It's Friday already, and Chris had done a lot of making up. He brought me jelly candy every fucking day of the school which earned him a rightful kiss because I am a big sucker for jelly candy, as well as for kissing him.

I forgave him, I guess. But I let it go anyway. I had a lot on my mind already, and holding onto a grudge against him over things he said when he wasn't thinking is never going to do me any good. It would just rot over whatever bond we have.

"So, are you guys excited?" I grin at Evan, Jordan and Chris, which was like more than half of the team, missing Sam and Ryan. And the guys on the side-liners, who rarely played because Coach liked for our school to win.

"Not at all." Jordan says.

"I am. Going to beat William's ass." Evan says and I give him a thumbs up as we sit on the usual lunch table.

"Coach's going to announce the captain this afternoon, isn't he?" Luke asks.

I want to ask him how he knows, since he's on the football team, and not basketball but then I guess the word spreads pretty fast around everywhere. Also, I assume he has friends on the basketball team.

"We already know Chris and Evan are going to be co-captains." Jordan shrugs and I smile at Evan because I know how much this means to him.

"I am actually going to wait for him to say it than trust your words." Chris says and I give his hand a little squeeze.

I know he loves basketball, but I have never seen him talk about it as passionately as I have seen Evan. But that doesn't mean that he loves the game any less or doesn't want to be the captain. They both deserve it equally, because I have seen them play over the years, they are incredibly good.

"Who's the game against tonight?" Rose asks.

"Douches." Chris says and she smiles at him.

I frown at her, kind of feeling jealous of the dimpled smile she's giving my boyfriend right now. God, I sound crazy. I like her as the person she is, but the bitterness often seeps in naturally, I can never help that and it makes me feel like a horrible person sometimes.

"Forney." Evan tells her, narrowing his eyes at her, probably thinking the same thing I just was.

Well, that makes me feel slightly better.

"The William guy who hit on Adrianna?" She asks and I want to slap my hand against her mouth, because sometimes she brings up the worst topics.

"Yup, that one!" Jordan scoffs and gives me a confused look. "Why does everyone even like you? You aren't even that beautiful." He says and I gasp.

"I take huge offence in that statement, Jordie." I say and he glares at me.

"We talked about that name!"

"No, we did not! You just told me I am not beautiful. If it weren't for you being Jay's best friend, he would have punched you by now." I say and look at Chris who's eating his sandwich but when he feels my glare on him, he stops chewing and nods, probably not even sure what he's nodding about.

Jordan kicks my leg under the table and smirks and I get the hint, "Dude, are you serious, did you just agree with her?" Jordan asks, faking the gasp.

Chris looks confused, "Err.. yeah?" He says.

"He's supportive of me no matter what." I coo at him, kissing his cheek for the effect.

"But this is so extreme!" Jordan says and Chris looks between the two of us, "I can't believe you just told her that she could go ahead with it."

"Uh, what?" Chris asks, probably trying to understand what's the big deal about.

"She just said she'll make out with William, more like complete second base thing before the game to put him off and you agreed!" Jordan says and I hear Evan choke on his drink while Chris turns to me wide eyed.

"You'll do what?" He asks and I shrug.

"Thanks for the support, babe. I knew you'll agree."

"Excuse me?" He asks, his jaw twitching as he glares at me, "Are you fucking serious, Claire?"

Jordan, like an idiot, starts laughing at his tone and Chris looks as confused as ever, "Next time pay attention when your girlfriend is saying that you'll punch me in the face just because I think she isn't that beautiful."

"I am a little at loss here, but I will punch you in the face if you say that she isn't that beautiful." Chris tells Jordan, which makes me grin wide and wiggle my eyebrows at Jordan who gapes at his best friend.

"Seriously?" He asks and Chris nods. "You're whipped, man."

Chris shakes his head, "No, I just happen to have a beautiful girlfriend. Which by the way, you don't."

Jordan glares at him, "That's because I have a fucking hot boyfriend."

