"I meant the game," she says. "I can't remember them ever playing this bad."
"It's because Braden convinced them they can't win without him."
"Obviously they can't," the guy next to me says. "Without Braden, we're fucked." The guy throws his hands up. "Another three points for the other team. And now it's over. Fuck!"
People start filing out of the stadium.
"Sorry I can't take you home," Alyssa says. "You sure you can get a ride?"
"Yeah, I'll find someone."
"Do you want to meet up later at one of the parties?"
"No. I'm tired. I just want to go home."
"Okay, well, maybe we could do something next week."
"Yeah, maybe."
She runs down the bleachers to talk to the other cheerleaders. She doesn't really think we'd hang out again, does she? We have nothing in common other than going to school here.
Looking around, I see that most people have left or are on their way out of the stadium. I didn't even get a chance to ask for a ride. Shit.
I call up Jackson. I know he doesn't want to come here but I'm desperate.
"Hey, are you home?" I say when he answers.
"Yeah, are you still at the game?"
"Yeah, it's over and I need a ride home. Could you maybe pick me up?"
"Sure. Be there in a few minutes."
He didn't even hesitate. He told me he'd never again come to Twisted Pine. He said he hated it so much that just driving up the road that leads to it makes him feel sick. And yet he'll do it for me. I love him so much.
When he arrives, the parking lot is almost empty.
"Thanks," I say, hopping in his Range Rover.
He stares at the brick building. "Lot of bad memories here."
"I know. I'm sorry I made you come here but I didn't know who else to call."
Three hard taps hit the window, startling us both in the dimly lit parking lot. I look over and see Principal Edwards leaning down next to Jackson, his eyes narrowed.
Jackson rolls down his window. "We're leaving," he says through gritted teeth.
"I don't want to see you here again," Principal Edwards says. "This is private property. We don't allow murderers here."
"I didn't fucking murder her," Jackson says, staring at Principal Edwards.
He stares back at him. "Justice will be served. Her death will not go unpunished."
Jackson whips the car around and speeds off. When I look back, I see Principal Edwards smirking as he watches us go.
"Jackson, I'm sorry, I thought he left. He wasn't there the last quarter."
"Forget it. I don't want to think about him." He reaches over and holds my hand. "I feel better already. I wish I could take you out but we should probably go home."
