Daniel

“I can’t wait to watch Justin and Isabella at the game on Friday night,” Kim exclaims, giggling nonstop, flustered.

“I’m not coming to the game because I need to stay home and take care of Rose and Oliver,” I say, frowning despite myself. I want to see Isabella too, especially knowing she’ll be there in her cheerleading uniform, dancing on the sidelines. Just the thought is enough to remind me that I’m a healthy eighteen-year-old guy with a stupidly obvious crush.

“But you have to come, Dan. You’re part of our group, and the game won’t be the same without you,” she whines.

“Yeah, we can’t wait to see you swooning over the princess in her cheerleading uniform,” Raymond teases, laughing as he high-fives Carol.

“My parents work late into the night, and it’s my responsibility to look after my siblings,” I sigh. “That means I can’t make it to the game.”

“You’re a good person, Dan. I’m proud to be your friend,” Kim says, reaching for my hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.

I return her gesture with a small smile that doesn’t quite reach my eyes, brushing off her words in silence.

* * *

Once lunch is over, Carol and I head to math class, much to my enthusiasm, because Isabella happens to attend it. Her desk is right next to mine, which gives me the perfect excuse to steal glances at her whenever she’s focused on the lesson.

As expected, the princess arrives late again. This time, though, the teacher doesn’t say a word as she quietly rushes to her seat and ignores everyone—including me—as usual.

“Your princess is so cool, Dan. She doesn’t even acknowledge your existence,” Carol sneers, patting me on the shoulder.

“Get lost, Carol,” I snap, unable to keep my temper in check, as I’m sick of her running her mouth about Isabella.

“Daniel? Is there something you would like to share with the class?” the teacher asks sharply.

Laughter ripples through the room as a result.

I shake my head and stare down at my desk, avoiding the looks around me, my ears burning with embarrassment. Much to my relief, the teacher turns back to the lesson after silently warning me that I’ve used up my free pass.

As I struggle to calm the heat creeping up my cheeks, I feel a light touch on my arm. A sweet scent fills the air, and I instantly know who it is.

I turn toward Isabella, whose smile nearly knocks the breath out of me. Before I can react, she presses a chocolate bonbon into my mouth and looks away, as if she hasn’t done anything unusual at all.

Naturally, I just stare at her in return, completely frozen. Then, still stunned, I slowly chew the chocolate, savoring the taste while trying to process what just happened. Isabella doesn’t look at me again, but that doesn’t stop my smile from spreading.

I spend the rest of the class grinning like an idiot, and thanks to Isabella, math has officially become my favorite class.

* * *

As the week goes by, Isabella grows even friendlier every time she joins my friends and me at lunch, much to my excitement. Unfortunately, though, she’s still kissing that jerk Collin. However, that doesn’t stop me from watching her more than I probably should, as I can’t help it.

Regardless, one thing is certain—being on good terms with the most popular girl in school comes with perks. For example, ever since Isabella talked to me for the first time, the other students have stopped bullying me.

Justin turns out to be pretty cool too. He always greets me when he sees me, even when he’s with his teammates, never seeming to care that I don’t belong to his circle of rich friends.

What really gets to me is how my body and mind react whenever the princess looks my way. My heart pounds, my palms start to sweat, and my thoughts scatter until I can barely focus. I’ve never felt like this about anyone before, and it drives me crazy.

I’m usually in control when it comes to girls. I’m also usually the one who ends things first, thanks to my lack of interest in serious relationships and my habit of not seeing the same girl more than a couple of times—Lucy aside.

So why does everything feel different when it comes to Isabella Williams?

* * *

On Friday morning, I find myself lost in thought while having breakfast with my mom. The game is tonight, and even though I understand why I can’t go, part of me still wishes I could. It would be nice to hang out with my friends and maybe see Isabella with her cheer squad.

“What are you thinking about, Dan?” Mom asks, sounding and looking concerned, as I’ve been staring at my coffee mug for at least five minutes without taking a sip.

“I’m thinking about the game tonight,” I reply, shrugging, finally bringing the mug to my lips and taking a sip.

“What game?” 

“There’s a football game at school. My friends are going, but I won’t be able to because I have to take care of Oliver and Rose,” I explain before taking another sip.

“Do you want to watch the game with your friends?” Mom gasps, surprised, probably because I’ve never cared about football, not even back when I attended Angelwood.

“Yeah, I do, but I understand that I can’t.” I shrug again.

“I’m amazed, honestly. Why do you suddenly want to watch Vista High’s game?” She studies me closely. “Is Isabella one of the cheerleaders?” she adds, her lips curling into a knowing smile.

“How do you know that?” I choke on my coffee, feeling caught.

Mom chuckles. “You can go watch the game with your friends, Dan. I’ll be home by four this afternoon.”

“Really?” I nearly bounce in my seat, excited. “Can I really go tonight?”

She nods, chuckling again. “You deserve to have fun with your new friends. Besides, I’m happy to see you excited about a school activity, even if you aren’t the one playing. I want you to enjoy yourself.”