I stare at him wide eyed, and then point to Rose besides him who's looking at him with the same expression and Luke, who just looks confused.

"Ohh.." Jordan realises, but then shrugs, "What the hell. Hey guys, I am gay." He looks between Luke and Rose.

"Cool." Luke shrugs.

Rose, however, doesn't say anything as she continues to stare at him. It's rude to stare, lady! Evan nudges her side and she snaps out of it and gives Jordan a small smile with a nod.

"Also, I am dating Evan's hot brother. Amazing boyfriend, by the way." He says and I throw a fry at his head.

Rose looks at Evan, "You didn't tell me?"

"Umm.. how does this concern you, Rose?" I ask.

"He's dating my boyfriend's brother." She gapes at me.

"And?" Chris asks.

She immediately shuts up. Her cheeks flame up with embarrassment and I wait for Evan to comfort her, but he actually doesn't. He doesn't do anything at all, if anything, he actually looks like kind of pissed at her.

Chris kisses my cheek, bringing my attention to him and mumbles, "I have to go do something, see you later, okay?" He says and I nod, frowning even though I want to ask where he's going.

He leaves his half-eaten sandwich, and Jordan looks at his retreating figure with a matching frown. He gives me a confused look but I shrug at him as well.

"Your Dad coming to the game?" I ask and he nods.

"Probably Mom is coming too. Gosh, they love my games, but every time they are there, I feel like I have to perform better." He says.

"Expectations?"

He shakes his head, "Not from them, but from me to myself."

I nod in understanding and we silently eat our lunch, at least Jordan and I do while everyone else talks. I realise that Chris wasn't there for the rest of the day in school, and I didn't want to seem too clingy by texting him. But as soon as the school ends, I enter the parking lot with Breanna, I see him getting out of his car, his gym bag on his shoulder.

He notices me, offering me a smile from distance and I just wave at him before turning and going to Breanna's car. She offered that we should hang out at her place today, and I didn't argue because I know it must have something to do with her step mother, who wears the fakest smiles I know of, I swear! Her white pearly teeth are so annoying, and I wonder how Breanna lives in the same house as her – and I hate myself for sounding so fucking judgemental in my head.

"Why are you ignoring your boyfriend?" Breanna asks.

"I am not." I retort and she narrows her eyes at me.

"Yeah? Well, he's calling out for you and he's coming here." Breanna says, looking over my shoulder and I open my mouth to speak but already feel Chris's presence behind me.

"Take charge." I mouth to Breanna before turning around.

Chris smiles down at me, "Hey, are you by any chance ignoring me?"

"Nope."

I am, maybe, I mean – I don't know. I don't like the fact that he just left in the middle of the lunch without any explanation and wasn't there in the school for the rest of the day. The least he could have done was left a message that he wasn't going to be here, but at the same time, he doesn't owe me any explanations. We have only been dating for a week now, and I don't want to seem too clingy, which I seem to get that way too often.

"She isn't feeling well." Breanna pipes in and I mentally thank her.

A sense of worry immediately takes over Chris's face and his eyes roam up and down my body, possibly looking for any sight of hurt before he speaks up, "What's wrong? Did you go the nurse's office?" He asks.

"It's nothing, don't worry. It's just a headache, I'll be fine by the time of game." I give him a small smile, but something tells me that he isn't buying my bullshit.

"You shouldn't come if you're not well." He says, the back of his hand coming to rest on my forehead with a frown on his own face.

I immediately feel guilty for lying to him or for even being remotely mad at him. I am so fucking dramatic sometimes. He probably went for something important that he doesn't feel comfortable sharing or he probably went home to sleep. I have no fucking idea, but I am kinda pissed at myself now for worrying him.

"And miss one of Evan's game? Not happening!" Breanna says and I immediately shoot her a glare.

This is definitely not what I meant when I asked her to take charge. She knows how Chris feels towards Evan, and her comment just now, it didn't help. My eyes move to Chris and his jaw is tense as he looks at anywhere but my face and I step a little closer to him.

