“Is he a full back?” Amber asked.
“Yes.”
“Is he my brother?” Maysie asked.
“Yes.”
All of the girls were laughing.
Rachael was a little bothered that the most popular girl in school had a crush on Travis. Maybe it’s because we are such good friends, and I know he’s gone through this awful break-up with Misty. And he did tell me he wasn’t quite ready to start dating anyone so soon. He and Sophie just broke up this weekend! Or was that last weekend? He’s a big boy, though. He doesn’t need me butting into his personal business. I’m sure he’s more than capable of handling his own dating portfolio.
On the other hand, he did choose Misty! What does that say about his character judgment? It’s obviously flawed.
Wait a minute. I don’t even know Trisha. She may be a super nice, good girl. Right? Just because she dated a loser like Ben doesn’t make her a loser.
Maysie and Shannah were sitting beside her on the floor. Maysie had the karaoke song book and was asking her about some eighties pop song, and Rachael was only partly listening.
“Rachael?” Maysie said and leaned into Rachael’s face.
“Yep.”
“You totally zoned out on us. Did you hear me?”
“Sure. Of course. I would love to sing that song with you.”
“Good. Let’s go.”
Maysie jumped up and shouted, “Rachael and I will go first!”
The girls had a blast and seemed to really enjoy themselves. Everyone was in bed by eleven, because it was a school night and all.
*
The next morning Travis showed up around seven-thirty to take Maysie, Shannah, and Rachael to school. Maysie’s mom had sent him. It had been all part of the arrangements made by Sabrina and Trisha the night before.
When Travis came to the door, Trisha was waiting. “Hey, Travis.”
“Hi, Trisha. How have you been? I haven’t seen you since last year.”
“Great. I spent the summer on Daytona Beach at my grandmother’s condo over there.”
“Oh really. I hope you had fun.”
“A blast.” Trisha batted her eyelashes in an attempt to flirt.
“Oh, good. Are Maysie, Shannah, and Rachael ready to go?”
“Sure are. They’re in the back room. I’ll go get them. Wanna come in?” she said in a syrupy voice.
“No, thanks. I’ll wait outside. Just let them know I’m here.” Travis walked back out to his truck and hopped in.
When Maysie, Shannah and Rachael came running out and jumped in the truck, he was listening to the radio.
“Got everything?” Travis asked.
“Sure do,” Maysie said.
Travis backed out of the driveway, and they were on their way to school. “Did you girls have fun?” Rachael could see he was grinning from ear to ear.
“Sure did,” Maysie chimed.
“Congratulations.”
“Don’t you want to know what we did last night?” she asked.
“I’m not sure. That depends,” he teased.
“You can’t fool me Travis. I know you’re dying to hear about it.”
“I have a definite feeling you’re going to tell me anyway.”
“I sure am. We played a game.”
That seemed to catch Travis’s interest. “What sort of game?”
“A question asking game where we each got to ask one question. Trisha would only answer yes or no. We had to try to figure out who she has a crush on.”
“Oh. That sounds like a bunch of fun,” Travis said in an understated tone.
“Do you want to know who it is?” Maysie asked.
“Sure. Go ahead and tell me.”
“You!”
Travis was silent. It seemed to either really surprise him or have no affect on him at all. Rachael didn’t know which. Finally he simply said, “I hadn’t heard that.” Then he cast Maysie a glance only a twin could interpret.
What was that all about? Rachael didn’t think Travis disliked Trisha. Maybe he was good friends with Ben Grayson. Ben wasn’t on the football team, though. He was a tennis player. Strange. Rachael was sure in time she would figure it out.
*
The three friends started dance that afternoon after school. To all of their surprise, the two dancers who had missed the slumber party were Misty and Honey! They had made the dance team at the end of the school year last year. Of course they had gone to band camp with the rest of the team and therefore felt they had an advantage over Rachael and her friends.
