As odd as it might sound, Roseline is thrilled at Sadie’s refusal to speak to her after their initial reunion. She decided that the only fitting punishment for abandoning her without so much as a phone call is to implement the cold shoulder tactic. Roseline walks silently beside her friend, trying desperately to hide her smile. It feels so good to have a friend who cares enough for her to be that put out.
It is Friday afternoon and school ended early in anticipation for tonight’s state finals. Roseline is a ball of nerves, excited and leery all at the same time.
“I know you’re not talking to me right now, but I was kinda wondering if you were still planning on heading to the game tonight.” It was all Sadie talked about before Roseline ran off.
“Of course, I’m going,” Sadie cries, breaking her vow of silence. “How could you even think I’d miss the biggest game of the year?”
“But aren’t you still mad at me?”
Sadie waves her off. “Oh, pish posh. I don’t hold grudges,” she offers a sheepish smile. “Well, not for too long anyways.”
Roseline smiles, letting her eyes linger over Sadie’s newest theme. Her hair is dyed black and styled beautifully. Her bangs lay softly across her forehead while the back of her hair falls straight. Gone are the raccoon eyes, spiked jewelry, and flaming pink hair.
Her dress is crimson, which makes her ivory skin glow. Small white-gold hoops hang from her ear lobes and a dainty necklace nestles against the hollow of her neck.
Roseline has never seen Sadie look so good. There is a softness about her that is sadly betrayed the instant her friend opens her mouth. “Don’t tell me you’re backing out on me now.” She yanks Roseline to the side as a group of rowdy football players rush by on their way to the pep rally that should be starting any moment.
Bright posters of varying neon shades line the hall, announcing the highly anticipated victory. It has been nearly twenty years since Rosewood won a state championship and everyone is psyched. Even the teachers have gone easy on the workload for this weekend.
“The bus leaves in an hour and you’re not even ready,” Sadie moans, looking at Roseline’s sapphire blue sweater and jeans. Rosewood’s school colors are black and red, which no doubt inspired Sadie’s new look. “Where’s your school spirit?”
“Right here,” a voice calls from behind them. Before she can react, Gabriel wraps his arms tightly around her waist and draws her close. Roseline can’t help but laugh. She warned him earlier in the week that they should take things slow but sometimes he gets too excited.
“Put me down,” Roseline giggles, batting at him playfully. Gabriel winces and instantly releases her. “Are you okay?”
Gabriel nods, gingerly rubbing his arm. “Yeah. I have been aching a bit the past couple days. Hope I’m not coming down with something.”
“Did you pull a muscle in practice?”
“Nah, it’s all over. Kinda flu-like, ya know. But I’ll be fine knowing you’re watching me,” he grins, pinching her side.
Sadie rolls her eyes. She is not too thrilled with the idea of them pursuing a relationship together, especially since she suspects Gabriel is the reason for her best friend’s sudden disappearance. It is a fact that she makes perfectly clear anytime he comes around. “Shouldn’t you be at the rally?”
“Yeah, but I wanted to say goodbye first.” Gabriel pulls Roseline up close to his side. He tucks his arm around her waist, hooking his finger through her belt loop. “Are you heading to the game with Sadie?”
“And me,” William calls, sliding up to his sister. “Thought I should do my brotherly duty and watch over these two. I’d hate for some guy to snatch them away tonight.”
Gabriel and William stare each other down. Roseline sighs. Ever since Gabriel had made it known that he was with her, William has been a bit testy. “Weren’t you leaving?”
Gabriel’s grip around her waist tightens as he grinds his back teeth. “I’ll see you tonight, Rose.” With a quick peck on the cheek, he turns and is instantly carried away by the swarm of pre-game, adrenaline-laced teens. Roseline acutely feels his departure but quickly covers over her disappointment.
“So, you two seem pretty comfy now,” Sadie remarks, slamming her locker shut. She does not even bother to stop and notice her backpack stuck in the door as she pulls Roseline toward the exit.
“Yeah, things are going good,” Roseline says noncommittally.
“Have you kissed him yet?” Sadie asks. Even though she has made her views on their relationship very clear, she is apparently not about to give up her chance to get some dirt on Gabriel’s famous kissing skills.
Roseline can feel William tense beside her. His expectant gaze makes her bite back a laugh. There is no way she is going to kiss and tell to these two. “We’re just trying to get to know each other, Sadie. Stop trying to turn us into one of your smutty TV shows.”
“That is high-quality programming, I will have you know.” Sadie laughs as she shoves her way through the double doors. A huge bonfire blazes on the edge of the parking lot.
“That’s a bit worrying,” Roseline mutters as they approach the crowd. A stuffed bull hangs low over the flames. The scent of melting plastic curls in her nose.
“It’s all in good fun. I’m sure Claremont is burning our red devil as we speak,” William grins, shoving people out of his way.
Sadie giggles behind a gloved hand. “Kinda fitting, huh?”
They eagerly join in with the chants led by Rosewood’s cheer squad. Roseline pumps her fists and actually finds herself swept away until she senses a mood change as the head cheerleader’s piercing glare finds her among the crowd.
“Yikes. I think Claire’s got it in for you,” William mutters as he darts a glance her way. Sure enough, the cheerleader’s beady little eyes are drilling into Roseline’s forehead. People all around begin to follow her gaze. Most nod in understanding, thankful that they are not the one stupid enough to cross Claire. It is social suicide to get on her bad side.
“This is going to be a long night,” Roseline sighs.
Twenty-One