Hey people!
So, I realise that I never sent out any teasers. And I'm sorry for that. But I, quite literally, just finished typing up this chapter and I couldn't wait to get it out. Sorry if it seems a little rushed or anything like that. But I want to say one thing: WOW GUYS! The reviews you send me (both comments and the amounts) are amazing. And I'm sorry, again, that I haven't replied to any of them this time round. But I'm typing the next few chapters until I finish so you should definitely get some teasers this time round!
Ellen.
P.S The page breaks don't seem to be working for me.
CHAPTER FOUR
CAMMIE POV
"Isn't it a little late in the sign ups?"
I shrugged my shoulders and continued to stare at the board that was overfilled with pins up for extra curriculum points. Signs overlapped one another except for the major activities that had their own pin up boards away from the others. Not all the signs were for activities though; some were standard community board notices.
"I was just looking," I said, glancing over my shoulder. Joe looked sceptical besides me. "There's nothing wrong with that."
He stepped forward and stared at the signs too, crossing his arms over his chest. "I didn't say there was. But I know what you're looking for and it's not there."
I sighed but kept looking. "And what's that?"
Joe chuckled, shaking his head. "You don't need to improve on your martial arts, Cam. You just need to keep practising them so you don't forget. And you won't. You're a Morgan."
"But I was rusty. Zach almost took me."
"But he didn't," he countered.
I groaned. "You seem to be missing the point here, Joe. I haven't practised anything from Gallagher since I... left at the end of the school year. And now I'm rusty. How am I supposed to prove myself if I'm rusty and keep letting everybody down?"
Joe blinked. "Cam, what are you talking about?"
I shook my head, taking in deep, shallow breaths. "Nothing. I'm sorry." I wiped my face clean of any depressing emotions. "Hey, are we still on for Sunday? I learnt a few tricks over the break that I'm sure will wipe you off your feet."
PAGE BREAK
The past few weeks had been uneventful. I kept my promise to Grant, made some friends, stayed out of trouble, kept my grades up, and barely ever spoke to Zach unless I really needed to. I spend my Sunday mornings with Joe training in numerous things that had been taught at Gallagher. Although Joe's never thought at Gallagher, he and... dad...grew up together doing the sort of things I had been taught there. I didn't wipe him off his feet, though. It turned out my new trick was a thing of the past for him.
So, so far school has remain uneventful – minus the bunch of insane people who are currently running around screaming for our football team since we played at home today. The school had been decorated with our team colours – red, white, and silver – which belonged to the Wildcats.
"CAMMIE!" All three girls screamed at me, charging at me.
Each one of them took turns in strangling me – Bex being the hardest – by my locker.
I gasped as she stared at my clothing. "Where is your team spirit, girl? Good thing we've prepared your outfit!" She squealed.
I glanced down at Bex, I, and Liz who were all wearing some definition of team spirit.
"What?" I asked, glancing down at my outfit. "I'm wearing clothes that are appropriate for school."
"And not appropriate for team spirit!" She scolded.
Liz rolled her eyes. "Ignore her, Cam. She's going to put you in something team spirit whether you want her to or not."
I sighed and gave I my best puppy dog look. "You don't suppose I could get out of it, do you?"
I's gaze hardened, crossed her arms over her chest, and gave me a hard look while the other girls laughed.
"No, Cammie. There isn't. Now we have to get moving; we only have a few hours." I grabbed my hand, Bex grabbed my bag, and Liz closed my locker as I was dragged away to torture.
Too many minutes later afterwards I was I McHenry approved team spiritified (Yes, I realise it isn't a word. But when it comes to fashion there is no arguing with I what so ever – even when it involves the English language) with a jersey that I knotted at the waist so you could see my black denim jean shorts, and gladiator shoes. I had explained to me that the group has their own way of celebrating each game. We would each pick a jersey out of a box that had a number and a last name on the back of the shirt; I was then told that we had to wear that jersey for the period of the game and afterwards. The boys (coincidentally) were the ones who came up with the system saying that 'as members of the group we all had to support one another and that includes wearing the guys jersey and cheering like a bunch of fan girls even if we weren't.' The tradition went on with that after each game one of the members who hold a celebration get together (a guy way of saying sleepover) whether we won or lost; tonight it was Grant's (and apparently mine now, too) turn to hold the sleepover.
It was fun, weird, wacky, and totally insane. Which is exactly why I loved it- except for tonight.
The stands were filled with people to the point that it looked like everybody were sitting on top of one another.
"Let's go and wish the boys good luck," Bex said, a bright smile on her face.
I rolled my eyes. "Whatever excuse gets you into a male's change room where you can see half naked boys."
Bex gasped. "It is our tradition that we support the boys in every way possible!" But she was ignored.
"No, no," I said. "You mean any excuse that gives Bex the chance to see a half naked Grant Newman."
A week or two ago, Bex had come out and said what she really thought of Grant (needless to say it wasn't the way you want to picture your cousin.).
