My phone hasn't stopped buzzing since I woke up.

Trudging downstairs I grab a bowl of cereal, trying to forget that we have a game tonight. My first one back, no big deal. Not like I have the potential to make a complete fool of myself.

"Morning, Hun." Mom greets me on her way to the coffee pot. 

The buzzing continues, "Morning."

"You seem popular."

I snort, finally checking my phone, it never goes off like this. A few seconds later I'm happy I did, a video of Sage dancing around his kitchen on my screen followed by a bunch of texts.

Stells
OMG. His booty tho.

Ells
*sigh* I'm jealous of his ass. And his dance moves.

Sweetheart
Aren't we all. That ass is legendary... the dance moves not so much.

Sage
Everyone loves my dance moves! And don't worry El, I like your tush just fine.

The flirting has begun, and it isn't even 7:30 yet, and while I'm at the breakfast table too.

Ash
Get a room and then please give me dance lessons.

Sweetheart
I'd prefer it if you didn't.

Stells
I would like your workout schedule instead. I need a booty like that.

Ash
I don't know... I'm pretty satisfied with my bum.

And James is more than okay with yours.

Stells
Don't worry. So is Scarlett

That'd be the day.

Sweetheart
There's always room for improvement

Whatever she says to keep herself happy, deep down I know she likes it. Another video gets sent of Scarlett spitting out her smoothie. Making sure mom can't read over my shoulder I reply.

Ash
Well I guess we know she spits.

That gets another round of laugher from everyone but her, I'm in trouble.

Sweetheart
Too bad you're never going to find out. 

I reread my phone just to make sure I'm not going crazy, because that certainly wasn't how I pictured her responding.

Ash
Challenge Accepted

Anything is possible dear Scarlett.

Ella
Dear Lord, is this what it's like to be in a chat with me and Sage?

Nope, not at all. They're flirting at a ridiculous hour in the morning.

Stells
It's worse.

No, it's not

Sweetheart
You're all delusional

For once I find myself agreeing with her, all we're doing is messing around. I'd never directly flirt in a group chat, let alone with Scarlett. No thank you.

Sage
No, dear sister, that would be you.

My ass.

Despite the insistent nagging a smile's stuck on my face. I'm in a group chat, with my friends, joking around. That's never happened before unless someone needed something from me.

"Ashy, we need to leave. Now!" Ronnie yells, running through the door.

"Munchkin, I'm not even done with breakfast." I say, pointing to my now soggy cereal.

"And you need to eat, love." Mom adds.

"Food is for the weak, now let's move it." She grabs my arm, attempting to drag me from my chair.

I pretend to struggle just to make her feel better, some battles aren't worth fighting. Chugging the contents of my bowl I get up, "Here's the deal, eat a banana and then we'll leave."

Mom sends me a grateful look as she hands Ronnie the only fruit she'll eat willingly.

"What has you so excited for school?" Moms asks her.

She smiles, bouncing in her chair, "I have a friend."

Thank God, I was worried she would struggle. A weight I didn't realize I carried is lifted from my shoulders, she's happy. "What's their name?"

"Ronnie, she's seven." If it wasn't for the fact that my Ronnie is six, I would be concerned it's an imaginary friend. "She has reddish hair and freckles all over her face, but her sister calls them beauty marks. One time her brothers got bored and connected them with eyeliner."

She rambles on and on about this new friend, how she hasn't run out of breath is a mystery. Mom and I listen, sharing glances every few seconds, a common feeling between us–contentment. The last piece has settled in, no more change or struggles.

We're home.

*****

I've never seen so many people excited for a game in my life, red and black the only two colors visible in the hallway. It's amazing, and slightly terrifying.

"There's my favorite cheerleader." I tease, catching up to Scarlett in the hallway.

She rolls her eyes, "Don't let Avery hear you, she might have me killed."

I laugh, I'm sure she's thought about it already. "Then I'll mourn you the rest of my football career, no one shall replace you." Which, depending on tonight, might be a very short career.

"Easy, Romeo, I'm not planning on disappearing anytime soon." She flicks my nose as we enter the classroom.

Thank God.

"You have a project. It will be due the week of winter break. It's 50% of your semester grade." These are the welcoming words of our lovely teacher, voice void of any human emotions.

I'm beginning to think she's an alien.

Everyone in the class begins to silently lock eyes, planning groups before we're even told to. I sit there awkwardly as the girls' nod heads; the only problem is that I don't know anyone else in the class but them. Honestly couldn't name a soul besides Ella, Stella, and Scarlett.

