Despicable - 5. Whisper to a Scream

Chapter 5: Whisper to a Scream

SCENE A

First day of school always used to be a fun experience for me. Debuting a new look, outfit, and shoes. Telling stories about summer travels abroad. It was always fun. Instead, I am here in Colorado already dreading my first day.

If it wasn't apparent in my clothes of choice, I honestly couldn't care about making a statement. A Simple t-shirt I had picked up at a Gas station, a pair of sweats that at least showed I still had an ass, and one of the few pairs of tennis shoes I owned. My hair was in a simple ponytail and my make-up minimal.

I looked out the window, noting the clouds and the looming sign of a storm coming. I sighed and grabbed my backpack and headed out the door, seeing Caleb come out of his room at the same time. He looked at me before walking pass me down the hall.

“Hey,” I called out. “I didn't see you at all yesterday. Did you get everything you needed for the first day?' If not, I can take you after school.”

“I have my first game today,” He said. “I'm fine.”

I nodded. “Okay, good, I'll be there,” I said with a smile. “I don't really feel like cereal or pop-tarts, so we can stop and get something on the way to school.”

“I'll walk,” Caleb said turning to leave.

I followed after him. “Walk? It looks like a storm is coming,” I said as we descended the stairs. “I know my jeep is....ugly, there I said it, but it beats arriving drenched.”

Caleb shrugged. “Really, I'm fine with walking,” He said. “But can I ask a question? Where were you Saturday night? I called you 8 times and someone said they saw you leaving through the woods.”

I paused, trying not to feel the shame of that night. I figure the less I thought of it, the less I'd feel like a piece of trash A slut.

“Um, yeah, I left,” I said to him. “Really wasn't my scene and I felt awkward”

“Alone?” Caleb asked.

I cleared my throat. I didn't want to lie but I didn't want to tell my brother what I had done. “Uh not exactly,” I said to him. “I was with uh...”

Dave came to mind, but he had a girlfriend and I'd hate to get caught in this lie. I was good at lying. And the first thing about a lie, never get caught. And the second? All lies need a basis of believable truth.

“Parker,” I said to him. “I was with Parker.”

His eyes widened but he quickly recovered. But I caught it.

“I-I didn't do anything,” I said quickly. “Other than Kiss him. Seriously, I was just drunk and all we did was Kiss.”

Caleb nodded; “Okay,” He said quietly. “That's fine.”

He grabbed his house key from its resting place and headed o0ut the front door. I wasn't entirely sure why but nothing about that felt fine.

SCENE B

“So first day,” Monica Lapre said as the family plus Keeley and Parker sat around for breakfast.
“Are we all excited?”

“For school? OF course, Totally,” Parker said sarcastically, with a smile. “I only go to school for the access to play football, not the education.

Dave's father, Jacob, laughed at that, despite his wife's disapproving look.

“Well, you need the education to fall back on in case football doesn't work out,” Monica rationalized.

“Oh, Mrs. Lapre, it will,” Parker said. “Besides, I'd like to think God gave me a backup plan. He didn't give me good talent and good looks. I'll just find me a rich wife in the off chance I don't make it.”

The family laughed at that. Dave took a sip from his orange juice. “The game today should be fairly easy,” he said, “I just wish our first game could have more of an impact.”

“Think of it as a warm-up, son,” Jacob said. “I'd hate to be the other team, having to play against you guys and starting off our season with a loss.”

“I'd hate to be them period,” Parker muttered.

Besides you guys have that new kid,” Keeley pointed out. “Casey Monroe?”

“Caleb,” David corrected, causing Parker to roll his eyes. “Yeah, he is really good. I definitely am looking forward to our line-up this year.”

Parker scoffed. “Seriously, I think we're fine regardless with you and I,” He said dismissive. “And a bare minimum effort from Connor.”
Dave shrugged but said nothing more. He knew how competitive Parker could get. It was just too early for them to have this debate.

