Marcie stood in line for concessions as kickoff began. She didn't mind missing it, Charles was on the sidelines. They were saving him for later. It was a good strategy, in her opinion. Marcie was proud of Charles, even if he wouldn't get his big break. He was proud of himself and that was all that mattered. She thought back to their conversation on the wall earlier and sighed. If only he knew.
Marcie had been in love with Charlie Brown for much longer than she would like to admit. They had been good friends for years before Marcie realized why she liked Charles so much. Or how she would perk up every time Peppermint Patty would talk or even call him during their sleepovers. She couldn't believe it then, but in time it had all made sense. Charles wasn't like everyone else to Marcie. He was so caring, gentle, and determined.
But Charles would never know how she felt about him. He would never be with someone like her now that he was on the football team. She would simply stick to her books and her friends. Patty had dibs on him for the last ten years, she couldn't go after him anyways. Sacrificing a friendship wasn't worth a possible love. If things with him didn't work out, then she would have nothing.
"It's your turn," Linus said from behind Marcie. All three Van Pelt children were waiting behind her patiently. It was a little odd that Lucy hadn't said anything, but she dismissed this detail.
"Oh, sorry," Marcie stepped up to the concession booth, taking one last glance at Charles before ordering popcorn for herself and one for Patty.
Schroeder sat up top in the bleachers. He watched as the pep band played a few rows down. Their swinging tones filled the air with excitement. Marcie and Peppermint Patty were both swaying to the music beside him. Marice was mindful and not letting her popcorn spill from the paper bag. Patty, on the other hand, couldn't have cared less. Schroeder shook his head as he scanned over the crowd. He hardly recognized anyone now that the new school was in the mix. His eyes fell down to Linus and Lucy at the bottom of the bleacher steps.
Before he could even get their attention, Sally jumped up in front of him. "Lucy! Linus!" her voice blared over the crowd. Both of the siblings' eyes darted to meet the blonde. She jumped up and down as they made their way up to her. Lucy's eyes met Schroeder's before taking a seat next to Sally. He should've said something, but what could he say? Did he need to apologize?
"Has Charlie gone in yet?" Linus asked.
"No," Sally shook her head. "I heard him going over some plays on the phone last night. They're saving him for the third half."
"Quarter," Linus corrected.
"Well, I don't know that much about football," Sally shrugged.
"It's simple," Linus took a breath, but Lucy interrupted.
"Would you like to sit next to her, Linus?" Lucy asked, standing up. He glanced from Sally to his sister twice before nodding. Lucy turned, climbing up a row and plopping right next to Schroeder. She crossed her legs and arms, ignoring him.
"There is more room down there," Schroeder pointed out, clearing his throat as he straightened.
"I don't need to listen to him blabber any more than I do already," Lucy grumbled. "Why? You want me to sit down there?"
"No," Schroeder blurted, fearful that she had taken his suggestion the wrong way. "I just figured you might like it better than up here."
"Just because I got mad at your Schroeder doesn't mean we're not friends anymore," she snapped with little passion. As a breeze cut through the air, she sniffed and sighed.
"Are you catching something?" he asked. It was that time of year everyone felt under the weather.
"Probably," Lucy wiped her nose on her coat sleeve. "Linus has the blanket." They both peered down at the pair in front of them. Linus was deeply explaining football to Sally, and she was listening to him with wide, loving eyes. The blanket covered both of their laps. He could ask them for it, but he took a glance a Lucy. She placed her practically full popcorn to the side and folded her arms.
"Here," Schroeder held out his own blanket. It stretched with his arm from his shoulder. Lucy eyed him suspiciously as if she were wondering if he were really offering her part of the blanket. A harsh wind pierced through the crowd. With a small shiver, Schroeder pulled Lucy into him by the waist, placing the blanket around her shoulders. Her body pressed against his gently as she settled into the warmth.
Schroeder kept his view straightforward as she stared at him. He pretended to watch the game but was secretly waiting for her to say something or do anything. They had never been this close before, not even when they had danced together. "Thanks," was all Lucy said before she turned her own attention to the game.
"You can talk to me, you know," Schroeder finally said. It was what he should have said earlier.
"I thought you didn't like me talking," Lucy said after a defensive play was made.
"When you're blabbering about nonsense, but this is different," Schroeder assumed. She was quiet again. He wished he knew what to say, but what more could he? "I know you're not alright."
"Fine," Lucy tensed beside him. "I didn't let Charlie kick the ball. I was...in my own head."