"You may only have one partner."

Hold up, did my least favorite teacher just unintentionally do me a favor? The girls silently debate, a scowl forming on Scarlett's face as the duo looks at me. It's cool, not like I have feelings or anything.

"I'm going to work with Stella." Ella starts.

"So, Ashton, Scarlett's all yours." Stella finishes.

It's creepy how they do that.

Turning to Scarlett I offer her favorite smirk; smoke practically pours from her ears. This is going to be fun.

After class I have to run to keep up with Scarlett, who's obviously still upset with her friends. I know I can be annoying, but I didn't think I was that bad. "So, Sweetheart, I vote we get together this weekend and work on our project."

"First off, the project isn't due for a while, there's plenty of time." She removes my arm from its usual place around her shoulder. I know that but it's better to be productive. "Secondly, don't worry, I'll have the project done in no time."

I stop walking, she doesn't even want to work with me. "What do you mean, you'll have it done?"

People bump into us, but I don't care, I'm a good project partner. At least I hope so. It's been a while since I've done one, but I can be helpful. "You actually want to do this project with me?" She asks with a raised eyebrow.

"Of course, I'd never turn down an opportunity to be with you." I admit honestly. Scarlett's an easy person to be with. We speak when we want to and stay quiet when we need it. I don't feel judged.

It's nice.

*****

We get dismissed early for a pep rally and a small part of me finds it funny since I've never been to one before. I would just duck out the back doors, even when I played football.

Even if I wanted to, I don't think I'd have the option. Sage has been wired up all day. The walk from algebra he spends rambling about how amazing tonight's going to be. It's difficult to believe he doesn't drink coffee.

"The title is basically ours already. All you've got to do is work your magic and I'll do a few effortless moves and BAM– it's ours."

No pressure or anything. It's admirable how positive he is, in my mind all I can think of is the devastating loss that could be awaiting us.

"Ashton, come here!" Someone yells before we can even make it through the gym doors.

Turning, I find a red headed cheerleader running over. Sage groans, but as long as it's not Avery I'm okay. "Can I help you?"

She blushes, her eyebrows blending in with her forehead. "I'm Ana, I don't think we've officially been introduced."

"That's for the best." Sage grumbles, not bothering to hide his glare.

Ignoring his attitude, I take her extended hand, "Well then, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Raking my eyes over her body I can't help but agree that's it's certainly for the best. She giggles, "The pleasures all mine, I was wondering if you wanted to be my escort?"

Absolutely but Sage cuts me off, "Learn how to read and then go check the list Madison and Kent have, you're with Gabe. Try not to hook up with him too."

Jesus Christ, he's an entirely new person. I'm left speechless as she runs away, well that just happened.

I'm stuck gawking at Sage, who shrugs. "I'm sorry, she bothers me."

Clearly. "I don't mean to pry, but why?" He doesn't seem like the douchey type.

He grimaces, "Last year she tried to hook up with me, was not very fond of the word no. It's a long story and I'll spare you the details, but I haven't been able to look at her the same since." Wow, that's horrible. "It's more than that though. The entire cheer squad is nothing more than Avery's puppets. I know how they treat Scarlett. I know the snide remarks they make about me and Ella, and I'm over it."

I want to ask about how they treat Scarlett, but I don't. I'm a lot of things and stupid isn't one of them. People suck, that's guaranteed no matter where you go.

"Ashy poo, I need to talk to you!" A voice cries as I'm tackled into a hug.

Out of all the names to call someone, why is that her first pick? It's not cute, it's weird, sorta like this hug. "What do you want Avery?" I demand, prying her off me.

"Pretty please be my escort." She bats her eyes up at me, unfazed by the frown on my face.

I want to use the same comeback Sage did, but I don't know if I can since I'm not dyslexic. "Don't you already have an escort? You know, he's about this high, sandy blond hair, his name's James, sorta your boyfriend." I motion to my ear for dramatic effect.

Her smile fades, "I guess, but you barely know anyone else. I was just trying to be nice."

Bullshit.

"Avery, you're with Anderson." A girl orders, I'm assuming Madison by the list in her hand.

Yikes, that's the last dude I'd want to be with. He smells like a locker room without AC in the middle of summer.

"I have a boyfriend." She snarls back. So, I take it this girl isn't a terrible person if Avery hates her.