“Monroe?” Jacob asked, after a moment. “That's the family that moved across the street right? Interracial family.”

“Wow, that's your first way of describing them?” David scoffed. “Not at a racist or ignorant sounding dad.”

“It wasn't meat like that, David,” He explained. “It's just the first thing you notice. It's not like we see couples like them around here. Hispanic and Asian/Caucasian with a black child.”

Dave snorted. “Really because all I noticed were a mom and dad with a son and daughter,” He replied. “But then again, my eyes have been known to see the truth others hide.”

Jacob flashed his son a look, who ignored him, grabbing bacon off Keeley's plate. Parker glanced over at Keeley who shrugged while Monica looked at her son and husband.

“Well, either way, I say we invite them over for dinner and get to know the family,” She said hoping to steer the conversation back from whatever tension was happening.

“What?” Dave asked. “That's unnecessary. I already know Caleb and Madison.”"

"I agree,” Keeley said with a shake of her head. “I'm sure she is a nice girl but the way she carries herself just screams, excuse my language, bitch.”Parker was about to respond but David kicked him.

“Well, your father and I don't know the family, so I suppose we can at least introduce ourselves,” Monica relented, though Jacob merely grunted.

"I should get to work,” He said, standing up with his wife and kissing her. David rolled his eyes which Jacob caught but said nothing of it. “Have a good day at school and I'll see you all at the game.”

“Parker, Keeley do you mind if I speak to David for a second?” Monica asked of them and both stood up.
“I gotta head out and drop this off for dad anyway,” Parker said, motioning the plate she made for him.

“And I'll be outside in the Jeep,” Keeley said kissing David's head. “Please change that shirt. Now that we're back together, I want to take a new profile pic for Facebook and that shirt doesn't fully show off your body the way I want.”

Monica's eyebrows raised but she smiled as Keeley left. “I will never understand how my good boy somehow is aiming for girls like her,” She joked. “But then again, I sound like my dad in regards to your father.”

David cleared the table of the dishes as his mother came up behind him.

“David, is there something we need to talk about?” She asked him. “I am noticing more and more tension with your father and it is troubling me. He seems to think you are stressed and just acting out”

He shook his head and smiled at his mom. “He's right,” he said quietly. “And I'm sorry if I am being an ass. Just missed Keeley and football. But I got both back and I am good now.”

She grabbed his hand and kissed his cheek. “Well, I am certainly glad to hear that,” She said with a big smile. “I worry about you as my only child.”

She adjusted his collar on his shirt and pinched his cheek.

“I like Keeley because you love her and I'll always respect your choices,” She said to her son. “And I respect your choice in this shirt. No need to change to conform to a sense of vapid vanity.”

SCENE C

I smiled to myself as I looked at my student ID. My dad had pulled some tricks and it said Madison on the ID.

“Thanks dad,” I said softly.

I looked up and saw Caleb walking inside the office, not even looking the least bit tired or sweaty. Caleb barely glanced my way as he spoke to the receptionist. Sighing, I figured I'd give him space before I tried to figure out what sparked this latest mood swing.

I walked through the door, checking my phone to see if I received any new messages from back home, not realizing I was walking towards steps. I nearly lost my balance if hands didn't grab my arm.

“Easy there,” A voice said pulling me back.

I turned to face a guy who was at least 2 inches taller than me, even with 6 inch heels. I looked back, realizing how dumb I was and chuckled. “Oh crap, thank you so much. You probably just saved my life.”

“At worst, you would have broken a few things is all,” He said sticking his hand out. “I'm Matt Sutphin. And I take it you're one of the new kids.”

He was definitely attractive. Buzz Cut Brunette hair, broad shoulders and an obviously well-sculpted body with a strong jaw line and a nice smile.

“Gotta love small towns,” I said with a chuckle. “I'm Madison though my friends call me Madi or Mads.'

