Oh my gosh, burst of reviews after the last chapter. Thanks, guys!

Disclaimer: I only own Brooke, and I don't think anyone would really want her. Oh well...

Chapter 13: A Chance of Winning

"What did you do to him?"

Macy's eyes widened in fear.

"Nothing. I mean, I think I did nothing. I mean. I didn't even have any sports equipment near me. I couldn't have done anything to him."

Stella giggled and wrapped an arm around her friend's shoulders, pulling her along the school hallway.

"I didn't mean that. I meant what did you do to him in general? Kevin came home from the zoo with the goofiest look on his face. That must have been some outing."

"Oh, well, you know how Kevin feels about the zoo."

"I know how Kevin feels about the zoo," Stella said, leaning toward Macy. "But I'm starting to wonder how he feels about you."

"So is Brooke."

"What?"

"She was waiting at my house when we got there. She had a little hissy fit like I've only seen from girls who know they're about to lose to me."

"Victory for Macy?" Stella asked, untangling her friend from her arm as she neared her homeroom door.

"Let's hope."

***

Macy's good humour and perceived success carried her through the day. She was on fire not only in class, but on the court as well during that night's badminton game. From her spot on the court, she could see Kevin cheering for her and Brooke sulking beside him. Macy could barely keep from laughing at the victorious looking Stella who sat beside the pair.

She'd barely gotten through the locker room door after her win when she was swept up and off the ground.

"You were great!"

"Thanks, Kevin." Macy laughed, once again reminded why it was that Kevin had made such a great cheerleader. There was no one as enthusiastic as him in the school, perhaps even in the world.

"We should go celebrate," he told her, his hands holding on to her as he tried to help her gain her balance after setting her down. "You guys never win at badminton."

"Hey!"

"He's right, Macy," Brooke said with a smile.

"Celebration!" Kevin insisted, as though he couldn't notice the two girls bickering next to him.

Macy was just about to accept when she was once again interrupted by Brooke.

"Macy can't. She has to go home. She's in trouble because of her science project."

Macy bit her lower lip. How Brooke knew was beyond her, but the girl was right. After her outing at the zoo with Kevin, Macy had been so happy that she'd completely forgotten about the science project she was supposed to complete. Needless to say, "I was gushing over Kevin Lucas" wasn't an acceptable excuse for her teacher who had added another paper to her workload. After having stayed late for the game, she'd need the rest of the night to finish the projects.

"She's right," Macy sighed.

Kevin's grip on her fingers loosened for a moment, then tightened again.

"When is it due?"

"Tomorrow."

"Then we'll celebrate after. We'll celebrate the win and you getting your work done. Deal?"

"Deal," Macy said, unable to help the smile that came to her lips.

She could almost hear the growl come from Brooke as the girl wedged herself between them.

"We should really go, Kevin. I have to be home soon."

"Right. I'm your ride. Are you guys good to get home?" he asked Stella and Macy.

"Stella has her car," Brooke said, grabbing Kevin's arm and dragging him away. "Bye for now, girls."

Stella and Macy waved at Kevin as the pair walked away.

"Another date with Kevin, huh?"

Macy rolled her eyes. If she was lucky, she could distract Kevin enough that he wouldn't tell Stella when the date would be, and Macy could hopefully escape another make-up and hair session.

***

She was fairly certain that if she had really put her mind to it, she could have finished her science project within the hour and been free to call Kevin and take him up on his date offer. Unfortunately, by the time Macy reached her house, the uncomfortable feeling of guilt was rushing through her stomach and slowing her down once again.

What if Stella was right? What if Kevin was truly starting to like her, and she was simply using him for a bet?

It was wrong. She'd known it from the beginning. And at the fear of losing her friends, Macy had caved. Now, though, she was more worried about hurting her friend than losing him. After all, Kevin was all sunshine and happiness, she couldn't handle being the one to cause him pain and grief.

And so, by the time Macy was typing the last words of her project, she had made up her mind. She would go out with Kevin Lucas, and she would tell him the truth.

***

She had never really used the word magical before, but she wouldn't hesitate to do so now. He had taken her mini-putting because he was Kevin and she was Macy and he was a kid-at-heart and she was athletic. He had taken her for supper. Something sloppy and disgusting that had made her happy she hadn't let Stella dress her for the evening. He had taken her dancing, because she loved music and he knew this band that sounded just enough like Jonas that there would be no doubt that she would like them, but not enough that she wouldn't be able to concentrate on him. He had taken her hand and taken them for a walk.

If only she could take back the promise she had made to herself that she would tell him the truth that night.

She sighed and was awakened from her reverie when she felt Kevin's fingers pushing back a strand of hair that had fallen from her ponytail.

"What's wrong?"

"No—"

"Don't say nothing. Come on, Macy. I'm not stupid. You've been preoccupied for the past month. Why don't you just tell me what's bothering you?"

"I just..."

"Yeah?"

"I..."

She raised her head to look at him, not realising how close they were. Her stomach swirled from a different nervousness than it had been before. She didn't know what it meant, but she knew it wasn't good for her.

Kevin smiled at her despite her inner turmoil. Then he started to lean forward.

"I have to go," Macy said, pulling back when she could feel his breath against her lips.

"What?"

"I have to go."

"Macy, we're in the middle—"

"I'm sorry. I just remembered. The thing... And the other... And Stella... Bye."

She ran away before he could ask anything else. She wasn't sure if it was because he knew how fast she was or because she had thoroughly confused him, but whatever the reason, Kevin didn't follow her.