Page 6 of Autumn Skies & Pumpkin Pies

“Maybe, he doesn’t know how to approach you because you’re in a league of your own. He knows he’s not smart enough or something like that. Maybe, if you were elite, he’d know what to do, but you’re different so he’s lost.” Rocker’s face and voice are serious, but I can’t picture anyone not knowing what to do with me. Mr. Cook calls the class to session and I just nod to let Rocker know I heard him, even if I don’t believe him. The whole class though his words play around in my head.

SEVEN

Warbee

This week has been a rollercoaster. My secret admirer still leaves a sunflower every day, but now it’s inside my locker and it’s just one flower. I never read the second note that was left because I’ve lost it. Somewhere between chemistry and getting home from school, it disappeared. I hate that I lost it. I was so curious about what it said. Rocker has been strangely quiet, but I’m thinking it’s because homecoming is tonight. It’s been a big week for him I’m sure. Lots of added pressure and there’s a rumor that some college scout is going to be at this game. I’m sure that’s not helping his stress level. Today is spirit day, so I let my mom do my hair in a curled, cheerleader type ponytail, with ribbons and all. I even let her paint my face. After glancing at the time, I tell her, “We have to go. We still need to pick up Teaganne before you can even take us to school.”

“I know, I know. We’ve got time,” she says calmly.

“We really don’t.” I point to the clock on the bedside table.

She glances back at it. “Oh shoot. Go grab your things. I'll meet you in the car in five.”

After collecting my things, I sit in the car and wait on my mom. This week, my mom has been the carpool since the football team has started practice at six in the morning. Keefer hasn’t been able to give us a ride to school. I’ll be glad when things get back to normal. My mom joins me in the car, and she speeds, more than she should, to get us to school on time.

When Teaganne and I enter the school, we aren’t surprised to see that school spirit has thrown up everywhere. Streamers, banners, and anything else people could find to show spirit are hung around the halls. Almost every student is dressed in school colors as well. “I forgot to tell you how cute you look today,” Teaganne tells me, as we make our way to our lockers. She pulls one of my curls in my ponytail and let’s it bounce back up with a giggle.

I laugh. “Oh yeah, I’m your typical cheerleader now.”

“You know if you wanted to be, I’m sure you could be.” I give her a look and she laughs. “Okay, yes I remember the catastrophe when you tried out. I’m sorry for mentioning it,” she tells me with a laugh. “I will say this your hair definitely has the genetics.”

I toss a piece of wadded paper at her before opening my locker. My heart stops, my lungs stop, everything stops. Inside is one sunflower painted in the school colors sitting inside a mason jar filled with pink and red starburst, my favorite. A little sign hangs around the mason jar ‘Happy Homecoming’. There is a letter taped to the side of the jar.

Happy Homecoming Warbee,

I hope you’ve enjoyed the week. I know I have, but a lot of that has been because of you. Please, be at the game tonight and the dance tomorrow. I look forward to them both as long as you will be there.

Your Secret Admirer

“Oh. My. God.” Teaganne is standing behind me, reading over my shoulder. “This is so not Beth, you know that, right?”

“Yeah, I kind of figured that a while ago, but I mean, who else could it be?” I tell her. My mind wonders, but I can’t come up with a possible face except for the face I want it to be, but know it never will be. Rocker talks to me five days a week in class. He wouldn't need to go through all this to get my attention. He already has it.

“Girl, I know that you live in the world of books and grades and baking, but a lot of guys totally check you out. You just never pay attention enough to notice it.”

I scoff. “Yeah right.”

“It’s true. Ask Keefer. Even he’s noticed it. Especially, since we’ve filled out more. Although he never notices me,” Teaganne adds quietly.

I hate that Keefer is oblivious to Teaganne’s feelings for him. I’m not sure how he hasn’t figured it out. Everyone else has noticed. An idea comes into my mind. “I’ll catch up with you at lunch,” I tell Teaganne, as I take off down the hallway. By the time I reach the football field, I’m out of breath. “Coach Brime,” I call out.

He turns to look at me. “Warbee, what can I do for you?”

“I know you’re busy with practice, but I really need to speak with Keefer for a moment.” He starts to shake his head, so I come up with the best believable lie I can. “It’s concerning a project I helped him with that he has to turn in today. It could make him ineligible to play, because I realized we messed up on a part of it.”

Coach sighs before bringing his whistle to his mouth and letting it rip. “Keefer!”

Keefer jogs over while giving me a curious look. As Coach explains to Keefer, I scan the field and see Rocker standing there, glistening with sweat under the morning sun, but his blue eyes are locked on me. I give him a small smile before my attention moves to Keefer. We walk a few steps away from the Coach so he can’t overhear our conversation. “What is going on, Warbee?” Keefer asks.

“Here’s the thing you’re clueless. Teaganne likes you and I think you like Teaganne, but for whatever reason you won’t make a move and it’s starting to get really frustrating. Teaganne is a catch, so I’m telling you that you need to man up and ask her to the dance tomorrow night. You’ll be doing yourself and Teaganne a favor,” I explain in one breath.

Keefer’s dark blue eyes grow large. “What?”

“You heard me.”

“Yeah, and you sound crazy. Teaganne isn’t into me. I can’t believe you interrupted my practice for this joke.” Keefer starts to walk away, but I grab the back of his jersey and yank him back.

“You listen to me, buddy. She likes you. You’re either blind or dumb and to be honest, I’m not sure which it is right now. So, get it together and ask her. If you don’t want to take my word on it then ask someone else if I’m right. Everyone but you know it.” I turn around and make my way back to the school. If I run, I might just make it to class on time after all.

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