“Cool name Mads,” He said flashing his smile again. “Mind if I walk with you? We gotta little time to kill before homeroom starts?”

"Well, you'll definitely be able to help me find homeroom, at least so sure,” I said as I made my way down the steps;

I didn't notice Parker, Keeley, and David walking into the school.

“What....the actual fuck?” Parker asked, as they all stood frozen.

Nor did I notice, Matt making eye contact, his smile gone...replaced with a hard look.

“I thought it was a rumor that he was coming back,” Keeley said.

“And with Madison,” David thought.

Parker snapped out of his shock when he saw Caleb walking out of the office. “Look, we will handle that later,” He said to them. “Just act cool. I'll see you in 2^nd period.”

He followed after Caleb, while Keeley stood still shaken from seeing Matt. “You don't think he is going to start anything do you?” She asked nervously. “About that night?”

David wasn't sure what to think. He certainly wasn't prepared to see Matt back at school. “Parker is right,” He said; “We just need to act normal and get through this boring day.”

“But David, what we did....” She began but he placed his hands on her shoulder.

“We didn't do anything,” He said cutting her off “We don't know anything.”

"We know exactly what happened,” She said to him. “We know exactly what happened to her that night? And if he is back...;”

David pulled her to the side, of the hall, to not be overheard. “She has not been a problem for us in almost a year,” He said quietly. “And Parker, myself and everyone involved will not let Matt cause any issues. It's an army of us....and one of him. He has nothing to gain from opening that door.”

“But David...”

He placed his finger on her lips

“You focus on being perfect,” He sad to her. “And I'll focus on protecting your perfection.”
He had to admit, he was afraid himself. Because that night was a night that forever changed him. Hell, it nearly destroyed him.

SCENE D

“Happy first day of school,” Parker said slamming Caleb's locker door shut, and leaning against the lockers arms folded.

Caleb frowned slightly. “What? No Army of punks around you to shove my head into water?” He asked sarcastically, turning to leave.

Parker shrugged and followed behind him “It's not even first period yet, the day is still young,” He noted “Seriously, are you going to tell the truth?:

Caleb shook his head :For the last time, I earned my way on that fucking team,” He said to him “Are you that threatened by an underclassmen that...”

Parker grabbed Caleb, cutting him off, and shoved him against the locker, drawing the attention of students around them both.

“You have a lot of mouth, you fucking faggot,” Parker said, glaring into his eyes.

Caleb was a strong guy but even he knew that Parker was stronger and likely could easily beat him. With a four inch difference, Parker already had him slightly off the ground.

“Let go of me,” Caleb grunted, but made no effort to try and get loose.

“You heard him,” A voice said from behind him.

Parker glanced behind him, tensing up slightly at the sight of Matt. He loosened his grip on Caleb, who shoved him away and grabbed his books he had dropped.

Matt looked over at Caleb. “Get out of here, kid,” He commanded.

Caleb frowned at him at the kid comment but said nothing more as he grabbed the rest of his stuff and pushed through the hallway. This was the second time in 48 hours he found himself being bullied. He was starting to wonder if football was worth this.

“Still being a predator,” Matt said to Parker, who stared him down. “I guess that must run in the family.”

Parker turned to leave, his business with Caleb done, but Matt wasn't done with him. “You're back,” He said quietly. “Why?”

“School duh,” Matt said, as if the answer was obvious.

"You are not supposed to be here,” Parker said through gritted teeth. “We had a deal....Our families had a deal.”

“See, the thing about deals..they can be broken as easily as they can be made,” Matt responded. “You seem bothered by my return.”

“You know exactly why I am bothered,” Parker said, voice raising. “We haven't had any trouble since that night and we don't want any problems. So Why are you back, Matt? Why now?”

“Boarding school in Oregon is just as appealing as it sounds,” Matt said to him. “I missed this town. I missed football. I missed this school. And I missed trouble.”
Parker glared at him, with a look of disgust and anger. Matt smiled at him, same sad smile.

