Rival Love

by Natalie Decker

  “I don’t know what you’re babbling about, but I have to get to the bank before it closes.”

  He shakes his head and laughs. “You’re going to play dumb. Fine by me. Play dumb. But just know this, I’m going to get you back.”

  “Get me back? Good for you. If you’ll excuse me I’m going to be leaving…” I trail off as soon as I notice Roger and Kevin storming over to my car. I throw my hands out and push Caleb behind me.

  “You and me right here, right now, Morgan!”

  Caleb laughs. “Yeah? Bring it.”

  “Stop it!” I don’t know what I’m doing besides holding Caleb behind me while pushing a hand onto Kevin’s chest. I mean both guys are taller and stronger than me. This is just pathetic. Kevin shakes his head.

  “Move.”

  I hold my ground. “No. You need to get out of here. Alex will call the cops if he hears about you two idiots battling it out here in the parking lot.”

  “I say beat his ass, man. Your car is in the shop because of him,” Roger says.

  Caleb snorts. “Oh, really?”

  I glare at him and mouth, “Shut up.”

  Kevin presses against my fingers a little more. I push him back. This is so bad. “Move, Skylar. I don’t want you to get hurt,” Kevin snaps.

  This pushes my buttons. Instead of stopping a fight, I end up starting one. My foot comes straight up and meets his private area. He groans and hunches over. “What the hell, Sky!” Roger screams.

  “Don’t even try it, Roger! I’ll make sure your nuts are in a vice too.” I turn and look at Kevin at eye level. “If you were so worried about hurting me, you should have dumped me like a normal human being instead of cheating on me for the past three months. I deserved more than that. Two years deserved more respect than that.” Then I ball up a fist and punch him right in the jaw before arms wrap around me and pull me away from him.

  ***

  Caleb and I sit inside his car up on top of a hill overlooking a stretch of countryside. “You know I should be pissed at you, because unwrapping my car was truly a bitch.”

  I don’t look at him, but I can tell from his tone he’s smirking. “I’m not sorry. I’m not sorry for any of it.”

  “I know. Wouldn’t exactly want you to be, Fletch. I mean, shit, you had me good. I thought my car was going to need a paint job and everything. But seems you made sure someone else had to get one.”

  I shake my head and laugh. “Not really. Let’s just say he has some little friends and a lot of chocolate to get out of the inside.”

  Now it’s his turn to laugh. “I can only imagine.”

  “Everyone is coming after me. You, the school, and now them.” I sigh. “Do you know what really sucks more than the attacks? Not knowing who I am anymore.” I shrug my shoulders and peer over at Caleb. He’s staring back. “I always had my friends, sports, and work. Now, all I have is work, but even they don’t want me there. Not looking like some battered victim.”

  Caleb’s eyebrows narrow. His lips are in a grim line. “What are you saying, Fletch? You want to swim and play softball?”

  “Not for your school. But yes, I want to. It’s a part of me. Like breathing.”

  “I can see that.” He eyes my hand. “How’s the slugger over there?”

  My knuckles ache a little but for some reason I’m not ready to give him a reason to plaster one of those satisfying smirks on his face. My fingers gingerly brush against the skin. “It’s fine.”

  “You’re the worse liar in the world. Let me see it.” He doesn’t even give me time to refuse and snatches my hand then pulls it toward him. “You need some ice.”

  I start to jerk my hand back but he keeps hold of my wrist making it impossible to escape him. “When you hit someone, you’ve got to close your hand like this. You hit with these two knuckles not your entire hand.”

  I roll my eyes. “Next time I punch someone I’ll try to remember that.”

  He shakes his head. “A simple thank you would do.” Caleb smiles and I can’t help but do the same. He shouldn’t affect me like this. “I’m glad you did it though. He deserved it. Bulldog or not, guy is a total prick.”

  I pull my hand away and nod. “Yeah, well, it doesn’t really matter. It’s over with.” There’s no way I’m going to hash out my feelings for Kevin to Caleb.

