Chapter 14 Fitting Into My New Role
-Drew-
Mornings aren't planned in our house so it's a little random that we end up leaving the house at the same time as the Campbell siblings.
Annie waves, walking over to me, almost completely ignoring Daniel.
She asks me, “Hey, mind letting me bum a ride to school this morning? Miles wants to get Steph and have some ‘alone time.’” I take a side glance over at Daniel, taking in his amused expression.
I play up that I understand the feeling and it makes Annie laugh, and I know I am playing my role to perfection.
She waves goodbye to her brother without even looking at Daniel, walks over to the passenger side, and scoots into the backseat.
If she wants to ignore Daniel, I’m game to help, so I don’t go to the front seat like I normally do.
I open the back door on the driver's side of the car, joining her in the backseat. It’s a tight fit with my legs hitting the driver's seat, but I can tell it’s having a fun effect on my brother.
He has never enjoyed having to play second fiddle to anyone, especially me.
He gets in the car and pushes the seat back just enough to let me know that, yes, he noticed.
I’m not where I belong in the front seat and yes he is going to make this uncomfortable for me as a result.
I don’t give in to his action but instead turn to Annie, “Hey, did you see the game last night?” I ask her, because I assume this will get a conversation going.
She surprises me a little when she replies, “No, I missed it can you catch me up?” That is all the introduction I need before diving into the play-by-play of the playoff game between the Fighters and Meteors.
For the five-minute drive to school, I catch her up.
She gives me her almost undivided attention.
She doesn’t make fun of me when I make my mini-home run batting motion.
I continue the recap until we are almost at the front doors of the school.
When I catch Daniel giving me a look, I determine it to mean ‘get it over with.’ I make quick work of wrapping it up and say goodbye to Annie before walking away.
I give myself a mental pat on the back for playing my friend role so well.
As I enter the school, making my way to my locker, I notice Meg talking with a group of girls.
I make my way over to the group and wrap my arm across the top of Meg's shoulders. “Good morning, ladies,” I say and smile at the group. I’m not sure of the other girls’ names, but both give Meg a nod and quickly find a way to head off, leaving me and Meg alone as people come and go heading towards first period.
“You sure know how to break up a crowd,” she laughs.
“It’s my secret power, shhh, don’t tell anyone,” I reply and remove my arm from around her shoulders.
I earn a smile from her. “It will be our little secret.” She lowers her volume to just above a whisper.
The bell interrupts us before the conversation can progress.
“See you at lunch. We’ll have to see if my powers can scare off anyone else,” I say.
I can just make out her laugh over the crowd as I walk away.
***
Nothing of note takes place the rest of the day, and lunch has all the same players.
As I’m sitting in fifth period, I can feel my phone vibrate in my pocket.
I adjust my position in my desk to make it look like I’m stretching to cover up the fact that I’m pulling my phone out of my pocket.
I open the text app and see “Meg with the Nice Ass” has sent a text.
Meg with the Nice Ass
Your powers must have failed you
Drew
Never, I only use them when I want 1:1 attention.
Meg with the Nice Ass
Did you just admit you want my attention?
Drew
Did I ??
or maybe you want mine
you did text me
A voice clears next to me, and I look up into Mrs. Smith’s face.
“Anything you want to share with the class, Mr. Davis?” I shut the phone.
“No, can’t say I have anything interesting to share.
” Mrs. Smith lets me know she better not see my phone out again or I’ll be handing it over.
I apologize, and she goes back to the lecture.
I glance over to Annie; she’s covering her smirk.
I have a feeling that she will be having a laugh about this with Meg later.
I can feel my phone vibrate a few more times in my pocket, but I wait until I’m walking to baseball before looking at it again.
Meg with the Nice Ass
I have your attention, aren’t you in class replying to me?
No reply, oh no did you just get your phone taken?
I’ll take the silence as a “yes”
Later Mr. Abs
Drew
A little smug aren’t you?
My good looks are the only reason
you’re getting a reply right now
Meg with the Nice Ass
Oh, did the shirt have to come off as collateral?
Who knew I’d regret not signing up for AP English
Drew
Didn’t you see my abs as I walk to baseball?
I guess it’s your loss
Later Meg
Meg with the Nice Ass
I think I need a pic as proof
Later Mr. Abs
I almost send her a picture of me showing off my abs.
She asked, after all, but then I played it up, sending her a random photo from the internet of a guy with a beer belly.
I shut off my phone as I entered the locker room.
I haven’t made the team officially, but the coach said that being in the sixth-period workout practice time would help me get to know the team and get me up to speed on the expectations.
The guys aren’t making it easy on me, and I’m ok with that.
I don’t want any handouts as the new guy, and they haven’t offered them.
The locker room talk is in full effect as we dress out for practice.
I take my spot alongside Luke and ask him what’s the latest and greatest. He looks over his shoulder, then clears his voice.
“Craig isn’t going to like it, but the guys can’t get over the new and improved Annie Campbell.
” “What is new about Annie?” I question.
I mean I haven’t known her long, but she has been pretty consistent over the last few months.
Luke looks around again, seeing no sign of Craig, so he replies, “Annie hasn’t always come to school looking like a freakin’ model.
Annie’s always been hot, don’t get me wrong, but this year, well, she is dressed to impress, and everyone here is appreciating it.
” As he finishes, Craig comes through the locker room door.
Before I can learn anything else, Luke is asking me about the game last night, and I give him the out before Craig can catch on to our previous conversation.
As I follow him out of the locker room, I can’t help but feel a little disappointed about not knowing her before.