Hold On

"Also make sure that you speak to the coach after your done and thank him." Mom reminded him for the eighth or ninth time this morning. He rolled his eyes once again. "I know mom." He replied.

Today is the tryouts for the school football team, and although he doesn't want to admit it, Ryan is very nervous. I would be too if i were him. I dont mean to sound like a bad sister or anything, but he kind of sucks at football. Or any sport at that matter.

Mom smiled and looked at me. "And dont forget to stay for the tryout and help find a bus home afterwards." She told me and I nodded. "Dont worry, I'll remember." I assured her.

Jaime and Kienna were eager to get out of the limo and start the day, however, Ryan after staying up most of the night worrying about the tryout, and myself staying up watching netflix, were not too excited nor thrilled to be here. And thats a first for me. I'm usually always excited to be at school.

"Have a great day." Dad said as he finally looked up from his phone. With that statement, Arnold opened our door and we all piled out of the car. Jaime and Kienna disappeared as soon as they were able to, but Ryan and i decided to walk together.

We didn't say anything for a bit as we walked up to the doors, taking in our surroundings until he decided to say something. "So um, you know Maddison Lambert?" He asked me and i looked up at him as i reached for the door handle and swung it open. Did he really just ask me about a girl?

"Yeah, why?" I asked him, giving him a questioning look. He awkwardly scratched the back of his neck as we walked. "She's in my math class, and science. I saw you eating lunch with her so i was just wondering." He told me and i smirked before nudging him playfully. "Just wondering huh?" I teased and he rolled his eyes as he blushed slightly. The corners of his mouth forming a tiny smile. "Is she the reason you're so into football all of the sudden?" I asked him and he shrugged. That would explain why he had taken such a sudden interest in a sport he's hated ever since he knew what it was. I knew it was a girl he was doing this for, i just never imagined the girl would be Maddy. I didnt think her to be his type really.

I smiled at him, finding his new blushy behaviour adorable, although strange. Ryan has never acted like this before. "Girls like that kind of stuff right?" He asked. "I guess so. Depends on the person. But lucky for you i happen to know that Maddy loves guys who play football." I told him and he smiled with a nod. "Good." He said and i could see his mind starting to work. He squinted his eyes as we walked and was completely oblivious to all of the girls staring at him dreamily as he passed. I could tell there was still something on his mind that he was unsure about, but i thought it a good idea to wait until he was ready to share with me whatever it was he was thinking about. Ryan hates when people pry for answers.

We walked further down the hall and for some reason, guys still stared at me with hungry expressions even though i was wearing sweatpants and my hair was in a messy bun. I'm so done with the guys at this school. They're all pigs.

Finally Ryan decided to speak up. "This is really awkward to ask, but um," he began as he scratched the back of his neck. "Can you be my wingman?" He asked and i laughed a little, making him blush once again. "Your wingman?" I asked as i came close to my locker. He nodded and bit his lip anxiously as he waited for my answer. I rolled my eyes. "Ugh fine but you owe me." I said and he smiled. "Holy shit i love you. Thank you." He told me excitedly. I laughed and waved him off. "Thats what favorite siblings are for." I winked and he shoved me a little. "You wish you were my favorite." He teased and i laughed. "Well if it isn't me then who is it? Kienna?" I asked and he made a face as if he was vomiting. "Nope. You're right. You're definitely my favorite." He said and we both laughed as i reached my locker. "I'll see you at the end of the day." I told him and he nodded. "See ya." He said before continuing to walk down the hallway.

I smiled to myself as i entered my combination and opened my locker door. I cant believe he actually has a crush on Maddy. Thats super cute. I cant even remember the last time he liked a girl. Actually, I'm pretty sure it was the third grade. Susy Salymore was her name. Oh I'm definitely bringing that up later.

I sling my bag around to the front of my body and start piling in all of the books and binders i will need for my first few subjects. As much as I'm not looking forward to it, the excitement of talking to Maddy about what my brother just told me was urging me to get to class faster. And since i knew where i was going this time, it wouldn't be a problem for me to get there.

