Falling Page 5

  “Hi! I didn’t think you guys were coming.” Act normal.

  “Coach called off practice so we could come to the game,” Steve said.

  “That was cool of him. I guess he doesn’t have anything against football,” I teased.

  Steve leaned over, addressing me. “Let’s just say he supports all the athletic programs, unlike some coaches.”

  “In other words, he’s an athletic supporter,” Pete deadpanned.

  We all snickered at the jock strap joke.

  “Jesus, those dudes are huge,” Jim said, surveying the size of the McClymonds players.

  “Tell me about it.” I’m sure we all worried how our Titans would fare.

  “I’m glad I’m not out there. I wouldn’t want to embarrass the big guys,” Pete said, garnering more laughs.

  The cheerleaders led the spectators in a chant, but I couldn’t hear a word they said over the noise in the surrounding stands. The crowd even muted the band.

  McClymonds scored a touchdown and kicked the ball after making the extra point. I tried not to focus on Alec’s actions on the field, but he got the football and ran it for twelve yards, securing a first down. A few plays later, he scored Skyline’s first touchdown from a long pass. The crowd cheered, blasting air horns and waving their spirit sticks. After celebrating his TD, he pointed at me in the stands as if to say, “That one was for you.” I prayed Pete didn’t notice. Katy certainly did, and nudged Michelle.

  The rest of the game remained a heated contest. McClymonds stayed in the lead, but we answered every point scored until the last quarter. Even though we gave up fourteen points, our Titans had nothing to be ashamed of, and neither did Alec. He turned out to be an impressive player, both strong and graceful. It bothered me he performed so well. I didn’t want to admire anything about him.

  After the game, Mrs. O’Reilly invited us back to the house for dinner. Her husband was out of town and she said she liked feeding an army. I used the pay phone near the gym to call my parents. Getting the okay, I piled into the station wagon with the others. The overcrowded car meant I scored a seat on Pete’s lap. His arms wrapped around me, and I took comfort in their security. The action righted me again, restoring my equilibrium and moving Alec where he belonged—to the furthest recesses of my mind.

  At the house, we feasted on pizza and soda. The guys turned on the TV and became engrossed in a war movie while the girls sat in the kitchen listening to Mrs. O’Reilly dispense advice as she smoked her Marlboro Lights and sipped red wine.

  Too soon, my mother rang the O’Reilly’s doorbell. I thanked Mrs. O’Reilly and Pete promised to call later.

  Happy, I chatted with my mother about the night the entire way home.

  I greeted my father.

  “A boy called for you,” he said. “Somebody named Alec.”

  I sighed inwardly.

  “Who is Alec?” my mother asked.

  “Just some dumb guy,” I said.

  “Don’t you already have a dumb guy?” my father teased.

  I grimaced. “Something like that.”

  “He didn’t leave a phone number. He said he would call back.”

  “Terrific,” I mumbled.

  “What?”

  “Nothing, Dad.”

  “Good game?” My father loved sports.

  “We lost, but not by much. The other players were huge. It’s a miracle they didn’t slaughter us.”

  “You can’t always be on top. Sometimes when you lose, you work harder to be number one.”

  “I guess you’re right.” I yawned. “I’m turning in.”

  I changed into a comfortable cotton shirt and slipped into bed. I loved this moment of the day, a private intermission where I could drift and remember the day’s events before sleep claimed me. My entire body relaxed as I mentally reviewed the highlights…except for Alec Mays and the way he tried to insert himself into my life.

  The jarring ring of the phone woke me, and I floundered in the darkness, disoriented from sleep. I grasped the receiver and drug it to my ear.

  “Were you asleep?” Alec.

  “Yes,” I answered, groggy.

  “I’m sorry, Sleeping Beauty. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

  “What time is it?”

  “A little past eleven.”

  My parents were not going to be happy. “Oh.” I yawned.

  “Go back to sleep, Anna. I only called to wish you sweet dreams.”

  I should have hung up. But I didn’t. “You were good out there today.”

