," Jeff laughed.
"Well, we don't have a father. He, um, he walked out right after he heard our mom was pregnant with me. So I never knew him and Adam was only like 1 when he left. So Adam's always had to be my father and brother and best friend. He always yelled at me when I was wrong or bad, he always comforted me when I was upset, he just took care of me like a father should have. I may have hated him for what he did as a child to me, but now I completely understand why. He just loves me and didn't want me to get hurt. Although he had a tendency to do it himself," Cinder laughed.
"Oh yes, the older brother cardinal rule of injuring the younger sibling," Jeff joked. "Matt's injured me a few times as well."
"I'm sure he has. So, why'd ya'll move here?"
"Our Dad got a job transfer," Jeff answered.
"So do you have any other siblings?"
"Nah, it's just me, Matt, and my Dad," Jeff smiled.
"Where's you mother?" Cinder asked curiously as she rested her head on her hand after pulling it out from under Charlie's.
"She passed away when we were little. I was 9 and Matt was 12," Jeff answered sadly.
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," Cinder said softly.
"Thanks, I'm sorry about your situation too."
"Cinder, earth to Cinder!" Adam yelled snapping his fingers in front of her face. She looked over at him with a glare. "We should go. It's after midnite."
"Oh, yeah. We should. So, Jeff, I'll see ya tomorrow. You should hang out with us in the morning. Meet us by the benches in front of the school. It's usually me, Trish, Shannon, Rob, Amy, Chris, and Shane Helms," Cinder said as Jeff let her out of the booth. Charlie went with her and put a protective arm around her waist. As if to tell Jeff that she was his property.
"Yeah, I'll probably see you then," Jeff smiled.
"See you guys later," Adam said as he took Cinder's hand. Cinder pulled back and gave Charlie a deep kiss.
"I love you," she said softly as she caressed his face.
"I love you too baby," he smiled as she and Adam left.
"Me and my brother better go too. See you guys tomorrow," Matt said as he grabbed Jeff's arm tightly. "Dude, lay off Cinder."
"Lay off her? I just wanna be friends with her. I want nothing more than that. I like Charlie. And I think her brother my kill me if I tried to interfere in her relationship," Jeff said.
"Word is that Adam hates Charlie," Matt said as they climbed into his black blazer. "I didn't expect her to look like that though. I expected someone more like you."
"I don't know what it is about her but I felt this instant connection with her. I can't explain it. There's just something about her and those eyes and that smile amaze me," Jeff smiled. "What's up with you and Amy?"
"Do you like Amy?" Matt asked quickly.
"Yeah, she's a great girl. I have US History with her last period. That's why I went to the game. She didn't want to sit by herself. Plus I did want to see Cinder again and maybe talk to her," Jeff said. "Do you like Amy?"
"Oh hell yeah. I really do like her. I'm asking her to the semi this weekend. You should go," Matt said.
"You know that it's not really my scene," Jeff said. "Plus I don't have a date. And those are the kind of things you want to go with some one to."
"I'm sure you can find some one by the end of the week," Matt said.
"I don't know. Maybe Cinder can hook me up with one of her cheerleaders," Jeff joked.