It's my first day at Corbin High…
Another school, in another town.
Casting a shadow over the parking lot…
Is a larger-than-life cut-out of a football player…
Dressed in blue and yellow, charging the field.
Written underneath are the words:
“CORBIN HIGH - PLAY LIKE A COUGAR.”
Inside, students flood the halls as a bell rings.
I try to make heads or tails of my crumpled class schedule…
As I’m bumped and jostled by the tide of students.
But I think I've pretty much got Corbin High figured out.
It's the same at every school I've been to—
Seven in four years, to be exact.
I pass by a bunch of signs pasted to the stucco-white walls…
All proving my preconceived notions.
Particularly, the one advertising an upcoming pep rally:
"PEP RALLY - TODAY - MANDATORY."
Or the poster urging us to "VOTE BROOKE DALTON FOR HOMECOMING QUEEN."
At every one of those seven schools?
Football is a way of life.
And he always gets the girl.
I stop short to take another look at my schedule when—
I whirl at the voice to see a football—
Spiraling through the air—
A letterman jacket-wearing jock is chasing it down.
He jumps to catch the ball…
But stumbles as he lands.
And before I can think twice—
He collides directly into me.
I fall forward, dropping my books and papers.
Jock
Whoops. Sorry. Didn't see you there.
The jock bends down, as if to help me.
But he just grabs his football instead.
He runs to catch up with his friends…
Leaving me to clean up the mess.
Girl
You must be the new girl.
I look up to find a girl flashing me a smile.
Kelsey
Is it that obvious?
And I reluctantly take it, forcing myself to my feet.
Girl
We don't get a lot of new blood around here.
Girl
Plus, I'm sort of the official unofficial welcoming committee.
I brush myself off as she keeps talking.
Zoe
Head of Student Council.
Zoe
Editor of the Corbin Chronicle.
Kelsey
I'm Kelsey Covington.
Zoe raises an eyebrow, as if expecting more.
Kelsey
Just Kelsey Covington.
Zoe snatches my schedule from my hand and studies it.
Zoe
Honors chem with Miss Leroy. That's a tough one. No APs though?
Zoe
You'll need them to stand out to colleges.
Kelsey
Who says I want to stand out?
Zoe
You're funny. You should join theater club. Or improv.
Kelsey
I'm sort of just trying to keep a low profile.
Zoe
Right. Speaking of which—
Zoe
Mind if I interview you for the Corbin Chronicle?
Zoe
I need a human-interest piece.
Kelsey
I mean, I am a human, but I'm not very interesting.
Zoe
Oh, come on. Just a bit on who you are and where you came from.
I wince and grab my schedule.
Kelsey
Look, I should get to class—
Zoe
Basically an excuse for the football team to practice during the day…
Zoe
While everyone else wastes time.
Zoe
I can show you around.
She flashes another winning grin that reeks of desperation.
Zoe squeals with delight.
Zoe
This is going to look so great on my apps. Come on!
She grabs me by the hand…
And drags me down the hall into an atrium…
Where I take in the school's mascot:
A giant taxidermy cougar.
Something's off about its face.
Zoe
Incredible, isn't it?
Zoe
It was a gift from the mayor of Corbin…
Zoe
After the Cougars made it to State back in 1995.
Kelsey
When was the last time Corbin went to State?
Zoe whips out a notepad as she leads me down a narrow staircase.
Zoe
So, Kelsey, where are you from?
Kelsey
I was born in Michigan, but we move around a lot.
Kelsey
My dad's in the military.
Zoe's eyes light up as she scribbles notes.
Zoe
Ooh, you should join JROTC.
Zoe
I tried to sign up, but you have to be able to run a ten-minute mile…
Zoe
And we all know that's not happening.
She returns her attention back to her notepad—
Zoe
Speaking of which - do you play any sports?
Kelsey
My mom used to sign me up for everything.
Kelsey
She even convinced the middle school coach to let me play flag football with the boys.
Zoe
Wow, I like your mom already.
Zoe
I'm really sorry to hear that.