“You look like you want to hurt me, P,” Matt teased. “Aggression must also run in the family as well.”

Parker got in his face. “Don't you dare talk about my family,” He said in a low breath. “Don't you fucking dare. When my dad finds out you're back he.....”

“Already knows,” Matt said to him. “I had some doughnuts delivered to the station. I hope Cops do like doughnuts and that's just not a stereotype, man. But I am going to make one thing clear. I let you guys push me around last year and you intimidated my family. Now it's time for your families to see how it feels to be threatened. Your lives ruined.”

Matt patted him on the cheek before turning to leave. Parker immediately grabbed his cellphone and called his father.

SCENE E

“You've got to be fucking kidding me,” I muttered as I walked into my third period class, Life Studies.

David sat in the middle of the classroom. He sighed at the sight of me but he didn't seem as bothered by it as I was.

I accepted homeroom...our Last names were L & M. Made sense.....But then our homeroom teacher, turned into my first period teacher as well....which I shared with him. Second period, I had to endure Keeley. And yet again, David sat in a class with me. With the only open chair next to him.

“Thank you, Universe,” I said rolling my eyes as I took the seat beside him. I grabbed my notebook out of my back, awaiting the class to begin.

“Small town,” David said quietly.
I looked over at him, confused; “Excuse me?”

"It's a small town and we have a graduating class of 214.” He explained. “So you probably shouldn't be shocked to see me.”

"Duly noted,” I said, tapping my fingers on the desk.

He fidgeted slightly and sighed before turning towards me. “Is it going to be like this all year?” He asked me. “Because this is going to suck.”

“We don't have to talk,” I said to him, but sighed “I'm sorry.”

“Me too,” David said to him. “I just didn't get why you were so angry with me at the party. I still don;t.”

I looked over at him. Was I actually jealous that he had a girlfriend? We barely knew each other and I don't know why I cared.

“I'm on my period?” I Joked which caused him to laugh.

The rest of the class went well, with us writing notes back and forth and laughing at our shared interest in The Office and The Big Bang Theory. The bell rung signaling our time for lunch I grabbed my things and stood up;

“Hey do you have lunch plans?” He asked me “Think you want to join me and some of the guys from the team in the student center? Also, nobody but underclassmen and losers eat in the cafeteria.”

I scoffed. “Really? Because I was craving lukewarm lunch and questionable fruit with stale rolls as a side.”

We made our way out the door but were caught off-guard by Keeley popping up in front of us. She grabbed him and kissed him deep and hard. I rolled my eyes but stood there till she was finished, leaving a slightly confused David.

“Hey babe,” He said to her “Shouldn't you be in class now?”

“Well, I may have pulled some strings and got my lunch switched to yours,” She said to him. “Flirting with the nerdy likely virginal Guidance counselor and voila! Here I am.”

David glanced at me before glancing at Keeley and forcing a smile. “Oh, wow you didn't have to do that” He said but she waved her hand dismissively.

“Of course I did,” She said pulling him with her.”It's the popular lunch to have and I want to make sure we are seen. I really wished you would have changed the shirt It looks so.....department store.”

“Hmm, I think it looks nice,” I commented “As much as I love designer, I have noticed department stores have some decent fashion.”

Keeley stopped and finally acknowledged me.”Oh, Madison, didn't see you there lurking, My apologies.”

"Well, between whining and vanity I can see how I am hard to miss,: I said sarcastically, causing Keeley's eyes to widened slightly.

David cleared his throat. “Uh, I was inviting Mads here to lunch with the crew in the cafe,” He said with a smile.

“Mads?” Keeley said with a nod. “Well, what kind of friends would we be without showing the new girl around?”

David looked from me to Keeley and gave off a nervous laugh. I smiled as he motioned for us to leave. Keeley flashed him a look of annoyance, but walked beside me.

“So having a great first day, Dear Mads?” She asked quietly. “Everyone treating you okay? Made any friends besides my boyfriend and in between hanging alone?”