"What? And here I thought you only stuck your nose in other people's minds," he teased. Her mouth twitched up but then went back into its straight line. "Seriously, what's going on?"
He was expecting her to leave or simply not answer him, but then she scooted a little closer to him. "I was worried I was being laughed at." She had said it so quietly, Schroeder didn't believe it at first.
"Who was laughing at you?"
"I don't know if they were or not," Lucy leaned back against the stands. "I just hate the way they snicker, it makes me feel like..." She drifted off as Patricia and Violet came up to the stands, seating themselves right next to Sally and Linus.
"Sally! Are you excited for your brother?" Violet asked loudly, making Sally jump up in her seat and sending her blanket off her lap. Linus readjusted it calmly as she composed herself.
"Of course I am," Sally answered plainly.
"He looks pretty good on the sidelines," Patricia chimed in.
"He'll be in soon enough," Linus said rather defensively. He had that same frustrated look as his sister. Schroeder blinked as it all came together to form a clearer picture.
Patricia turned back to spot him and Lucy. She grinned politely. "Are you staying warm, Lucy?"
"You don't look like you've got too many layers on," Violet stated innocently, but her eyes had venom to them. Lucy grinned and muttered something in response, sinking back into her seat. As Schroeder began to understand more, he put his arm around her shoulders, bringing her so close to him she could've been sitting on him.
"She's warm, girls," Schroeder told them, "Thanks for your concern." With a forced grin, they both turned their attention back to the game. Lucy was tense beside him, he rubbed her shoulder. "Relax, will you?"
"How can I relax?" she muttered, her cheeks reddening.
"Do you want to leave?" Schroeder asked.
"I don't want to miss Charlie," Lucy admitted.
"Here," Schroeder stood, pulling her up with him. "Linus, I'm going to walk Lucy home. She's not feeling too well."
"Oh, no! Are you sick?" Sally asked.
"Too much popcorn," Lucy answered as Linus turned. Patricia and Violet poked their heads out. Schroeder scowled at them, but they weren't looking at him. "Here, you have the rest," she added as she held the full bag out to her brother. He hesitated but took the bag, immediately offering some to Sally.
"I'll see you at home after the game, then," Linus exchanged nods with Schroeder. Clasping the blanket around her shoulders, Lucy went down the bleacher steps. When he caught up with her, Schroeder put his arm around her.
"You're going to start rumors," Lucy told him.
"Who cares? Might as well rub something in their face," Schroeder glanced over his shoulder to see the two girls glaring down at them. He grinned.
"Since when has he ever liked her?" Patricia asked. Linus's ears perked at that. He looked at Sally for confirmation, but she just gave him a shrug.
"He's a nice guy, he could just be helping her," Violet shrugged.
"He didn't even want to look at her most of last year," Patricia grumbled.
"Is that true?" Linus whispered in Sally's ear. She took a handful of popcorn and scooted a little closer to him.
"I mean," Sally shrugged again, "He's never returned her affection."
"I thought she stopped all that nonsense," Linus didn't know what to think. Lucy never gushed about Schroeder like she used to. Perhaps she had, and he just didn't listen, or he was too worried about his own secret relationship to ponder the possibility of Lucy's own relationship. She didn't waste any time sitting up next to Schroeder, and he did not even try to push her away.
"Apparently not," Sally smiled, looking down as the two in question exited the field. Linus suddenly got a strange feeling. Should he have let them go? He trusted Schroeder, but he felt like he should protect his sister. "Don't worry," Sally whispered, "You're dragging down the mood."
"Guys!" Pig-Pen ran up the stairs with concessions in his arms. His long brown hair was tied back but was slowly falling out around his face. He stopped in front of the gang with a huff. "Charlie's about to go in!"
"Really?!" Peppermint Patty rose to her feet. "No one's on the field."
"It's a time out, sir," Marcie explained.
"Don't tell me what I know, Marcie," Patty folded her arms and sat back down.
"We heard it from the field," Franklin came up behind Pig-Pen, bundled in a scarf. "He's going on offense."
"Really?!" Linus straightened up. The time-out had just concluded, and Charlie Brown was out on the field. The group cheered over the silent crowd. Charlie turned and waved at them. They all waved back as the whistle blew. Sally took Linus's hand. Her eyes were focused on the field, filled with excitement as well as fear. Hiding their freezing hands under the blanket, Linus squeezed her palm.
