Crushing On The Enemy (Crushing on You 1)

“I'm saving your future!” his dad said as he pushed past the shocked Alyssa, “You know her type, Jake!”

“Just go home, Dad!” Jake sighed.

“You're coming with me,” he said.

“Sorry,” he sighed as his father shoved him out of the house.

“Jake,” he heard Alyssa say as he got into his truck.

He couldn't believe that he would embarrass him like that! Why couldn't he just let him live his life? Just because his dad's life went down the gutter didn't mean he had to take his along for the ride!

Jake wasn't paying attention to the road and ran a stop sign. A station wagon appeared in front of him and Jake slammed on the brakes, stopping just inches away from the other vehicle. He pulled off the road and took a deep breath. Jake knew he had to calm down and stop being reckless.

His cellphone rang and he hoped it was Alyssa until he realized that she didn't have his phone number. Jake didn't recognize the caller, but answered anyway.

“Hey,” Jake answered.

“Hello, am I speaking to Jake?” the man on the other end of the line said.

“Yep, that's me,” he said rolling his eyes.

“I'm Dave, from Dave's Sporting Goods, and I'd like you to come in for an interview tomorrow afternoon? Would four thirty be good for you?” Dave asked.

“Four thirty would be excellent!” Jake said grinning from ear to ear.

At least something good was happening today.

Chapter 9: Alyssa

Alyssa sighed as she changed into her uniform. It felt odd to be dressing for a game that she wasn't going to be cheering for, but she had a reputation to keep up. She did her makeup perfectly and smiled at her reflection. The smile looked more like a grimace, but it would have to do.

She hadn't heard from Jake since his father showed up at her house, but then she hadn't expected to hear from him again after that. He was most likely either grounded or too embarrassed to talk to her after his father made a scene like that. She would have been, but then again if her father was alive he would have never reacted to anything like that. He had always been a very even tempered man.

Alyssa understood how Jake must feel though, because since Cody moved in she hadn't invited anyone over to hangout. She had always been too worried that he would start drama in front of her guests, and she would have died of embarrassment if anyone on the squad knew how horrible the situation at her house was. Alyssa thought it was best not to discuss those things with people who weren't involved.

She missed Jake, but she didn't have any way to get in touch with him. She wished she had asked for his phone number before he left, but there really hadn't been any time to ask him anything. Alyssa frowned at her reflection and silently prayed that Jake was okay.

Alyssa drove to school and parked her car. She was early, but Mattie had promised to pick up tacos and meet her before the game. Usually, Alyssa wouldn't eat before a game, but since she wasn't cheering she had decided to break her own rule.

Mattie was already sitting on the hood of her car eating when Alyssa arrived. She waved a friendly hello and motioned for Alyssa to join her. They ate in silence, but Alyssa reveled in the familiar presence of Mattie. There was something reassuring about having her best friend back.

“So have you heard from Jake?” Mattie asked.

“No,” Alyssa frowned and shook her head.

“I hope he's okay,” Mattie frowned.

“So do I,” Alyssa said, “I've never seen anyone look as angry as his dad did.”

“I'm sure he'll call you soon. Maybe he's grounded or something,” Mattie shrugged.

“I hope so. I sorta miss him,” Alyssa admitted.

Mattie hugged her and Alyssa headed towards the field. She was expected to sit with the rest of the squad even if she wasn't cheering. The coach said it would be good for school spirit.

Alyssa wasn't sure that anything could improve the dismal feeling that had settled over the school this last week. Everyone was at odds taking one side or another, but it seemed most people believed Alyssa was getting what she deserved. A lot of people thought she shouldn't even be allowed to wear her cheer uniform anymore.

Alyssa sat quietly watching the other girls cheering the team, but she didn't really care whether the Panthers won or not. It all seemed sort of silly to her as she watched from the sidelines. Just a week ago she had cheered herself hoarse encouraging the boys, but that was back when they were her boys and not her tormentors. She hoped Ryan slipped and lost the game.