Once i had gathered everything i needed from my locker into my bag i shut the door, only to jump three feet in the air when i saw my sister standing next to the locker next to mine. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" She asked me as she glared into my soul. I narrowed my eyes at her, confused to what she was talking about and looked on the other side of me to make sure it was me she was talking to and not someone behind me. There was no one there, so she's definitely talking to me.

I turned my attention back to her and shook my head in confusion, also quite angry that she had the audacity to confront me like this after what she had said two days ago. "What are you talking about?" I ask her, but she only rolls her eyes. "Dont play this game with me Jess. You know exactly what I'm talking about. Jenna just told me that you were flirting with Harry Styles yesterday. She also told me that you set a fucking classroom on fire just so that you could be alone with him in detention." She accused. I huffed a breath, amazed at how stupid she was of believing such idiotic lies.

Is that really what people are saying? That I'm the one whose been flirting with him?! Even the thought makes me gag. "I hate to burst your bubble sis, but your little puppet has it all wrong. He's the one thats been hitting on me, and I'd rather shove myself into a working blender than be alone with him for an hour on purpose." I told her, but she still didnt believe me. "Do you actually think I'm stupid enough to believe that someone like him would make a move on someone like you?" She scoffed, earning a death glare from me. "No. I think you're stupid enough to act like a bitch to the only person who's stuck up for you your whole life. I dont care what type of person you're trying to be around here Kienna. Just leave me the fuck out of it, and get your facts right before accusing me of something so fictitious." I spat at her before turning around and heading to class. My god she is rediculous.

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It was halfway through first period when i realized i hadn't yet mentioned to Maddy the information i had learned from my brother this morning. The teacher, who still hadn't introduced himself to me, was focused on something on his computer, not caring that the class had erupted in chatter. Now is the perfect time to talk to her.

"So," i began and she looked up from her phone at me and smiled. "Sooo." She repeated, stretching out the "o" sound. I smiled at her. "You know my brother Ryan right?" I asked her and she nodded. "Yeah he's in like two of my classes." She told me, blushing a little as she answered. I smirked to myself. She's blushing. This is a good thing.

"What are your thoughts on him?" I asked her with a wink and she gave me a questioning look. Probably wondering why i was asking, and whether or not this was a test. "You actually want my thoughts on him?" She asked and i nodded. "Why?" She asked. "Just tell me! And be honest." I told her and she looked at me for a moment before sighing, signifying that she was giving in. "Alright, well he's insanely attractive and he seems like he's such a nice guy. Although he doesn't seem like he's the sharpest tool in the shed... No offense since he's your brother." I laughed at her answer. "No offense taken." I told her and she smiled before narrowing her eyes at me. "So why'd you ask?" She questioned and i shrugged with a smirk. "I just think you guys would be cute together." I told her and she blushed a little as she smiled. "R-really?" She stuttered sheepishly as she bit her lip. I could tell she was into him just by her responses. "Mhmm." I replied. "You should say something to him next time you see him." I winked and she smirked. "Hmmm, alright. I guess i will." She said happily.

"You're welcome Ry." I said to myself in my head.

When class ended, Maddy and I agreed to have lunch together again and swapped numbers since we didnt do so yesterday. She also gave me Erica and Carter's numbers to text them incase she was late for lunch. (Since she might get caught up talking to Ryan) when that conversation was done, we went our separate ways to class.

Maths and English were the two periods i had before lunch and they went alright, except for the fact that i got another text from you know who in the middle of English. I was really hoping he wouldn't try anything today. I knew he would, but i still hoped.

Wow looks like Sir. Mgginly Hot or Not has been nice to you ;) see you at lunch number 54.
-H xxx

What the? Sir. Mgginly Hot or Not? Isn't that the stupid list Kienna was showing me a while ago? Why is he bringing that up? And why did he just call me number 54? Thats so weird.

