CHEERLEADERS VS. THE APOCALYPSE

EIGHT

I watched Marco the whole night to make sure he didn’t do anything stupid. Xandi might have trusted him, but I wasn’t so sure. Then again, I don’t trust many people. Probably better I’m not on the field having to make the same choices she is. I’d stall for a lot longer.

Anyway, Marco turned out to be a dud in terms of drama. He got home, went straight to his room, and spent the whole night staring at his ceiling. I have a feeling I’ve judged this guy wrong.

It’s now right before first period. Marco is at his locker getting ready for school. He has a travel mug of coffee and looks like death warmed over. Dark circles are around his eyes, he coughs every so often, and is spacy as all get out.

Taylor notices right away when she goes to his locker to say hi.

“Coffee? You must be tired! I thought you quit the bean!” she teases.

“I did, but today I’m making an exception. I think I got three hours of sleep.” Footage confirms this to be true. He laughs. “It’s no big deal. Just a lot on my mind.”

“You should have called me or texted.” She looks hurt. I don’t blame her. “I expected at least a text after the game.”

He shrugs and runs a hand through his hair. “I thought I was tired. I felt off all night.”

Taylor smiles. “I forgive you. Just worried, you know?”

“I know.” He glances over at Xandi. The two lock eyes, and it is an exchange Taylor notices as well. “Give me the day to recover.” He kisses her cheek. She smiles at him, but there’s worry in her eyes that he’s still missing. “We should get to class.”

“Okay,” she whispers.

It’s unfortunate that their first class isn’t together. It’s even more unfortunate that his first class is with Xandi. I say this because the last thing any of them need is an assumed love triangle happening. Xandi isn’t interested in Marco. Never has been. For the most part, Taylor is secure in her relationship. Every so often, she sees how close they are and bristles. It’s subtle, it never lasts long, but it’s like the look of worry she has as Marco heads into his classroom and away from her. There’s a moment of doubt. I note this because it might cause problems in the future.

Once in class, Marco sits by Xandi and whispers. “When are we going to tell her?”

“Later. Are you busy tonight?”

“Is it going to be another wild adventure that keeps me awake until the sun comes up?” he asks. A few students who are nearby raise eyebrows as they eavesdrop. “I’m not exactly in my best shape.”

“It won’t be an all nighter. I didn’t keep you all night last night either,” she points out.

“Doesn’t change the fact that I was awake for that long,” he grumbles through clenched teeth.

“Tomorrow then. We just need to…practice.”

He nods. “Good point. Tomorrow.”

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