Zoe
The counseling center runs a group for students struggling with grief.
Zoe
I hear it's really helpful.
Kelsey
Thanks, but it was a few years ago. Before high school.
Kelsey
My dad was supposed to retire, actually…
Kelsey
But when she died we kept moving to keep busy.
Kelsey
So it's cool - I'm over it.
Then she checks her notepad.
Zoe
What was your last school like?
Zoe
Did you have a boyfriend?
She gives me a once-over…
My blonde hair pulled into a messy ponytail.
And I’m not sure what to say.
Zoe
It's cool if you are.
Zoe
I know it's Texas and all…
Zoe
But we actually just got a Gay-Straight Alliance.
Zoe
I can go with you, if you want.
Zoe
As a straight ally, of course.
Kelsey
Thanks, but no thanks. I'm not a…
I can't bring myself to say it.
Kelsey
Right. Totally straight. I like dudes.
Once again skeptical of my response.
Zoe
Right. Well, in that case…
She leads me outside to the football stadium.
The Corbin Cougars run drills across a dusty field.
Cheerleaders egg them on from the sidelines.
Zoe
Here they are - the famous Corbin Cougars.
I watch as a receiver stumbles and falls.
Kelsey
You said it, not me.
Zoe
Well, as bad as they look, they actually have a shot this season.
Zoe
But that's not the point.
Zoe points to a tall figure at the center of the pack.
He crosses to the sidelines, splashing himself with water.
Zoe watches as he peels off his practice jersey…
Revealing a set of toned abs.
She bites her lip, taking him in.
Zoe
That's Colton Lavery. Our star quarterback.
Kelsey
He's fine, I guess.
Zoe turns to me, shock on her face.
I realize you'd probably have to be blind not to find this Adonis attractive…
Unless you weren't attracted to guys.
Kelsey
I mean, he's hot, he's just not really my type.
Zoe
Right. Well, he's also the son of the quarterback who got us to State in '95.
Zoe bites her lip, watching as Colton pulls his jersey back on.
Kelsey
If you like him so much, why don't you just ask him out?
Zoe
Every girl in Corbin wants him—
Zoe
Except for you, apparently.
I turn my attention back to the field.
And that's when I see her.
A cheerleader on the sidelines…
Time seems to slow down as she leads the rest of her squad through a routine.
I watch, mesmerized, unable to tear my eyes away…
Even as, elsewhere on the field…
The wide receiver takes a bad sack and falls - hard.
I break from her spell just in time to spot the football headed right for me.
Instead of ducking out of the way—
And throw it back onto the field to Colton.
Colton turns his attention back to his fallen teammate…
Who’s now being tended to by the coach.
I scan the crowd for the beautiful cheerleader.
Zoe
Colton actually noticed you.
Zoe
Also, you're, like, good.
Zoe
You should definitely try out for softball.
I shrug and crane my neck.
I find the girl leading a cheer for the fallen receiver—
A pair of his teammates help him off the field.
Zoe traces my eyeline to the cheerleader.
Zoe
Her? That's Brooke Dalton.
Zoe
Future homecoming queen.
Zoe
Exactly what you'd expect from the most popular girl in school—
Before I can inquire further, a bell rings, signaling the end of free period.
Zoe
We better get going or we'll be late for the pep rally.
Kelsey
Oh, school spirit's not really my thing.
Zoe points to a pep rally flier hanging on the side of the school which reads:
Inside, the gym is a sea of blue and gold.
My red flannel makes me stick out like a sore thumb.
Zoe
I was supposed to be reporting on the pep rally…
Zoe
But this piece on you? Way more interesting.
And right as she prepares to shoot a photo of me…
I throw my hands up to cover my face.
Zoe freezes, raising an eyebrow.
Kelsey
Sorry, I appreciate everything you're doing, but…
Kelsey
I really just want to stay invisible.
Kelsey
You know, fade into the background.
Zoe
Is that what you want…
Zoe
Or is it just what you're used to?
Before I can respond, a trumpet sounds…
Signaling the arrival of the guests of honor:
I see Colton, taking it all in, loving it.
