Crushing on the Enemy by Sarah Adams Read Free Book Online Page B

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.

    As soon as the thought crossed her mind Alyssa felt bad for thinking it. Some of the boys were counting on the championship to get noticed by college scouts too. She sighed not sure what she should think.

    The Panthers lost the game by two points. As soon as the final score was announced Alyssa left and headed towards her car. She had wanted to hangout with Mattie tonight, but Mattie had to finish her history report on the French civil war.

    Alyssa frowned at the thought of going home and spending the rest of the night with her depressed mother, but it was better than hanging around here. She was getting into her car when she seen Jake walking up. Her heart skipped a beat and she felt a grin spread across her face.

    “Hey,” she said and rolled down her car window.

    “Hi,” Jake grinned.

    Alyssa opened the door and threw her arms around Jake, but quickly pulled away.

    “I was worried about you,” she said, “Why didn't you call me?”

    “I thought after what my dad pulled you would never speak to me again,” Jake admitted.

    “Parents can be weird sometimes,” she grinned.

    “So, yea, I was wondering if you wanted to go hang out. Maybe get a pizza or something?” he asked hopefully.

    Alyssa paused for a second to act as if she was considering his question. She didn't want to seem like she liked him too much too soon.

    “Okay,” she finally nodded.

    “Do you want to drive or we could take my truck?” Jake offered.

    “Let's take your truck,” Alyssa nodded.

    Jake entwined his finger through hers as they walked. Alyssa felt herself blush, but didn't pull away. There was something about holding Jake's hand that felt like home.

    “You don't have to tell me if you don't want to,” Alyssa said as they ate, “but why was your dad so angry?”

    “Because he thinks I'm going to throw away my life,” Jake sighed.

    Alyssa took a bite of pizza and pondered what he had said. Did his father think she was a bad influence? How was that even possible? The man didn't even know her.

    “Since my mom left,” Jake continued, “he's been weird. She left because she wasn't in love with him anymore, and I can understand that. No one should be forced to stay where they're not happy, but my dad can't seem to move one. He thinks I'm going to get involved with someone and not go to college.”

    “I think a lot of parents worry about that for various reasons,” Alyssa said.

    “Well, I'm going to college. It's the only chance I have of getting away from here. I want to go to the state university and nothing's going to change that,” Jake said.

    Alyssa grinned at him. She was quickly coming to admire his determination and ambition. It was something she could easily relate to.

    “Have you tried telling him that?” she asked.

    “I have,” Jake sighed, “but he doesn't want to listen.”

    “Well, my dad used to say, seeing is believing,” Alyssa giggled, “So, I guess you're just going to have to prove it to him.”

    “And be miserable in the mean time?” he asked.

    “No,” Alyssa shook her head, “it's just another obstacle, and any obstacle can be overcomed.”

    “I hope so,” Jake grinned.

    “I know so,” Alyssa smiled.

    After they finished eating