"Ewww," I said, laughing at Bex's reddened face. "That's gross. He's my cousin, guys!"
"Some friends you girls are." Bex huffed and walked away.
We jogged up ahead, laughing, and I linked my arm through Bex's as we walked pass the beginning of the bleachers.
"Oh, come on, Bex. We're just mucking around." I bumped my hip against hers. "Besides, you need us to be there with you when you get all gobsmacked by the chest of a well built football team."
"Or a certain Quarter Back team player," Liz said, giggling as she linked her arm on Bex's left. I joined with Liz.
Bex grumbled. "I don't care what you girls think. I'm going off to give our team good luck. Whether you chose to come or not is your own decision. But remember that these boys are well built, cared for, masculine males who are..." Bex sighed. "Dreamy."
"I'm going to pretend that you did not just say that about my cousin."
Bex winked, disentangled herself from our linked parade and waltzed into the boys change room. "It's not just Grant that I'm talking about," she called over her shoulder.
"Cover up the south, boys! Bex is in the room!" She called down, giving the boys two seconds before she kicked the door open and walked in.
I swear my jaw dropped. I followed suite, leaving Liz and I standing there alone.
"Are we supposed to go in?" I whispered, looking to Liz.
"I don't know," she said, her southern accent faint over the roaring crowd.
I took a deep breath and linked my arm with hers. "If I don't make it... I just want you to know that you're my only – and first – southern best friend." I pretended to get teary.
Liz rolled her eyes, laughing. "Well I want you to know that you're my first – and only – friend that's ever ... ever... not known how to hack into a CIA database."
"And everybody else does?"
Liz laughed. "I'm playing with you. Of course we don't. Well, not yet anyway."
I looked over at the stadium and caught the familiar lock of black hair. "There's Jonas. Do you want me to pass on your good luck?"
Liz blushed. "Thank you, Cam!" She said, and made her way toward Jonas.
Those two were cuter than puppies.
Taking a deep breath of courage (and of plain clean air because I had no idea what to expect with the guys change room), I walked down the green, lawn slope and in to the room. The change room had gray used lockers lined on the wall and a row in the middle of the room, each with a last name at the top and a number.
Bex and I were in the corner talking to Max and Grant.
A hand brushed my hair to the side and I turned around.
"Looks like you'll be my cheerleader for the night, Gallagher Girl." Zach smirked.
"The luck of the draw," I said, studying his face. "So how's your body tonight?"
Zach's eyes narrowed. "Better. No thanks to you."
I smiled sweetly. "Not my fault you're so reckless as to underestimate me."
He snorted in response and ran a hand through his brown hair. That was when I realised that Zach was shirtless and how good he looked shirtless. His chest was muscled and well... to be totally honest he looked hot. Greek God type hot; although according to Bex that title had already been taken. Ew.
"I'll be sure not to make that mistake again then," he said. Looking back at me there was a gleam in his eyes that said he knew that I had pretty much just been checking him out.
Busted.
"You were good though, I'll give you that much," he continued.
"Like I care about what you think. Besides, there's nothing else I need to improve on. I've already kicked your ass."
I looked away and bit the insides of my cheeks to keep myself from smiling.
Zach leaned down a little closer to my ear. "Well I can give you a few suggestions if you want. Your stealth, for one, needs a little more work."
My breath came in a gasp and I just struggled for a comeback. And it wasn't even that good of one on my half.
"Maybe I didn't want to be stealthy."
I was accurately aware of the fact that both Zach and I were breathing in deeply and our bodies were frozen as I whispered those words in his ear.
Shit! What am I doing?
Stepping back (when had I stood on my tippy toes?) I said, "Good luck in the game. Win this one for us."
Zach straightened and grabbed his shirt from the hanger. "I don't need luck. I'm Goode."
"You use that way too much." I rolled my eyes and walked away to wish the other guys good luck in the first game of the season and made our way through the stands to sit by Liz and Jonas who were currently talking in a computer language that I couldn't even repeat to try and translate to English.
"Here," I said, handing us some loud noise making instruments. I grabbed the handle of one of them and tried to remember where I had seen one of them before. The instrument had three hand shapes so when you shook it, it would clack together loudly.
The name escapes me right now.
"Thanks, Mace," I shouted over the crowd. The crowd yelled louder as our team made their way from their locker room, pumping their fists in the air. The crowd dimmed- though you could hardly notice- when nothing had happened, but when the foot ball went soaring through the air and the game began.
PAGE BREAK
I laughed as I turned the lock of the door and the others flooded in behind us making havoc with their every step. I flicked on the light, unwinding my scarf from my neck and everything else I could that didn't reveal more skin than necessary, and made my way to the kitchen. The house was dark and rather empty.
I opened up the fridge, grabbing a can of soft drink and closed the door before I noticed the note that was attached to it.