It was no wonder they didn’t come to Sabrina’s slumber party. It would have been awkward for Maysie because of Misty’s and Travis’s break-up. It would have been really awkward playing that game of Trisha’s about Travis— for obvious reasons! Maybe Misty already knew about Trisha’s crush on Travis. Yet both Misty and Honey were very friendly to Rachael, Maysie, and Shannah. At least it was clear they were working hard to be on their best behavior.
After their first real dance practice, Maysie’s mother arrived to take them all home. Travis had football practice with the rest of the guys every afternoon. So much for having to avoid Travis. Rachael never saw him at all anymore.
14
RACHAEL KEPT BUSY FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL WEEKS between dance practice and homework. By the fourth week of school, it was time for the first football game of the season, and Colten would be there to watch Rachael dance at half-time! He was driving over Friday afternoon as soon as school let out to stay until Sunday around noon.
On Friday afternoon, the girls went to the local pizza place that was a short walk from school for dinner before the game. Most of the dance team went together. Even Misty and Honey decided to join in the fun.
Rachael had pre-game jitters. She wasn’t sure if she was more nervous about dancing in front of a large crowd in a football stadium or of seeing Colten for the first time in four weeks. Rachael knew her feelings for Colten hadn’t changed, but she was concerned his feelings for her might have. They still talked on the phone every evening, and he seemed as caring as always, but something in his tone seemed a little different. Rachael was sure she was just imagining it and hoped this weekend together would prove that.
“Earth to Rachael,” Shannah said between sips of soda.
“Oh, sorry. I’m just excited about the game…and then there’s Colten. I haven’t seen him in four weeks. That’s a long time when you’ve been used to seeing someone every day for six months. It’s been a bit of an adjustment.”
“I’ve never had a long-distance relationship, but I understand it’s incredibly difficult. In fact, I’ve never had a serious boyfriend at all,” Shannah confided.
“Colten is the only boyfriend I’ve ever had.”
“Really?” Shannah asked. “That makes me feel better. So many of the girls have been going out with guys since middle school, but it wasn’t something I was interested in…until recently, I mean. I feel like a late bloomer.”
Maysie returned from the salad bar. She set her plate on the table and plopped down in her chair. “Don’t say that, Shannah.”
“Easy for you to say. You went ‘steady’ with your first boyfriend in eighth grade.”
“Yeah, but that doesn’t count. I wasn’t allowed to really date or go to the movies with him or anything. Now that I’m sixteen, I can’t seem to get a date with the one guy I want to go out with.”
“Be patient. Maybe in time. Besides,” Rachael patted her arm, “I think even Travis is warming up to the idea of you dating Jason.”
Maysie shook her head. “I don’t know about that!”
Trisha announced they would need to walk back to campus in about ten minutes to stretch and go through their half-time routine on the field before the football players got out there to warm up. The marking thing was something else completely new to Rachael.
Marking was a way that the dance team rehearsed with the band on the field. At practice they would go through all of the steps on
the field, their transitions in moving down the field from one formation and dance routine to the next. The first two weeks had been a difficult learning curve for all four of the new dancers. Then finally this week it had all come together.
Thank goodness. Just in time for the first game!
All the girls stood at that moment and headed to throw their trash away. After grabbing their purses and other items, the dance team slowly made their way out the door and back down the sidewalk leading to campus. Rachael could feel the butterflies in her stomach getting more frenzied by the minute. When they got to campus, everyone went into the locker room, where Trisha instructed them they had twenty minutes to get dressed in their uniforms and put any finishing touches on their makeup before they headed out to the field.
Rachael liked most of their uniforms, but the one Sabrina and Trisha had selected for tonight’s half-time show was her favorite! It was covered in purple and black sequins and had a separate top and bottom. The top had short puffy sleeves and a neckline that cut almost straight across the base of the throat. Then, right below that area, there was a tear-drop-shaped cutout on the chest. It wasn’t overly revealing, just feminine. The top ended about mid-ribcage. The matching sequined skirt was very frilly and relatively short. It had an ultra-low waistline that sat a little below the girls’ hipbones and really flattered their trim, flat stomachs. Underneath they all wore purple bloomers and dance tights with black jazz boots.