He winks at a group of girls holding a sign with his picture on it…
Behind Colton, the receiver from earlier who took a bad sack…
Hobbles in on a pair of crutches.
I spot Brooke next to him, helping him with his things…
Before heading off to the sidelines to join her fellow cheerleaders.
Colton finds his way to the center of the gym…
And takes his place on stage next to Coach Wilson – a gruff, former cowboy who speaks with a twang.
Coach Wilson
Alright Cougars, who's ready to beat West Canaan?
Coach Wilson
I won't lie to you—
Coach Wilson
The last few games have been rough.
Coach Wilson
And just as things were maybe looking up…
Coach Wilson
Jason goes and gets himself injured.
Jason, the kid on crutches, frowns.
Coach Wilson
But this season's not over yet.
Coach Wilson
In a few weeks, we play Riverview for homecoming.
The crowd boos at the mention of Riverview.
Coach Wilson
I still believe we can beat 'em.
Coach Wilson
Heck, we've got the best starting quarterback in the state of Texas.
Girls in the front rows fawn over him.
Coach Wilson
But Colton can't do it alone.
Coach Wilson
That's why I'm holding mid-season try-outs tomorrow afternoon.
The crowd murmurs as Zoe leans in to whisper to me:
Zoe
If only girls were allowed to try out.
Zoe
That catch you made was amazing…
Zoe
Better than anything Jason ever did.
Coach Wilson
I know that one of you out there has the talent and courage to step up.
Coach Wilson
Maybe you've been too chicken to do it.
Coach Wilson
But we're all part of this family.
The crowd cries out: COUGARS!
Coach Wilson
C'mon now, you can do better than that.
The crowd goes absolutely wild, screaming, chanting, cheering:
Coach Wilson hands off the megaphone to Colton, who takes center stage.
Colton
We've got a great pep rally for y'all today, but, before we get started…
Colton
I've got a little question to ask.
Someone throws Colton a football.
He steps off of the podium and jogs over toward the cheerleaders.
Squeals of delight erupt from the crowd as Colton makes his way over to Brooke.
Colton
Brooke Dalton. You're such a catch.
He tosses the football, underhand, to Brooke, who catches it.
Colton
And I know you're the one cheering me on, but the truth is:
Colton
I'm your biggest fan.
I roll my eyes at the display.
The Corbin Cougar mascot hands Colton a bouquet of flowers.
Colton gets down on one knee.
Colton
Will you go to homecoming with me?
The air leaves the gym as the crowd watches, waiting for Brooke's response.
For a moment, it seems like she might turn him down, but…
The crowd cheers, louder than before.
Somewhere, the marching band begins to play.
Zoe
Oh. My. God. Wasn't that so cute?
I shake my head and mutter under my breath:
Colton once again sweeps Brooke into his arms.
But Brooke turns away, giving Colton her cheek.
No one else seems to notice.
I raise a skeptical eyebrow…
Perhaps there's more to Brooke than meets the eye.
Inside the bathroom, I splash water on my face…
And look up at the mirror.
A 'BROOKE DALTON FOR HOMECOMING QUEEN' poster hangs above my reflection.
This one has her picture on it—
Feeling a pang of longing.
Just then, a sob rings out from one of the stalls.
I rub my hands on a paper towel and ball it up, throwing it in the trash.
I start to head for the door when…
Yet another sob rings out.
And double back towards the stall.
Kelsey
Hey, uh - everything okay in there?
Kelsey
Well…is there anything I can do to help?
Voice
Do you ever feel like everything in your life is being decided for you?
Voice
Like who to be, who to love—
I lean against the stall door, thinking.
Kelsey
Yeah, pretty much all the time.
Voice
So what do you do about it?
Kelsey
To be honest with you? Nothing.
Kelsey
I always thought the best way to deal with my problems was to just…
Kelsey
If no one knows me, no one can write my story for me.
Kelsey
But, maybe being invisible isn't working so well anymore.
Kelsey
Maybe it's not what I really want.