  He chuckled. “Thanks. I knew you were watching.”

  “Seriously, you’re talented.” I’m not sure why I kept reiterating this point.

  “Did your friends approve?”

  Oh, God! “Of what?”

  “Weren’t you pointing me out to them?” He chuckled softly again.

  I cringed. Yes, yes I was. “Shut up.”

  “Too bad your boyfriend showed up.”

  I rearranged my T-shirt, which had bunched around my torso “What do you mean by that?”

  “You would have been less distracted.”

  He was hella conceited. “I’m sure you had the eye of most of the girls at Skyline.”

  “But I only want yours.”

  Why did that make my heart palpitate? “Well, I…you know I have a boyfriend.”

  “Let me ask you, what do you know about O’Reilly?”

  “I don’t understand what you mean.”

  “He may not be the guy you think he is. I heard he’d badmouth his own mother. And I know for a fact he’s two-faced liar, saying one thing and doing another.”

  What BS. Alec would say anything to turn me against Pete. “He’s been plenty nice to me so far.”

  “You could always dump him now before that changes and date me instead.” Alec spoke with a gutsy authority.

  “You’re persistent, aren’t you?” I found myself smiling in the dark.

  “I am. And I don’t intend to leave you alone until you’re mine.”

  Wow. Should I be flattered or scared? “You might have a long wait.”

  Alec chuckled again. “I can wait, but I doubt I’ll have to.”

  “We’ll see.” I yawned again.

  “Yes, we will. Now shut those gorgeous eyes and dream of me.”

  “Ha!”

  “Goodnight,” he whispered.

  I replaced the receiver and snuggled back under the covers, but sleep eluded me. Thoughts of Alec commandeered my head.

  7

  Boy Trouble

  My happy little world started to splinter apart. On one hand, I had Pete. Like a faithful dog, he waited patiently for me between classes, ate lunch with me every day, and called me most nights. I adored him. But he had yet to kiss me, and it didn’t look like he would find the nerve to try. A big unspoken roadblock, it barricaded our future. If we couldn’t even kiss each other, how could our relationship progress?

  On the other hand, Alec emerged from the shadows. And he was the polar opposite of Pete: aggressive, self-assured and persistent. He began to wear me down with his incessant calls, deep voice and oozing charm. It was undeniable: I liked him now, too. His curly blonde hair and muscular build crept into my thoughts unbidden. Everything he wore showed off his buff body, and his letterman’s jacket boasted his athletic talent, embroidered with every championship title and award earned in his high school years.

  A heaviness permeated as I vacillated between liking two boys. Pete didn’t have a clue about Alec, and I flat-out lied by avoiding the topic—a sin of omission, my mother would call it. If Pete found out, he’d be mad and hurt, and I lose him for sure. But I couldn’t bring myself to give up my friendship with Alec.

  Something awful was destined to happen—Pete would find out or Alec would tire of waiting—and only I deserved the blame. My suffering was guaranteed no matter what. I agonized over how I landed in such a mess and my friends were totally unsympathetic. Neither had been asked on a date, and with Homecoming
on the horizon, their single status was a genuine concern.

  The Skyline soccer team beat Fremont 5-1, a resounding triumph for their last game of the season. I clapped in celebration as they ran their victory lap. The guys played terrific, including Pete, who blocked tons of goals despite the other team’s relentless attempts to score.

  Afterward, the team carpooled to Round Table Pizza in Montclair to celebrate. We secured two of the oversized circular tables near the jukebox under the watchful eye of King Arthur and his knights in various poses. In short order, we devoured pitchers of soda and several extra large pizzas.

  Alec and some of his friends walked in, finding a table directly in my view. He smiled and waved hello from where he sat, and I jerked my head down and stopped breathing.

  Pete glanced my way. “Are you friends with that guy?”

  I nodded noncommittally. “Sort of.”

  “Why? He’s a total jerk.”

  “Um…is he? I don’t know him well enough to say.” I gulped. Could someone just kill me and get it over with?

