DJ looked evenly at Taylor now. “Sure. Who do you think took it?”
“Casey.”
DJ frowned. “Casey? Why would you think Casey?”
“I just know.”
“How do you know?”
“Some things you just know, DJ. And I happen to know it was Casey who took your precious pills. It’s not that big of a deal, really. I mean, not that I liked being blamed for something I didn’t do, but it’s not that surprising that Casey would take them.”
DJ felt angry now. It was one thing for Taylor to deny taking the pills herself, and DJ mostly believed her, but to go around pointing the finger at someone else — well, that was just wrong.
11
“SO, HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE A HERO?” asked Josh Trundle. Josh adjusted his dark-rimmed glasses then opened a small black notebook. He was slightly nerdish, and DJ got the impression he was trying to imitate the guy who played Superman — when Superman wasn’t so super. Or maybe she was thinking of the young assistant guy.
“I don’t think of myself as a hero.” DJ adjusted the pillow beneath her leg then leaned back onto her bed. It had seemed a little strange having a guy in her bedroom, but she’d been worn out from doing her rehab exercises and then practicing going up and down the stairs a few times with Inez supervising. And so she’d decided to stay up here for “the interview.” Anyway, the door was open, and it wasn’t exactly like she and Josh had any romantic intentions. If Grandmother happened to walk by, she’d probably just raise an eyebrow then continue on her merry way. As it was, the old woman was probably enjoying her “beauty rest.”
“So.” He actually licked the tip of his pencil. Ugh — did people really do that? Or was he just being theatric? “Tell me, in your own words, DJ, what happened on Friday afternoon.”
DJ recounted the incidents leading up to and following her wild dive across the street to shove Jackson out of the way. “That’s about it,” she said finally.
“Let’s back it up, okay?” He peered curiously at her. “What exactly was it, do you think, that made you happen to notice that the boy was in danger? And why do you think you were the only one to notice?”
She considered this. “Well, I guess it was probably a God thing.”
He frowned. “A God thing? Can you please explain that?”
“I guess so. You see, I’m a Christian. I haven’t been a Christian for very long so it’s not like I’m really well versed in all this stuff. But it was like something inside of me — I mean like God — made me turn my head at just the right instant. And when I saw Jackson was in danger, I just took off. The vehicle was coming, and he was directly in front of it. I don’t really remember exactly what happened, but somehow — probably with God’s help — I managed to get across the street and shoved him to the curb.”
“And that’s when you got clobbered by the SUV?”
“Right.”
“So, are you saying that God could show you that Jackson was in danger and that God could supernaturally empower you to shoot across the street — but that God couldn’t protect you from getting run over?”
“I don’t know.” She thought about this. “I mean, I’m sure God can protect anyone from anything — I mean, since he’s God and all.”
“So, are you saying God didn’t want to protect you?”
“I don’t really know. Like I said, I’m kind of new at this. I don’t have all the answers yet.”
“But you think you will?”
“Well, no. I mean that sometimes you just have to trust God with things. At least that’s what Rhiannon has told me.”
“Like blind faith?”
She shrugged. “I’m not sure.”
He asked a few more questions. “Well, I guess that’s about it,” he said as he closed his pad. “Oh, except for one more thing.”
“What?”
“I hear that two of your friends are running for homecoming queen.” He grinned. “Which one of them are you supporting?”
“Supporting?” DJ envisioned herself handing out money to Taylor and Eliza, which seemed pretty ridiculous considering they were both from wealthy families. Maybe she should ask them to support her.
“You know,” he persisted. “Who will you be voting for?”
“Aren’t the elections done by a secret ballot?”
He nodded.
“Well, then . . .”
“Point taken.” He smiled and shook her hand. “It’s been a pleasure getting to know you, DJ. I hope you get better soon. Will you be back at school this week?”
“I think maybe tomorrow or Wednesday. I’m trying to build up my strength.”
“Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.” But as he gathered his things and exited her room, she felt like he’d left her with more questions than answers.
