Chapter 5 The Poisoned Apple #2
“Just in it for that dick.” Kenz laughs. “We’re too young to care about that other shit, H. You have some premium dudes wanting to give you amazing orgasms. Count yourself lucky, and let them take care of your needs.”
I grin. “They’re very good at what they do.”
“Yeah, they are. Come on. Let’s meet this chick and get on with the festivities.”
We get in line for tickets. By the time we’re nearing the stadium, it’s time to meet with Sidney.
“I forgot how crowded Senior Night is.” I step closer to Kenz to avoid being run over by some exuberant sophomores.
“It should still be easy to find Sidney.” Kenz goes up on her toes and looks around. She takes my hand. “Found her.”
Sidney and Emma stand next to the concession talking to two guys. Sidney wears Nico’s jersey now and holds another in her hand. Emma just wears her black t-shirt and cheerleading skirt. I vaguely recognize the guys from school. I think they’re on the basketball team.
As we approach, Sidney’s gaze shifts to me before she leans into the flirting guy and passes him something. The guy smirks and heads to the stands. Kenz keeps ahold of my hand.
“I was wondering if you weren’t going to show.” Sidney holds out the jersey like it’s poisonous.
I hand Kenz my purse and pull off Jack’s jersey. Sidney nods Emma’s way. Emma steps up and claims the jersey.
“Thanks.” She gives me a smile before bounding off.
I take Luke’s jersey from Sidney and the smell hits me. It’s not a foul smell but it’s overwhelmingly powerful. It’s a heavy floral scent with this underlying musk. I must make a face.
“Yeah, sorry about that. I spilled my perfume on it.” She gives me a cheeky grin before turning and walking away. “Pleasure doing business with you.”
“Oh, that’s just evil,” Kenz says as she takes a step back from me. “I spilled my perfume on it, my ass.”
I unfold the jersey and shake it in the air, hoping some of the scent goes away. That’s when I notice a blotch of red. I stop shaking it and find a kiss stain right above Luke’s number in red lipstick.
Rage flows through me. “I understand why Emma ran away with Jack’s jersey.”
“Might be able to scrub the lipstick stain off in the bathroom, but I don’t know, H.? That perfume is pretty potent, even outside.”
“I don’t really have a choice.” Sighing, I tug it on over my head. I cough and sneeze as the perfume overwhelms me.
“Oh, shit, I think they’re trying to kill me.” My eyes water at the perfume. I’ve never been allergic to something before, but this might be my Achilles’ heel.
“We need to get in the stands if we want to see our men walk on the field.” Kenz grabs my arm, but then retreats to my hand to tug me up the stairs and into the stands.
When Penny and the others wave, I force a smile before I sneeze again.
Kenz keeps us moving up to the top of the stadium. “Maybe we’ll be lucky and the wind will blow that stink right on the Cheermonsters.”
“I could only be so lucky.” I sneeze again and wipe at the tears leaking out my eyes.
We sit down and the announcer begins to talk about the senior boys. Then he announces each of the guys.
Brandon, Kenz’s boyfriend, is one of the first to go. Maybe I can slip the jersey off and let it air out.
“Jack Hill, accompanied by his parents Cathy and Robert Hill.”
Jack walks onto the field with his parents on either side of him. He flashes a cocky grin at the audience. His father walks tall like he’s proud of Jack with a slight grin on his face. His mother holds Jack’s arm like she never gets to do this and is so happy with him.
“They look like a loving family,” Kenz remarks.
“Mmhmm.” I sneeze again. Fuck this stuff is giving me a headache.
“Take it off, H. The guys can’t see you, anyway.”
“But Sidney can and I’m not letting that bitch win.” Yeah, my pride is going to kill me today. I’m sure that’s what she wants.
“Eli Jacobs, accompanied by his parents Nora and Cameron Jacobs.”
Eli walks out with his face stoic. His parents hold on to each of his arms. His father looks a lot like Eli while his mother forces a smile.
“I’m just glad I have a t-shirt on.” I’m sure it would itch otherwise.
“Try breathing through your mouth.” Kenz shakes her head and covers her mouth. “Or don’t, ew. I think I tasted it. I think I tasted Sidney. So gross.”
“Luke Foster, accompanied by his father William Foster.”
A chill rolls over me as I watch William walk beside Luke. That man is cold even from here. While the other parents were in team colors and jeans, William wears a suit and tie. My gaze moves to Luke, and he’s looking right at me.
My breath catches and then I sneeze. “For fuck’s sake.”
“We always knew Sidney was a toxic bitch. This just proves it.”
“Nico Lee, accompanied by his parents Sarah and Mark Lee.”
Nico smiles as his mother holds his arm with both of her hands. His dad seems proud, but a little distant. He holds himself apart from them.
I sneeze a few times. “Fuck,” I whisper.
When I lift my gaze, Sidney and Ashley are looking up toward me and whispering to each other. They both smile. Ugh, bitches.
“Caden Ross.”
My brow furrows, and I see Caden walking solo down toward the other players. He doesn’t flinch or look meek about it. The new assistant coach runs out to walk beside him. He leans in to say something to Caden, but Caden doesn’t react.
How many other times has he had to do something without a parent? The coach breaks away as they get to the family line. When Caden reaches Jack, Jack’s dad leans in to say something and claps him on the back.
My heart aches, and I rub at it. Caden has everything. He can afford whatever dream of the future he wants. So what if he doesn’t have parents that show up? He has parents. A tear that has nothing to do with the perfume runs down my cheek.
“That’s so fucking cold. You’d think they’d at least show up for tonight. What assholes,” Kenz mutters my way.
“Yeah.” My mom would have gone out there and walked with him if she’d known he would be alone. Hell, I would have walked with him. Even if I’m still salty toward him.
I sneeze as they call out the last few seniors and their parents. Then everyone claps and they move to start the game. I sneeze three more times.
“I’m going to go see if I can get the lipstick off this and maybe tone down the perfume a little.” Kenz is focused on the game. I nudge her. “Text me if they notice I’m gone and I’ll come right back.”
“I should come with,” Kenz says and starts to gather our purses.
“No, it’s just the bathroom. There are people everywhere. I’ll be fine. Besides, we’ll lose our seats.” I glance at the lady sitting in front of me. There’s people down below looking for seats still.
Kenz blows out a breath. “Okay, hurry.”