Just like last night, i ignored his message. English was more important anyways. I almost got in trouble for looking at my phone and two days of detention in a row was just not an option for me. Especially not if both times had to do with Harry.

Somehow i managed to focus my full attention on the teacher until the bell rang for lunch and when it did i was out the door faster than lightning. I'm just so hungry. Crap i think I'm getting my period.

I took out my phone and searched through my extremely short list of contacts before i found Erica and sent her a message.

Jessica: Hey Erica its Jess, Maddy gave me your number so that i could text you for lunch. I hope its okay that i eat with you again

She replied seconds later with a friendly response.

Erica: Hey America :P of course you can eat lunch with us again! Me and Carter are in the same spot as yesterday come sit with us girl.

I smiled and began to make my way to the caf where, just like yesterday, hundreds of students were chattering away and eating their lunch. I pushed through the large metal doors and looked towards the place we were sitting at yesterday and smiled when i saw the two of them sitting there.

It took a matter of two minutes to get to the table and when i did i almost cried of happiness when i saw that Carter had already got me a tray of food. "Bless your soul, thankyou." I said to him as i sat down and he smirked. "Haha you're welcome." He said and i smiled as i opened the wrapping around the hamburger, took it out and stuffed it in my face. "Jeez someone was hungry." Erica laughed and i nodded my head, unable to speak because of how good it was. We all ate in silence for almost a minute before Erica started talking.

"So i saw Maddy talking to this guy on the way here, she looked really nervous but he was so cute. It took me a while to figure it out but I'm pretty sure the guy is your brother." She told me. Oh my god yay! Thank god she actually took my advice and talked to him. Thats adoreable.

Just as i was about to respond, Maddy herself, slid into the seat next to mine. She had the happiest smile plastered to her face and was staring at me. I laughed. "I'm guessing you talked to Ryan?" I asked and she nodded excitedly. "He's literally so sweet. I gave him my number!" She enthused and i smiled. I'm happy for her, and my brother. He definitely owes me one. And if i wasn't his favorite sibling before, i definitely am now.

"Awww Mads thats so cute. You're growing up too fast." Erica said as she held a hand to her heart. Maddy laughed and waved her off. "Oh shush I've been a grown woman for a while now." She winked and Carter laughed. "I'd beg to differ." He said. "Didnt you snapchat me two days ago as you were watching Barbie Mermaid Adventure?" He asked and she blushed before looking at me with a pleading expression. "Oh my god please dont tell your brother that." She begged and i laughed. "Dont worry, i wont." I assured her.

We all continued to talk and eat for a while, going on about the latest news in school and who's getting suspended or arrested or other interesting things along those lines. None of us ever dared to begin regular school girl gossip until Erica cringed at something on her phone and spoke up. "Ew why the hell is Kristin Mendoza number 12 on the list this week?" She asked, looking like she had smelled rotten milk. I furrowed my eyebrows, unsure of what she was talking about as Maddy chuckled a little.

"Let me see." She said with a smile as she reached for her phone and glanced at whatever it was that Erica had on her screen. Maddy's expression became more confused the longer she stared at the screen. "Wow. Thats shocking." She spoke, agreeing with whatever Erica had said earlier. Carter sat beside her, minding his own business until he decided to take a peek at whatever the two were raving about.

He watched over Maddy's shoulder for a while as it looked like she was scrolling on some kind of news feed. Then suddenly, their eyes widened at the same time. "Holy shit." Maddy blurted and Erica furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. It was obvious that she wanted to know what the sudden commotion was about, and so did i.

"What is it?" She asked as she chewed, but Carter only looked at me with an awed expression, ignoring her completely. "You're number 54." He told me and Erica almost choked on the piece of food she had just put in her mouth. "Number 54?" I questioned and he nodded as Maddy continued to stare with widened eyes at the screen.

