Crushing on the Enemy by Sarah Adams

that he had no clue what he wanted to take in college, but the scouts didn't seem too bothered by his indecision.

    “Most people change their majors not long after they start anyway,” Harry chuckled.

    Jake's hopes were high by the end of the meeting.

    “We'll be watching you at state,” Larry said, “and if you can bring it home for your school, I'll promise you a place on our team next year.”

    Jake left the meeting feeling upbeat and with a new found spring in his step. He almost walked right past Alyssa's car without noticing.

    “Hey Jake,” she called.

    “Oh, hi,” he laughed.

    “So I take it from that smile you're wearing it went well?” she asked leaning out the window.

    Jake sprinted over to her car and gave her a quick kiss.

    “It went perfectly,” he grinned, “they said if we can bring home the state championship title, I'll be playing for them next year.”

    “That's great news!” Alyssa cheered as she got out of her car and threw her arms around his neck.

    Being close to her, reminded Jake that if his team win at state he wouldn't be seeing Alyssa very often. He hugged her and inhaled the scent of her shampoo. It smelled like some exotic fruit, although Jake couldn't recall which one.

    “I have some news too,” Alyssa smiled.

    “Yea?” Jake asked, managing a smile when she pulled away.

    “I quit the squad,” she said hesitantly.

    “How do you feel?” he asked.

    “Great!” she laughed, “Better than I have in a long time actually.”

    “As long as you're sure,” Jake smiled.

    “I am very sure,” Alyssa said.

    “Good,” Jake said.

    “I have one more thing to tell you,” Alyssa grinned.

    “What's that?” Jake asked.

    “I sent off my application for Georgia U today,” she laughed.

    “What?” Jake asked.

    At first he thought he misheard her, because just a few days ago she had been firmly against going to an out of state college.

    “I just thought it would make things easier,” she shrugged.

    “I don't even know if I'll be going there yet,” Jake said, trying not to show his confusion.

    “You will!” she smiled, “because you're going to win at state!

    Jake wasn't sure what to think about any of it. He didn't want Alyssa to feel like she had to follow him around while he tried to fulfill his dreams. It wasn't even like he wanted to play football forever.

    “I don't want you to feel like you have to come with me if I do go,” he said.

    “I don't,” she frowned, “I want to go with you and after today I know for sure I don't have any reason to stay.”

    “What do you mean?” Jake asked.

    Alyssa sighed and told him about her fight with Mattie.

    “I thought she was up to no good,” Jake frowned.

    “I never thought she'd act like that,” Alyssa shook her head.

    “I'm sure you two will work it out,” Jake said, trying to sound reassuring.

    “I don't know if I want to, Jake,” Alyssa sighed.

    “She's just upset because she feels left out,” Jake said leaning back against the car.

    “Well, a relationship is two people, not two people and the best friend,” Alyssa said.

    “Truth,” Jake sighed.

    Jake and Alyssa went out for pizza, but Alyssa was unusually quiet. Jake knew she was more upset about the fight with Mattie than she was letting on, but he didn't bring it up again.

    After he dropped Alyssa off at her car Jake drove to the park and walked the trail alone. He should be happy that Alyssa wanted to come with him, but he couldn't help but to wonder if she'd hate him for it later.

Chapter 19: Alyssa

    For the next month Alyssa avoided Mattie. She arrived to school early and left late to avoid running into her in the parking lot. Mattie had tried to call her a couple of times, but Alyssa refused to answer. Mattie had crossed a line from which Alyssa felt there was no return.

    She fought with her mother about all the nights she was out late watching Jake play at the state championship. There was only one game left