Charlie lined himself up with the ball. It was a long kick, but it would put the team ahead. Everyone held their breath as he began to run. In a flash, the ball was suddenly soaring through the air and went straight into the middle of the goal with ease. Charlie stood there on the field, stunned. Then the crowd roared with applause. Linus noticed Heather bounding on her toes, cheering for good ol' Charlie Brown.
He suddenly felt Sally's arms wrap around his neck. Linus pulled her in by the waist for a joyous embrace. "I can't believe he did it!" Sally exclaimed as Linus swung her around. When he placed her back down, both Violet and Patrica were staring at him with wide eyes. He dropped his hands from her instantly, gaining a rather confused look from Sally, who hesitantly pulled away.
"I think I'll go check on Rerun," Linus told them before hurrying down the bleachers.
"I thought you were walking me home," Lucy crossed her arms and stopped walking. Schroeder was ahead of her, strolling to the parking lot. He stopped when he noticed her absence.
"I brought the car," Schroeder told her. She remained planted in place. "We can watch the game in the heat." Lucy knew better than to follow a boy into his car. Her mother had been preaching that statement ever since she had turned thirteen. But as Schroeder stared at her, Lucy forgot about what her mother said. This wasn't just a boy, it was Schroeder. Someone she could trust.
Lucy got into the passenger side, the blanket still wrapped around her tightly. He turned on the engine, the heater roared to life. They sat in silence as he drove out of the lot. They drove around the streets until they reached the other end of the football field. There were a few other cars parked there, but there was a single spot for them. He parked and turned the lights off. The heat began to thaw the tip of Lucy's nose.
"I understand now," Schroeder said suddenly.
"You do?" Lucy blurted. She wrapped the blanket even tighter around her body.
"You finally realized Patricia and Violet aren't very good friends," Schroeder stated simply. She silently sighed with relief. He didn't know the truth.
"You say that like it's obvious," Lucy managed a small grin.
"It is," his voice was clear and firm. "No one really likes their rather nosey company."
"They do notice everything," Lucy mumbled, running her hand over her thigh, the other played with her necklace.
"They do more than that," he was about to go on, but then he stopped. "Sorry, I know it's not right of me to bash. They were your friends."
"Go ahead," Lucy shifted in her seat. "I don't think I have many allies left."
"Of course you do," Schroeder encouraged. "You've got the rest of the gang behind you now that you've given Charlie a chance. I mean, look at him." They watched as Charlie kicked in a goal, the football soaring through the air. Schroeder chuckled to himself, and Lucy smirked. Perhaps she really did do something great.
A thought suddenly plagued her mind. "Was I really that nasty before?" Schroeder paled slightly, not giving an answer. She understood. No wonder why he noticed such a change in her. She had been just like them all of this time, but that dress humbled her greatly. "I'm sorry."
"It doesn't matter," Schroeder shook his head. "At least you've realized now rather than later."
"Yeah, I suppose," Lucy relaxed, letting the blanket rest on her shoulders.
"You're a good person, Lucy," Schroeder encouraged. She lifted her gaze, meeting his sincere eyes. "Don't let them get to you."
"I'll try," she nodded, hoping her blush wasn't very visible in the dim light. "Thank you." For the first time in weeks, she finally felt her heart skip a beat. Thinking back to how Schroeder had pulled her close and kept his arm around her, her heart skipped again. How could she have let those moments slip away from her? She was in a car with the love of her life for goodness sake.
"I'm just glad you're talking."
"What would you like to hear?" Lucy teased. "The latest gossip Sally filled me in on this morning? My thoughts on Charlie's form? Or perhaps I should run through the speech I have to give next week."
"I'm good," Schroeder shook his head with a laugh.
"Speech it is," Lucy pressed with a smile.
"Lucy," Schroeder groaned, but she carried on.
"Today I would like to talk about the—"
Schroeder's hand clapped over her mouth. She froze, hoping he didn't feel the heat of her cheeks. The skin of his palm was smooth as he gently dropped it, leaving her absolutely stunned. "That will do for now," he finally said, turning up the radio. Piano music filled the car. Lucy rolled her eyes, recovering herself.
"Oh, come on," she reached forward, tuning the radio to another station. Schroeder pretested, reaching for the knob, but she was too quick. Jazz played lightly through the speakers. "That's more this century."
"Liking classic doesn't mean I'm old," Schroeder crossed his arms.
"It just makes you closed-minded," Lucy mimicked him by crossing her arms.