I was about to fire a retort of my own but was saved by Matt “Yes, actually,” I said, noticing him and pushing pass Keeley. “I met this handsome guy earlier this morning. This is....”

“Matt,” David said as Keeley took a step back beside him.

I shook my head. “Blonde moment, it's a small town of course you know each other,” I said with a slight laugh.

Matt looked at the two of them with a smile. “It's been awhile guys,” He said to them. “What? Nine months?”

Keeley forced a smile and leaned into hug him. “You look.....great.” She said quietly. “I hope your time away was good?”

“It wasn't the best but I am happy to be home,” He said to them. “Nothing like seeing old faces and the welcome they bring.”

“Sorry to interject but I am hungry so we can definitely continue this conversation over food preferably,” I said to them all. “Matt, please join us for lunch”

David and Keeley shared a look which Matt didn't miss. “Is that okay with you two? Or should we ask Parker? I know he tends to call the shots and gets territorial.”

I scoffed “Parker can screw himself if he has an issue,” I said with a laugh. “Show me where this Cafe is before I faint.”

I followed behind Matt while Keeley turned to face David, who looked at her and shook his head. “Just act normal,” He said to her. “We don't need to clue Madison on anything.”

“Who gives a fuck about her and what she thinks?” Keeley hissed. “We are not seriously having lunch with him. Not after what happened.”

“Yes, we are,” David said. “We are going to find out why he is back and I refuse to let him think he is going to intimidate us.”

Keeley looked at him and sighed. “Maybe you're right,” She said to him. “As much as Madison annoys me, perhaps we can use her to find out info on him.”

“What?” David sad in shock “No, we are not using her for anything'? She's my neighbor and my friend I don't want her to find out about homecoming.”

Keeley scoffed. “I don't care about her, but what I do care about is your focus on what some random black tramp thinks over your girlfriend, your friend and even your own well-being,” She said to him. “I want to know why he is back and you should too. If I have to put on a brave face, then man up and realize you have to sacrifice to win.”

SCENE F

Caleb knocked on Coach Allen's door. He looked up and gave him a smile and motioned him inside the office. “What's up, Monroe?”

Caleb sat down and placed his bag on the ground. “Uh, I am not really feeling well,” He began. “I'm feeling a bit light-headed.”

“While I know first-aid, I am confused to why you came to see me and not the nurse?” Coach asked with a slight chuckle.

Caleb nodded, realizing how dumb that was and cleared his throat. “My dad paid for me to get on the team,” He said quietly.

“Okay,” Coach said simply.

“It meas I didn't earn my place om this team,” Caleb said to him. “It means I don't deserve to play on this team. I just wanted to play really badly. I am good at it. It's my life. It's what I live for. I am not like my....sister. I am not as smart. I am not as talented in many other things. I am not perfect and I don't try to be. I am me. And I am good at football. But I don't belong on the team.”
Coach closed his notebook and looked at him with an appraising look before he motioned for him to the door “Get out.

“Excuse me?” Caleb asked confused.

“Look I have a busy day ahead of me and my door is always open for real legit issues,: He said to him. “You boys are my kids and I am always here for a talk But not when it is whining.”

He slid over to his cabinet and grabbed a file with Caleb's name on it. “Your father did offer me money,” He said to him. “I took the money. But that money isn't why you are on this team. So many of our players pay their way into success and I am sick of it. Bribing teachers for higher grades. Bending rules with the principal. I told your father I am an honest man. He had to prove to me you were worth me approving for a late arrival.”

He opened the folder and pulled out Caleb's stats and a DVD. “This is what you got you on the team,” He continued. “You got yourself on this team. Not your father. The money he gave me was used as a donation to lesser funded clubs. Not for my monetary gain and not for this team or your benefit.”

