Total pages in book: 26
Estimated words: 24418 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 122(@200wpm)___ 98(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24418 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 122(@200wpm)___ 98(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
“A new friend, huh? A boy?”
I snort a laugh. He’s holding on to the dating thing, but once again, Coach Shay pops right into my mind. Bad Charlie. Technically Coach Shay isn’t a boy, but I can’t be into him. I already know I’m likely to have daddy issues. Probably a few mommy ones too.
“No, a bubbly blonde named Tinsley.” That girl is always sunshine and rainbows even when people are being assholes. No one can be that happy all the time. I know something is up, but I haven’t caught on to what it is yet. With time, everyone's cracks start to show.
“Now I think you’re lying to me.”
“It’s true.” I shrug one shoulder. “I kinda like her.” That makes Callum smile, and he seems to relax. “But I need to head out.”
“I made you breakfast.” He holds up a Pop-Tart wrapped in a paper towel. “Your favorite.”
“Thanks,” I tell him and snag it from his hand.
“Later, kiddo.”
“Later!” I shout back as I walk outside to my Bronco. Callum got it for me on my birthday. I know he tries to make up for his absence with gifts, and I’m not mad about it. If it makes him feel better, why not?
When I pull into my assigned spot, Tins is already there waving at me. “It’s game day!” I give her a dirty look. “I’m just trying to pump you up for the football stuff.”
At least Tins and I have that in common. Neither of us knows shit about football or cares for it. The football team here hasn’t made the prospect of learning about it all that appealing. I’ve been getting backlash over my busting Parker's nose.
I know it was one of them that flooded my locker. Since then I’ve been keeping my shit in my car when it's not on me. There have been a few other small things I know they’re behind. I try to ignore it because there isn’t much I can do. Especially if I can't pin down who it is beyond saying the whole team.
They could have put some freshmen up to it. Or gotten someone else to do their dirty work. I’m sure they know if I bust them then I’m more than happy to dish out my own payback. They aren't too scared of punishment from the school. Not during football season. Plus, not all of them are bad. It’s mainly a handful of players that drag others into it. I’m sure the ones that join in are trying to avoid being their next target.
“Nothing is going to pump me up for this,” I say as Tins falls into step beside me.
“People are really into football here.” She looks up at the streamers. The whole school is decorated, and it’s one of the rare times we don’t have to wear our uniforms.
Today students have the option to wear school colors or spirit shirts. If you are a member of the football team, you can wear your jersey, but the cheerleaders are dressed in their full uniforms.
“This school lives and breathes football.” My eyes roam the hallway as we enter the building. I know who I’m searching for, and it’s stupid, but I can’t stop myself from doing it. I’m still mortified about yesterday, and I know I’ll for sure see him today.
Sadly, my classes speed by for the first time ever, and the last class of the day is canceled due to the assembly. Before the assembly, I make my way to the back of the auditorium where Bennett is waiting with the beaver costume. I still can’t believe I’m doing this. The sensation to run suddenly overwhelms me as anxiety creeps up my spine. This feeling isn’t something I’m used to.
"I'm here!" Tinsley comes running up to Bennett and me. "I'm here," she says again, out of breath. She gives me one of her bright smiles, and for some reason it helps with my anxiety.
"Thank you." I smile back at her and take a deep breath.
"That's what friends do,” she says. Shit, if I wasn't dreading what I’m about to do I might want to hug her. Luckily I control myself.
“You really can’t do anything wrong. Remember what I told you. If you fall down, pretend it’s part of the act.” Bennett tries to reassure me, and Tinsley nods her agreement. “You’ve got this.”
I hear Principal Vale over the speakers telling everyone to take their seats. Tins helps me get into the suit as the assembly begins.
“Showtime!” Bennett says.
Tins gives me two thumbs up before I’m ushered to the auditorium.
Chapter Four
COACH SHAY
This has got to be a joke. How the fuck does the school get away with this?
The school guidance counselor is wearing a shirt that says Dam, do I love Beavers. There’s a group of boys in the bleachers that have signs that spell out Beaver Madness. A cheerleader is calling for everyone to chant “Eager Beaver,” and the principal is joining in.