"It means I have good taste," he stuck out his tongue, reaching for the dial again.
"Stop pouting and give it a chance," she stopped him with the quick of her tongue. He complied, and they sat there, listening to the saxophones and piano.
"I guess it's alright," he said as the song concluded.
Lucy smiled, playing with her necklace. "But no Beethoven."
"Of course not," Schroeder shook his head, his blonde bangs brushing against his forehead. She took the liberty and turned the volume up again as another song played.
As she leaned back against the seat she murmured, "It may not be your cup of tea, but it certainly is a favorite flavor of mine." Her eyes fluttered shut, taking in the music as it soothed her.
A loud distant cheer made her wake. They had won the game. She smiled with pride. Lucy didn't know how long they had been sitting there, but when she looked over to Schroeder, he was already staring at her, his jaw slack. She grinned sheepishly. "I suppose we better beat Linus and Rerun home, huh?"
He snapped to attention. "Yeah. Yes." He turned the car back on. She didn't even notice it was off. He slowly drove down the empty night streets in silence. When he pulled up to her house she glanced from him to the house.
"Thank you." She tried not to question the look on his face. "For the ride...and for keeping me warm."
"Of course," he said with a nod. There was another silence, then Lucy opened the door and stepped out, clutching the blanket around her as the chilly wind rushed through her.
"Oh," she realized, taking off his blanket. "This is yours."
He simply held up a hand. "Keep it," he told her. She put it back around her shoulders. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight," she closed the door. He waited, staring at her through the window. She then realized he was waiting for her to go inside. She complied, glancing over her shoulder once before going in. He gave her a small wave as she disappeared into the house.
"Do you think they've noticed we're gone?" Sally asked, glancing back over her shoulder. Her big brother was being paraded around the field by the entire school. She couldn't even reach him, and she had lost Patty and Marcie as soon as her feet touched the field. Peppermint Patty always found her way to Charlie. She was pushy and determined. Sally didn't quite have the same drive.
"I doubt it," Linus shrugged. "It's not often I get to walk you home." This was true. Sally had constructed a map of places and trails where they wouldn't be seen, but tonight they wouldn't have to worry about it. They were free.
"I suppose not," Sally blushed. "What about Rerun?"
"I told him to go on without me. He's probably still celebrating himself."
"I'm very proud of Charlie," Sally stated.
"Me too," Linus agreed. "The one who never quits is the one who will always be successful."
"So poetic," Sally nudged him playfully. "And very true."
"You were very persistent." He elbowed her back. She giggled, taking his hand. "You still are.
"And yet you don't hate it," she teased. He gave her a look. "What?"
"Don't say it," Linus sighed.
"I wasn't going to," Sally stopped walking. They were just under a street light. "Why do you dread it so much?"
"Dread what?" Linus raised a brow.
"Dread the possible question for us to stop hiding this...whatever this is." It was only at this moment Sally realized that she didn't exactly know what she and Linus had. She was simply so happy to be with him, but why hadn't she questioned this secret before? "Are you ashamed of me?"
"No," Linus shook his head. "Why are you asking me this?"
"I just don't understand why we are still keeping this a secret anymore," she crossed her arms.
"We've been over this, Sally," Linus shook his head.
"Yes, I know," she nodded. "But don't you think Charlie would be a little less mad now that he's finally made it?" When he said nothing, she pressed. "Do you want me to be your real girlfriend ever? Or are you simply wasting my time?"
"Of course, I want to be with you, Sally," Linus insisted.
"Then decide," she stepped back from him. "I'm sick of running around and constantly worrying if someone is watching or listening. I want to shout from the bottom of my lungs that I've finally got the man of my dreams."
"Top," Linus corrected. "You want to shout at the top of your lungs."
"Either way," she didn't let him throw her off. "You know what I mean. Tonight at the game I was hoping I could've at least hugged you without feeling like a fool."
"Violet and Patricia have rather large mouths. I just wanted to be careful," Linus told her with honesty.
"Why are you looking at their mouths? I'm not enough for you?"
"Sally," Linus shook his head. "I'm saying they can't keep a secret."
"Oh," her face turned hot. "Well, that's obvious, but you still haven't answered me." He was quiet again.
"Sally, you don't understand. Charlie will never forgive me."
"Then maybe you don't know my big brother," Sally snapped. "Or me, for that matter."
"Sally—"
"Goodnight, Linus," she cut him off, kissing his cheek before turning away. She didn't look back as she marched all the way home.