Kids,
Behave yourselves tonight. I know that it's game night here so have fun. There's money in the cookie jar for pizza and drinks. Tells the guys I wish them good luck and congrats on their win. (I swear my aunt was physic) Don't disturb the neighbours. We've been invited to go out with friends, so not too sure when we get in. Although dad says early in the morning no doubt about it.
Love you guys lots,
Mum.
I scrunched the note up and tossed it in the bin as I made my way to the renovated lounge room. Everybody was moving the couches around, preparing food and drinks, and laying their sleeping gear out.
"Grant," I called out. Grant popped up from behind the sofa.
"Yeah?"
"There was a note. They won't be home until the early hours of the morning so we have the place to ourselves. There's money for pizza, too."
People whispered 'yes', high fived, and went back to their work. I turned on my heel and made my way up to my bedroom, before stopping on the third step and trudging back down to lean around and shout out to the guys.
"And aunt says congrats on the win. Don't ask how she knows," I added, making my way back upstairs. I changed into some long gray pyjama pants and wore a blue spaghetti strapped top with a blue and silver decorated butterfly in the corner.
When I made my way to the lounge room everything had been set up. Makeshift beds were in a circle surrounding a table with drinks and appetizers on them. The girls sat on one side, leaning over a magazine, and the boys sat on the other, just talking. I made my way over to the girls and squeezed my way in the middle.
"Which bed is mine?" I asked.
Macey, who was on my right, knocked her head backwards. "That one besides me."
"'K."
I jumped over Macey who threw her pillow at me as I settled in and glanced around the room.
"Anybody ordered pizza yet?"
Max and Kevin (the guy Bex bashed in PE- and he still hasn't fully recovered) looked up and over at me. Kevin frowned and glanced into the kitchen where banging noise was coming from.
"I think Grant's doing it now..."
I jumped up from my spot and made my way into the kitchen. Grant and Zach stood there, leaning over a pizza menu, with Zach holding the phone. From the glimpses of their conversation I would say that they debating what pizza to order. I intersected and in one hour we were all on the floor, eating various types of pizza, watching Jason Bourne movies.
"I'm bored," Bex whined, grabbing the remote and turning the screen of.
"Hey!" We all screamed.
Bex rolled her eyes and turned to us. "Come on, guys! This is so boring. Not only have we seen this movie at least a dozen times –"
"It's a good movie!" I interceded.
" – and I have a much better idea as to what we could b doing right now." Bex paused dramatically before the excitement she had oh-so-obviously holding in broke through her calm exterior and she clapped and squealed. "Truth or dare!"
Well crap.
PAGE BREAK
We sat around in a circle and I could feel my heart beating hard, trying to break out from underneath my skin. At this current moment Rebecca Baxter seemed to be the most evil person on the world. And it wasn't that hard to convince anybody with that devilish smile that she was wearing.
Bex lied down on her elbows and looked at the group with narrowed eyes. "I'm first," she declared. "And my first victim is ... Kevin. Truth or dare?"
Kevin grinned. "Dare, Baxter. Bring it on."
Baxter chuckled, and for a moment I could see her doing a witches cackle while dancing on a dead body. I shivered at my own thoughts. Bex sat up and reached around her pulling clothes out of her bag.
"I dare you to wear this for the remainder of the sleepover."
Bex threw the clothes at him and Kevin held them up for everybody to see. I choked back a laugh at the skimpy clothes. Bex had given him an already barely there black denim mini skirt, and a hot pink boob tube. The guys laughed and I couldn't hold it in any longer. Kevin gave daggers at Bex as he stood up, walked out of the room, and got changed. Needless to say he looked ridiculous. It was obvious that guys weren't made to wear girls clothing, but muscled guys who were bigger or leaner than most... well, it made everything twice as bad.
Macey snapped a photo and giggled. Kevin sat down and ran a hand through his blond hair in frustration.
"Wow, Kevin," I said, "I never realised what great legs you had." We laughed harder.
Kevin glowered at me. "Your turn, Cam. Truth or dare?"
My laughter died instantly and I took deep, calming breaths. Crap. Crap. Crap. Crap. Crap.
"Dare." I knew of the groups' curiosity behind me coming here from Gallagher and that was one thing I was not going to explain. No matter what. I would rather streak down the street.
He laughed, throwing his head back. "Oh, Cameron, you chose wrong."
I glowered at him when he said my full name. "Really? Why? I would look hotter than you in anything you put me in."
"That might be the case... If I were going to make you wear something. Which I'm not."
"Stop delaying already," Macey snapped. She, along with the rest of the group, seemed to have leaned forward in anticipation.
"I dare you to do seven minutes in heaven. With whomever I choose."
Hehe. Whatcha think? Do you like the sexual tension? Sorry I didn't elaborate much on the game, but I have no idea what happens in American football (that's not even what it's called, is it). The next chapter is continued from now and you will be able to see Cammie and Joe outside of school environment. Also, who will be Cam's seven minutes in heaven partner do you think? ;D
Ellen.