Isn't that what Harry had texted me about earlier in English? What does that even mean? Is that the number of times I've been in an awkward situation so far? Cause that would make sense.

Still confused, i turn to Erica in hopes that once she's done choking she'll give me an explanation, but she doesn't. Instead, she reaches across the table and snatches her phone from Maddy's hands to see for herself. Her mouth drops open and forms an awed smile as she huffs a laugh.

"Its your second day here! How are you already number 54?!" She asked me and i shrugged, not able to give her an answer as i still have no clue as to what is going on. I look around the table at my friends, who all still seem to be in shock, except for Carter who doesn't seem to care as much anymore. I watch him as he stares at something in the distance, looking kind of scared. What is it with people around here? Everyone just seems on edge 24/7. Its like no one can ever relax.

Not knowing anything about what "number 54" meant, i decided to avoid asking such basic questions and work around their confusion, hopefully then i could get some answers. "So um, what number are you guys?" I ask, not knowing if i had used the proper lingo or not. Erica looked up at me before nodding to Maddy. "She's 98." She told me and i nodded as if i knew what she meant. "And I'm 113." She said. I huffed. "So what does that mean then?" I asked and Carter rolled his eyes. "It means its stupid." He told me before earning a swat on the arm from Maddy. "Its not stupid. You're stupid." She said and he smirked, amused with her defensiveness.

I waited patiently for an answer as Erica sighed and scooted closer to me, holding her phone so that i could clearly see what was on the screen. My eyes scanned the large amount of words and colours and pictures spread in a balanced pattern in a list formation. On the top of what looked to be a social media page, was the title of the familiar looking list.

"Sir Mgginly Hot or Not" it read and i rolled my eyes.

Its the same list that Kienna showed me a while ago.

"Seriously? A list made for people to tell other people what their worth? Thats disgusting." I told them and Erica shook her head at me. "You dont understand. This list is what keeps everything running around here. Its keeps people calm and restores social order." She told me and Carter scoffed. "You make it sound like the app could change the world." He said, sounding the least bit persuaded. Erica shot him a nasty look before turning towards me again.

"So what do the numbers mean exactly?" I ask her and she sighs. "The numbers are a representation of your status in the school. There are two lists, one for girls and one for guys. And the numbers on each list go up to how many girls there are at the school or how many guys there are." She told me and i raised an eyebrow at her. I cant believe this is actually a thing. It just gives people a chance to cyber-bully each other with the excuse of "keeping social order"?! Thats bullshit.

I shook my head. "Thats horrible." I told her, although a slight part of me was eager to take a look at the list. "Yeah, in a way it is. But people love it." She says and i look away from the screen, resisting the devious urge to take it from her and scroll through. I wont let myself participate in something so awful.

"It is what it is." Maddy said. "I personally love scrolling through it. Its interesting." She told me, but i didnt reply. She then shifted her attention to something behind me in the distance. At first she stared at it as if it was nothing out of the ordinary, but the longer she looked in that direction, the more her eyes began to widen. She continued to stare at what must have been a million dollars, because her expression filled with excitement although i could tell she was resisting the urge to say something or look the slightest bit affected. Even though she failed, and looked as if she was a deer in headlights.

She began breathing really fast and suddenly gripped onto Carter's arm that was rested on the table and squeezed. My urge to turn around was immense however i resisted the urge and continued to examine Maddy's expression. Suddenly her eyes met with mine. "Oh my god."'she said before her eyes again averted towards whatever she was looking at before. I narrowed my eyes at her. "Whats wrong?" I asked her, but she never answered. She just kept her eyes peeled to whatever it was that was so intriguing to her, until she quickly blinked and looked towards her lunch tray.

Then it was clear what she had been looking at.

I sighed with obvious annoyance in my voice as a familiar boy pulled up a chair and sat at the end of the table. I didnt dare look at him, even though it was clear he was staring directly at me, ignoring the rest of the people at the table.