"Jay, I am going to go with Breanna, take a nap and if I don't feel good, I wouldn't come, alright? Although I am pretty sure I am just sleep deprived, you have nothing to be worried about." I assure him and he finally meets my eye, giving me a small nod.

"Just give me a call in case you need anything, okay?" He says and I smile on my toes before pressing a kiss against his cheeks which makes him smile.

Breanna tugs at my arm and I get into her car before she starts driving away. Her house is ten minutes away and I turn to her completely during the drive.

"You had to, didn't you?" I look at her, I don't sound mad, because I am not. I just feel like I am having a real bad day.

"Sorry Adri, it totally slipped." She says and I nod.

"How are things with Evelyn?" I ask, referring to her step mother.

"Fine, I guess. She doesn't like Luke, or just the idea of me dating in high school. But I don't let her get to me much. I am kind of done with the idea of pleasing her just so I could please my dad, you know?" She says, pulling into her driveway and I nod.

"Honestly, the idea of not dating in high school is kind of ridiculous because then you go to college with no fucking experience, and next thing you know, you're sleeping with a guy whose name you don't even know." I say and she laughs.

"Absolutely agree. She adores you for some reason, maybe you should tell her you're dating and we can tag-team against her." Breanna suggests and I grin.

"Sure."

We get out of the car and she unlocks the front door, and as soon as we step in, fragrance of baked goods hit me. I forgot that a lot like Kate, Evelyn is amazing at baking. God, are all ladies in Highland Park capable of baking?

"Eve, I am home." Breanna calls out.

Evelyn insists her to use that nickname, just because only her closed ones call her from it. So, she wants Breanna to use it as well. Breanna's Dad and Evelyn have been married for a few years now, with her mother passing away when she was a kid. And even though, I never met the woman but the way Breanna talks about her mother is enough to tell me that she was an incredible woman.

"Hi honey." Evelyn says as we step into the living room and then she notices my presence as well, her face spreading into a huge smile, "Adrianna, it's so good to see you."

"Hey Mrs. Davis." I smile.

"It's Evelyn, dear. I have been telling you that since the day you became friends with Breanna over four years ago." She reminds me.

Yeah, well, I don't know, but I kind of stick to Mrs. Smith for Miranda as well, I have no fucking idea why and I have known that woman for fourteen years now. I just feel weird calling them from first name basis.

I am a weird kind.

"Would you like some cupcakes?" She asks and I nod.

Breanna nudges me from the side, gesturing to her room and I scowl at her. I want to have some good cupcakes. She sighs, but doesn't argue because she's just as much sucker for sweets as I am.

My phone beeps in my pocket and I pull it out.

"Chris said you're not feeling well. You okay, An?"

A smile traces on my lips as I look at Evan's text. I immediately type back a reply, "I'm fine, Ev. See you at game. Good Luck <3 Beat William's ass for me please?"

I am grinning as I hit send. I know he doesn't like William at all, and due to the plain best friend sorority, I dislike the guy just as much. Well, maybe it has a little to do with the stunt he pulled with me.

His reply is almost instant, "Haha, you definitely sound fine to me. And don't worry, I got it. Take care."

It ends with a kissing smiley and I grinned at his text. When I put my phone inthe pocket, I look up to find Evelyn giving me a sceptical look so I give her asmall smile.

"Boyfriend?" She asks, looking between Breanna and me.

"That was Evan, but yeah, I do have a boyfriend." I tell her and sheimmediately frowns. "Speaking of which, have you met Luke, yet? He's wonderful." I grin.

She scowls but immediately musters up a smile, "Breanna's boyfriend? Yeah, met him once. Seems like a nice guy." She says, and Breanna gapes at her, because I am pretty sure this is the first time she has said something good about Luke.

"He is, such a good friend and also treats Breanna right." I add, making Breanna give me a thankful smile

"If you say so. Maybe you should have him over for dinner, sometime Breanna." She looks at her step-daughter whose mouth falls open at the suggestion.

