"Yes!" I cry, flying out of my seat as I clap loudly, bouncing on the balls of my feet. My high school football team just made the score we needed to win the last quarter of the game, which means my school qualifies for the playoffs. I turn to Lana, who mirrors my excitement with a wide grin, holding hands as we jump up and down and cheer obnoxiously loud.

I spot Jack on the field, beaming as I watch his teammates rush up to him and pat his back, celebrating their victory. Seeing Jack's wide grin as his team congratulates him for his winning point has me smiling like a lunatic. I cup my hands around my lips as I cry Jack's name, hoping to catch his attention over the chaos going on around me. Jack once teased me by saying he could always hear my cheering over everyone else's, so I put his statement to the test. I'm pleasantly surprised when his head tilts to the row of bleachers I occupy, following the sound of my voice as his eyes search for me in the crowd. I pull his Letterman's jacket tightly around my body as his gaze finds mine, offering a large smile and small wave.

"Watch out college football," Lana mumbles under her breath from where she stands next to me, a low whistle escaping her lips. "Here comes Jack Crawford."

I laugh as I turn to face Lana, the palms of our hands meeting in a high-five. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't immeasurably proud of Jack. He's been nearly unstoppable all season, tearing up the field as if he's already been inducted into the NFL. Part of his incredible playing comes from my father's guidance, and I couldn't be more proud of him, either. So far, we've only lost two games throughout the entire season. That means we're going to the playoffs, and I can't shake the feeling that we have that game in the bag as well.

"There's Kyler," Lana points out to me, gesturing across the field to the guy she likes, though refuses to admit that fact aloud. Kyler seems to spot Lana at the same time she notices him, and I watch as he cups his mouth and cries, "What's up Lana Banana?" I laugh as Kyler turns around and shakes his butt, pumping his fists in the air as he does his victory dance. Lana rolls her eyes at his immaturity, though the blush she's sporting does not go unnoticed by me.

"Come on." I push the over-sized sleeves of Jack's Letterman's jacket I wear up on my arm, taking Lana's hand in mine and pulling her along with me toward the steps of the bleachers. "Let's go say hi!"

"You mean you're going to fawn over your boyfriend while I stand to the side awkwardly while you two suck face?" Lana questions sarcastically as we make our way down the bleachers, the stands slowly beginning to filter out now that the game has come to an end.

"Lana." I shake my head as I say her name, faint laughter escaping me. "Allow me to correct you. I meant: Let's go say to my boyfriend and then Jack and I will stand awkwardly to the side while you and Kyler flirt and make a bunch of sexual comments right in front of us."

Lana rolls her eyes at me, though I notice she's smiling. "Okay. You've made your point."

"I don't see why you and Kyler don't just get together already," I murmur. By now, Lana and I have made it to the gate that separates the bleachers from the field. "I mean, the attraction and sexual tension is so there. Everyone around you two can feel it."

"Well, for starters"—Lana pauses to shoot me a pointed glance, gaze conflicted—"he hasn't even asked me out yet, so . . ." she trails off as she shrugs, though I notice the smile tugging at the corner of her lips. It takes a moment for the full weight of her words to hit me, though when they do I can hardly contain myself.

I stop walking as I turn to my best friend, eyes wide as I cry, "I knew you liked him!"

"Keep it down, would you?" Lana hisses, gaze skirting around as if trying to make sure nobody is eavesdropping on our conversation. "I don't want him to know that. I don't want to make anything easy for him."

"Okay." I loop my arm through Lana's as we trudge through the open gate, stepping foot onto the football field. "I promise not to tell Kyler you like him, even though I'm sure you're sending him really mixed signals and probably confusing him, which is why he hasn't asked you out yet."

Lana's blue eyes hold a mischievous gleam as she admits, "We're having fun together either way."

My eyebrows furrow at Lana's statement, searching for a hidden meaning. My eyes widen all over again when I come to a conclusion after deciphering her words, turning to Lana in shocked disgust as I whisper-hiss, "You two are sleeping together?"

"I didn't say that," Lana counters with a wink, smirking as she basically confirms my suspicions. I shake my head as a smile dawns my features, shoving Lana's shoulder as I find myself thinking it will be hard to look Kyler in the eyes the next time I see him.