Caleb looked down at the file, still feeling unsure Even if he did earn it....it just didn't feel;the same for him anymore; It wasn't fun. Nobody on the team would ever believe he rightfully earned his place

“I'm sorry,” He said quietly grabbing his bag. “I really am. I hope you guys do great tonight and this season.”

Coach nodded, disappointed. “Think on it before deciding,” He said going back to his notes.

But Caleb's mind was made up. He was going to quit the team. It felt like the right choice for him.

SCENE G

Parker glared at Matt as he sat between Keeley and David. David elbowed him, to fix his face. “So Mads,” Matt began. “How are you liking Peyton? Definitely not up north.”

I nodded. “That's an understatement but I am slowly adjusting to this small town living,” I said with a laugh. “Someone pumped my gas at the service station Any excuse for me to be lazy I will definitely take.”

David, in spite of the tension, laughed at that. I shared a smile with him which wasn't missed by Keeley.

“Ready for the game tonight guys?” She asked David and Parker.

“Definitely, I have been dying to get back out there and get ready for championship,” David said taking one of her celery sticks.

“I am too,” Matt said suddenly. “I spoke to Coach about getting back on the team and he cleared it this morning.”

Parker choked on his water. I looked at him with a bemused expression. “You okay there, Slater?”

“What do you mean cleared it?” David asked him. “Like playing on the team? With us?”

“Yep,” Matt said, enjoying the look of horror. “Of course, I have to miss this game. He figured it was fine since it's just a scrimmage for pre-season.”

“Why...just why?” Parker demanded. “What are you trying to gain from joining a team that nobody wants you on?”

“Nobody in reference to you?” Matt asked him. “Because my being on the team would push you and David back from being Captain right?”

I looked at Matt, confused, before turning my attention to the two boys. Parker was brimming with Anger while Keeley held David's hand.

“You're not getting our spots,” Parker said to him. “And you're not getting on this team. I'll talk to coach and....”

“At least you're talking now and not roughing people up,” Matt said, taking a bite of his BLT. “Unlike this morning when you roughed that underclassmen up. The new kid on the team?”

I looked at Matt before turning to Parker. “Caleb?” I demanded. “As in my little brother Caleb? What the fuck did you do to my brother?”

Matt's eyes widened in shock at this revelation. Even Keeley and David were caught off guard by this revelation.

“It was just a conversation,” Parker said to me “Your brother was talking shit and....”

“You tried to fight him,” Matt said with a shrug “Just like you did on Saturday at the party? When you harassed him at the party?”

"Oh my god,” I said getting up. “I need to find my brother”

“Madison...” Parker called out but I turned and slapped him across the face.

“My brother is not your punching bag,” I said to him “Next time you have a problem with hum, you keep your hands off him or you're going to have a problem with me.”

I stormed off, phone out ready to text Caleb to see if we could meet and talk. I was so wrapped up in my own life I hadn't realized my brother needed me and it felt horrible.

“You're a fucking dick,” David said to him. “How many kids have you beat up since we've known you?”

Matt shrugged. “I'm a different guy now,” He said “After last year and leaving, I realized how horrible this town is.”

“Yet you came back,” Keeley said. “Why? For revenge?”

“A fresh start.” Matt said. “I don't deserve revenge. But she does....”

“We agreed not to speak about that,” Parker said “We made a pact that night All of us involved. You weren't supposed to come back. But we are not discussing what happened that night.”

“”How's big brother?” Matt asked curiously. “How's college treating the big guy? He still to perfect Golden boy you fall to be like much to daddy's disappointment?”

Parker made a move and Matt stood up ready but David grabbed his friend and held him tight by the shoulder.

“We're horrible people....” Matt said quietly. “She didn't deserve that. Nobody deserved that to happen to them.”

“She and Paxton had a relationship,” Keeley said to him “Nobody knew he was;....like that. Gay....”

“He's not gay,” Parker muttered “She was a sick freak”

“He hurt her. He beat her. With his friends,” Keeley continued “Because she talked and she could ruin his life. His future.”