I hear sniffles from inside the stall.
I sigh again, taking a deep breath.
Kelsey
It's never too late to become the person you always wanted to be.
Voice
That's beautiful. What's it from?
Kelsey
My mom used to say it every time I started at a new school.
Then, the stall creaks open, revealing:
In her cheerleading uniform.
I do a double-take, comparing the Brooke standing in front of me…
To the Brooke smiling on the campaign poster taped to the mirror.
Before I can protest, Brooke pulls me in for a hug.
Brooke
That's exactly what I needed to hear.
She pulls back, taking a look at me.
I freeze under Brooke's gaze.
Brooke
I'm going to do it. I'm going to break up with Colton.
Brooke heads to the sink and begins adjusting her makeup in the mirror.
Brooke
Not yet, of course. After homecoming.
Brooke pulls out a stick of lip gloss and begins applying it to her lips.
Kelsey
But…the pep rally.
Brooke
I hate public displays of affection.
Brooke
Colton either never listens to a word I say, or he doesn't care.
Brooke blots and pouts her lips…
Checking herself in the mirror.
Kelsey
But…you both seem so…happy.
Brooke
See, that's exactly what I mean.
Brooke
People always assume they know the real me.
Brooke
The truth is - not a soul at this school does.
Satisfied with her makeup, Brooke heads for the door.
Without thinking, I follow at her heels.
The door to the bathroom swings behind me…
As I follow Brooke into the hall.
Brooke, noticing a blank spot, reaches into her bag…
And fishes out a 'BROOKE FOR HOMECOMING' poster and a roll of tape.
She hands the tape to me as she works to hang the poster to the door.
Brooke
This conversation needs to stay between us…?
Kelsey
And - it will. I'm new here, so…no one to tell!
Brooke finishes hanging the poster and stands back, admiring her handiwork.
Brooke
Great. And Kelsey?
Brooke
It's not too late to take your mom's advice…
I’m touched - she seems sincere.
Brooke digs in her bag again.
Brooke
Oh, and one more thing—
She produces another flier and hands it to me.
Brooke
Remember to vote Brooke for homecoming queen!
I watch, mesmerized, as Brooke makes her way down the hall…
Stopping to secure more fliers to the walls.
Inside the town’s retro malt shop…
I sit across from my dad…
Who’s still dressed in his fatigues.
I dip a French fry in my milkshake, distracted.
Sgt. Covington
So, how was your first day?
Sgt. Covington
I think you're really gonna love it here, Kels.
Kelsey
Now where have I heard that before?
Sgt. Covington
Will you at least give it a try this time?
Sgt. Covington
You know, make some friends, join a club or something.
Sgt. Covington
Maybe you could even find a nice guy, go on a date.
I pale at the mention of dating…
A bell jingles as a group steps inside the diner.
My eyes widen as I spot the group of football players and their girlfriends…
Including Colton - his arm wrapped tight around Brooke.
Kelsey
Hey Dad - how did you know when you liked Mom?
Kelsey
I mean, really liked her?
My dad beams - happy that I’m actually engaging with him…
Even if my gaze is firmly elsewhere.
Sgt. Covington
Well, you know, Mom and I met in high school.
Sgt. Covington
I was just some scrawny guy back then-
Sgt. Covington
Yes way. And she was popular.
Sgt. Covington
I knew I had to do something to get her attention.
Sgt. Covington
So I worked out all summer. Beefed up a bit.
Sgt. Covington
Then, in the fall, I tried out for football.
Sgt. Covington
I wasn't very good, but, point is, I went for it. And it worked.
I watch as Brooke and the rest of the girls laugh flirtatiously, enthralled by their dates.
Sgt. Covington
So…who's the guy?
Taking a bite of my milkshake fry.
The next day at school, I walk up to a bulletin board with sign-up sheets for various clubs.
I notice a scrawny freshman signing his name under a flier that reads:
"MID-SEASON FOOTBALL TRYOUTS - TODAY."
And write my name on the line:
Later that day, Colton throws a football down the field - long.