I spot the team huddled around my dad by the corner of the field, which is where Lana and I are headed. Unfortunately, to get there Lana and I have to pass the cheerleaders. Most of the girls on the cheer team are actually really nice, and I've even made friends with a few. I wave at two of the girls, Ariana and Madison, as I pass, both of whom I have a few classes with. I don't notice Lacey, so I pray that my luck will hold up and I'll be able to reach the other side of the field without seeing her.

Unfortunately, I've never had good luck.

Just as I'm thinking Lana and I made it out of the danger zone safely and somehow managed to avoid the wicked witch, Lacey appears in front of us. She comes from nowhere, and her sudden presence startles me so badly a slight cry escapes me. My visible discomfort only makes the confrontation that much more embarrassing, and I tighten my grip around Lana to remind myself I'm not alone.

"Be careful," Lana whispers to me through gritted teeth, standing unconventionally still. "She's like an animal. She can sense fear."

"Oh shut up, Bozo," Lacey snaps back at Lana's dig, rolling her eyes in annoyance. I'm surprised when Lana doesn't cower or back down under the heat of Lacey's stare. It's no secret that Lana has always been the non-confrontational type, shying away when trouble starts to brew. In this moment, she seems uncharacteristically brave, straightening her stance as she stares defiantly back at the blonde spawn of Satan before us, seemingly unable to care less about what Lacey has to say.

"Hi, Lacey." I try to keep my voice steady, because I don't want Lacey to be able to tell that she gets to me in ways nobody else can. Even after all this time, she's still able to make me feel pale in comparison to herself. "Can we help you?"

"Oh, I was just stopping to say hi," Lacey mumbles casually, offering a thin smile. She juts a hip as she stands before me and Lana, her pom-poms resting at her sides. The way she's glaring at me suggests she sought me and Lana out for more than a brief hello, but I can't tell what she's trying to get at.

"Oh my God, are you wearing Jack's jacket, Morgan?" Lacey questions, trying to feign innocence as she widens her blue eyes and tilts her head to the side, awaiting my answer. Every time her eyes meet mine, I can't help feeling inadequate. While Lacey's blond hair cascades down her shoulders in flattering pin-straight strands, my own dirty blond hair tumbles down my shoulders in messy waves. I'm dressed in Jack's huge jacket, paired with an old t-shirt and distressed jeans, whilst Lacey is every guys' dream in her curve-hugging cheer uniform. She's better than me in every sense of the word, and I can feel my confidence deflating at the thought.

"Um . . ." I trail off, partly because I'm suddenly too nervous to speak and partly because I have no idea how to respond to her question, as the answer is obvious.

"I'd recognize it anywhere," Lacey draws on. (I'm not sure what her point is, because all of the football players have the exact same Letterman's jackets. Of course she'd recognize it.) "I did used to wear it all the time, after all."

I can feel my cheeks flame at her last few words, finally understanding why Lacey is making such a big deal over something as small as a jacket. My stomach churns at the thought of the very jacket I wear draped over Lacey's shoulders, Jack smiling at her as he helps her into it. I hadn't thought much about that prospect when Jack first offered me his jacket to wear, but now what was once a sweet gesture seems tainted.

"Personally, I think it looked better on me." Lacey shrugs, smiling as if she didn't just insult me right to my face. "But that's just my opinion. See you around." Lacey offers one last smirk before she whirls on her heel and wanders back over to her team, skirt swishing against her legs with every step she takes.

"Oh, she did not just say that," Lana growls next to me, glaring at Lacey's receding figure as the blonde sashays away. "Get back here, Hanson!" Lana suddenly shouts, marching forward as if she's planning on following after Lacey. Her outburst shocks me, and I grab her arm in an attempt to hold her back. "Let's throw some hands! I wonder how good you'd look with a bloody nose?"

I've never seen Lana so angry before, especially not on my behalf. It's nice of her to be so adamant about being on my side, but I don't want her to say/do something she'll end up regretting. I know Lana's never been the type to enjoy conflict or put herself into unwanted situations, yet I still don't want her to get worked up enough to "throw hands" with Lacey, no matter the circumstance. So I merely grip her arm in mine and begin walking the opposite direction, turning away from Lacey and pretending her comments didn't bother me.

