Unfriendly Competition by Jessica Burkhart Read Free Book Online Page A

knew you were my friend, but what you did was beyond amazing.” I swallowed. “It couldn’t havebeen easy for you to be around Jacob. You did it because we’re friends, and I really, really appreciate it.”
    Eric looked at me with soft eyes. “It was kind of awkward at times, sure. But Jacob cares about you and when he asked me, there was no way I would have said no. We are friends, Sash.”
    I watched. Standing there in his navy T-shirt and jeans, Eric looked like a guy I was lucky to have as my friend.
    â€œI’m so happy we’re able to be friends. We should definitely hang out sometime, if you want.”
    Eric nodded. “Definitely. I’m sure you’re going to be practicing like crazy for Huntington. We could work in the arena sometime, if you want.”
    â€œYou’re on. I’d like that.”
    We both smiled at each other.
    â€œSee you later,” Eric said. “I’ve got to get to class.”
    â€œBye.”
    I felt good as we split up in the hallway. I headed to free period and sat in the back, so I could BBM Jacob before I started homework. Keeping one eye on Ms. Utz, who was monitoring this free period, I took out my phone.
    Sasha Silver:
    Just wanted 2 tell u that I talked 2 Eric a sec ago.
    I got a few questions on my English worksheet answered before I felt my phone vibrate.
    Jacob Schwartz:
    Oh, yeah?
    Sasha Silver:
    I saw him and wanted 2 thank him for giving u riding lessons.
    Jacob Schwartz:
    That was cool of u. I’m glad u guys r friends.
    As if it wasn’t already official, I had THE best boyfriend.
    Sasha Silver:
    Me too. I’m glad you’re cool w/it. We’re going 2 practice 2gether sometime since I have lots of work 4 Huntington.
    Jacob Schwartz:
    That’s a good idea. Prob will make u less nervous since he’s not your competition like Heather or even Brit.
    Sasha Silver:
    Yeah, I think so too. I don’t feel competitive w/Brit or H, but it’ll def b a nice break to
    â€œSasha? Do you not have enough homework to keep you busy?”
    I yanked my head up, and Ms. Utz was standing over me, her arms crossed.
    â€œNo, I mean, yes,” I said, flustered. “Sorry.”
    Ms. Utz held out an open hand. “I’ll hold onto your phone until the period is over.”
    Blushing, I handed her my BlackBerry.
    After a stern look, she turned away and walked up the aisle to the front of the classroom. I put my eyes on my paper, not looking up at what I was sure was a classroom of people staring at me.
    After class Ms. Utz gave me back my phone, and I dashed out of the classroom. I had two BBMs from Jacob time-stamped after Ms. Utz took away my phone.
    Jacob Schwartz:
    U ok?
    A few minutes later . . .
    Jacob Schwartz:
    Did something happen 2 ur phone?
    As I left the history building, I barely watched where I was going as I typed him a message.
    Sasha Silver:
    Ugggh! Sorry!! Got caught by Utz and she took my phone. But BBM me whenever u want. TTYL.
    I weaved through the students hurrying—like always—to sports or other after-school activities. It felt like a rush of relief when I stepped inside Orchard and closed the door behind me.
    Quiet.
    Finally.
    I walked down the now fully-decorated fall hallway. Stephanie had decorated each hall table, put a wreath of real-looking leaves on her door, and had lit battery-powered candles at the end of the hall to make things feel cozy.
    I opened my door and the room was empty. Brit would be back any second, though, since we both had to get ready for our riding lesson.
    My phone buzzed and I pushed it on, expecting a BBM or text. Instead, it was an e-mail alert. All I had to do was read the subject of the e-mail before I tossed my phone on my bed and grabbed my laptop.
    My finger pressed the on button hard, and I ran my hand over the mouse, back and forth, to try and wake the sleeping computer faster.
    The subject of the e-mail kept running through my