It soars toward the waiting arms of the scrawny freshman.
He closes his eyes, bracing for impact—
Coach Wilson blows his whistle, signaling the next player to cue up.
Colton smirks, ready to torture his next victim.
From the stands, Zoe snaps pictures for the school paper…
Jotting down notes for a story in her legal pad.
She shakes her head at the sorry display.
I sit on the sidelines, waiting as the try-outs unfold…
Watching through the iron grill of my football helmet.
I tap my feet nervously on the turf.
The cheer squad, led by Brooke, eggs Colton on…
As he leans back and sends another ball flying down the field…
Picking up yardage as a hopeful races to make the catch.
The ball soars past him, landing with a thud on the grass.
The hopeful stops short, panting, out of breath.
Coach Wilson curses under his breath, making notes on his clipboard.
Coach Wilson
Lavery - go easy on them, will you?
Colton
I thought we wanted to win, Coach!
Coach Wilson shakes his head…
And blows into his whistle.
Coach Wilson
Alright. Next up - Covington!
I pull myself up and run towards the field.
I’m lucky I held onto my athletic build…
Or else someone would definitely recognize me under this uniform.
But with my ponytail safely tucked under the helmet…
I probably just look like another scrawny freshman boy.
I can see Colton shaking his head as I near the line of scrimmage.
He probably thinks I’m too small to be a true contender.
I try to clear my mind, focus.
I set myself across from Colton, staring him down.
I sprint down the field as Colton sends the ball spiraling through the air.
And I can easily clock the ball as it flies toward me…
Keeping my eyes glued to its trajectory as I pass ten yards, 20…
The ball begins to spiral towards the ground…
I dive after the ball, arms outstretched—
Then I close my eyes, bracing for impact.
I hit the ground and grimace—
Not wanting to open my eyes.
I hear steps hustling over to me.
I open my eyes and look down…
I look to see Brooke leading her squad in a cheer from the sidelines…
As Colton extends a hand to me.
I grab hold and let Colton help pull me to my feet.
Colton
Nice catch, rookie.
I open my mouth to thank him, but think better of it.
A hand claps me on the back.
I turn to find Coach Wilson, grinning from ear to ear.
Coach Wilson
We'll have to get you a new jersey, that one's a little big.
Coach Wilson
What size are you, young man?
I open my mouth to speak, but I’m interrupted by—
Colton
C'mon, Coach, he made one lucky catch.
Colton
We don't have time to train fresh blood.
Coach Wilson
Lavery, we've been over this.
Coach Wilson
Without Jason, we don't have a shot at beating Riverview.
Colton
Last I heard I was this team's star, not Jason.
Coach Wilson
You are, son, but a good throw won't get us anywhere…
Coach Wilson
If there's no one to catch it.
Coach Wilson
You want the top schools to notice you?
Coach Wilson
Well, then we need to win.
Coach Wilson motions to me.
Coach Wilson
And I think this young man can help us do just that.
He looks down at his clipboard and scratches his head.
Coach Wilson
Covington. You got a first name, son?
And reach for my helmet, slowly pulling it off.
Colton's eyes grow wide as a cascade of blonde hair spills out of my helmet.
I shake my head, pushing the hair out of my face.
Kelsey
Kelsey. Kelsey Covington.
I scan everyone’s reactions.
Brooke perks up from the sidelines, suddenly interested.
Zoe's eyes grow wide as she snaps a picture of me.
Coach Wilson scratches his head.
Colton
But girls can't play football!
Coach Wilson
Now, hold on a minute.
Coach Wilson
Where'd you learn to play, young…
He stops himself and clears his throat.
Kelsey
I've been playing sports since I could walk. Basketball, softball, soccer. I ran track.
Kelsey
My mom even fought so that I could play in the boy's flag football league back in Denver.
Coach Wilson
This isn't flag football. This is a full-contact sport.
Coach Wilson
Why not join the girls’ softball team? Less broken bones.
Kelsey
I guess I just wanted to try something different.
Coach Wilson scratches his head, considers his clipboard, and nods.