"He's with Stella, that's what happens when you actually pay attention in practice."

My eyes dart back and forth, entertained by the battle. "That bitch, by the time I'm done with her-"

I would pay good money to watch Avery go against Stella, her ass would get beat into next week. "Nothing." Madison declares, "If you want to cheer any of the games these next few weeks, you're to keep your mouth shut."

Avery whines, stomping her foot on the ground as she reluctantly finds her escort.

"Mads, What's Scar's and my place in line?" Sage asks.

"Oh no, you're with Ella." Madison corrects, "Y'all are fifth."

Sage looks like he wants to argue, which is stupid since that's his girl person, but a look from Madison sends him walking away. Smart man.

She turns back to her clipboard and I clear my throat. "Um, who am I with?"

"Scarlett." She says, "Oh, I hope that's okay. Kent and I were going through the names and since Sage is with Ella I figured since you two talk it wouldn't be weird."

"No, it works out great." I assure her, now I know my escort won't try to grope me.

Hiding behind the bleachers I wait for Scarlett, afraid to be left alone with so many hormonal girls. Looks can be as much as a curse as they can a blessing.

After what feels like an eternity she walks in, scanning for Madison. Doing a double check of the area I run over, "Don't worry, Sweetheart, your escort is here and ready for our close up."

Our faces deserve to be captured on film.

"Are you sure, I'm usually with-"

"Sage, he's with Ella. I can't make this up, sometimes life just works in your favor." I finish for her; she must really hate being around me.

Her face pales but she doesn't protest, hugging her sides as the pep rally begins. From what I can tell it's nothing special, just a bunch of yelling and a few stupid games. I never needed to know how many jumbo marshmallows a junior could fit into his mouth at once but now I'm concerned for his well-being, 28 is a disturbing amount.

Scarlett hasn't spoken a word, frantically eyeing the crowd like it's a monster. The names get called, Madison and Kent going first like a pair of Barbie dolls. Scarlett latches her hand into my arm, the grip ungodly tight.

The cold, sweat of her palms answers all my questions, she's nervous.

"Like what you feel?" I ask, trying to keep her mind off it. We're just two people having a conversation. 

I'm expecting a snarky reply, a sharp piercing spreads across my bicep. "Not really."

I involuntarily wince in pain, she pinched me. "That's gonna bruise later."

I can feel it forming already.

"Not my problem, it's our turn. Smile pretty." She says through closed lips.

Glancing over I'm relieved to see how much better she looks, color back in her face and what appears to be a genuine smile. Much better compared to the wreck I saw earlier.

"Hey." I whisper, not even annoyed by the fact I missed our picture.

She doesn't acknowledge me, focusing on the crowd. Fine, I'll just get her attention. I poke her side, amused by the giggles she's fighting.

"You look really nice in your uniform, Sweetheart." I whisper in her ear, it's the truth.

It suits her a lot more than I would've ever thought.

*****

We're getting our asses kicked.

Halftime was spent in the locker room getting dog cussed by Coach, we should be better than this. We are better than this. No one was expecting a team from the middle of nowhere to put up a fight, so we got lazy. I hate lazy people.

Warmups are tense, anger rising after the lecture we were just given. Running to the back of the line I collided with a senior, "Watch it, McClain."

"Get over it." I spit back, an apology is the last thing leaving my mouth right now.

He snorts and I try to remember his name. Dean, no. Isaac, no. Jake. "I thought you were supposed to be good, all you've done is shit the bed. If Gavin were still playing, we'd be winning right now."

My vision goes red, "Coming from the guy who missed three easy tackles. Were you to busy looking for your balls?"

His face morphs into fury as he shoves me. Before I can catch myself, I shove him flat on his ass, "Focus on the game before you end up on the sidelines with your favorite quarter back."

He swipes for my feet, but Sage drags me away, "Easy, man, killing Bowman won't make this game any easier."

Water gets squirted on my face, breaking my concentration. My breathing slows, I hadn't even realized how worked up I was getting. I'm fine, completely and totally fine.

"Don't pay attention to him, he's just trying to divert fact that he sucks tonight." Sage reassures me, "You're ten times the player Gavin is, there's a reason Coach got you instead of Frank Salone."

I want to call bullshit, but Sage seems genuine, "Thanks, I sorta lost control for a second."

He waves me off, "Don't mention it. It's a new game, focus on that."