Rachael got dressed and headed to the bathroom to apply some stage makeup. Amber had warned her that the lights of the stadium could really bleach you out and make you look really pale, almost gray in color.
I certainly don’t want that, especially with Colten coming to see me. But I don’t want to overdo it. Maybe Amber can help me.
A second later Amber stepped in front of the mirror. “Need some help with your makeup?”
“Sure do. I’m afraid of looking pale, but I don’t want to have too much on, either.”
“Let’s see what I can do. Can I see your makeup bag?”
Just then Maysie and Shannah came over to the mirror too. “We all need some guidance,” Maysie suggested.
“Okay, watch carefully and learn from Amber’s Intro to Dance Makeup Class 101.” Amber skillfully applied blush, eyeliner, and lots of mascara. The finishing touch she dug out of her own makeup bag: bright red lipstick.
“Red?” Rachael asked, doubtful.
“Trust me. From a distance it will look great. Up close it will be a little scary, I admit.”
All of the girls copied what Amber had done with Rachael’s makeup. When they all looked in the mirror, they just laughed.
“Boy that’s a lot of makeup. I feel like a clown,” Shannah said.
“But remember, no one will be standing this close to you,” Amber reassured them.
“Okay. If you say so.”
The girls left the locker room and felt immediately better when they saw all of the other girls were made up just like them.
So we all look ridiculous together. That’s not so bad.
They made their way over to the field where the other band members were already assembling. The girls began stretching. Thank goodness the field was dry today. There hadn’t been any rain or anything.
They sat down in their splits and were led through a series of stretches by Sabrina. After ten minutes of stretching, the band director announced they would start their blocking and marking. They would only have enough time for one run-through before the football players would need the field for their warm-ups. The girls jumped up and went to their positions on the field for their first routine.
Thirty minutes later they had accomplished their goal of a run-through. Trisha assembled the dance team on the sideline and explained to them they would need to be in the bleachers, seated and ready to go, ten minutes before kick-off.
Good. That will give me time to check my phone and see if Colten called and to grab a drink at the concession stand. I am seriously thirsty.
A glance at her phone that she’d stowed in her bag on the bleachers, showed that Colten hadn’t called. Rachael put her phone away and walked with her other friends to the concession stand.
“Any call from Colten?” Maysie asked.
“Nope. But I know he planned on leaving right after school. He’ll be here in time.” She was saying this to reassure herself as much as Maysie.
Maysie hugged her. “I know he will! He wouldn’t miss this for the world.”
On their way back from the concession stand, the girls crossed the end zone to get to the student bleachers where the band sat during the game. Rachael and the others immediately noticed the football players were coming out of their locker room and slowly gathering on the sideline for their warm-ups.
“Look at Jason.” Maysie sighed. “He looks so cute in his football uniform!”
“Especially the pants.” Shannah grinned. “I know you, Maysie. Don’t try to pretend you weren’t checking out his butt.”
“Who, me?” Maysie asked innocently. “Never.”
As the guys made their way to the sideline, the girls had to walk right past them.
“Nice makeup, ladies.” Travis laughed.
“It will look good from far away, as in the stands, you goober,” Maysie tossed back.
“Good from far, but far from good. Is that right?”
Rachael couldn’t help but laugh at that one. It was pretty funny.
“Did you work on that one all day, Travis?” Maysie countered.
Gabe joined the conversation. “I think it looks really nice, especially on Shannah. Gives you ladies a pop-idol look. Kind of exotic.”
Shannah rolled her eyes. “Yeah. Okay.”
Rachael decided to go for a quick, peaceful ending to the conversation. “We better get to the stands. See you all a little later.”