  My freshman year, I got screwed over by an older guy named Heath. He was cute and sweet, until I wouldn’t put out. And then Kevin. Maybe he’s right. I mean, two years is a long time to just kiss a person and not get anything more. But there’s supposed to be a feeling right? A deep feeling within yourself that says it’s time. Kissing Kevin all those times felt natural, but that’s it. No sparks, no deep desires, and maybe I did string him along because it felt like we should be together. “Maybe he’s right.”

  “Right? He’s not right, Fletch. Look at me.” I look at Caleb’s lap where his hands are. One of them lifts and brushes gently under my chin. With very little effort, he tilts my head until our eyes lock. “I don’t know everything about you, but if you weren’t feeling it, you weren’t feeling it, know what I mean?”

  “Yeah. But he has a right to be mad. I was with him for two years and he didn’t get anything other than some heavy make-out sessions.”

  He nods. “Still doesn’t make him right. The girl always has the say. Can’t lose sight of that fact. It’s your choice.”

  “Wow, I never pegged you to be understanding or even a little sweet.” Crap, did I say that out loud? Yup. His smile is proving that. Crap. “Maybe you should take me back to my car. Which is probably trashed.”

  “That would be a shame.” He starts the car with a devilish smirk and a wink.

  Chapter 24

  Caleb

  When she threw herself between Kevin and me that day, this unexplainable need to protect her came over me. I was actually staring at him, waiting for him to touch her so I could beat the hell out of him. I thought this feeling would leave once we were somewhere else, but it hasn’t. In fact, I find myself wanting to kiss away her bruises more than ever, wanting to promise to protect her from any harm.

  Being alone with her is suddenly awkward. Whatever this is, it needs to stop. In order to avoid any sort of feelings I refuse to be in the same room with her. Alone that is. I can never be in a room with just her, I don’t trust myself to keep from acting on this sudden want.

  It’s been two weeks since her prank. We’ve played McKinley, Hartsville, and now we’re coming up on our first away game. I’ve been sitting inside the athletic director’s office for a little over ten minutes now. The side door opens and in walks Mr. Chamberlin and Coach Dillon. “How are you doing today, Caleb?” Mr. Chamberlin asks.

  “Fine. Am I in trouble for something?”

  Coach Dillon takes a seat next to me and clears his throat. “Not necessarily, but we’re concerned. Your math scores are a little low and you know how I feel about everyone having a 3.0 average. College scouts are looking for not only talent, but the grades to back it up. It’s come to my attention that if you don’t get a B or higher on your next math test, you won’t be eligible for the Richmond game.”

  “Son, we don’t want to see this happen. Lucky for you, I’ve got a tutor lined up for you.” A knock comes at the door. Mr. Chamberlin welcomes Danielle Samson. Oh, shit. This isn’t good.

  “Hello, Danielle, how are you?”

  She smiles, flipping her long blond locks off her shoulder. “I’m great. So, I was told you needed me for something.”

  Mr. Chamberlin nods. “Yes, Caleb needs a little extra help in his math class.”

  She flicks her attention to me and smiles. “Oh, he does.” Not good. “Well, I’d love to help out the team any way I can. What time should I come over?”

  “Come over? Uh…can’t we do this at the library?”

  “We’ll let you two discuss this out in the hall. I’ve got another player and tutor waiting.” He shoos us out of his office and my eyes land on Skylar scowling i
n a leather chair in the waiting area.

  Why is she here? I want to ask her, but Danielle is clinging to my arm. “Your place around seven. Sound good?”

  Danielle needs to leave. So I agree to whatever she’s babbling about. Skylar glares at me and then sighs. “What’s your problem, freak?” Danielle says.

  Skylar snorts and Danielle starts toward her, but Mr. Chamberlin opens his door again. “Ah, Skylar. Come on in.”

  ***

  After practice, Lance elbows me. “Dude, you know that Skylar chick?”

  “What about her?”

  “Apparently she’s going to help me out in history.”

  My eyes grow large. “History? Really.” My voice cracks a little.

  Lance smacks my shoulder. “I know who she is, man.”

  I feel my face draining of color. Oh, hell. He knows. “Look, it’s not…”

  Lance laughs. “Dude, I don’t actually care. She’s helping me out. But you better not let the others near her. That shit won’t sit right with them. Know what I mean?”

