Cruel Cruel Games Page 3

  Samantha sighed and turned her attention back to the coach.

  She said, “Coach, you can’t be serious?”

  The coach said, “I’m deadly serious, Samantha. We have only a few weeks to win the tournament, and the guys need all the help we can get.”

  And that’s the moment I turned to the guys and raised an eyebrow. They winked and whistled.

  “Now let’s what you can do, Rachel.” The coach said ushering us into position. We began the routine, and everything seemed to be going well until suddenly I heard a rip. My skirt tore and exposed my polka dot cartoon character underwear. Holy fuck—

  The girls burst out laughing, I got flushed. I turned to the guys, they smirked and then the coach looked horrified. I had no idea the skirt would rip and when it did, I wanted the ground to open up. That's the moment I noticed Ms Watson rushing down to the practice area.

  Great! What now.

  “Rachel in my office now!”

  I shook my head. I guess I couldn’t get away from this. I followed her to the office and listened to what she had to say, this time it was my inappropriate outfit. She said if it happens again, she would expel me. I promised her that it wouldn’t happen again. She said, “Good now go and get changed, then get back to class.”

  Chapter Five

  Rachel

  If I thought my problems were over after my stint yet again at the principal’s office, I was clearly mistaken.

  I hurried back to class, trying my best not to think the torn skirt, I slid into my bag. So much for trying to stay focused in this school, I thought. I mean it has been one thing after the other. I turned to see Lisa showing off her new tattoo.

  I thought the school prohibited tattoos. I guess it only works when you are not one of the fucking elites. I sighed and shook my head. Then my cell buzzed. I glanced around the room and noticed Guzman smiling at me. I frowned and rolled my eyes. I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction of seeing me squirm. Rachel, I whispered underneath my breath, “Whatever you do, you must ignore them at all cost.”

  I wrote Guzman’s name on my notepad and smiled.

  As crazy as it sounds, I imagined him not being my bully. I thought we were friends. But then my fantasy got cut short when my notepad got snatched out of my hands!

  Hey, watch it!"

  I said out loud. I glanced up and noticed Noah! Oh, Noah, with his dark, intense, hypnotic eyes and his beautiful tattooed muscle sleeved arms. There he was staring intensely at me. I wanted to melt. I watched as he lifted the paper. He smirked and read the words out loud! I flushed and buried my head on the desk as the words I’d written spilled out of his beautiful lips, the only problem, I became the laughingstock of the class.

  “Guzman is hot, too bad he’s not my friend.”

  I bit my lower lip as Noah leaned in and said in a low deep voice, “Aww the stray needs a friend.”

  The Wealthy Girls laughed and rolled their eyes. One said in what sounded like a script from a horror movie, “Hey, I’d be your friend till infinity.”

  Guzman had a cocky grin plastered on his face. I watched as his lips moved. He didn’t say the words out loud, but I read his lips and understood what he said,

  “If you need your lips wrapped around something big, I have something for you.”

  I frowned, and that’s the moment the teacher walked into the classroom, thankfully. I tried to stay focused on this class, but I couldn’t; I thought great now Guzman will think I am into him. I mean, it’s not a lie. But I’d have preferred to keep it to myself. I ignored the jokes through the day until the final class wrapped. I hurried past the guys; Guzman grabbed my arm I pulled back.

  He said, “Hey, I don’t bite. I can be your friend if that’s what you need.”

  I shot back a dark stare and said, “No thanks. I have to go.” He held his grip on my arm, and then he leaned in, his warm breath caressed my neck. Freaking hell, I hate him, yet I want him? What’s wrong with me?

  I am doomed

  I can’t want them all

  They are wrong for me

  Surely something’s wrong with me?

  That’s the moment holy freaking hell, in front of everyone he cupped my face and kissed my lips. I must say, he’s an incredible kisser. I couldn’t help but kiss him back. But then moments later he pulled back to reveal a seething Samantha staring at us. She frowned, boldly walked up to us and said, “That's enough playing with strays Guzman, we have things to do.”

  Guzman chuckled and stared into my eyes. He said, “later, right?”

  I bit my lower lip and watched as Samantha pulled him away. What’s wrong with me? Why didn’t I push him away? That’s the moment Libby walked up to me and said, “Hey I saw what happened, but seriously you should have pushed him away. He’s no good for you. They are just playing games.”

  “I don’t think so Libby, but it was just a kiss.”

  She scoffed and said, “That’s what they all say. It’s just a kiss, but they probably didn’t see it that way. They saw it as your wanting them more than they desire you.”

  “I don’t think that’s what it was.”

  “Well, for your sake, I hope so. I am glad you got back on the cheerleading team, and the fact the Coach let you back in was surprising. But so, you know, Samantha is not the one you want to push; she’s not pleased with getting bumped down to the backup position. I think she has it in for you. Plus, you just kissed her man so…”

  “I did not kiss her, man!” I interjected annoyed by the insinuation. “He kissed me for crying out loud. You saw it.”

  “Yes, but you could have pushed him off, anyway your mom’s waiting outside, and I have to go,” She said, turning to walk away. I shook my head then she said, “Oh listen, I didn’t mean to make you mad, how about we study together sometime, friends?”

