+ T E N +

     The rest of the night feels off, while I steam my figure in the shower, coating all of my harsh muscles that had been clenching together since dinner. Melanie's been quiet, too, finally making some sort of noise once I'd exited into the restroom. I assumed she was called Meredith—maybe even asking her for mental guidance.

     I couldn't blame her; my father was horrible these days. He'd spend all day at work, coming home only to shout at my mother or strike fear into my sister and I.

     Would the two of them end in divorce? Because if were completely honest—everyone's lives would be easier that way. But I wouldn't dare say that to my mother, or father. The mere thought would break their hearts.

     Once I've finally made it back into my bedroom, in loose fitting pajamas that don't hug my sickly figure very tightly, I spot Melanie soundlessly sleeping in her bed. I clear my throat of its contents, lying my head down on my ample pillow.
While closing my eyes, I see Noah, stalking into Asheville's gymnasium—that broad smile present; and I couldn't wait.

I wake up to Melanie's singing in the shower—the next few seconds ambushed by voice echoing into our bedroom. I'd assumed that I would be waking up to her sulking, and not being able to look my father in eye. But I was utterly and catastrophically wrong.

     She spent her morning texting on her cellphone with a big smile on her face, as I spent mine with an anxious stomach.

     While hearing that college football players from the local college would be coming, I'd automatically assumed that Noah would be present. But what if I was wrong? What if I would be forced to sit through an entire pep rally, without Noah Donovan as a bystander?

     There were so many questions, so many doubts running through my mind, as my mother drove us to Asheville in her minivan. Even if he were to come—would he even speak to me? Or merely glare my way, like he had done when he caught me staring at him in the hallway.

     I still couldn't seem to get yesterday's scene out of my head. When would I forget? Saturday? Next week?

     A girl could only hope.

     By the time my mother's minivan parked itself into a slot, my sister is sliding out of the seat beside me, holding my backpack as I drag my tank along with me. "You got it?"

     "Yeah," I answer, "I got it."

     "Have a good day—and Jules, be extra careful with the pep rally, okay? I don't want to get that call that says something happened to your tank, got it?"

     I nod, smiling warmly at her worrisome expression, showing me that she's being absolutely serious. "I'm not messing around, Julianne. Be careful."

     My sister is off, only allowing me to reassure her of her cheering skills once more, before she's running down the hall, towards one Meredith Palmer, who looks more than happy to be skipping first period. I make my way to my locker, pausing when I hear loud "whoops", coming from the opposite end of the senior hallway.

     Rounding the corner are four boys, who've each got a letterman jacket on, with the logo of Tennessee University. My heart begins to race, and my eyes involuntarily search for Noah and his familiar mop of dark, curly hair.

     Then, I see him.

     He's got a jacket on, with several patches sewn into it. His dimples are piercing through his cheeks, as he pumps a fist into the air, whooping loudly.

     My classmates surrounding me, seem annoyed by the fuss, each having their own mental scorn-fest. I'm sure I would feel the same way, if I hadn't met Noah. He had entirely changed my perspective on guys like him.

     The loud, rowdy, athletes, who only go to school to have fun.

     Then, he sees me—and my heart stops entirely for a few seconds.

     I definitely should have taken up my mother's offer to stay home.