October Breezes

  Yet you’re stil watching, aren’t you?”

  He nodded to Bethany and then turned back to me. He reached for my hand, and I wanted to take it but didn’t. He slowly withdrew. “Please, Skye, just make up some excuse—any excuse—

  and don’t go. If you want, I’l come over and spend the evening with you. We can watch movies like we used to. Just don’t do this. Please.”

  “Is there a problem?” Tyler Rutherford, also wearing his footbal jersey, patted Devin’s shoulder. Devin stood inches taler than Tyler and didn't need the footbal uniform's padding to match Tyler's prowess.

  “Yeah,” Devin snapped without taking his eyes off me. He clenched his jaw and probably without realizing it, curled his fingers into fists. “You’re butting in on a private conversation. Take your damned hand off.”

  “Oooh. I’m scared.” Tyler made a big show of lifting his hand. “I don’t think Kelin likes you hitting on his girlfriend.”

  “He’s not hitting on me,” I growled. “I'm sure you know what that is. You tried it earlier this year." I watched a scarlet color his cheeks. "We’re just talking. Now go away.”

  “Yeah--before we take this conversation to the next level,”

  Devin snapped.

  “We’l go to the next level Monday, Abbott. After al, I have big plans this weekend. Skye knows al about it.” He patted Devin's shoulder once more and walked away. Devin folded his arms across his chest, glowering.

  “One of these days I’m going to take him apart.” His eyes narrowed to slits as he peered down the hal. “Maybe I should go after him today and ruin both his shot at playing tonight and his party.”

  I brushed the hair from my eyes. “When did you resort to using your fists instead of your brain?”

  “When you stopped using yours.”

  A hot flush crept into my cheeks. “Starting a fight won’t stop anything. He’s probably got at least two buddies around him who'l say you started it and he didn’t do anything. Then you’l be suspended, and he’l stil have his game and his party.”

  Devin smacked the locker. As he withdrew it, I saw gouged skin. Blood ebbed to the broken surface. “These people are your friends?” He shook his head. “Damn it, Skye. Stay home tonight.”

  “You’re not my mother,” I insisted, finaly walking away, but the image of him lashing out at the locker remained.

  “Don’t say I didn’t warn you, and don’t expect me to pick up the pieces.” His quiet voice warned of anger simmering just below the surface. Unlike most guys, the more Devin felt, the quieter he got. And he was about as quiet as he was going to get and stil speak. Stil, I knew those blue eyes. I had seen them shine with happiness, fil with tears, and every emotion in between.

  It was as if time itself had stopped. Several students gazed at us intently, including Becca and Bethany. Becca whispered to a friend, and they both laughed loudly.

  I turned to face him and stared at the hard frown lines etched into his forehead. “Don’t worry. I won’t ask.” Although I walked away from him, something deep inside warned me me that I should listen. But another part thought of him being jealous of Kelin. Which was right? How would I know?

  I strode down the hal, trying to forget his stony expression, wishing I’d never glimpsed that mask of anger. I’d never forget it.

  I’d almost made it to my class when Kelin caught up and puled me aside.

  “What was that about?”

  “What?” I asked, knowing Tyler had given his own spin on that conversation with Devin.

  “Is Devin making moves on you?” His mouth formed a hard frown.

  I jerked from him. “He came to talk to me. He's my friend. Is there some law against that? Besides, I wouldn’t believe everything Tyler tels you.”

  “Oh? Are you saying my best friend lies?” He shoved his hands on his hips and narrowed his eyes to slits.

  “Look, Devin didn’t come to cause trouble, okay. He wasn’t hitting on me. He wouldn’t do that.” I almost dropped one of my books but caught it at the last moment.

  “Why wouldn’t he? He’s got the hots for you. He has for years.” The tardy bel rang. “I know you're not thriled with the party tonight. I’ve known that al week. Tyler warned me you'd cause problems, but I didn’t believe him. Do you want to go or not? Just tel me, and then we’l figure out where to go from there.”

  This was my chance to tel him the truth.

  And then we’d break up.

  “Of course I want to go,” I said, hoping my face registered what he wanted as I gripped my books tightly. “Do you stil want me to?”