  I nodded and watched her walk away. I hurried out of the building to meet Mom. She smiled at me and asked, “good day?”

  I nodded and peered out the window.

  So, mom wouldn’t let it go. She kept on asking about my day. I said to her, “it was fine, Mom seriously.” I dare not tell her a terrible day because she would be distraught. So, I pretended like everything was fine and perfect. When truthfully, it wasn’t. The good news was that I’d gotten back on the team which was what I hoped would happen. But then after that kiss with Guzman, I wondered if I wasn’t in over my head.

  Guzman was perfect and everything, but he’s also my bully and the kiss meant nothing to him, and when Samantha came by us, why did he leave and walk away with her?

  Maybe the bad girls are right; perhaps this is just a game.

  Then again, why should I have feelings for them, they made my life hell in Junior school, and now they are at it again? Later that evening, Libby kept calling, but I didn’t return the call I stayed studying all night well more like I practice my cheerleading routine and I studied, binged watched movies and barely slept. The next couple of weeks seem like everything was a blur.

  I was doing fine in my routine, but every time I would practice the guys would walk by and rake my body with their intense gaze.

  I felt so self-conscious I wanted to stop it all. As much as I tried, I couldn’t get the routine down as expected. My attention got distracted when they all walked in, looking handsome in their football gear.

  Oh my god just having him stare into my eyes sent an aching need all over my body.

  But then something dreadful happened. I couldn’t seem to get a grip on the routine, I clumsily fail.

  The bad girls laughed, but each time that happened, Guzman walked up and help me up on my feet.

  then he’d look into my eyes and ask, “Are you all right?”

  I nodded. And then I turned to notice Noah looking at us.

  Guzman

  I must admit her beauty drew me in.

  I kept looking into it her eyes.

  Honestly, I don’t care what Samantha thought or anyone else I really liked her. I helped her straighten her
clothes out she blushed the coach folded his hands and looked at us. He seemed a little irritated by the whole thing. But honestly, I didn’t care. I like her, and maybe we need to change. We needed to stop teasing her.

  I thought, and then I turned to notice Noah looking at me. We’re best friends, but we tend to be a little competitive with one another. He folded his hands. I guess he always wants to be first in everything. But I decided at that moment that we would stop teasing Rachel. She deserves better than what we’ve offered. She deserves kindness and love. Of course, we still have to deal with the wealthy girls but there’s nothing we can do about that they will always be around. We had a cold that we stick with the wealthy girls, but sometimes codes need changing, and that’s what we plan on doing.

  Noah walked up to me right after Rachel got back on the floor and practiced her routine with the others. She’s doing great, she’s getting the hang of it, and we all cheer her on.

  Samantha walked up to us and said, “so whose side are you on now?”

  I rolled my eyes.

  I didn’t want to have this discussion with Samantha today. Besides, it was a losing battle trying to reason with her. Then Lisa walked up to support Samantha.

  She cocked an eyebrow and said, “I believe Samantha just asked you a question and said what’s the deal here?”

  “Girls you need to give it a rest.”

  Their eyes widened.

  I’ve never spoken to them that way before, and Noah agreed.

  He said, “Listen, maybe we should just give her a chance she’s trying her best.”

  Samantha raised eyebrow and then Lauren walked in with Connor.

  She said, “so what did I miss.”

  I shook my head, and so did Noah.

  Samantha turned to Lauren and said, “oh you missed a lot. They’re rooting for her. Can you believe it?"

  Lauren looked at me, Noah, and then back at Samantha. Then she looked straight ahead and noticed Rachel performing the routine the proper way. I smiled.

  Lauren frowned and said, “I don’t care what anybody says she would never be the star. Plus, there’s no way she will get that final scholarship to the exclusive University. She can try all she wants, but my dad is on the committee. And he decides who goes in, at least that’s what I know.”

  I shook my head and said, “I believe this year someone else will decide.”

  She left wickedly and said, “that’s what you think, but it’s not true. Those who are in charge will still decide, and my father is one of them.”

  That’s the moment, “Lauren said, “Come on girls, let’s go get something to drink, see you later, Connor.”

  And with that, she walked away with Samantha and Lisa. Now that my best friends and I were all alone, Connor said, “she’s amazing she’s so good at this.”

  I laughed and said, ‘She finally got the routine down, She didn’t start out that way."

  He said, “well whatever the deal is I’m quite impressed.”

  I agreed, she worked out butt off. It was clear that Rachel was a smart girl. I turned to Connor and then Noah, and we decided to be with her. But who will go first?

  Connor nudged Noah, and then he looked at me, and I nodded and then we looked back at her. I realized we were all taken by her even though we denied it earlier. We couldn’t deny it now.

  Suddenly the rain began, she hurried towards us to avoid the rain. We took shelter and crouched together. Then Noah said to her, “I think you’re the best damn cheerleader in the entire universe.”

  She blushed and smiled. Noah nudged me, and I said, “you are, but you already knew that angel.” She smiled, enjoying the attention. We stayed underneath the cover for a little while, and then the sun came up.

