chapter five,
we both like apple cider!

TODAY WAS ONE OF BRADY'S favorite events, the homecoming huddle.  From the games to the food, it was pretty fun.  The boy quickly got dressed for school, ate his breakfast, and he and his sister were on their way to pick Kia up.  Brady's car had just arrived, parking in front. Kia quickly walks down the stairs and opened the side door. "Hey guys!" she exclaimed.

"Hi, Kia!" Paige exclaimed as she buckled her seatbelt.  Brady gave her a quick wave, the two of them quickly putting on their seatbelts. As Brady drove off to Samira's house, Kia turned up the radio. "Alright" by Supergrass was playing, causing the trio to sing along.

Eventually, Brady pulled up to Samira's house. Liam and Samira walked out the door, waving goodbye to their parents. The older girl held a container full of cupcakes.   The two sat in the back next to Paige, who gave them a big hug.

"You guys ready for today?" Brady asked, earning a 'yes' from Kia, Liam, and Paige. "Not really." Samira stated. Kia understood why she felt that way. Before her and Greg started dating, he would always let her wear his jersey at the huddle. But now that they weren't together anymore, it was going to be hard for her to forget.

Brady started the car, driving to the school.  He noticed the curly haired girl in the rear view mirror, "Don't worry, Samira.  We'll help you avoid him.  And if he gives you problems, I won't hesitate to punch his face."  Samira let out a small laugh.  Brady smiled, "See! There's the Samira I know."

"Thanks, Brady.  I really needed that."

Finding a spot in front of the school, the five of them grabbed their things and got out of the car.  Brady locked it and placed the keys in his pocket.  That's when they saw a disgusting sight.

Greg fucking Jones kissing Mary Stewarts.

The five decided to move away from the scene in order to keep Samira from crying.  The doors opened, allowing the five to go inside. As Brady went to his locker, he noticed Isaac walking up to Kia. He smiled, having a feeling the boy liked his friend.

Classes were cut short because of homecoming huddle as the said event had finally started. Jackie was helping Alex and Cole run the Apple cider stand, handing refreshments to those who passed. Her hair was in a half up half down ponytail, two strands framing her face. She wore a purple floral knit cardigan, light purple wide legged pants and crop top, and white sneakers. "Could I have an Apple cider please?" a voice asked.

"Sure. One moment -" Jackie stated, turning around to see Brady. "Hi."

"Hi. When I'm on my break, we can talk about the tutoring schedule."

"Okay."

"Your Apple cider is coming right up!" she stated, flashing a smile. Brady watched how the liquid was poured into the cup from the barrel, finding it a bit cool. "Here you go." she stated, handing him his beverage. "Thanks. See you later."

Jackie smiled as he left, causing a very confused Alex to look at her. "Um, Jackie? We still have customers to attend." Snapping out of her trance, she looked at him. "Right! Sorry."

JACKIE WAS FINALLY ON her break, excited to watch the cheerleaders perform.  Brady held a candied apple, walking up to her. "Hey, mathematician." He took a bite out of the apple. "Is okay if I call you that?"

"Sure. It's better than 'New York'. But what days do you want to meet up at the library?"

"We could probably meet up Wednesdays and Fridays."

"I think that could work." Jackie stated, placing it in her calendar app on her phone.  The crowds cheered, signifying that the cheerleaders were going to do their routine.  Brady noticed that Mary Stewarts was wearing something that made him want to break Greg Jones' head.

She was wearing Greg's jersey.  The same thing Samira did with him before they got together the following year.  "Are you guys ready?" Erin asked.

"Yes!" the crowd cheered.  As the girls danced, Brady whispered something to Paige.  The blonde only nodded before the two focused on the cheerleaders.  Once they were finished, Mary blew a kiss to Greg who was sitting on the bleachers with a grin.

They make me want to throw up, Brady thought.  He noticed his younger sister standing somewhere in the crowd, walking through the sea of people to get to her.   He tapped her shoulder, causing her to look at him.   "Yes, Brady?" she questioned, raising an eyebrow.   "I need you to do something for me." he answered, whispering into her ear.

Paige had gotten some apple cider from the Walter's stand.  Walking with Liam, they were catching due to him being out for two days (he got sick too).  Mary was standing proudly next to Greg, wearing a red bow and her cheer uniform.  She still had on his jersey.  Paige didn't look where she was going and her drink flew out of her hand.

A scream was let out, except it wasn't from Paige.  It was from Mary.

The sticky drink had gotten all over Greg's jersey.  And it was all an "accident".

"Look what you've done!" Mary exclaimed, grabbing napkins to clean out the stain.

Greg was angry at Paige, glaring at the young girl. "You probably did this on purpose!".

"It-it was an accident, I swear! Everyone saw."

"Oh, please.  Did Sam put you guys up for this?"

Liam stared at him with furrowed eyebrows. "First, of all, you don't get to call her that anymore.  Second, she's all the way over there.  Why would she do that?"

"To get back at me.  I had a feeling she was jealous but I never thought it would actually happen."

"Babe! The stain won't get out!" Mary complained.  Greg went to her aid, grabbing a bottle of water.

"He's really pathetic." Liam stated. "Mary's even worse. Thank God I made it look like an accident."

Liam stopped in his tracks. "Wait, so you planned this?"

"Yeah. Brady helped me."

"Thank god. You guys should do it again."

Once the homecoming huddle came to an end, Brady drove them all home. They all had fun, even Samira.  She spent some time with Lee which shocked Kia a bit.  Lee was a bit of a grumpy boy so seeing him with a sweet girl like Samira wasn't something she thought she'd see.  The boy also gave her his hoodie to wear for a few.  "So, what's up with you and Lee?" Kia teased.

"Nothing! I was just trying to get to know him." Samira answered.  "Sure.  You were definitely doing that." Paige said.

The three girls looked at Liam who simply shrugged.  "I'm fine with it as long as it's not Greg's stupid face."

"Guys, leave her alone.  I'm sure she was just trying to spark a conversation with him."

"Thank you, Brady! See at least someone-"

"Aren't you still wearing his hoodie?" Brady asked.  Samira looked down, realization hitting her.  "Shit! I can't give it back now.  What if I bring it tomorrow and people ask me questions?"

"Just ignore them." Brady answered.

The rest of the car ride was full of terrible singing and laughter.  Whether it was making Greg Jones miserable or helping each other out with homework, they were always going to be there for each other.  The fantastic five as they liked to call themselves.

Friends till the end.

Maya Speaks 💫:

This book should be finished in a few days because I really want to write my other books 😭 but more Brackie moments WOOOO

Currently trying not to lose my mind as we speak because of this man people call a president

Stay safe out there friends and please use your platform to speak up!