"Hello Jessica." He said, with his smirk evident in the way he spoke. Finally i looked at him, expressionless yet my insides felt like they were going to explode. Why does this boy have such a huge effect on me?! Every part of my mind tells me i hate him and that he's no good, but there's something about him that i cant let go.

"Harry." I reply with a hard tone. Erica and Carter's eyes dart between the two of us at a rapid speed as Maddy continues to avoid looking at him. He smirks at me, still not recognizing that there are others at the table. "You look lovely today." He winked and i rolled my eyes. He can try all he wants, but he's not fooling me. I know guys like Harry Styles all too well. He's a player, a pervert and whats the word again? Oh right.

He's an asshole.

A major asshole. And I'm not falling for his tricks.

"What do you want?" I ask him bluntly, ignoring the compliment he had given me seconds ago. He laughed at my coldness and leaned back in his chair. "I think you know what i want." He smirked and Maddy nearly fell out of her chair. At some point in the past couple seconds she had lifted her head up and had began filling herself in on what was going on.

I glared at him as his emerald eyes stared playfully into my blue ones, full of lust and desire. "A hard kick in the balls?" I asked him and he smirked before biting his lip seductively. At this point we had all three of my friend's attention. "Something like that." He winked and i nearly puked at what he was intending.

In your dreams Harry.

"Nice try mate." A voice chuckled from behind me and I looked to see who it was. A rather tall, handsome looking blonde boy was situated behind my chair, smirking at the two of us. How long had he been there? "A girl like that would never swing for a guy like you." He winked at me and i smiled slightly. He seemed nice and he was very good looking. "A guy like me? You mean, number one on SMHN for the past four years, football captain and aspiring artist?" He said with a smirk in my direction, but i only rolled my eyes. "Wow! I cant believe im actually sitting in front of the Harry Styles!" I enthused with obvious sarcasm. "Can i please get your autograph on the poster i have of you in my room?!" I asked as if i was an excited fan girl with a high squeaky voice. He could tell i was joking although he continued to smirk at me. I swear that stupid smirk never disapears from his face.

"I'd gladly sign your poster love." He winked and i rolled my eyes as i huffed a small laugh. "Thats not the only thing he'd sign." The blonde boy behind me spoke and i turned to look at him, smirking a bit at his comedic remark. "Trust me i know." I told him. "I'm Jess by the way, nice to meet you." I said, surprised at myself for actually introducing myself to someone of the opposite sex. He flashed a friendly smirk making me blush slightly, wondering if i was out of place for stating my name to a guy who is obviously in a much higher league then myself. "I knew that already. I'm Niall." He said and i blushed even harder as he winked at me. He's really attractive.

I looked around as an awkward tension arose. Harry was glaring harshly at Niall after his semi-flirtacious behaviour towards me only seconds ago and the rest of the people at the table refused to say anything as they were still shocked and confused as to what the hell was going on. After a few more seconds of silence, i turned my attention back to Harry.

"I'd love to stay and chat," I told him, although he and i both knew that was a lie. "but lunch is almost over and I've gotta get to class." I told him before i mentally facepalmed for forgetting that he was in my next class. "Perfect. I'll walk with you." He spoke and i shook my head. "As amazing as that sounds, I'll have to pass." I told him with a fake smile. I then stood up and looked at my three friends who's jaws at this point were wide open to match their eyes.

"I'll see you guys later. Maybe we can hang out after school or something." I told them before turning around and nearly bumping into the blonde boy whom i had just made acquaintance. He smiled at me, although i somehow knew he was just like Harry on the inside, maybe just better at hiding it with a friendly smile. "I'll see you around Niall." I said in a partly flirty tone, trying on purpose to make Hary jealous. Niall smirked as i slid by him. "See ya later Jess." He replied and with that, i left the table.

I kept my eyes forward only hoping to god that he wouldn't follow me.

"Jess! Wait up!" He called and i closed my eyes in frustration as i continued to walk.

I should have known it wasn't going to be that easy.

Notes