Unexpected | ??

18- The One Where It All Goes Down

"It's a tough game," Jaz mumbled as we waited in line. "Andrew looks good."

"So does Taylor," I smirked, making her blush. I didn't hate the cheerleader, she didn't do anything bad to me. From what I heard she was pretty nice too. 

Our turn came and I pointed out each of the things everyone requested. The lady looked at me like I was crazy, but rung me up regardless. We both balanced the snacks between us and rushed back to the bleachers.

The game had already resumed and everyone was intensely watching. We passed everyone their food and I opened my coke, taking a sip. The cold felt good on my rough throat. All the screaming was not good for me.

Suddenly, the ball flew through the air toward Justin. We all screamed for him to catch it and run, which he did. He ran as fast as his legs could take him. He was doing well, until the other team started cornering him. 

In one swift motion, he passed the ball to one of his teammates before being tackled to the ground. Time seemed to slow as we all tensed. My mom's grip was tight on my hand. My dad stared at his son, worry all over his features. 

Dylan ran over to him as the game continued. All of us released a breath when my brother stood up, Dylan flashing us a thumbs up. We watched as he hobbled to the bench while another player went to replace him.

We collectively let out of sigh of relief. 

My dad looked the most nervous. He knew all about sports, and the injuries they could cost. Hell, he was a player and got hurt all the time. Even though he knew it wasn't a big deal, he still seemed worried. 

"That was close," Jaz gasped. I nodded in total agreement.

Justin sat out for the rest of the game. I hoped everything was okay with him. 

The last seconds ticked on the timer and the crowd held their breath. We were at a tie. 

All eyes were on the ball as it flew through the air. Everything was in slow motion. 

Touch down!

The bleachers vibrated as the crowd roared. People were yelling, jumping, stomping their feet. Red and white confetti rained down on us as the cheerleaders carried confetti guns. My parents hugged each other tightly.

Dylan stuck out his tongue at my crippled brother before sprinting toward me. I laughed as he pulled me into his arms, picking me up and spinning me.

"You did it!" I half-screamed, half-laughed. He grinned, pushing his hair out of his face. He smacked a kiss on my cheek before going to hug Jaz. 

Justin hobbled over to us and my dad hugged him tightly. I'm sure he would have squeezed tighter if he wasn't injured. My mom was definitely more careful, but her excitement was put into words, telling him what a good job he did.

I gave him an open-mouthed smile as I was next. "You did so good lil bro!" I squealed in his ear. "I'm proud of you." 

"Thanks," he mumbled. I ruffled his hair and let him go. He limped back to his teammates, who all pat him on the back. 

My parents left soon after. Justin was getting a ride with a friend and spending the night, and I was getting a ride with Dylan. We planned to grab a late dinner.

Dylan came out of the locker room, his hair damp. I waved and met him halfway, giving him a proper hug without all the padding.

"Thanks for checking in on Justin," I said gratefully.

He brushed it off. "Someone's gotta, right?" We started walking to his car when he abruptly stopped and turned to face me. "I left my jacket in the locker, I'll go grab it."

"I'll join," I suggested. Most, if not all, boys were done by now. I'm sure I wouldn't walk in on anything gross. Plus walking alone in the parking lot wasn't really the most appealing idea. I'd take half-naked boys over kidnapping any day. 

He nodded and we walked side by side back to the room. The field felt eerily empty now, without the crowds. Just moments before, the energy was so high, whereas now, everything felt dead. 

He peaked his head in the room first, making sure everyone was decent. When he came around the corner to call me in, we both stood dead in our tracks.

Drew was in there, talking to one of his teammates.

"Yeah man, I really missed out on Taylor, she was so hot," Drew sighed.

His teammate asked, "So why are you taking that Bella chick to homecoming?" I tensed, knowing this conversation wouldn't be a good one.

Drew scoffed, as if it was the stupidest question he'd ever been asked. "Do you know her dad, Bill Wilks? He was like a star when it came to football. One recommendation from him, I'll be set to play in college. Besides, I can always take Taylor home, she wouldn't know." 

I felt disgusted. I knew Drew was a player, but I didn't know he could stoop so low. Dylan's hand tightened around mine. 

"Ah man, what a shame. Bella's hot too," his teammate sighed.

"Pfft, you can have her, but after I'm done with her. She's the most effort I've put in a girl. I trained her brother, and even got Coach to put him in. If her dad doesn't hear about this soon, it'll be for nothing."

"Don't stress man. If anything, she'll be a good fuck," the other dude said, making me shudder. They both laughed and the sounds of high-fives went around.

Dylan dropped my hand and went to go inside, but I stopped him. With anger in my eyes and rage in my bones, I strode into the room. His back was toward me. His teammate saw me first, his face dropping. Drew turned around, confusion laced in his face. 

My hand met his face in a loud slap. "You're a piece of shit," I hissed before turning on my heel.

He called out from behind me, but I didn't stop. Dylan smirked as I walked past, but he didn't follow. A few seconds later, I could hear the sound of a crack. 

"I've always wanted to do that," Dylan chuckled, catching up to me. His knuckles were bruised, proving he just punched his captain.

I felt powerful until I was met with the cold breeze from outside. Tears started to well in my eyes and I blinked them away. They kept coming until they could no longer disappear.

"God he's an ass," Dylan continued, turning to me. When he saw my face, his smile fell. "Hey hey hey," he stopped and pulled me into his chest. "Don't cry over him, he's an ass."

A humorless laugh left my lips. "I can't believe it."

I couldn't, not really. This entire time I thought Drew had finally noticed me. For once in my life, he chose me over a million of his other options. But it was all a lie.

He wasn't a gentleman. He wasn't awkwardly adorable or endearing. He was a liar, that's all. A damn good actor and a liar. 

Shit! How did I not see this coming? How did I not notice this? 

I knew him like the back of my hand, whether it was his social cues or small gestures. I knew when he drove to school, when he went to his locker, hell! I even knew when he would shower. How did I not notice he was playing me like he did football? 

"Let's get you home," Dylan stroked my hair and waited for me to calm down.

Both my parents looked confused when I came home. My dad was suddenly enraged that his daughter was coming home crying. I avoided their questions and ran to my room, slamming the door shut. 

And then I cried. I cried for hours. I cried myself to sleep, no longer dreaming of warm blue eyes that once held my heart.