  “He thinks he’s God’s gift to football for one thing.”

  “He is a pretty good player.”

  “Are you sticking up for him? What, do you like this guy or something?”

  “No! I’m just saying he’s a good athlete. I don’t think you should rag on someone for that.”

  Pete eyed me with suspicion. I could tell he was nonplussed, and I didn’t want to fight, especially about Alec. He went back to eating his pizza. I stole a glance at Mr. Deep Voice, who stared at me with his disarming grin. I averted my eyes with lightening speed.

  “Do you have a quarter? I want to play some music.”

  Pete fished a quarter out of his sweatpants and I stood and walked to the jukebox. I didn’t really care about the tunes but I needed a minute to compose myself and come up with an escape plan. I scanned the selections, even though I knew them by heart: The Beatles, Chicago, Gerry Rafferty, Paul McCartney and Wings. Unable to focus, I remained indecisive, tapping my fingers on the side of the machine.

  “Finding anything good?”

  I cringed, and glanced over to find Alec standing next to me.

  “Maybe I could be of some assistance.” How could he be so relaxed? I was freaking out!

  “Help yourself. I think I better go.”

  “Sure. We wouldn’t want to give your boyfriend the wrong idea.” He winked.

  I mumbled something incoherent and sat back down next to Pete.

  “Outside. Now,” Pete said through gritted teeth.

  I dragged myself up and followed him out the front doors. We stood facing each other on the sidewalk. I crossed my arms and braced for the unknown.

  Pete’s eyes blazed. “Is something going on with you and that guy?”

  “No.”

  “It sure looks like it!”

  I cleared my throat. “He might like there to be, but there’s not.”

  “What do you mean?”

  I let out a deep breath. “He’s made it clear he likes me.”

  “When? How? Where?”

  “He’s called me a few times.”

  “He’s calling you? And you never thought to mention it?”

  I shrugged, helpless. “I know it looks bad, but I’ve tried to discourage him. That’s why I didn’t say anything to you.”

  “He doesn’t look discouraged to me!” Pete shouted.

  I froze. My heart slammed against my chest. No coherent words formed.

  “Do you like him?” Pete jaw twitched, his eyes hard.

  The question I most dreaded. I stared at Pete helplessly.

  “I said, do you like him?”

  Tears trickled down my cheeks. Pain stabbed my chest. I remained utterly confused. What could I say?

  “It’s a simple question, Anna. Answer it.”

  “I don’t know,” I choked out. “I like you, and being with you but sometimes I like him, too. It’s confusing.” This was worse than Confession. And instead of relief, my anguish enveloped me, suffocating me from every angle.

  “I can’t believe what I’m hearing. What kind of girl are you anyway? Do you think you can have two guys at the same time?”

  I stared at him, speechless, and swiped at the tears falling faster than I could catch them.

  “Well, you can’t,” he said, answering his question before I had a chance.

  “I’m sorry,” I half-spoke, half-sobbed. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. Things just got screwed up.”

  “Well, I’ll fix it for you. We’re done. Over. Finito.” He started toward the restaurant.

  “Pete, no! Please!” I lunged forward, grabbing his arm. “I don’t want to break up. I want to be with you.”

  “It doesn’t sound like it to me.” He jerked his arm away.

  “Please, let’s work this out.”

  “You lied to me, and you want to be with that jerk of all jerks. You deserve each other.” With that, he turned and stalked back into the pizza parlor, leaving me standing on the sidewalk.

  I wavered, debating whether to go back inside. Instead, I staggered in the direction of home, my vision blurred by my incessant gushing tears. I didn’t live far, but my parents would be furious if I walked alone through Montclair at night. I didn’t care. Fleeing was my only option.

  I made it to Lucky’s grocery store before Mrs. O’Reilly pulled up. I got in her car as instructed, wiping my face with the napkins she handed me.

  “What happened?” she said.

  “Pete broke up with me.” Saying this out loud ignited a fresh round of sobs.

