Try and Catch Me (Published)

Chapter 16: I Don't Understand

"Now, why was it important that you came here?" I asked when Aspen finally picked a seat right in front of the cheerleaders. Like really, he had to sit right there knowing my hatred toward my sister? Ugh, sometimes I didn't understand him.

"Not me, us," Aspen corrected. Confused, I began to watch him. After he said that, he didn't say anymore. I was informed that I had to wait and see  what he was talking about. That did not make me feel too well, considering I hated surprises.

A couple minutes before halftime, I spotted Caleb and Becca walking up the bleachers. Becca looked better than when I had left her at Quinn's. She was laughing at something Caleb said, and that made me smile. It made me happy seeing them together. They would make a cute couple. Two best friends falling in love sounded like a dream.

"Look it's Caleb and Becca," I announced to Aspen. He nodded, but continued to watch the football game. We were loosing horribly. "Should I ask them to come sit with us?" I asked with a smile. It could be like a double date with all my favorite people.

Aspen only shrugged. "If that's what you want."

I gave him a pat on the back and began to walk over to Caleb and Becca. They saw me coming before I even reached them and they both waved. Becca was in the same clothes as this morning, and Caleb was rocking a Bandits t-shirt, which was our school mascot.

"Hey El," Caleb said. He wrapped his arm around me and brought me in for a hug.

"Rocking the t-shirt," I joked.

Caleb smiled. "Hey, I figured I should show off my school spirit every once in a while," he laughed.

Becca gave him a push. "That's probably the worst shirt I've ever seen you wear," she pointed out. "And I've seen you wear your Barney shirt."

"That shirt is funny!"

"No, not really." I shook my head at him and he frowned.

"You guys just don't understand humor."

"You're right." Becca nodded. "We don't."

We all laughed at Caleb's reasoning. He truly wore the oddest shirts sometimes. Once, I even caught him wearing a My Little Pony shirt. He claimed it was a new style.

"You guys want to come sit with Aspen and me?" I asked.

Caleb stretched his head and noticed Aspen sitting admiring the football players.

He shook his head. "Nah, I think we'll just sit over here." He wrapped his arm around her and she grinned.

I winked at Caleb. "Okay. Make good choices." I smiled at the two of them and gave Caleb a wink.

"Ella," Caleb gritted through his teeth.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Becca asked as she stuck her nose up.

"Nothing." I shrugged, but offered a nudge to Caleb. He looked towards the floor with red creeping along his cheeks.

Suddenly, the crowd began to roar. Looking at the field, I noticed the cheerleaders running towards the center of the yard.

"Branson!" Aspen called back from our seats. I looked over at him and waved frantically for me to come and join him.

"See you guys later!" I yelled to Becca and Caleb as I ran back to our seats. Snuggling into Aspen, I whispered. "Is the surprise about to happen?" I giggled.

"You bet it is," he responded and pointed at the field.

On cue, the cheerleaders began dancing. Bad Blood began ringing through the speakers and the girls nodded to the catchy pop song. As the song got to the chorus it quickly changed to Want me to Want You. Most of the crowd just watched with bobbing heads. Nobody was really into the dancing. A lot of the crowd had actually gone to the bathroom or to get snacks. It was pretty much only Aspen who was really focused on watching the routine.

"No offense Aspen, but this isn't really all that exciting for me," I admitted.

"Just watch for a little longer," he said. His leg began to bounce up and down.

I watched for a couple more seconds, and then I realized what he wanted me to wait and see. The song changed from Can't Feel My Face to We're All in This Together. Laughter poured from my mouth as I watched the cheerleaders copy the dance moves from the cheesy movie.

Aspen watched me as I danced in my seat to my favorite musical. The words to the song left my mouth in full force. That was my jam. I knew every word and dance move to it. It took everything in me to not jump up and start dancing along with the cheerleaders.

Aspen leaned towards me. "Told you you would like it." He grinned.

"I do. I love it." I returned his smile and place my lips on his.

"That will never get old," Aspen said when our kiss finished.

"Good, because I don't plan on that," I responded. My eyes glanced back at the field and the High School Musical moment was over. I laughed reimagining the dance. "How did you know they were doing this?"

"Sam," Aspen admitted. I tensed, and Aspen felt it. He sighed. "Don't be mad, Ella. She's my friend." A sad look swept over his eyes.

"I just," I began, shaking my head. "It doesn't make any sense." I could feel myself growing shaky. Sam was always trying to get everything I had. At any moment she would be able to snag Aspen away from me, especially since they were friends.

"I know it doesn't" Aspen sighed. "We've been friends for a while, your sister and I, but I want you to know that you're the one I want to be with, not her."

I nodded. "Okay."

"Okay?"

Holding the tears back, I continued to nod. "Yeah, okay."

Aspen smiled at this response. "Great." He kissed my cheek, and my body became numb and I wasn't so sure if it was because of his kiss or the feeling I had in my gut.

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Hey guys! There's chapter 16! Can you believe that there's already been 16 chapters??? It's crazy! Honestly, it feels like just yesterday I was making this story. I was on vacation with my friend when I began to write this and I actually hid the story from her because I didn't feel comfortable sharing it with anyone yet, but now here we are and I almost have 500 READERS! How insane is that???????? I'm so thankful for you guys its crazy.

One more think before I go. I'm going away tomorrow till Tuesday, so I may not be to write so much. I'm hoping to get up 2 chapters while I'm there, but I'm not so sure that I will find time to write (or if I'll have wifi). Don't leave me if I don't post! I still love you all!!!

Love you all (Like I just said)

- Sarah <3