Foes & Cons by Carrie Aarons (i am malala young readers edition .txt) 📗

“It would be ten times easier if these girls weren’t all vying for the top spot. Who the fuck cares who is in the front row?” I grumble, agreeing with him.

As I say it, another one of the girls makes a bitchy comment, and they all start arguing again. There are at least a hundred kids from the senior class on the hardwood right now, waiting for their next instruction of choreography. Over the years, participating in the Spirit Night dance has become more and more popular. What used to be stupid, and kind of a sissy position among the tug-o-war and sprint relays, is now viewed as one of the coolest things to participate in during the epic pep rally night.

However, with increased numbers of dancers comes an increased drama quota, or so it seems. Laura, who has choreographed the dance for three years running, is now being challenged by Hailey and her crew. Hailey, of course, has no dance background, but thinks she can do a better job than Blair’s best friend, who is about to try her luck at one of the big dance companies in New York after graduation. It’s ridiculous, I’m tired as hell after a soccer practice that whooped my ass, and my fuse is miniscule.

This is our last week before the sectional championships, after which, if we win, we’ll be going to the state championship. We had a tough road this year, fighting tooth and nail for every victory, and I don’t know which way sectionals will go. Either way, I’ve had a damn good final season playing with my boys.

“I care. I look damn good shaking my ass.” Matt demonstrates for us and howls when Glavin lands a swift kick just north of his balls.

“Idiot. You look like a spastic chicken. Definitely not front row material.” Glavin imitates the girls currently arguing at the front of the gym.

We’ve been here for close to an hour and haven’t even gotten through the first minute of choreography. The dance is usually about seven minutes long, and it takes Laura months to teach it to us, and then to perfect it. I’m hungry and annoyed, but the girls just keep going.

“Why do you get to be in the front row?” Hailey’s voice is the definition of whiny.

Laura looks at her like she’s insane. “Um, how about because I’ve slaved away over the steps, mixing the music, and putting this whole thing together? Not only do I deserve it, but I’m the best dancer here. And, I guarantee, there are a hell of a lot of people back there looking to me to copy my steps.”

“And a lot of people are probably looking to me because my ass is amazing, so I think it’d be just fine if I was front and center.” Hailey gives her a sneer.

“She’s worked on this for months, can you just let it go? You have the cheer squad, you have the homecoming court. Laura has been doing this for years, and she takes a lot of pride in it. We’ll all get our turn in the spotlight, but this is her show.” Blair steps in, trying to defend her friend and also placate the queen bee.

“Stay out of this, loser. Just because you have some bullshit student government title doesn’t mean you have any true power. This isn’t even the theme you wanted, so stop trying to get involved here.” Hailey all but shoves her finger in Blair’s face.

“Oh, no she didn’t—” I hear Nate say from somewhere up front.

Laura holds up a hand, silencing her friends. “If you have a problem with where you are placed, you can feel free to leave. I’m sure after talking with our advisor, she’ll have no problem backing my decision of asking you to leave.”

Blair and her best friend give the most popular girl in our grade saccharine smiles, and a hush of shock goes through the crowd.

Hailey looks like she’s about to start spitting nails. “Who the hell would want to do this stupid fucking dance anyway? It’s ugly, just like its creator.”

And my temper snaps.

“Shut up, Hailey.” My voice is a harsh command.

The whole group goes silent, gawking back and forth from me and my female counterpart, the queen bee to my prom king.

“Wha—what?” Hailey gives a nervous laugh, fluttering her eyelashes. “Stop being so funny, Sawyer.”

She’s trying to act like my telling her to be quiet is some sort of inside joke, to spare herself the embarrassment. But I’m not playing.

“You heard me, I told you to shut the fuck up. You’re being rude, not just to Laura, but to Blair. Grow the hell up.”

I swear, I think her jaw unhinges and falls on the floor. Sneaking a glance over to Blair, she looks almost as shocked as Hailey. After everything I’ve done to her, defending her publicly is the last thing she’d ever expect.

But after the kiss, I just can’t keep it up anymore. I can’t watch someone else tear her down, and I’m done acting like the asshole who enables it. There is a monster that seems to be ripping out of my chest, and instead of destroying her any longer, he’s going to protect her at all costs.

Something shifted inside me after I went temporarily insane in my kitchen on Thanksgiving and kissed the living hell out of her. Or maybe she kissed the living hell out of me. Whoever started it, we both finished it, and there is still more to be had.

Instead of shrinking back like she should, and walking away with her tail between her legs, Hailey takes the confrontational route. Which I knew she would, but I guess I just wasn’t anticipating the energy I have to muster to combat her in front of all these people.

She jabs a finger in Blair’s direction. “You’re really defending her? This … this … loser! She’s a stuck up nerd, and her and her D-list friends are using this as an excuse to be seen for