"You're just going to let her talk to you like that?" Lana cries as I pull her toward the other side of the field, exhaling sharply like she's trying to release some of her frustration. "I mean, back when I was afraid of her, I guess I would have, too. But now . . . now I want to rip her throat out for even looking at you!" Despite her erratic behavior, I have to admit that I'm proud of my friend for being able to stand up for herself. Maybe I'm not the only one whose had to face problems and grow from them.

"It's okay, Lana," I assure her, faking a smile that hopefully appears genuine. Maybe allowing Lacey to steamroll over me time and time again isn't okay, but I know deep down that nothing she says will ever be worth getting in a fight over. Nothing is worth giving Lacey the satisfaction of knowing that she's gotten under my skin enough to make me snap. Besides, I'm still a little on edge about rocking the boat with her. I haven't been able to shake the feeling that she's up to something, and I don't want to get further on Lacey's bad side if she is.

Making our way toward the football team, Lana slowly begins to calm down. She goes on a little rant about how she can't stand Lacey, but once she's done it's as if her anger has left her system and she goes back to her normally cheerful self.

As we approach the boys, I spot Jack immediately. Our gazes lock as his green eyes find my hazel, and when he's looking for me it's easy to forget about the encounter I just had with Lacey. In fact, it's easy to forget about everything except for this moment in time, his stare holding mine captive. I can feel my resolve crumbling, anticipating the moment Jack's arms will hold me and make me feel as if nothing else matters.

Before wandering over to Jack, I stop to congratulate my dad on his big win. I tell him how proud I am, smiling at my father's grin of satisfaction. He wraps me in a bear hug, ruffling my hair the way he used to when I was a kid. He lets me go after a moment, waving me off and telling me to go have fun with my friends. I walk away hesitantly, noticing Elena approaching him. I linger for a second, watching as Elena offers my father a wide grin, throwing her arms around his broad shoulders as the two embrace. I'm surprised when the sight doesn't set me on edge. Instead, watching my dad and Elena hug seems to do the opposite. I smile to myself as I think back to the talk Dad and I had about Mom the other night. Since then, it's easier for me to look at things in a new light. I know my dad isn't quite ready to move on yet, but I'm slowly becoming accustomed to the fact that he will, one day. And if his moving on happens to involve Elena, I don't think that would be the worst thing that could happen.

I feel a tap on my shoulder, momentarily startling me, as I'd been lost in thought. I turn around to see who has approached, coming face-to-face with a beaming Jack. A grin forms on my lips as I glance up at him, throwing my arms around his shoulders as I cry, "We're going to the playoffs!"

"Damn, Scott." Jack chuckles as he returns my gesture, strong arms wrapping around my body and pulling me close. "And I thought I was excited."

"Nobody is more excited than I am," I tease, pulling back slightly to gaze up at Jack. "Believe me."

"I'll take your word for it." Jack's green eyes gleam with pride and something much deeper as his gaze flickers to my lips. Then he's tilting his face toward mine, leaning down as he captures my lips in a gentle kiss. The moment doesn't last long, considering my father isn't far off. When we find that my dad is engaged in conversation with Elena and a few other staff members, however, Jack doesn't hesitate to wrap his arms around my waist and lift me off the ground, grinning up at me before kissing me all over again.

"Come on, Crawford!" Kyler interrupts me and Jack, and I look over at him to find Lana slung over his shoulder seemingly unwillingly, rolling her eyes in defeat as they meet mine. "Let's go celebrate!"

"I'm coming!" Jack retorts, raising a questioning eyebrow at the sight of Lana dangling over Kyler's shoulder. "Give me a minute."

"You can kiss your girlfriend on the way out!" Kyler shoots back, though he does retreat toward the field gate. Gesturing for the rest of the team to follow him, Kyler cries, "Let's get a move on, boys!"