Easy for him to say. I scan the crowd, hoping to find my parents, maybe seeing them can calm me down. Instead I find Scarlett leaned against the fence. Making eye contact I can't help but smile, sending a wink in her direction. I wanted a distraction, and this is a pretty solid one. She just rolls her eyes, over enthusiastically shaking her Pom Poms.

I laugh, shoving my head back into my helmet. Sage is right, it's a new game.

*****

We won.

It was difficult but somehow, we didn't suck in the second half. Everyone runs around, yelling and screaming as they celebrate. All I can focus on is how bad my body hurts, the beating I took tonight was like nothing I've ever experienced before.

For a moment I get too caught up in the smiles around me, feeling like an intruder on this happy occasion. Stop, I belong here. If anything, I'm the main reason everyone is celebrating.

Finding Scarlett, I run over, giving her a hug. I owe her a thank you, I needed the feeling of normalcy.

To my surprise she hugs me back, "Not too bad, Asshole."

"You weren't too shabby yourself, Sweetheart." I tease her, letting go of the hug. The name doesn't even bother me, I've been called worse.

She pushes me, a small smile on her face. Afraid to stand on my own I keep my arm over her shoulder. We stay like that for a while, a comforting anchor against the wave of people I barely know congratulating me.

It rubs me the wrong way to experience so many strangers acting like I'm their hero. It feels like deja vu, but I can tell the people here are more genuine than the ones back home. Besides, I sorta am their hero.

Somewhere between talking to people and finding our friends, a switch flips in her mind, my arm removed from her shoulders. It's not the first time she's ever done it but it's startling for some reason, my legs swaying as I attempt to keep up with her.

Looks like I can't do everything right.

*****

Twenty minutes later we're all walking to the parking lot, Scarlett keeping a fair amount of distance between us which is so unlike our norm. James calls after us, or one of us. "Hey, Stella!"

She stops, a smile trying to work its way onto her face that's so unlike her usual glare. We wait, intrigued by the new turn of events. James reaches us and it's like we don't exist. "Gabe Kline's throwing a party tonight, you're all more than welcome to come."

And he finally acknowledges us. I can't help but shake my head at his antics, he's crazy about someone he isn't dating. Speaking of which, I'm surprised Avery hasn't ridden over on her broom stick yet to curse us.

"How is he dating the evil queen?" Sage asks, taking the words right out of my mouth.

"More importantly, Stella darling, why is he singling you out?" Scarlett teases, not even acknowledging that he's her cousin's boyfriend. Something tells me she doesn't care.

"We just got to talking, he's actually pretty funny." I make a mental note to tell James later.

"Let's go!" Ella declares, Stella agreeing with her.

Honestly, I could go for a party right now, so much adrenaline coursing through me. The Rhodes stay silent, Scarlett checking her phone for the time.

"I don't think so, the kids are tired and it's almost midnight." My smile falls, "I think we're just going to head home."

No, home is boring. Parties are fun, they should know this by now.

Sage walks Ella to her car and I stay with Scarlett, trying to come up with a way to change her mind as we go to buckle Saffron in. "Are you sure you can't drop them off then go?"

It's not like they'll be alone.

"I'm sure. We have a curfew and I'm pretty tired." She says, quietly closing the door, Saffron already dozing off in her car seat.

Technically I do too, clearly, she's the more responsible one here. Her family might be stricter when it comes to rules. Although, I always pictured them as a hippie group. Now that I think about it, I didn't see them tonight, granted I spent forever trying to find mom and dad.

"Who knew cheering for your butt could be so tiring?" She teases.

I smirk, "Last I heard you thought my butt was in pretty good shape." Those text messages were definitely the best way to start my day off.

Scarlett closes the door, waving over my shoulder for her brothers. "You shouldn't believe everything you hear, Mister McClain." she nudges me, a smile working its way onto her face.

Mister McClain, I've only ever been called that by adults, specifically when going over my issues.

There's a pause of silence as I debate trying to convince her to go with me again when I pinch myself. I'm Ashton McClain, I never go to a party with a girl. I don't need Scarlett, or even Sage to have fun. They're my friends but I need to branch out, meet new people.

Life gets boring when you're surrounded by the same thing for too long.

""Have fun at the party, maybe I'll catch the next one." She goes to leave, and I pull her in for a hug, relieved when she hugs me back. I'm happy she's my friend, as strange as she is.

I turn to go, amused by the baffled expression on her face as I go.

*****

A new chapter that I've rewritten five times, not gonna lie. Hopefully you like it.

XO-Mo