Colton
Coach, you can't seriously be considering this.
Coach Wilson
I'm thinking, Lavery.
Colton
What's there to think about?!
Colton
A girl can't play on the varsity football team.
Coach Wilson
Technically, there's nothing in the rulebook preventing it.
Colton
I don't need a rulebook to tell me that it isn't right.
Brooke
What's so wrong about it?
I hadn’t even noticed Brooke crossing the field toward us.
Colton turns to her, too.
Brooke
There can be guys on the cheerleading squad.
Colton
There can be, but—
Colton
No self-respecting guy would be caught dead cheerleading in this town.
Brooke
Because cheerleading isn't a real sport?
Colton
That's not what I said, babe.
Brooke
But it's what you meant.
She turns away from Colton to face Coach Wilson.
Brooke
I think Kelsey should be allowed to play.
I smile, locking eyes with Brooke.
Coach Wilson
Thank you for your opinion, Miss Dalton, but—
Colton
Don't you want us to get into a good college? Together?
Brooke looks away, deflecting.
Brooke
What's that got to do with anything?
Colton
There's no way I'll get a fair shot with recruiters if there's a girl on the team.
Colton
She's a distraction.
Brooke
Maybe if a girl can distract from your playing, you need to play better.
There are a bunch of ‘oohs' and laughter from the Cougars and the cheerleaders.
Before heading back to the bleachers.
Coach Wilson
Alright, listen—
He looks up from his clipboard…
Scratches behind his ear with a pencil…
Coach Wilson
I'm going to give you a shot.
I beam, silently cheering.
Colton's eyes narrow as he grows increasingly furious.
Coach Wilson
There's two more games 'til homecoming.
Coach Wilson
If you can prove to me you've got what it takes before then…
Coach Wilson
I'll keep you on.
Coach Wilson
If not, I'll cut you.
Coach Wilson
Same as anyone else.
Coach Wilson
That's my decision, Lavery. Take it or leave it.
Kelsey
Thank you, oach. I won't let you down.
Coach Wilson
You better not.
Coach Wilson
Otherwise, this town will eat us both alive.
Coach Wilson
The good people of Corbin, Texas don't like to lose.
Coach Wilson
Isn't that right, Colton?
Coach Wilson
We've got a lot of work to do to catch Covington here up.
Coach Wilson
Everyone take five, and then we'll start practice.
Coach Wilson heads for the breakroom.
Colton leans in toward me.
Colton
I'm giving you one last chance to walk.
Kelsey
I don't know if you heard, but Coach said I was clear to play.
Colton
He might be coach, but I call the shots at this school.
Kelsey
Your girlfriend seems to think differently.
Colton
I don't care what Brooke says.
Colton
You play, you make a powerful enemy.
I tap my foot nervously on the ground…
Doing my best to steady my nerves.
Colton
I won't let you get in the way of my shot at State.
Kelsey
I'm playing, Colton. Whether you like it or not.
Colton scowls again and throws off his helmet…
Then walks off the field.
Coach Wilson blows his whistle.
Coach Wilson
Alright everyone, huddle up!
I take a final look at Colton as he leaves the field.
Then I pull on my helmet…
And run to the line of scrimmage…
To join the rest of the Cougars.
Inside the girls' locker room, I begin to remove my helmet and pads…
A group of cheerleaders, including two girls named Bethany and Makayla…
Brooke, now dressed in shorts, turns to look at me…
Then looks away abruptly as I start to take off my jersey.
She turns to her locker and begins to pack up her uniform.
I overhear Bethany and Makayla…
Because frankly, they’re not talking that quietly.
Bethany
I can't believe she's changing in here.
Makayla
I can't believe Coach is letting her play.
Bethany
I know - doesn't he realize that we're the ones stuck with her?
Bethany
I mean, what kind of girl plays football?
Makayla
She's probably a lesbian.
Brooke
So what if she is?
Bethany
Uh, I don't know about you guys…
Bethany
But I don't want a lesbian in the locker room watching me change.
I hear murmurs of agreement from the other cheerleaders.