  We fist-bump. “Thanks, man. You’ve got no idea how crazy this has been.”

  “Dude, you’ve got a former Bulldog living in your house, I can imagine how crazy it is. I’m coming over tonight for my tutor lesson. At first, she was completely against the idea, especially when I said, ‘Holy shit, you’re Liv.’ She started stammering and tried to deny it, but eventually she confessed. Don’t take this the wrong way, but I swear she was trying to protect you more than herself.”

  I don’t want to smile, but it’s kind of hard not to. Skylar keeps trying to protect me, and it’s making me want to know her even more. What’s happening to me?

  “So I’ll see ya later,” he says before running to his car.

  When I get to my house, my stomach clenches with dread. In the driveway, there’s not only Skylar’s car, who I could have sworn would be at work, but Danielle is leaning against her parents’ Mercedes. It’s not even five thirty.

  I park my car and head to the front door. Danielle is gaining on my heels. In a moment of panic and weakness, I think about slamming the front door in her face. But as much as I hate this situation and what’s on the line, I need her help. Stopping at the top step of the porch, I turn to face her. She has an eyebrow raised and a smile on her face. “Keeping strange company aren’t we, Caleb?”

  “I…”

  She cuts me off. “Don’t play stupid. I saw Skylar.”

  “My uncle…”

  She cuts me off again. “I’m not interested in the reason. But if you want me to keep your little—or should I say big—secret you’re going to do me a few favors.”

  I run my hand through my hair and snap, “Like what?” I don’t like her tone. Or her stare, which resembles that of a lion stalking its prey.

  “You’re going to go out with me. You’re going to take me to homecoming, and the winter formal dance. You’ll pick me up every morning, and walk me to every one of my classes. Basically, you’re mine until graduation.”

  I swallow hard. She has me, right by the balls, and if I don’t cave to her demands my senior year will be ruined. And then I can be sure to forget playing any more games because not only will my math grade go straight to the toilet, but my team will not want to play with me.

  I nod and we go inside. She’s gloating but I’m definitely not happy. Footsteps pound down the steps and Skylar’s voice trails down. “Caleb? I swear…I just…” She reaches the bottom step and stops. “Oh…um. Okay then, I’m going to the kitchen. You’re not allergic to anything, are you?”

  “I’m allergic to dogs,” Danielle sneers.

  Skylar scowls and rolls her eyes. “So original, but I wasn’t talking to you. Caleb, food allergies?”

  Danielle steps in front of me, sizing up Skylar. “You plan on killing my man?”

  “If I planned on killing anyone, do you think I’d be stupid enough to ask if they’re allergic to anything? And again, I’m not talking to you. I’m talking to him but if you want to be his speaking puppet then fine. Caleb, my mother asked me to make dinner since she’s got to put in another shift at the hospital and Brian is at some teachers’ meeting. So if you’re not allergic to anything in beef stew that’s what we’re having. M’kay?” She turns on her heels and huffs while her hands hit the kitchen door. “Someone should just shoot me.”

  Danielle gapes at me. “Do you believe that little tramp? Who does she think she is? Go set her straight, she can’t talk to me or you like that.”

  “Fine.” I walk away from Danielle and into the kitchen. Skylar is still fuming over the stove, slamming pots and pans onto the burners and placing bowls and ingredients on the countertop with such force that flour puffs out of the opening, dusting the kitchen. Skylar snarls at it, “At least you don’t have to deal with morons all day long or get ambushed after school. No, you my friend still have a purpose, unlike me, who’s got no clue what she’s supposed to do with her life anymore.” She pauses and shakes her head. “Snap out of it, Sky, you’re talking to a bag of flour for God’s sake.” She turns and spots me. Her eyes grow wide and her cheeks turn pink. “How long have you been standing there?”

  “Long enough.” She moves toward the fridge and grabs two grocery bags then heads back to the counter. “Need some help?”

  “I’ve got this. Go play with your girlfriend.” She glares at me.

  I narrow my eyes. “It’s not like that.”