As they made their way to the stands, Rachael scanned the middle section right near the fifty-yard line for Colten. They had agreed he would sit somewhere there, down in front, so it would be easy for Rachael to spot him.
Still no sign of Colten.
As if she had read her mind, Shannah leaned over and whispered, “Don’t worry. He’ll be here.”
Rachael nodded, and the girls climbed the bleachers to their row. They made their way across and sat with the other dancers.
Ten minutes later was the coin toss, followed by the kick-off. The pounding of the drums so nearby was deafening but exhilarating. Rachael was amazed by the huge display of school spirit not only by the band, but by the fans and cheerleaders. The first quarter flew by, yet there was no sign of Colten. Rachael was beginning to panic.
Then, with only four minutes remaining in the first half, Rachael saw him making his way through the crowd to the fifty-yard line. He found a seat about halfway up to the top of the bleachers. He made it! Rachael was so relieved.
All of the dancers and band members began to make their way down to the field for the half-time show. The first half was almost over, with Rachael’s high school leading fourteen to seven. As the final seconds ticked down, Rachael did a quick run-through of the half-time routine in her head.
Yep, all ready. I can do this!
The away band took the field and began their show. Riverside High School, from Sarasota, was phenomenal. According to Maysie, they always had an amazing band, with bagpipes and everything. Maysie was right. They were really good. They were just finishing up when Rachael’s nervousness returned.
Rachael had performed in front of large crowds at her yearly dance recitals and in competitions, but somehow this was different. The crowd, the stadium, the lights, and the overall noise level made it very exciting. Taking a deep breath, she marched with her band as they took the field.
The rest of the half-time performance was a blur. Rachael knew she hit every move, leap, and turn correctly. When they ended their final song and she stood, holding her arms high with jazz hands blazing, Rachael knew she had stuck it. The dance routines, the transiti
ons—everything! The crowd erupted with applause and cheering.
Rachael looked and found Colten. He was standing and yelling along with everyone else.
After half-time, Rachael returned to the bleachers with the band and her dance team. Sabrina and Trisha commended the girls on a super performance. Rachael looked over at Maysie, Shannah, and Alex in her row. All four friends shared a knowing look.
Whew. We nailed it! And thank goodness that’s over! The first one is behind us now, girls.
The second half of the game was fantastic with EMHS defeating Riverside twenty-one to seven. Maysie said she was sure there would be a party tonight to celebrate the huge win. The entire dance team was buzzing about it. As the girls made their way down the bleachers toward the track that surrounded the football field, Rachael saw Colten waiting for her.
Rachael couldn’t get down to him quickly enough. When she finally made it, they hugged as if they hadn’t seen each other in a year.
“Hey, Colten,” Maysie called.
“Hi, Maysie. Shannah. It’s good to see you both again. You all did such a fantastic job out there. I can’t believe you learned all of that in three short weeks! It was incredible.”
“Thanks,” Maysie chimed. “There will most definitely be a party tonight to celebrate the win. Everyone will be there. If you and Rachael don’t have plans already, we’d love for you to join us.”
Colten looked at Rachael.
“Sounds great. We’d love to. Where will it be?” she inquired.
“Probably at Jason’s house. His parents have some property. There will be a bonfire and everything.”
“Sure. We’ll stop by.”
“Great. I’ll text Rachael with the address and directions.” Maysie smiled.
“See y’all later.” Shannah waved as they both walked away.
After the others were a short distance away, Rachael asked Colten, “Are you really up to going out?”
“I’d love to meet all of your new friends here. I think it’s important. We can stop by for an hour or so.” He gave her a light kiss on the lips.
Rachael and Colten walked back to the locker room to get the rest of her belongings. Rachael decided while she was in there it might be a good idea to wash off some of the makeup before going out. Rachael changed back into her jeans and fitted pale blue T-shirt. After changing her shoes and scrubbing her face, she reapplied light makeup and was ready to go.
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