AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I try to push that little voice away. Because I have no idea what will come out of it, if the guy will write me again, if he’s even real…Of course I’ve been thinking about him the last few days, but I’m trying really hard not to make him the focus of my life.
“Okay, everyone,” Kendell announces as she walks into the room and drops down at the editor-in-chief’s desk at the front. “The next issue will be out next week. Who still owes me an article?” Her eyes scan over the team. “Chloe, I got yours last night. Thanks for sending it. And awesome work.”
My lips lift into a proud smile. “Thanks.” My article is about the impact books can have on a person. They can transform lives, inspire people to be better versions of themselves. To go out there and do good in the world. Or, they can be a person’s outlet, somewhere they can disappear to for a few hours to help them deal with whatever hardships they’re going through. And it can bring people closer and help them find communities.
It was definitely a passion article, and I can’t wait for the students to read it. I’m super nervous, too, since it means so much to me.
“Johnny, where’s your article on the new school lunch?” Kendall asks.
He shrugs. “I ate it?”
Some of the other kids chuckle.
“Haha. Email it to me tonight, or you’re off the paper.”
The laugh vanishes from his face. “You serious?”
“Youneed to takethisseriously. It’s my last year and I want to make a difference. You’re always goofing off and making excuses. Chloe has had to pick up your slack a few times.”
He turns to me with a frown.
I hold up my hands. “I don’t mind.”
“But I do,” Kendell says. “Do the work or don’t bother showing up.”
I can’t imagine the amount of pressure she’s under. She’s trying to get into the top journalism school and has had no luck so far. Honestly, it makes me a little nervous about my future. I also want to get into a top journalism school and follow in my mom’s footsteps and work for a newspaper like the Edenbury Press.
“Okay,” Kendell announces. “What are we doing for the next issue?”
The team spends the next hour brainstorming. Arguing back and forth, wracking our brains. Just like usual. Trying to keep the students engaged is one of the most stressful parts about working on the paper. There’s so much going on in people’s lives and I know the kids would rather browse social media than pick up the paper. Mom told me that when she was in high school, barely anyone read the paper. But that changed after she interviewed my dad. Not only was the article amazing and got the students’ attention, Dad made sure every kid read it. He appreciated how hard Mom and the rest of the team worked, how much time and effort and dedication they put. I’m not surprised Mom had a huge crush on him for years before they finally got together.
An hour later, we’ve made some progress. It’ll take a few days before Kendell is satisfied, but I know we’re heading in the right direction.
I pack up my stuff and follow the others out. Then I make my way toward the school exit, where Mom’s waiting for me in the car. As I pass the gym, I stop and peer inside. The basketball team is still practicing. My eyes scan the players until they settle on Liam. It’s usually easy to spot him because he’s so tall, but not when he’s with his team who are just as tall as him. But I can easily identify him by his light brown hair that’s gotten pretty long. Right now, it’s a little messy and sticking to his sweaty face, but I love the length. I hope he doesn’t cut it. It’s perfect to run my fingers through—
My eyes widen and a small gasp escapes my lips. What did I just…?
Squeezing my eyes shut, I shake my head. Nope. Not going there. He’s my best friend. He’s supposed to be like a brother to me. Those thoughts shouldnotbe in my head.
Even though I know Mom’s waiting, I can’t help but watch him. My lips lift in a smile. He’s such an amazing basketball player. If he didn’t dream about going to culinary school and opening his own restaurant, I know he’d have a successful basketball career. Liam doesn’t like being in the spotlight, though, so I don’t think he’d want to be a famous athlete. He’d rather hide in a kitchen and bring people joy through his food.
I’m so lucky to be that close to him.
My body heats up as my thoughts wander to places they shouldn’t wander to.Nope. No. Out of my head.
I’m about to leave the school, when I notice something is off with Liam’s playing. I guess I didn’t see it before because I was thinking about…things I shouldn’t be thinking about, but now I realize that something’s wrong. His shoulders are a bit hunched over and he’s making many mistakes. Missing his shots, knocking into his teammates, tripping over his feet. That’s so unlike him because he’s a great player and confident on the court. This Liam looks like he’s really bothered about something.
“Hastings!” his coach yells at him. “Head in the game. Head in the game!”
He nods and tries to focus.
Xavier shoots him a questioning look, asking him if he’s good, and Liam offers him a reassuring nod. Xavier returns the nod, looking relieved. But I’m not buying it. Something seems to weigh heavily on his mind. Is it the game? I know he seems confident out there, but he gets super nervous before every game. I usually bake him something to help with the nerves, which he’s so thankful for. I swear he plays much better because of it. Not to toot my own horn or anything, but when I bake something for the people I care about, I put all my love into it, and the results show. My baked goods come outdelicious.
My phone beeps with a text.
Mom: Hey, sweetie. Are you done with the newspaper? I’m starting to get worried.
Shoot. I got sidetracked worrying about Liam. When I glance back at him, I find his shoulders no longer hunched over and he’s playing better. Maybe he’s over whatever was bothering him?
