Diary Chapter Seven
Monday, August 1
7am. Today was the first day of pre-season volleyball practice, and I had decided that I would go give it a try, to see what the team was like. Plus, I hoped it would get my mind off of Cade and his friends. Pre-season practice is only from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. If I liked what I saw, and the girls seemed friendly enough, then I would consider trying out in two weeks. I don’t want to commit to something that I don’t feel I’ll be happy about in the long run. I especially don’t want to be inundated with drama. I try my best to avoid drama and the people who create it.
10:00am. Actually practice wasn’t too bad. All but about three of the girls were very nice and welcoming. Even the two coaches, Coach Mills and Coach Casey, were friendly, and both had a good sense of humor. I decided that I would keep going back for the time being.
12:30pm. I was upstairs when I heard my dad’s truck pull into the driveway. I went rushing downstairs so I could catch him when he walked in. “Hi dad, How did practice go today?”
“It went good. How was your practice?”
“It went great, most everyone was nice, and I like the coaches. Um, was there anyone missing from football practice?”
“Not that I know of, why? Should someone have been missing?” He looked puzzled at my question.
I sighed with relief. “I don’t know. I mean I heard something bad might have happened on Saturday night at a party someone was having?” I couldn’t let him know that I was there or he might freak out.
“There was a young girl found dead,” he told me.
“I heard something about it on the news. Do they know exactly what happened yet?”
“The police think she may have been mauled by a wild animal. Her boyfriend is still missing.”
I grimaced. “That’s terrible. Do you know what their names were?”
“I just know her last name was Cannon, and they both attended Harrison High.”
I thought for a moment. “I don’t believe I’ve met any Cannons.”
Dad gave me his serious look. “I don’t want you going into the woods for any reason, no more hiking until this animal is caught, okay. Promise me!”
It wouldn’t be the first one.
“I promise.”
***
Wednesday, August 3
11:20am.Today made four whole days since I’ve last seen Cade and I’ve become antsy.
Kristin invited me to the lake after volleyball practice, and I asked if she would stop by the football field first so I could drop something off to my dad. What I really wanted to do was see Cade. Even though I know he’s okay, I still wanted to see for myself. Just for peace of mind.
I had put an apple, a banana, granola bar, and a bottle of water in a brown paper bag. I walked out to the football field and I couldn’t believe my good luck. The team was taking a water break. I saw Cade standing near a table on the sideline with Takota and Connor. Connor noticed me first, and he nudged Cade’s arm with his elbow. Cade turned and then gave me that beautiful bright smile of his. My heart skipped a couple of beats.
Dad noticed me several feet before I reached him and waved, but he stayed on the sideline until I reached him. “Hey Jami. Is something wrong?”
“No, mom and I just wanted to make sure you’re eating healthy and staying hydrated.” I handed him the brown bag.
He opened the bag and looked inside. “Thanks sweetie, you didn’t have to do that. I packed a lunch. Are you going someplace?”
“I’m going to the lake with Kristin if that’s okay.”
“Have fun. Don’t forget to put on sunscreen, that sun is blazing today.”
“I will. See you later.” I gave him a quick peck on the cheek, and walked back the way I came.
When I glanced over at Cade he was watching me so I smiled and waved. He smiled back, and then slowly jogged over to me. Oh wow! I didn’t expect to get to talk to him.
“Hi Jami. What brings you out here?”
You. “I brought my dad a few things for lunch.”
“Well, that was thoughtful of you.”
I flashed a quick smile and then got more serious. “I heard about the Cannon girl. Did you know her?”
His expression immediately saddened. “I knew of her. She was only a sophomore, only fifteen.”
“That’s so sad.”
“Yeah, it is.”
“Do you know if her boyfriend has been found yet?” I asked.
“I don’t think so.” He paused for a moment. “Jami, I hate to change the subject, but I was wondering if you would…”
“Hey Jami.” I was so mesmerized with Cade I hadn’t noticed Kyle approach us.
“Hi Kyle, I didn’t know you played football.”
“Yep, I’ve played since I was old enough to walk. So when are you going to hang with us again?” He gave Cade a wicked glance.
“I’ve got to get back to practice Jami, I’ll see you around,” Cade said before he started jogging back to where Takota and Connor was standing.
“Okay, bye,” I said. He glanced back and waved. I felt anguish that I couldn’t talk to him more.
What is happening to me?
Kyle took a step closer and spoke almost in a whisper. “Xander’s not going to like hearing about you flirting with other guys behind his back. You don’t want him to get angry.”
I was completely bewildered and angered by his comments. “Well Xander doesn’t own me Kyle, so I could care less about how angry he will get about me talking to someone else,” I said sarcastically before stomping off toward the parking lot.
“I’ll be sure to pass along the message,” Kyle yelled.
“You do that!” I yelled back. He had a lot of nerve saying that to me. Xander doesn’t own me, and if he were going to treat me like he does then that would be a definite deal-breaker for us. Besides, Xander’s efforts of knocking me off of my feet have been very weak so far.
***
7pm. Later that evening, the doorbell rang. I wasn’t surprised to open the door and see Xander standing on my porch glaring at me. “Hi Jami. Can we talk?”
“Sure.” I walked outside. “What’s up?”
“Can we sit?” He motioned toward the porch swing so I walked over and sat down.
He sat down next to me, and turned slightly so he could keep an eye on me. “I’m going to be straightforward with you Jami. I like you. A lot.”
“I like you too Xander.” I suddenly wanted to kick myself just then. I didn’t know what else to say, I didn’t want to hurt his feelings.
“Good! Do you like me enough to be mine?”
Oh no! “I umm, I’m not ready for a steady relationship Xander. Can we just be friends for now?”
He was silent for a few seconds. “Okay. We can just take it slow if that’s what you want.”
“Yes, thanks.”
“Can I ask you something without you getting angry with me?” He asked sincerely.
“Sure.”
“Is there something going on with you and Cade Calahan?”
“No, we’re also just friends.” I wasn’t even sure if Cade and I were friends, but either way it wasn’t any of Xander’s business.
“Okay. Will you go out with me this Saturday?” He asked with a smile.
I hesitated and thought of Cade for a second. There’s always hope that Cade may be as interested in me, as much as I am him. Miracles have been known to happen.
“As friends?” I asked.
“Just as friends. Promise.”
“Then it’s a yes.”
“Great. I’ll pick you up at seven-thirty.”
“I’ll see you then.”
I was glad that he didn’t try to kiss me before he left. Ugh…why did I say yes?838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAINR47aHVg