  Mrs. O’Reilly put her arms around me, murmuring soothing words. More tears flowed.

  I pulled away, struggling to collect myself. I dabbed my face with more napkins, my chest heaving as I regained my breath.

  “I like Pete. I don’t want to break up.”

  “He really likes you, too. He’s just angry right now. Take it from an older woman, these things have a way of working themselves out.” She smiled, nodding her head for emphasis.

  “I don’t think things are gonna work out this time.”

  Mrs. O’Reilly patted my hand. “Boys are…well, boys. And Pete’s not thinking straight, honey. They can’t when they’re mad. He’ll probably be groveling on your doorstep tomorrow. You wait and see.”

  I doubted it, but appreciated her attempt to soothe me. She put the car in drive and minutes later, pulled up to my house and gave me a hug. “You take care, sweetie.”

  “Thanks, Mrs. O’Reilly.”

  I managed to shuffle past my mom and dad, pretending everything was fine, and went straight to my room. I flopped on my bed and sobbed quietly into my pillow—no need to alarm or summon my parents. Over and over, the same thoughts churned: You’re an idiot. How could you have blown it with Pete?

  I sat up, blotted my face and unearthed my journal from its hiding place behind the headboard.

  This may go down as the worst day of my life EVER. Pete has broken up with me and I’m devastated. I’m not sure I’ll ever stop crying. I AM SUCH A MORON! Why did I tell him I liked Alec? Why didn’t I just tell Alec to leave me alone? For the record, I did, but then I let him keep calling me. Ugh! No excuses! I let him think he could try. Everything was fine with Pete until Alec came along...and now Pete will never forgive me. He thinks I’m some kind of slut or something! And I’m not!!! I’m nice. Aren’t I? I don’t know how I’m going to survive this. I hella screwed up, and I feel SO alone.

  The phone rang, and I prayed it was Pete, calling to say we would work things out.

  “What happened to you?” Alec, of course. “Why didn’t you come back?”

  I stifled another sob. “Pete broke up with me. I’m sure that news will make you deliriously happy.”

  “He what? Why?”

  I paused. This was the tricky part, but I came clean, honesty being my new policy. “Because of you.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “He could tell you liked me, and I
didn’t lie about you.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “I told him you’d been calling me.”

  “If he broke up with you for that, he’s a bigger idiot than I thought.”

  I smiled, just a little. “He asked me if I liked you…” I said, unable to finish my sentence.

  “And?”

  “And he didn’t like my answer.”

  Alec whistled. “Are you admitting you like me, Anna?”

  I panicked, not ready for this conversation—why had I even answered the phone? “Look, I’m really upset. Can we talk later?”

  “Just answer my question, please. Don’t leave me hangin’.”

  “Fine. I told him yes. I told him I liked you both. Happy?”

  “Maybe the happiest guy on the planet. And you will be, too. Just wait and see. I’m going to treat you like the princess you are.”

  I smiled again despite my grief. He laid the compliments on thick. “What makes you think I’ll be yours?”

  “You’ll be mine alright. You already are. And I’ll be taking you to the Homecoming Dance, so consider yourself unavailable should other boys come sniffing around.”

  “Alec, this is too much right now.”

  “Alright, gorgeous. Wipe those tears, now. He’s not worth it.”

  We hung up, and I straddled the chasm between Heaven and Hell until I cried myself to sleep.

  8

  Surrender

  Pete ignored me at school. His friends were reserved, unsure what to do or say. It stung, and every time we crossed paths, pain pierced my heart. I missed the world Pete and I shared, but what kind of guy acted like this? How could he treat me this way? It’s not like I cheated on him. I told him the truth about my feelings and had chosen him despite the competition!

  As the week wore on, my anger and dismay increased. I stopped caring about working things out with Pete. Maybe Alec’s assessment of my now ex-boyfriend as a royal jerk wasn’t so far-fetched after all. In a show of solidarity, my friends displayed appropriate indignation over Pete’s behavior, and were not shy voicing their encouragement to give Alec a chance.