“Ready to go to the volleyball match?” asked Rhiannon shortly after Josh finished up.
“I guess . . .”
“Are you too tired?”
DJ hoisted herself to her feet now, getting her crutches into place. “No, I’m okay.”
Rhiannon watched as DJ slowly maneuvered herself down the stairs. “Wow,” she told her. “That’s really good.”
“I’ve been practicing.”
Then Rhiannon helped DJ get into the passenger seat of the car, placing her crutches in the back. “You sure you trust my driving?” teased Rhiannon as she turned the key in the ignition. “I mean, I haven’t driven since my mom left, you know.”
“I’m sure you’re fine,” said DJ, but that was about all she said as Rhiannon drove them to school. DJ was still thinking about what Josh had said about God not protecting her. It was very unsettling. And what if it were true?
“You feeling okay, DJ?” asked Rhiannon as she pulled in front of the gym.
“Just thinking.”
“Did Josh say something to you?” asked Rhiannon. “I mean about Haley.”
“Haley?” DJ frowned. “Who’s Haley?”
“Oh, nothing.” Rhiannon hopped out of the car and got the crutches from the back, handing them to DJ.
But DJ didn’t budge from the car. “Who’s Haley? And why are you suddenly acting weird?”
“Haley Callahan,” said Rhiannon with a slight frown. “She used to live here in town. She went to school with us. Her family moved right after our freshman year, and now they’ve moved back.”
“So?” DJ peered curiously at Rhiannon.
“So, I don’t know if Conner ever mentioned her to you before, but she used to be . . . well, they used to . . . you know . . . they kind of liked each other.”
DJ tried to wrap her head around this. “So, you mean this Haley girl used to be Conner’s girlfriend? And now she’s moved back?”
Rhiannon kind of smiled now. “I mean it’s not like it’s a big deal. I just thought you were being kind of quiet, like something was wrong, and I thought Josh might’ve said something. I’m sure he’s known Haley and Conner since grade school and — ”
“And you’re worried that Conner might still be into her?” DJ pulled herself out of the car, balancing on her good leg as she got the crutches in place.
“No, not really. I just thought maybe you were.”
“Well, I wasn’t.” DJ straightened her spine, holding her chin up. Why should she be worried? Conner was her boyfriend. He’d brought her pink roses.
“Great. So I’ll park the car and see you in there.”
“Okay.” DJ made her way toward the gym, but once she got to the heavy glass doors, she realized she had a problem. Okay, maybe she had a lot of problems. But the problem at hand was how do you push open a heavy door without hurting yourself when you’re on crutches? She looked around to see if anyone was nearby to help, but didn’t see anyone. Then she noticed a door off to the side with a blue and white handicapped symbol on it. Ah-ha. But as she made her way to it, pushing the large button that caused the door to open automatically, a sadness washed over her. She, an athlete who had always take
n real pride in her physical skills and abilities, was now disabled.
DJ stopped in her tracks. Was she really ready to watch her healthy teammates? To cheer them on from the bench? But then how would she explain herself? Why not just get this over with? With crutches moving as gracefully as she could, she hobbled into the gym, glancing around for a place to sit, when one of her team members spotted her.
“DJ!” the girl screamed, and soon the whole team was yelling and cheering — all for DJ! Casey was the only one who didn’t come running over; she stayed back to continue her stretching. DJ thought maybe she even looked a bit impatient to start the game. But the rest of the team was slapping DJ on the back, which brought a jolt of pain with each hit, and giving her high fives until finally the ref wailed on the whistle, signaling the girls back to start the game. DJ sighed in relief. One more slap on the back, and she was going to scream.
“Sit here,” Coach Jones commanded, patting the seat next to her.
“Thanks.” DJ sat on the team bench, waving at Rhiannon to join them. Then the match started, and DJ tried to be a good sport by cheering for her teammates. But the same thought kept nagging at her. I should be out there with them. And, if she had been out there with them, they would probably be winning.
