14. Chapter 14
Chapter fourteen
H omecoming week gives me the perfect excuse to skip small group and avoid seeing Brooks the Wednesday after my sick weekend. I throw myself into the contagious energy of the events, attempting to brush off the weight of last weekend’s emotions.
Lana and Amaya text me often, checking in and offering encouragement. Each time, I’m grateful all over again that God led me to them our freshman year. Their constant friendship stops me from shutting down inside myself.
On Saturday, I send a triumphant text message to our Beefs chat.
AOPi came out on top! Homecoming winners!
LANA
Even though I know you’re supposed to be neutral now, I hope you’re inwardly celebrating
Like I could hide my enthusiasm
AMAYA
YES. It was a crap week at work, and this is exactly the good news I needed
LANA
Aw, I’m sorry, Beef. The real world sucks sometimes
AMAYA
Truth
Need anything? I’ve heard we have some muscle available to rough people up as needed
LANA
laughing GIF
AMAYA
Nah, I’m fine. Just an annoying coworker not pulling their weight
Not everyone can be as amazing as you
I’m smiling down at my phone when I hear Bailey’s voice. She’s talking to a group of TriAlphas, so I head over to say hi.
“Hey, Bailey! I should have figured you would be here!” I say.
She smiles at me. “Congrats to AOPi! They did a great job this week.” Her praise seems genuine. I guess that goes to show that anyone can change their ways.
“Are you going to the soccer game?” I ask.
“Nah, I don’t think so,” Bailey responds as the TriAlphas leave to join their group. “You?”
“I was thinking about it, but I’m worn out. Want to go grab an early dinner?” I ask.
Bailey’s eyes momentarily widen with surprise. “Yeah, I would. Thanks, Teegan.”
After an entirely pleasant dinner with Bailey, I head home. Gina texts me an update from the soccer game—the Townsend Bobcats are winning 1-0 to start the second half. In the past, I never would have passed up a social opportunity with students, but lately, I’ve been better at occasionally saying no so I can refill my own tank.
I plop down on the couch to watch a show. Halfway through, my calendar reminds me to call my dad. Dialing his number, I turn down the volume on the TV.
“Hey, Teegan,” my dad’s booming voice answers. “How are ya?”
“Hi, Dad! I’m good. Had a busy homecoming week, but I'm watching TV and relaxing at home tonight. How’s work going?” I ask.
“Oh, nothing too interesting,” he responds. “What show are you watching? Have you seen that conspiracy theory dance show on Netflix?”
“Yes!” I exclaim, and we spend the next fifteen minutes dissecting our reactions. “Are you still going to come over for Thanksgiving dinner?” My parents’ amicable divorce has meant joint holiday celebrations some years, at least when my dad isn’t traveling to visit his extended family.
“Um, probably so,” he replies, sounding hesitant.
“Did you decide to travel this year?” I ask, unable to hide the disappointment from my voice. I was really looking forward to being with both my parents together this year, especially since Logan won’t be there.
“No, I just hadn’t fully ironed out my plans yet,” Dad says, still sounding flighty. I’m silent.
He clears his throat. “You know what—I’ll make sure I’m there.”
“Yay! Good,” I respond before changing the subject.
By the time I hang up with my dad, I have a long string of text messages on our small group thread.
brOOKS
Are we dressing in costumes since small group falls the night before Halloween?
SARAH
Lol—I couldn’t tell you the last time I dressed up in a costume!
WILL
I’m game as long as everyone dresses up. I’m not going to be the only one showing up in costume.
brOOKS
I promise not to leave you hanging
JOY
That could be fun! I’ll plan some festive Halloween snacks
CATHERINE
Nothing creepy though. I don’t like gory costumes
NATALIE
Agree. I see enough blood at work
JASON
Gross, Natalie
NATALIE
Realities of life. Particularly of bringing new life into the world
JASON
Someone change the subject please
Jason’s latest text comes through as I’m catching up, and I take it upon myself to jump in and save this conversation.
Idea! Let’s dress up as each other! I can draw names for everyone like a Secret Santa, then we can try to guess who is who
brOOKS
Best idea ever
SARAH
Oh I love that
WILL
Deal
I smile, congratulating myself on an excellent idea. Also, since I’m in charge, I can make extra certain that Brooks and I do not get each other’s names.
I arrive at Joy and Caleb’s house, dressed up as Will. My borrowed khaki pants and dress shirt scream “tech guy” to me, even though I have no idea if this is how he actually dresses for work.
We have a riot of a time laughing at each other’s outfits and guessing identities. Natalie nailed her impersonation of me with a dress, matching hair bow, and color-coordinated nail polish. Brooks has on an apron and carries around a tray of cookies the entire evening, a perfect Sarah depiction. Will makes a big fuss about tech guy stereotypes, but everyone instantly guesses who I’m dressed as.
When the night is wrapping up, I’m talking with Catherine, Candace, and Sarah in the foyer. “Hey, Sarah, I have a request. Next Wednesday is my birthday, so would you pleeease bring a batch of those oatmeal chocolate chip cookies to small group? Pretty pretty please?”
Sarah’s face brightens, and she says, “Oh yeah, I kno—”
Her statement is cut off by Catherine falling into a loud coughing fit, and I notice Candace giving Sarah an evil eye. Weird .
“I know you love those cookies!” Sarah says, cheeks red. “I promise I’ll bring some.”
I hear Brooks’ voice approaching, and I’d like to avoid any further conversation with him. I think I’ve done a fine job tonight of acting like my normal, energetic self. I could win an Academy Award in the “Don’t Let Anyone Know Your True Feelings” category. But let’s not push the limits.
“See you Sunday!” I say, heading outside to my car. I notice Brooks on the sidewalk, watching me drive away.
Physical distance might be my only weapon until I figure out how to handle him.