  “Spare me. She told me. And you know what? You could have given me a heads-up. I mean, why would you put me in that kind of a situation? You switch your study times and now I get to endure harassment by your new slut of the week. I knew you were an ass and hated me, but I thought you had a little more respect for me than that. At least I told Lance I’d have to talk to you before springing a surprise on you. But it’s whatever. Have fun with the Barbie.”

  I shake my head. “She was here. I told her at lunch that we should study at the library or at her house. And even if she did show up she was supposed to be here at seven.”

  “Well, it's five thirty and you smell.”

  “I’m leaving.” I head to the door and pause. “Oh, and beef stew sounds good. Not allergic to any foods, thanks for asking. And I’m sorry for everything.” She smiles and nods. And that’s when I exit.

  Danielle isn’t in the living room. She’s not in the dining room either. I head upstairs hoping she’s not in any of the rooms. I open my own room and at first, it’s too dark to see if Danielle is in here or not. My fingers flip the switch and there’s Danielle, spread across my bed. Her shirt is unbuttoned exposing her lacy bra. She pats the empty spot on the bed and purrs. “Come here.”

  Chapter 25

  Skylar

  My hate for both Caleb and his new girlfriend, Danielle, is about to unleash in a very ugly way. In order to contain composure, I escape to the kitchen. At least that will keep me from ripping Barbie’s eyes out of her brainless skull. And when that asshat appears in the kitchen with a smirk on his face, I want to scream at him, “That’s your type? Brainless and skankalous!” Instead, I just tell him to go play with her. And yes, I may have suggested it but I didn’t think he would do what I asked.

  I slam a red pepper onto the cutting board and start chopping away. It’s not helping me take my mind off of what Caleb and Danielle are doing to each other right now. Agh! What’s wrong with me? Why do I care about some typical male whore? And why am I mad that he just stood there, staring at me while his new toy of the week tried to insult me?

  I set the knife down, and check on the stick of butter in the pan. After I stir it around a bit I go up to my room to retrieve my book bag. But once I reach the top of the stairs I hear her moans, and my stomach instantly knots while my heart twists. I snatch up my bag and hurry back into the kitchen.

  My bag slips from my shoulder and drops to the floor near the island. I lower my gaze at the vegetables on the counter. I pick up a potato and start cutting away, hoping it will keep me f
rom thinking about what I just heard seconds ago.

  There are not enough vegetables to keep my mind occupied. I mince the garlic and save the onion for last because they’re the devil of all vegetables. Making people cry is just mean and wrong in my opinion and that’s exactly what those damn things do. As the knife slices into the layers, my eyes instantly release a boatload of stinging tears. And I’m not sure if it all has to do with the onion, or what’s currently going on upstairs. I shouldn’t care. I really shouldn’t.

  The sleeves on my shirt serve as my current supply of tissue, but it’s not helping. The damn tears don’t seem to stop.

  Taking the large bowl that holds all the chopped peppers, carrots, garlic, onions, and potatoes over to the stove, I dump it into the hot pot. Now on to injecting the meat with some marinade. At least this is what I plan on doing, but the doorbell rings. I check the clock; it’s only six thirty so this can’t be Lance.

  The doorbell rings again and I yell, “Caleb! You might want to get the door!”

  A few minutes pass, the doorbell continues to ring, and I’m about to scream for Caleb again when finally I hear the front door open. “Hey, Lance. She’s in the kitchen.”

  The kitchen door swings open, and Lance smiles. “Uh, I thought you knew I’m having trouble in history—not cooking. Whatcha making over there?” he teases.

  “Bobcat stew.” He frowns and I laugh. “Joking. It’s beef stew.”

  “So I take it we can’t really study until you get this finished up?”

  “We can study.” I point at the empty barstool and clear off the island. “Set up right here.”

  He sets down his books and walks over to me. Rolling up his sleeves he asks, “All right, Bulldog, tell me what you need help with.”

  I smile. “Stir the vegetables, please. I’ll start on the other stuff.” Lance nods and we get to work. For the first time inside this house, I actually don’t feel like an enemy. Maybe it’s just how Lance is talking to me instead of attacking me. Or the fact he’s helping me. Either way it’s nice.