  That’s the moment I thought wow, we all hovered around her to protect her. But then who is she going to choose? Will she forgive us for what we did to her previously? Once the rain stopped, and the sun came up, we asked if she wanted to get something to eat. She hesitated at first, but then she realized we were sincere, she raised her hand and said, “As long as you don’t try anything crazy.”

  I captured her hand and kissed it.

  She blushed, and the guys heckled.

  “Hey watch it, man, Rachel I am the one for you will you accept my hmm flower?” Connor said jokingly pursing his lips. Rachel burst out laughing and watched as he got down on his knees. She nodded as though it was all part of a tv show.

  “Yes I will,” she said laughing. I guess everything worked out great right? The only exception was Noah. He seemed bothered. I wonder why?

  Chapter Six

  Rachel

  I couldn't believe it. The guys completely changed their behavior. They showed how much they cared by going out with me after school ended for the day. I called my mom to let her know I would be hanging out with friends. She replied, "OK, Rachel, please just stay safe."

  I hated not being home with mom lately she had gotten a little weaker, and honestly it hurt to see her that way. I wished there was something I could do to take away her pain, but there wasn't, or as mom put it, she'd have to take it day by day, that's all she can do.

  They let her go from her job, and so we had to rely on the little she had from a severance package plus she had to go on disability. It hurt to see mom like that after everything she dealt with in life. But then she told me she would try to get another job soon. I sighed, knowing that might just be a dream. Still I assured her she would get a new gig.

  Then I promised her I wouldn't let her down. I promised her I'd stay focused. Right, staying focused was not an easy task especially when suddenly the three hottest guys in school gave me their undivided attention.

  Guzman, Noah and Connor suddenly started acting like my body guards. At first, I wondered what had into them. But then I must say I loved the attention.

  They would often take my book bag out of my hands and walk with me to class.

  I mean rumors started spreading that I had done something to twist their heads, which couldn’t be further from the truth. They got interested in me for no particular reason other than they realized how much they liked me. I know it seemed unreal.

  I remained guarded though, Noah always seemed a little down.

  I couldn't understand why. I decided to ask him about his behavior after school. He denied anything happened.

  He told me he had concerns about the team's performance in the upcoming final meet up with the rival group. That's the moment the wealthy girls walked past us with three guys from the rival school!

  "What are you doing?" Noah asked, hurrying up towards Lisa the main silicon enhanced breasts and derriere.

  She looked unbothered.

  She turned to Noah and asked, "what does it look like I'm doing?" She pursed her lips and snapped her fingers.

  Then she added, "I guess you can say I'm having fun, right?"

  She rolled her eyes at me, and then she turned her attention to Noah.

  She said, "Just so you know Noah, you're not the only contender for my heart."

  I thought to myself, " Is Lisa cuckoo or something?

  Noah got mad seen her with the guy from the rival school!"

  Oh well, I often fantasized he liked only me? Oh well, who was I kidding?

  Can the three hottest culture billionaire heirs in the school like one girl? Is it truly possible?

  I took in a deep breath and exhaled.

  Connor walked up to Noah and tried told him to leave Lisa alone.

  The rival guy Blake walked up and got in Noah's face.

  Blake said, "Your father might be the richest in town, but just so you know we can and will take you down if the need arises.”

  Infuriated, Noah pushed up closer to the guy as though going to hit him, scared out of his mind the punk pulled back.

  And of course, Guzman and Connor in a show of support moved up and stood next to Noah. They held him back and told him not to do it.

  “You have to much to lose Noah. It’s not wo
rth it.”

  Noah eyes bulged in anger, but then he decided Lisa wasn’t worth the trouble.

  Clearly still upset, he shook his head and fumed. He clenched and unclenched his fist then he pushed Guzman and Connor off him. “Fine I am fine.” He said to no one in particular.

  The guys from the rival school walked away with the wealthy girls.

  I thought oh my god did I cause all this? Was Lisa trying to make Noah jealous.

  “I don’t care about her. Fuck them all!” Noah said cursing.

  Then Noah narrowed his eyes on me, yet he didn't say a word.

  I wondered what was going through his mind, was he mad at me or something?

  He walked away towards the car.

  I turned to Guzman and asked, "is there a reason why he's this way? Is he mad at me or something?"

  Guzman said, "I don't think so. He's just going through a lot right now that's just Noah. I think he's having issues with his father right now. It's a long story. You know what would be great? How about we find a place to hang out and study or something? You know we have finals' coming up."

  Plus, Noah might be a little stressed because he has to lead the team to victory at the leadership conference.

  I nodded.

  Oh my god, it all makes sense.

  That's why he's upset.

  He's not mad at me he's upset because he has to win the game.

  Oh my--

  It shouldn't be about me. It should be about all of us.

  I should have asked why they bullied me back in junior school?

  I planned on asking the guys about it.

  But I didn't want anything to take away from our practice. I tried to encourage the guys so they can win that massive tournament.

  Later on that day, the three wealthy girls walked up to me.

  Lisa said, "I think, we got started on the wrong foot. You know why might become best friends since you're the top cheerleader now.

  "Say you know what would be great?" Samantha asked.

  I looked at them and said, “No, what will be great?"