Page 7

An hour into football practice, I’m running the guys ragged. I make them sprint the bleachers until their legs are jelly before we even run a play.

“Good work, guys, take five for a water break!” I shout, wiping sweat from my forehead.

I'm at the hydration station when the gym double doors open, and the band team spills out onto the field. I scan the group looking for a familiar head of brown hair. There she is. Walking with another girl, engaging in conversation. My chest loosens with relief. She’s made a friend. Cooper jogs across the track, throwing his arm around his sister and pulling her into a hug. The girl next to Cami looks like she’s about to faint, her face turning beet red as she gapes at Cooper. A smirk tugs at my mouth. Cami looks over his shoulder, eyes finding mine. I give her a small wave. A sudden sting of envy hits me. Why do I feel jealous of my best friend hugging his little sister?

We finish up practice thirty minutes later. We are leaving the locker room when Cooper casually says, “I’m going to go to the library for a little bit and meet up with Emily.”

I stop dead in my tracks. “What about your sister?”

Cooper scratches his head. “She can call my mom.”

I let out a heavy, irritated sigh. “I’ll take her home, Coop.”

“Thanks, man, I owe you.” He pats my shoulder and jogs off toward the library.

Shaking off my annoyance, I head in the direction of the student parking lot. I spot Cami sitting on the sidewalk, looking around hopelessly. Probably looking for Cooper. Did he really not text her to at least let her know?

“Hey Cami,” I say, stepping up behind her.

She bolts upright. “Where's Cooper?” She asks quietly. Her voice is always so soft.

“He decided to go to the library for a little bit,” I say, rubbing at the back of my neck, trying to soften the blow. “I’m going to take you home.”

“Oh… you don't have to do that, I can call my mom. I’m sure she is almost off work anyway.” She says through flushed cheeks.

“Camille, we live right next door to each other. We are headed to the exact same place, let me take you home.” I say with a smile.

Accepting defeat, she nods and walks over to the car. I pull open the passenger door for her, gently taking her clarinet case so I can tuck it safely into the backseat.

“Thank you.” She whispers.

“No problem.”

An easy silence settles between us as I pull out of the school lot. Reaching over, I twist the dial to turn on the radio, filling the quiet with an alt-rock song.

“How was your first day?” I ask, flicking on the blinker. “Find your classes okay?”

“My day was fine, I just need to get used to everything. It's so different from what I'm used to.” She says, fiddling with her fingers in her lap.

“How was band practice? Looks like you made a friend.”

“Yeah, I did. Her name is Briana. She’s really nice.” Cami says, a relieved smile stretching across her face. “We actually share a few classes together, too.”

“Good. I'm really glad you had a good first day.” I say, matching her smile with a small one of my own.

A few minutes later, I pull up to the curb outside our houses and cut the engine.

“Thank you for taking me home.” She says, trying to avoid eye contact with me.

“Anytime, Cami. Seriously.” Looking over at her, her bangs a little messy from her glasses. An idea hits me.

“Hey, can I see your phone for a second?”

She looks up, her blue eyes finally meeting mine. “Sure.” She says, passing it over to me.

I type in my phone number and save it to her contacts. “Here,” I say, sliding the phone back into her hand. “In case you ever need anything during the school day, or if your brother leaves you stranded again. I want you to call or text me, okay?”

“Okay,” she whispers, offering me her first real smile. My heart does a sudden, erratic flip in my chest.