Brooke shoves the remainder of her uniform in her bag…
I look around at the other cheerleaders.
They snicker at Brooke's question.
A look registers across Brooke's face…
Brooke
Were you looking at them?
I shake my head again – actually meaning it this time.
Satisfied, Brooke turns her attention back to her squad.
Brooke
So what seems to be the problem, then?
Bethany
Oh my god. Chill, Brooke. I swear, you're so moody lately.
Makayla
Maybe she's PMSing.
Bethany
For an entire school year? Maybe she's just a b****.
There’s laughter from the other cheerleaders.
Brooke
This b**** is going to be homecoming queen.
Bethany and Makayla finish packing up their things and head for the door.
Bethany
Maybe - but only because of Colton.
Bethany
Without him, you wouldn't stand a chance.
Bethany and Makayla file out of the locker room…
Followed by the rest of the cheer squad.
Kelsey
Hey, thanks. You didn't have to stick up for me like that.
Brooke heads for the door.
Brooke
Of course I did. You help me, I help you.
Brooke
Isn't that what friends do?
And I rush to catch up with her.
Kelsey
But…I barely know you.
Kelsey
You barely know me. I mean, I just moved here-
Brooke
Sometimes, you don't need to know someone a long time…
Brooke
To feel a connection with them.
Something passes between us…
Zoe
Kelsey. Can I talk to you?
I reluctantly break my gaze with Brooke…
I flash Brooke a nervous grin as Zoe pulls me into a classroom…
Zoe
Yesterday you told me you wanted to be invisible.
Zoe
You didn't even want me to take your picture.
Zoe
Now you're suddenly the first girl in West Texas to ever join a varsity football team—
Kelsey
Woah. Is that true?
Zoe
And you're talking to Brooke freaking Dalton!
Zoe
I mean, who are you?!
Kelsey
Me! You were right, I don't like being invisible—
Kelsey
It's just what I was used to.
Zoe
And what about Brooke?
Zoe
Do you like her or something?
I feel my cheeks turn red.
Kelsey
No, it's not like that! I was just helping her out.
Kelsey
I mean, she's going to break up with Colton, and—
I clock the shocked expression on Zoe's face.
Kelsey
S***. You can't tell anyone.
Zoe
And miss the chance to ruin Queen B's shot at homecoming queen?
Zoe
I mean, this will shake up the entire school!
Zoe
People might actually read the paper for once.
Zoe rushes to jot down notes on her laptop.
I try to think of a way to deflect.
And then sigh, realizing what I need to do.
Kelsey
You were right, okay?
Zoe looks up from her computer.
Kelsey
Like, like-like her.
I take a dramatic pause to let the information sink in.
Then returns her attention to her laptop.
Kelsey
Wait, how did you know?
Zoe turns her attention back to me.
And gives me a once-over.
Zoe
You mean apart from the whole…
Zoe
Vaguely disgruntled lumberjack look you've got going on?
I look down at my outfit.
Zoe
You're literally the only person I've ever met that doesn't want to jump Colton Lavery's bones.
Zoe
I'm pretty sure my mom has a crush on him.
Zoe
And she's, like, really old.
Kelsey
Oh. Okay, well, I'm not out yet, so—
Zoe mimes zipping her lips and throwing away the key.
Zoe
I don't spill secrets.
Zoe
Unless they're Brooke's.
I shoot out my arm, shutting Zoe's laptop.
Kelsey
I'll give you something better.
Zoe
What could be better than Corbin's It-Couple calling it quits?
Kelsey
Forget Brooke and Colton.
Kelsey
I'll give you an exclusive.
Kelsey
You want to stand out to colleges? Get people's attention?
Kelsey
I'll give you that human interest piece.
Kelsey
You said it yourself:
Kelsey
I'm the first girl to play varsity in West Texas.
Kelsey
Exclusive coverage. Game day interviews, a profile—
Kelsey
All you have to do is keep my little secret…
Kelsey
And Brooke's little secret.
Zoe
You've got yourself a deal, Covington.
