The Vaga by S. A. Carter Read Free Book Online

sound sending chills up my spine.
    ‘Okay, that’s it. I am officially freaked out!’ Phoebe cringes, grabbing Sam tighter. ‘If this was a movie this is where I would run my ass off.’
    Sam pulls us in closer. ‘Well lucky for you this isn’t a movie. Why are you two so jumpy anyway?’
    Phoebe cranes her head to look at me across Sam’s chest. I shake my head softly.
    ‘Look here we are, all safe and sound,’ he says suddenly, thankfully diverting off the topic of our scaredy-cat behaviour.
    As we walk towards the bright lights of the stadium, I can’t help but think that someone was watching us back in the park. I wasn’t able to pick up on much, as there wasn’t enough time, but if I had to guess I would say that it was almost like something was…stalking us.

Chapter 5
    The stadium is jam packed with spectators. The bright overhead lights illuminate the scoreboards standing at either end of the field where
Eye of the Tiger
is playing loud and clear. I shudder at the clichéd music and vow to at least give this game a fifteen minute window before leaving with a sudden headache. We push through the excited crowd, heading into the upper level stands. I lead the way, moving us up towards exit door nine where we find a row of spare seats.
    ‘Man, this stadium is pumping,’ Phoebe declares, taking off her jacket and throwing it over her chair.
    ‘There are so many people,’ I comment nervously, feeling my anxiety creeping its way in. Even though instinctively I’ve already mapped out an escape plan—the exit doors off to our left and the fire escape that leads down from the facility chute behind us—none of this stops the pounding of my heart.
    Phoebe throws me a compassionate look. ‘Everything is alright, E.’
    I nod and smile unconvincingly, years of wariness having played torture on my nerves.
    Sam shrugs his jacket off and pushes his dark hair away from his face, his eyes scanning the crowd with intensity.
    What is he searching for?
    Before I can think any more of it, the loud speakers, situated in all four corners of the stadium, boom out
La La
by
Shakira
, and the Titan cheerleaders make their way out onto the field, their yellow and brown skimpy ensembles bringing the massive crowd to their feet.
    As much as it pains me to admit, I can’t help but be swept away by the enthusiasm and energy within the stadium. The vibration of the excited crowd, the upbeat music, and the sight of Phoebe dancing wildly to the beat makes my heart feel light. For a moment I could forget that history was repeating itself and that my life might again be threatened by my enemy. Only this time I wasn’t sure who that enemy was.
    The cheerleaders finish their routine and the football teams make their way onto the field one after the other in a spectacle of testosterone and muscle. Blake is among them, his strong frame and height easy to spot even in uniform. The number eight is scrawled across his back in large black lettering.
    Phoebe nudges me. ‘See. Told you there would be lots of sweaty men here tonight.’ Her cheeky smile holds mischief.
    ‘Hey, I’m sitting right here you know,’ Sam says.
    Phoebe giggles and grabs his arm. ‘Aw, are you jealous?’
    ‘Jealous? Of muscle bound footballers? Don’t be so ridiculous.’ Sam shakes his head and crosses his arms defensively.
    Phoebe glances at me and stifles a laugh.
    I shake my head and hear my phone ting with a new text.
    ‘Who is it? Phoebe asks.
    I text back. ‘It’s Rhianna. She wants to know where we’re sitting.’
    ‘Oh good. Tell her to get some hot dogs on the way up here.’
    ‘She’s sitting on the other side of the stadium. She’ll come over at half-time.’ Phoebe’s shoulders slump. Shaking my head I say, ‘I’ll go get you some.’
    Her face lights up. ‘Yay!’
    ‘What position does Blake play?’ I ask, grabbing my bag.
    Phoebe says, ‘Quarterback. One of the best the Titans have seen in a few years too.’
    ‘How do you know