"Are you serious?" She asks and Evelyn shrugs.

"She says he's nice, so what's the harm. In fact, Adrianna, you and your boyfriend should join too. How about next weekend?" She asks and I look at Breanna for assistance.

My best friend shoots me a look with wide eyes and nods her head, so I immediately know that she wants me to agree, "Alright." I smile at her.

Even though I agreed, I am not sure how Chris will feel about it, I mean, he hasn't even had a proper dinner with my father and I have never met his, so I'm not sure how he's going to react to the news that I got us a dinner with Breanna's family.

After that, Evelyn serves us cupcakes, and we excuse ourselves to Breanna'sroom. It's painted blue, because this girl is obsessed with that color. Nowonder she likes Luke for his blue eyes. As soon as I plop down on her queensized bed, she lets out a squeal.

"Can't believe you played that card out there. I knew you were my best friend for a reason." Breanna hugs me from the side and I chuckle.

We talk for the next hour before I fall asleep for another hour, but Breanna wakes me up by plopping pillows down on my head, for her own entertainment. I groan, but she starts to get ready, while I tell her to drive me home so that I can take a shower and wear something comfortable instead of her dresses that she offers.

She pulls on a denim dress which actually looks really cool, and something I would wear. Then on our way to school, we halt by my house. I take a shower before pulling on jeggings and a plain black t-shirt, with white vans. I throw my hair into a high ponytail, not bothering to put eyeliner as I pull on my glasses.

When we reach the school, I know that we are kind of late because Evan texted me before switching his phone off, which was like ten minutes ago. The stairsare full with audience, mostly from Forney but a few from our school as well. I spot Jordan's Dad two cases down.

"I think he's looking for you." Breanna says as I take a seat next to her.

Luke gives me a nod and I smile at him. My eyes go the court side lines where l immediately spot Chris, his eyes roaming in the audience. But then his eyes fix on something – or someone, and a huge smile takes over his features. I try to follow where his gaze at, and immediately turn to Jordan's Dad, Leo.

I didn't notice it at first, but besides him is sitting a brunette with shorthair, a bob cut, actually. I can only see her side profile but I know that she's smiling at Chris. What surprises me next is that she sends him a kiss, her fingers touching her lips before she blows it out towards him.

Seriously? What the hell am I missing here?

A pang of jealousy hits me and I immediately avert my eyes away, pulling my phone out to avoid looking at either of them because I am pretty sure my face is evident of my displeasure at the moment. Breanna nudges my side, almost elbowing my stomach and I grunt at her in response.

"Adri, he's looking straight at you." She says and I shrug.

"Let him." I snap at her.

She frowns at me when I hear Luke speak her, "What's her deal today?" He asks.

"I don't know." Breanna mumbles back, but then turns to me, "It's starting." She says and I finally look at the court, thankful that Chris seems to be busy talking to the Coach.

I immediately notice Evan and Chris wearing similar orange bands in their hands, a sign of captainship. I feel Evan waving at me and I grin at him. He got what he has been working for since last year, and I couldn't be more proud of him.

I am happy for Chris too, but I am a little pissed at him for the moment.

Having a bad day officially sucks.

The buzzer goes off, signalling the start of the game. Within next five minutes, Forney is already leading, the audience from their side buzzing incredibly with excitement. There's a continuous frown set between Chris's eyebrows and that kind of worries me, because I have never seen him like that on the court.

He mouths something to Evan who nods, switching positions with him, with Chris taking his position of shooting guard and Evan taking his place of point guard. I am not sure what the hell are they doing, but they seem confident about it, and Coach seems to be nodding on the sidelines, probably agreeing with their decision.

I sigh a little as Highland Park finally starts scoring. Sam scores two points, and I hear two girls in the background shouting incredibly loud for him. Bless my ears, honestly!

During the half time, Coach seems to be instructing the team and my eyes moveto the Forney, who look confident since they are still in the lead. Whatever strategy they have been coming up with, it's definitely working in their game.