During the short break, after the CCHS team lost the first game, a short, stout blond man walked into the gym with Coach Jones’s son, Jackson, with him. The little boy, still holding onto the man’s hand, began to jump up and down, pointing with excitement toward DJ. Then the man let go of Jackson’s hand, and he shot straight toward her. Good thing she wasn’t on the other side of a busy street.
“Hey, Jackson.” She leaned down to hug him, once again wincing from the pain. “How’s it going, bud?”
He grinned. “Okay.” Then he looked at her big blue walking boot. “How’s your leg, DJ?”
“It’s getting better.”
He looked relieved. Then DJ introduced him to Rhiannon, and he asked if he could sit between the two of them to watch the game.
“Of course,” said DJ, scooting over to make room.
“So this is our angel,” said the man who’d accompanied Jackson into the gym after he had negotiated the crowd and made his way over. He squatted down to speak to DJ. “And I am the negligent guy who let Jackson out of his sight last week.”
DJ nodded. “Oh.”
“Name’s Rick Steele, and I’m your coach’s boyfriend.” He glanced at Coach. “Well, actually I’m still in the doghouse with her. I don’t know where I’d be if you hadn’t done what you did last week, DJ.” He reached out his hand and firmly shook hers. “I am eternally grateful.”
She sort of shrugged, suddenly uncomfortable with all this attention and gratitude. “I can’t really take all the credit,” she muttered. “It was kind of a God thing.”
“Yeah, I have to agree with you there, DJ. I barely saw it myself, but it was one of those things that you never forget.” He shook his head. “Really amazing.”
“I’m just glad Jackson is okay.”
“So am I.” Then he frowned. “But, hey, I’m really sorry about you getting hurt like this. I’ve been trying to think of something I can do to show my gratitude.”
She waved her hand. “Don’t worry about it.”
He stood and ruffled Jackson’s hair. “Well, this little guy is pretty important to me. I’d claim him as my own kid if I could get away with it.”
“Down in front,” yelled someone behind DJ.
“Excuse me,” Mr. Steele said quickly, moving to the end of the bench where there was a vacant spot. DJ was relieved to have that over with. He was a nice enough guy, but all the fuss over her just got overwhelming. Of course, seeing Jackson again was great — a good reminder that her pain hadn’t been for nothing. Despite some news reporters, DJ felt certain that God really had used her to protect the little guy.
Finally the match was over, which the Mighty Maroons lost in a mighty way — just like Casey had predicted. And now Rhiannon was chauffeuring DJ and Casey home. Of course, Casey was sulking in the back seat. She’d said only a few words since their team lost the last game . . . and consequently the match. DJ knew she was blaming herself.
“So, tell me about this Haley chick.” DJ quietly directed this to Rhiannon.
“Who’s Haley?” called Casey from the backseat.
“Oh, so you’re still alive after all?” teased DJ.
“Just barely.”
“Haley’s a girl who used to live in town,” began Rhiannon.
“And she used to be Conner’s girlfriend,” added DJ.
“Oh?” Casey sounded slightly more interested.
“Her family moved back here, and she started back at school yesterday,” said Rhiannon.
“So what does that mean?” asked Casey. “I mean, just because she used to be Conner’s girlfriend doesn’t necessarily mean he’s still into her, right?”
“Absolutely.” Rhiannon nodded her head firmly.
“Has Conner mentioned her to you, DJ?” asked Casey.
“No.” DJ tried to remember their phone conversation last night. It had been kind of subdued, but she thought it was probably her fault since she’d just taken a pain pill before he’d called.
“Oh, yeah,” said Casey. “Before I forget, I mentioned to Coach Jones that you were thinking about swimming, DJ. So she called over to the pool and set it up for you. Now you can swim laps with the swim team.”
“With the swim team?” DJ frowned.
“Not as a member of the team, of course, but she’s going to fix it so that you can have access to the pool when they are there. She said that’ll be a great way for you to get into shape for soccer.”