  “Yes.” He leaned over and kissed my cheek. “Tel Devin to tread carefuly.”

  I shook my head. “You don't have to worry. Devin won't bother us again.”

  He nodded. “Coach wants me to stop by during lunch. I’l see you at the pep raly.”

  “Sure.” I slipped into the classroom, a sea of faces staring back. Perhaps once I’d thought having either Devin or Kelin was a trade-off, but now I wondered if I'd have either.

  The morning blurred past, and I fumbled through the day. I spent lunch in the library and tried reading a book while twirling hair around my fingers as I glanced at the door, expecting either Devin or Kelin to slip through it, but neither did.

  Before I knew it, the teachers dismissed us to the auditorium where the cheerleaders flounced and yeled, greeting the students filing the bleachers while the footbal players waited in the locker room.

  Surrounded by my classmates, I clasped my hands together in my lap and toyed with the locket Devin had given me long ago. I tried not to remember the last assembly, when Devin and I had sat together whispering jokes despite our teachers’ directives to remain with our classes. Now, sitting amid al these people, I tried not to shiver. Truth be told, I'd never fit in, even if Kelin and I dated until I graduated. Scanning the crowd, I spotted Devin sitting with Bethany.

  Their heads were bent low as they spoke to one another.

  Once everyone had sat down, the cheerleading sponsor cued a rock song. The girls gyrated to the beat. I yawned, hardly impressed at how wel they regulated the shared usage of a single brain cel among them—although I must admit, Becca gave her best 1,000 watt smile atop the pyramid and looked nonplussed even when the male cheerleader caught her by the butt.

  After the dance number, the head cheerleader, Becca, announced the football team members a nd t he coach. Having waited patiently, the guys ran through a paper banner the cheerleaders held up. Squinting, I found Kelin. Not surprisingly, Tyler ran beside him. As the two passed Becca, Tyler brushed her back. She smiled and waved at Kelin. He scanned the bleachers, looking for me. Our gazes locked, and he smiled so briliantly.

  No matter what Kelin said, Becca wanted him. She adjusted her uniform's thin shoulder straps and smoothed her skirt, caling attention to her long, tanned legs. Tyler smiled, his gaze traveling the length of her body appreciatively. But Kelin roled his shoulders, stretching as he looked elsewhere. I'd never underestimate what she'd do to destroy our relationship. Stil, without Kelin’s desire for her, she couldn’t touch us.

  The rest of the assembly blurred past, and finaly we were dismissed to the buses. I sat on the bleachers until most people had gone and then I found another person staring at me. Thinking it was Kelin, I looked up. Devin stepped toward me, and Bethany grabbed his arm, trying to rein him in. Whatever she’d said was lost as the rest of the students vacated the gym. Devin broke from her grasp and came to me.

  “Please don’t go,” he whispered, the pain obvious in his eyes. He folded his arms across his chest. The words came from between clenched teeth, as though he were restraining emotions.

  Kelin stood in the gym's center, joking with Tyler and Becca. They would see us soon. Not far from them, Bethany watched, her hand nervously twirling a lock of hair, twisting it to and fro.

  “We’ve been through this,” I said.

  He raked through his hair. “You’re right.” He walked away. Bethany, see
ing him stalk off, hurried to me.

  “Couldn’t you have tried to listen? He’s right, you know.”

  She waited for an answer, but when she realized I didn't have one, she strode off.

  I tried to shake the frustration, and I ambled down the bleachers, heading toward Kelin as he chatted with Tyler. Tyler lingered, grinning as he made me wait. Once Kelin had spotted me standing to the side, he excused himself and headed my way.

  He slid his arm around me. “Would you like a ride home?”

  I laid my head on his shoulder. “I’d love it.” Walking together, I tried to ignore the feeling that someone watched us but couldn’t. Turning to the side, I saw Tyler glare at me, the baleful frown teling me exactly how he felt.

  “You okay?” Kelin asked. His gaze folowed mine, but he seemed oblivious to Tyler's expression.

  “Fine.”

  On the way out, we stopped by his locker so he could grab the books he’d need. Then he drove me home. As I got out of the car, he kissed my cheek. “I’l see you at 5:45, okay?”