“And we let it happen,” Matt said to her. “We let that happen to that girl.”

“She isn't a fucking girl,” Parker spat. “She's some sick faggot who took advantage of my brother and blackmailed him. And she got what she deserved...”

“God the lies you tell yourself to deal with what happened that night,” Matt scoffed; “Paxton hurt her because someone found out he was sleeping with a tranny. And we were all accessories to that and your father covered it up.”

“So now you're here to get revenge on us because you had to go away?” David asked him. “Because it's been months. We paid the price for that family and it's over. We want to move forward.”

“And I want a fresh start and to atone for what I did that night,” Matt said to them. “I am back. I am staying and if you guys or Parker's dad get in the way I will take all of you down. You forget, I used to be the king of this school and I Know all your secrets.”

He grabbed his bag and gave them a smirk before walking off, leaving the three of them shook.

SCENE H

“Dude,” Caleb said as I hugged him. It had taken me the rest of the day to get to him but I manage to ambush him as he was leaving his last period.

“Sorry, Sorry,” I said pulling him down the hall. “I just had to talk to you.”

Caleb sighed and allowed me to pull him as we walked out the door “I am really tired,” He said as we took a seat on some benches. “I just want to get home and rest?”

“What? You have a game in like two hours,” I said confused.

“I quit the team,” He said with a shrug. “No big deal?”

“Yes big deal,” I said to him. “Is this about this morning? With Parker?”

Caleb sighed and shook his head; “I don't want to talk about it.”

“I heard about it from Matt,” I said to him “The guy who defended you? And I heard about what happened at the party. I'm sorry I wasn't there.”

“I Called you a lot,” He said quietly. “I have never been so humiliated in my life. I wished we hadn't moved here. I want to go back. Even without football, I just don't want to be here.”

I nodded. I felt bad for hum because it was my fault we were here. I caused this. Worse, he thought I had been with Parker.

“So I was an idiot back home and I....will always apologize for that,” I said to him. “For taking you away from your perfect life with my hell.: But you have to realize what I realize. Being true to yourself. Being you for you and living your dreams. And football is your dream.”

“It is.” He said quietly. “But it sucks when people think you paid your way for your chance to live your dream.”

“True, I imagine it does,” I said to him, “But you know it isn't true what they think. It doesn't matter what you tell them. People will believe what they want. So you have to show them by showing how much of a beast you are. Because quitting only shows them they are right.”

He looked at me, unsure and I gave him a smile.

“As an added bonus, I also slapped the hell out of Parker,” I said proudly. “He had it coming. So now you gotta go out there just so I can see him sweat even more.”

Caleb smiled and gave me a small hug. “Thanks bro,” He whispered.

"For what? Slapping Parker?” I joked,. “You know I have violent outbursts when people mess with my little brother.”

“That and for being here,” He said with a smile.

I messed with his hair an stood up. “And I am going to be at this stupid game,” I said to him. “In this freaking heat, Supporting you.”

My phone Vibrated and I glanced to see an unknown number with a Peyton area code calling me. I raised my hand to excuse myself.

“Hello?”

“Mateo,” The Voice said sending a chill up my spine.

It was the officer from the other night. I instantly flashed back to the humiliating incident, hoping to put it pass me.

“Why are you calling me?”I asked in a hoarse whisper. “How did you get my number?”

“You should really check your privacy settings on your social media,”Officer Cover said quietly. “And I am calling to warn you. You really need to be careful who you talk to.”

I looked behind me to see Caleb waiting, urging me to hurry. “What are you talking about? I haven't told anyone anything.”

“Good, because I can get to you anytime I want and you need to make sure you stay quiet,” He said to me. “Bad things happen to pretty girls who run their mouths Or Guys who think they are girls. I'll be seeing you..”

The phone call ended and I slowly turned to face my brother.

"Everything good?”

"Perfect,” I lied, forcing a smile.