“Soccer.” DJ sighed. Would she ever really be able to run, jump, or kick again? Right now, especially with her leg and ribs aching with each bump in the road, it seemed like the impossible dream.
12
“HOW’S HALEY?” DJ was propped up in her bed with her cell phone to her ear. She and Conner had been talking for about half an hour, when DJ sensed their conversation was about to end. But she wasn’t ready to say good-bye. Although she hadn’t meant for her question to sound like an accusation. As soon as the words came out of her mouth, she wanted to reel them back.
“How did you hear about Haley?” asked Conner.
“Rhiannon told me about her,” said DJ in what she hoped was a cheerful and natural-sounding tone. “She sounds nice, Conner. I’ll bet you’re glad she’s moved back to town.”
There was a long pause. “Well, yeah. We were pretty good friends.”
DJ made a little laugh. At least that’s what she wanted it to sound like. “Hey, I heard you were more than just friends.”
He cleared his throat. “Yeah, I guess.”
“You can be honest with me, Conner. You must’ve really liked her, right? It’s not like you need to hide anything.”
“Yeah, I liked her. But it was probably a kind of a puppy love thing. You know? I mean, she was the first girl I’d ever had a crush on.”
“Did you kiss her?” Okay, as soon as this was out, DJ wanted to grab it back. Why was she being so nosey? Talk about insecure!
There was another long pause before he finally he said, “Uh-huh.”
“Sorry,” she said quickly. “It’s not like it’s any of my business.”
“That’s okay,” he told her. “It just seems like a really long time ago. And, honestly, DJ, I hardly ever think about her anymore.”
Meaning he used to think about her all the time?
“So, don’t worry about it, okay?” he continued. “And I hope you can meet her. I think you’ll like her. She’s into sports too. And she’s smart and just a lot of fun.”
“Great,” said DJ with absolutely no real enthusiasm. “I can’t wait.”
“So, when are you coming back to school?”
DJ considered this. “Well, I have a two-hour physical therapy appointment tomorrow, so I think I’ll probably be kind of worn
out. Maybe I’ll come on Thursday.”
“We have a soccer match on Thursday afternoon, on the home field. Come, if you feel up to it. I hear the weather is supposed to be good.”
“Sounds fun,” she said with genuine enthusiasm. “I’d love to come.”
“Great. But I’d better get to homework now.”
They said good night and hung up. But as she closed her cell phone, DJ had an uncomfortable feeling deep inside. And she felt pretty sure that it was related to Haley Callahan. She knew that it was wrong to hate someone — especially someone you hadn’t even met — but what she felt toward this unknown girl wasn’t exactly Christian love.
“Trouble in paradise?” asked Taylor.
DJ jumped and turned to see Taylor emerging from the bathroom. She hadn’t even known that Taylor was upstairs. The bathroom door had been open, and Taylor usually firmly closed it when she was in there. Had she been listening to the whole conversation?
“What do you mean?” asked DJ.
“I mean his girlfriend’s back and she’s gonna make you sorry — hey, la, hey, la — his girlfriend’s back. ” It just figured that Taylor knew some stupid old song to go with a time like this. And, naturally, she sang it beautifully too.
DJ threw a pillow at her and scowled.
“Sorry,” said Taylor as she plopped onto her bed. “I should probably have more compassion for the invalid girl.”
“Why are you so mean?” demanded DJ.
Taylor shrugged. “I guess I just can’t help myself.”
DJ leaned back into the pillows and opened her history book, pretending to be reading.
“Have you seen her yet?”
DJ pretended to be so obsessed with the Reconstruction period that she hadn’t heard Taylor.
“She’s in art with me and Rhiannon,” continued Taylor. “It seems like she and Rhiannon are old buddies.”
DJ glanced over the top of the book. Seeing that Taylor was watching her, she turned the page.
“I know you’re not really reading,” said Taylor. “And I also know that you’re dying to know more about this girl.”
Homecoming Queen Page 9