I can’t stop the grin spreading across my face. “Thank you, Mom. You’re the best,” I exclaim, wrapping my arms around her and kissing her cheek.

“Promise me you’ll behave,” she says gently, kissing my forehead. “No drinking, no fighting, no smoking, and no trouble.”

“Don’t worry. The rich kids don’t have time for that,” I tell her, knowing deep down that it’s not true.

“I believe you, Dan.” She squeezes my hand before going back to her toast and coffee.

* * *

When night finally arrives, my friends and I manage to find empty seats on the bench in the middle of Vista High Stadium’s bleachers, where we have a perfect view of both the game and the cheerleaders.

Once I settle between Carol and Kim, my eyes immediately land on Isabella, who’s standing near the corner of the field, chatting with her pretty and polished friend who looks like she could be a model.

“Who’s the girl Isabella’s talking to?” I ask Carol, curious about the one who’s always by her side.

“I can’t believe you’re already swooning over the princess,” Carol taunts.

“Who is she, Carol?” I insist.

Raymond is the one who answers, “Her name’s Katy. Why? Don’t tell me you’re falling for her too.”

“I’m not falling for anyone,” I grumble, glaring at him. “I’m just asking because she’s always with Isabella.”

“Isabella looks amazing tonight,” Kim comments, drawing my attention back to the field.

“Yes, she does,” I agree, unable to look away as Isabella chats with her friend. Both girls are in their cheerleading uniforms, their hair pulled into high ponytails, and blue pom-poms clutched in their hands.

Before the game starts, Isabella and the cheer squad perform their choreography flawlessly, leaving me stunned.

“Isabella is unreal,” I murmur.

I watch the entire routine, completely focused on every movement and every smile she flashes at the crowd.

“Daniel’s definitely going to be dreaming about Isabella tonight,” Carol teases, pointing at my wide-eyed expression. “Just look at him. He’s drooling.”

“What?” I finally snap out of it, scowling at her as she laughs.

Raymond and Kim burst out laughing with her, making me roll my eyes before turning my attention back to the princess, who’s wrapping up the routine. Moments later, the football players run onto the field, drawing screams from the crowd—a lot of the chanting is for Justin, pretty much confirming he’s the most admired and popular player on the team.

“Justin really is everyone’s favorite, isn’t he?” Kim observes, amused as people around us shout his name at the top of their lungs.

“He’s the captain,” Carol smirks. “What did you expect?”

The game officially starts once the visiting team from another private school makes its entrance, reminding me that I barely know anything about football. As I struggle to follow what’s happening, Carol starts explaining—quarterback, tailback, fullback, defensive line, touchdown, and all the rest. I still feel a little lost, but I can see why Justin leads the team. He’s fast, confident, and sharp on the field.

I glance at Kim and laugh at the huge grin plastered on her face as she watches Isabella’s brother. 

“Your face is going to hurt if you keep smiling like that,” I tease her.

“You’re one to talk, Daniel,” she shoots back, playfully punching my shoulder. “You were gawking at Isabella nonstop a few minutes ago.”

“I was not.”

“Yes, you were,” Carol interjects.

I ignore both of them and turn my focus back to the game—and by game, I mean Isabella, because it’s halftime and she’s already performing another flawless routine with the cheer squad.

Watching her dance sends my thoughts spiraling. My chest feels tight, my pulse racing, and all I can think about is how impossible it is to look away from her.

“Isabella is killing it out there,” Raymond remarks, clearly impressed.

“I can’t believe you’re admiring the princess,” Carol scoffs, incredulous. “I thought you hated her.”

He shrugs, retorting, “I might not like her, but I’m not blind.”

A sharp twinge of jealousy settles in my chest at Raymond’s words, and I don’t quite understand why. It’s not like I don’t know that almost everyone at this school would do anything to be with Isabella.

As I try to shake off the unwanted feeling, the second half of the game begins, offering a much-needed distraction and reminding me, once again, that I don’t actually like football. Still, I already know I’ll be showing up for every future match, all thanks to the princess and her cheerleading uniform.

Vista High ends up winning the game, and the entire stadium erupts. Everyone cheers wildly, chanting Justin’s name as the players and cheerleaders celebrate at the center of the field. Around us, students hug and exchange fist bumps, including Kim, Carol, Raymond, and me. I’m genuinely happy about the victory, and for the first time, I feel like I actually belong here.

“Hey, let’s go to the diner nearby,” Kim suggests once we leave the stadium and stop in front of Vista High’s main entrance.

“But the food there is way too expensive. I can’t afford a meal from that place,” Carol says, grimacing.

“We can just order a basket of fries and a couple of drinks and share,” Kim insists. “That way, we can split the bill.” She clasps her hands together. “Please. Most of the students are heading there anyway.” She gestures toward several groups of wealthy kids walking down the street—actually walking, not driving their expensive cars. Wow. Miracles really do happen.

“You just want to go because Justin will be there,” Raymond teases, making Kim blush and look away.

“Fine,” Carol sighs. “Let’s go. I’m starving anyway.”

Kim rewards her with a wide grin and a small squeal of excitement.

* * *