Not Yet

This time when we get to my car, I hold the door open for her until she slides in. My body is on a high after playing and winning and I have an abundance of energy to burn off. I take a breath as I walk around to the driver’s side and get in.

Why do I suddenly have the urge to fuck until I can’t move?

Chapter Eleven

Ali

“That game was crazy,” I say, glancing over at Drake.

He was smiling wide a few moments ago but now he’s almost unsteady since we’re alone in the car. He wasn’t that way on the field. It was so intense I’d forgotten about everything else. It really did feel like old times when I sat with my parents and cheered Drake on. I forgot about everything else and enjoyed the moment and didn’t let all the crap muddle my mind and ruin what was a good night. One that we will always remember.

The high of the game is fading and I’m still shocked he picked me up and kissed my cheek. I felt tears prick at my eyes when he turned to look at me while on the field and touched his chest then pointed to me. I couldn’t remember the last time we’d done that. Things are changing again, I’m just not sure into what. I should take it how it comes because anything is better than where we’ve been.

“You’re going to have your pick of colleges.” I smile proudly at him.

He’s earned it by putting into football what I put into studying. He’s going to make a name for himself and I wonder if, when he finally graces the field of some NFL team, he’ll still touch his chest and point to me. I swallow, thinking that could be someone else he points to one day, but I push the thought away. Tonight is about celebrating and I’m not going to bring us down. For so long we’ve been growing apart, but maybe now’s my chance to pull us together. Soon we’ll both be off to college and we might never see each other then. How crazy is it that weeks ago I wanted just that? The thought now makes my stomach feel hollow inside. It is the same feeling as when I saw him with Court. I really dislike those girls.

“You pick one yet?” he asks me and I shake my head no.

I have applications out and a few early acceptance letters. I have my pick of schools, too, but not all of mine come with full rides like Drake’s will. I have my eye on Boston and I was surprised when I heard Dad mention that one to him. They must’ve already talked about it but I didn’t think he’d stay local for some reason.

“Lots of time,” he says as he pulls out of his parking spot. “You’ll let me know though?” he pushes.

“Sure.” I shrug.

I peek over at him and he’s staring right at me. My eyes meet his and I watch as he looks at my mouth. I do the same, wondering what it would feel like for his mouth to be pressed to mine. I don’t get that same gross feeling I normally do when I think about kissing someone. Instead my heart rate picks up.

“Don’t forget Kira’s!” I hear someone and I jerk my eyes away from Drake to see the Blonde Brigade standing in front of the car. He’s pulled out of his spot but hasn’t moved yet. We’re just sitting in the parking lot blocking the way. Court has a smug look on her face as she adjusts the crown still on her head.

“Move!” Drake shouts back at them.

Drake’s the one who yells at her, but she narrows her eyes on me until they finally move out of the way. When they do, Drake takes off and I can feel his tension in the air. He has a way about his moods—they can take up a whole room. I don’t think he means to do it, but I can always feel them.

“You going?” I ask. I know we’re going to dinner but he could be going after.

“No.” His answer is short and to the point.

I always assumed he went to the parties after the games but I was never really sure. I only know what he’s doing outside of school and home because of gossip. You have to take that with a grain of salt, kind of like the not dating thing. He’s said for years his focus is on football. At least that’s what I’ve heard some of the girls around school complain about when it comes to Drake.

People forget I’m his stepsister or don’t think I’m listening when they talk near me. I don’t run in the same crowd and they probably think I don’t matter. But my ears perk up a little whenever I hear Drake’s name.