  I smiled. “It’s more than okay. It’s great.” For the first time I looked forward to spending time with him. Okay, maybe I wasn’t being truthful to Mom, but if I were careful, nothing untoward would happen. She’d never know. Humming, I ambled up the front walk and slipped inside. I closed the front door and peered through the window, watching Kelin drive away.

  For the next three hours, I sifted through my clothes again, scrutinizing each possibility one last time before I finaly decided my first choice was the best. I took my time in curling my hair and applying my make-up with an artist's care.

  Once I’d finished, I added my locket, the same one Devin had given me as a birthday present years ago. I always wore it when I felt nervous, and since right now being with Devin wasn't possible, I took comfort in the next best thing.

  I looked at my reflection and smiled, feeling pretty. The black lace sweater and jeans hugged my body. The light shone on the locket that I clasped, wishing my life could be as simple now as it had been then. Lifting the charm to my lips, I kissed it. As it touched my lips, I remembered Devin standing before me that morning, begging me not to go. Once again, I turned a blind eye and focused on the future.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “You look beautiful!” my mom cooed as I came down the stairs. She jumped from the couch and strode toward me. “Al grown up.”

  “Mom, please!” I whispered, blushing. “You’re embarrassing me.” I carried Kelin's letter jacket.

  “I’m sorry.” A giddy expression crossed her face, and she beamed as she checked out my outfit from every angle. “I can’t believe how pretty you look.”

  “You might want to give her breathing room,” Warren mused from the couch. He reached for the TV guide and scanned the programming.

  “Al right, al right.” Mom sat beside Warren. “I just can’t believe how my baby is growing up.”

  “I’m not a baby,” I retorted, folding my arms across my chest.

  She leaned on Warren’s shoulder and grabbed the remote control. “You’l always be my baby.”

  I opened my mouth, but Warren held up his hand. “You might want to let this one go. You won't win, and she might start teling embarrassing stories you don’t want me to hear. My mom did the same thing when I was in high school. Yes, Skye, I did have a mother. I wasn’t hatched.”

  Although I had a witty comeback ready, the doorbel rang.

  I glanced at my watch. 5:45. Right on time. “That's Kelin.”

  Nodding, my mom said, “Bring him in for a moment.” She muted the TV and handed Warren the remote.

  I started toward the door, but then I looked back. “Are you going to embarrass me? If so, I’m not asking him to come in.”

  Mom stood, adjusted her sweater, and checked her hair.

  “I’l behave.”

  “I’l get him.” I opened the door to find Kelin holding a red rose. He offered it to me, his gaze traveling my body. I blushed, wondering if I’d chosen the right outfit.

  “Wow. You look hot,” he said. “Black is definitely your color, Skye.”

  I laughed, took the flower, and smeled it. “It’s beautiful.”

  “So are you.”

  I nodded toward the living room. “My mom wants you to come in." I leaned in close and whispered, "Remember I told her we were going to eat after the game. She doesn't know about Tyler’s party.”

  “Whatever you say.”

  I opened the door wider, and he stepped inside. In passing, he pecked my cheek and lingered close by, his breath caressing my cheek.

  “You flirt,” I whispered.

  He grinned, touching my face. “Always.”

  I led him to the living room and said, “Here he is.”

  “Helo, Ms. Wiliams.” Then he turned toward Warren.

  “Mr. Jacobs.”

  “Are you ready for the game?” Mom asked.

  He nodded and smiled. “Always.”

  "How's the team doing?" Warren asked.

  "If we win tonight, we'l go to the playoffs." Kelin jangled the keys.

  "Wel, good luck," Warren replied. "I hope you guys have a great game."

  Mom looked at me. “I’ve told Skye she can stay out an extra hour, so I’l expect her home by midnight.”

  He nodded. “Yes, Ma’am.”

  “Good.” She went to the couch. “I believe you have a game to get to. Otherwise, the team is going to be mad I kept its quarterback to regale him about Skye.”

  “Mother!” I gasped.

  Kelin laughed. “Yes, Ms. Wiliams, I should get to the game. Could I take a rain-check?”