I purse my lips tightly in an attempt to contain my laughter, sharing a knowing glance with Jack. He seems to be thinking the same thing I am, which is that Kyler is quite the character. After a moment, Jack extends his hand to mine, eyes shining as he asks, "What do you say? You in, Scott?"

I don't have to know what Jack's referring to in order to agree. In response, I set my hand in Jack's, following after him as we begin the walk back to the field gate. We both know all too well that I'd follow him anywhere, if only because I know he'd do the same for me.

"By the way," Jack whispers in a low tone, leaning down so his lips are even with my ear, "you look fucking hot in my jacket, Scott."

I can't help beaming at his words, finding that my gaze unintentionally drifts toward the side of the field Lacey and her cheer team still occupy. I'm surprised to find her gaze already locked on mine, features pinched as she watches me walk off hand-in-hand with Jack. I don't let her glare bother me, realizing that the weight of her cold stare doesn't seem as unbearable as it had moments before.

Shooting Lacey a smirk over my shoulder before exiting through the field gate, I find myself thinking: Who looks better in his jacket now, Lacey?

• • •

The "celebration" Kyler had been referring to happens to be another party, which honestly doesn't surprise me. Jack assures me that we don't have to go if I don't want to, but I can tell that he wants to make an appearance despite his words. After all, he was the one on the field tonight. It's his victory, and he deserves to celebrate his big win with his friends. What kind of girlfriend would I be to deprive him of that? So I tell Jack that I want to go even though we both know I've never been one to enjoy parties, making sure to call my dad to make sure he's okay with me going out. Dad gives me his permission as long as I'm by midnight, mentioning something about going to catch a movie with Elena.

As usual, the house the party is being held is loud and crowded. I'm pretty used to the routine by now, but I still don't have much of a liking for parties. I tend to stay close to either Lana or Jack, circling with their groups and finding solace in not having to face the crowds alone.

So here I am, standing in someone's overly-filled kitchen with Lana at my side, red solo cup in hand. After a moment, I notice that she's eyeing something by the doorway and frowning, piquing my interest. Following her eyes, I spot Lucas and Lacey across the room, the two no doubt what Lana has been staring at with such disdain. Despite the still shocking fact that Lucas and Lacey are now a couple, the don't seem to much attention to one another. It's none of my business how the two get along, but I find it a little suspicious that they don't even look at or acknowledge each other even though they're standing side-by-side.

"They have to be Aster Pines's weirdest couple," Lana mumbles with a shake of her head, bringing her cup to her lips as taking a long swig of her spiked soda. "I still can't believe Lucas would go out with her."

"Maybe Lacey's different with him," I say softly, trying to shed light on the subject. "Or vice versa. We don't know all the facts, L."

"Don't defend him, Morgan," Lana snaps bitterly, setting her cup down on the counter next to her. "I thought our friendship was more important to him than whomever he was dating, but I guess I was wrong. I've known Lucas since we were in diapers. You stand by someone through thick and thin, and how do they repay you?" Lana shakes her head distastefully, arms crossed over her chest as her angered gaze remains on Lucas.

"I can think of a few ways." Kyler suddenly appears out of nowhere, his voice startling me. I watch curiously as Kyler's arms snake around Lana's waist from behind, his head resting in the crook of her neck as he plants kisses along her skin. He's obviously hammered, and Lana's close to wasted as well. I'm not sure it's a good idea for the two of them to be around one another drunk, though it isn't my business either way.

"I wasn't talking about you," Lana snips, wrinkling her nose despite her grin. "What do you want, Kyler?"

"I think you know," Kyler whispers almost inaudibly, kissing Lana's cheek before taking her hand in his and gesturing with his head down the hallway. Lana purses her lips for a moment as if she's thinking about something, proceeding to turn and offer me an apologetic smile.

"I'll be right back," she assures me, even though we both know that's a lie.

"Gross, guys," I mumble in disgust, shaking my head. Lana merely offers me a smirk, disappearing down the crowded hallway after Kyler in seconds, leaving me alone. I can't help laughing at my friends' receding figures, wondering when the two will make things official already. Returning to my previous position, my eyes skim the room before spotting Jack in the corner. He's talking to one of the guys on the football team, though I find his gaze already studying me. I can't help