  “Let’s go.” I took his arm and tried dragging him, but he used his 230 pounds of muscle to effortlessly stay put.

  “Sure. Drop by anytime and we’l chat.” Mom smiled wickedly.

  “Goodbye, Mom. Goodbye, Warren.” Finaly he let me lead him to the door.

  “I’m going to take that offer.” Grinning, he opened the door, placed his hand on my back, and ushered me outside.

  “I was boring as a kid,” I argued as we headed to his car.

  “I seriously doubt that. You’ve never been boring.” He opened the car door, and I slid into the passenger seat. “Nice try.”

  At the stadium, Kelin headed to the locker room, and I trudged to the grandstands, where I puled out a book and waited.

  Some students filed in the bleachers as the cheerleaders arrived, and they practiced their jumps and pyramids until the crowds grew thick.

  Many kids had put blue coloring in their hair. Some wore blue face paint. In fact, there were so many students cheering the players I could barely move my arms without elbowing someone.

  A northern wind dropped the temperature, chiling me even with Kelin’s jacket. By the time the game was over, I'd need to thaw out. Scanning the crowd, I wished I'd brought gloves and a hat. Sily me. I’d been more worried about appearance than warmth.

  I’d expected Devin and Bethany to show up, but I didn’t s e e them . Everytime a tal guy with dark hair started up the bleachers, I averted my gaze. Without realizing it, I clasped the locket, warming the metal in my hand. This wasn’t the first time I had wished for the past to be different, just the first time I had had to put my best friend in the past.

  During the game Kelin scored five touchdowns to make the game a complete shutout. The cheerleaders danced across the field, yeling his name; it seemed he couldn’t lose. Al around, people cheered each goal. They, too, shouted his name, sounding almost intimate while I sat on the fringes of his world. I wasn't popular, and I’d given up hopes long ago that I could change that.

  Besides, there were nice aspects to being anonymous. Since Kelin and I had started dating, I’d been anything but invisible.

  I’d been lost in thought when I saw Kelin had the bal yet again. He ran toward the end zone. A linebacker dove, catching his legs. Kelin slammed against the ground. Then two other players piled on, burying him. I stood and said, “Oh, God.” A
referee threw a penalty flag, and the other players puled themselves off my boyfriend. Kelin rose slowly, each step showing a favoritism to one leg as he limped off the field. His replacement, Todd Green, shoved on his helmet and darted to take his place. Then the game started again as the coaches hovered over Kelin, a grimace apparent on his face as they bent and straightened his right knee. After a moment, Kelin managed to stand, and from the sidelines, he watched Todd get tackled and the other team take possession of the bal. He walked a few paces, his limp less obvious. Then the coach waved to the referee and subbed him in.

  Al this time, I clutched the bench and took in shalow breaths, waiting. Only when the coach sent him back did I relax. A cheer whooped through the grandstands as Kelin quickly regained the bal.

  After the last touchdown, I waited for about thirty minutes, and when he emerged, I hustled down the steps and jumped into his arms. Although I’d known he would catch me, I was shocked to feel the raw strength and gentleness of his hands. “Way to play,” I said, smiling as I draped my arms around his neck.

  “Maybe I should invite you to every game,” he growled and kissed me.

  “Maybe you should. That was awesome.”

  “Would you like to go as we are? I think I could manage.” He leaned so close our foreheads touched, and I place my palms on both sides of his face, drawing my lips to his.

  I laughed. “You might need your arms and legs to drive.

  You do have a standard, after al.”

  “I guess you’re right,” he said reluctantly, and I squirmed from his embrace. Al the while, he kept his arm around me.

  Heading to his car, I noticed he limped slightly. “Is your leg al right? The coach looked frantic.”

  “He always looks frantic when I go down. The tackle just aggravated an old wound. About three years ago I had surgery on that knee.” I rested against his chest, and he felt so good, so solid.

  Even his voice's dul rumbling comforted me. “It’s never forgiven me, and sometimes when I get tackled, the pressure inflames it. I’l be al right.” He rested his chin atop my head. "Don't worry. The playoffs are safe," he joked.