It didn't take long for Ian to text back, not even questioning the reason why he needed to take Daniel's place. As I watched him say something to Coach Hanks before heading away from the field, I figured it was probably because he already knew.

My eyes trailed him until he turned, walking out in the direction of the parking lot. Only ten seconds were left on the clock until halftime. It would start with a performance from the cheerleaders, and then the marching band would play-- that would be Roy's cue to start streaking. We all figured the field would be most crowded at that point, making it more difficult for anyone to catch him before he disappeared into the woods. Jade and I would be in a phone call together, and I'd tell her once Roy had been noticed to turn off the lights.

It could work. Even without Daniel, it could work. 

My phone vibrated in my hand and I looked down to see a new message in the group chat from Roy.

Someone must have seen me in the bathroom, security came in to get me.

My thumb instantly went for the call button, a few rings sounding before someone picked up.

"Maddie?" Jade answered first, followed by Roy before I could respond.

"I got kicked out. And they banned me from the rest of this year's sporting events."

"Not exactly a tragic loss," Ian remarked, announcing his presence in the call.

"What happened?" I asked, making my way down the bleachers as the quarter came to an end. It was almost showtime, and we just lost our showman.

"Someone must've seen me," Roy said, voice filled with uncertainty. "Security said they were alerted about a peeping tom. I told them I walked into the girls' bathroom by mistake and was too scared of being seen to come out, but I don't think they really believed me. I'd sneak back in, but who knows what the punishment will be like if I get caught a second time."

"What are we gonna do?" Jade asked as I reached the bottom of the bleachers.

I kept walking, weaving in between the crowd, pushing my way through. "Jade, when the marching band starts playing, count down from ten and then kill the lights. I should have gathered attention from at least one of The Seven by that point."

"I- Wha- You're gonna do it?" I could barely make out her question as she was overlapped by the two male voices.

"Maddie, you don't have to do this," Ian spoke seriously over the other boy's laughs of disbelief.

"Seriously, Mads-- I appreciate your dedication to the cause, but this is a lot to take on," Roy added.

"They're right," Jade agreed, "It's riskier now with just the three of us and-"

"Jade," I interrupted, "I'm doing it. I need you to be ready with the lights, and I need you to get my stuff from the bathroom. It's the same plan, just a small change."

There were a few seconds of silence before she spoke again. "Yeah, okay. Ten seconds after the band starts. I'll be ready."

"Okay." I opened the door to the bathroom and hurried inside. "I'll see you guys soon."

I hung up before I could be unconvinced and turned to the metal box on the wall, wrenching it open and grabbing the items resting inside.

I heard a toilet flush and quickly entered a stall, hanging up the coat and the mask before starting to strip down. My shirt was the first to go, heart pumping in my chest as I slid off my pants, tugging them over my shoes in a rush. 

The poem was so unspecific; "undressed" was such a loose term. Roy had figured it meant all the way, but I wasn't so sure. As I looked down at myself, looking ridiculous in sneakers, pink underwear, and my bra, I knew this was as far as I was willing to take it. Some things just weren't worth five thousand dollars, my pride being one of them.

I pulled my hair up into a tight bun and slid into the coat, shoving the ski mask into one of the pockets. After tying the belt around my waist I gathered my clothes, taking a quick peek out into the bathroom to make sure no one was around. I left the stall and stuffed my things into the toiletries box, shutting it securely.

The music from the cheerleaders routine came to an end and I realized it was now or never-- there was no time to let my thoughts catch up to my actions, which was probably a good thing. 

I hurried outside and went around the back of the building, hopping over the short chain-link fence that separated the field from the bleachers. I landed on the running track that surrounded the field and crouched down into the shadows, watching as the band marched onto the turf.

As they arranged themselves into formation I inched forward, closer to the edge of the grass, trying to avoid the lights. I reached into my pocket, pulling out the mask and slipping it over my head.

The first note played, and in that second, I knew I had to make a decision. It was do or die. 

Like I said, this thing wasn't just about revenge anymore. As I thought about the fact that the rest of the group was depending on me, and that if I stayed still, Four of Clubs would be no more, I could feel my feet begin to move. I was running, past the goalpost, towards the band.

My hands reached for the belt, untying it and flinging the coat from my body. I held onto it and as I sprinted across the grass it flew behind me like a flag, drawing more attention to my display. I was doing it, and The Seven were going to see. 

Once I reached the band the song faltered, becoming off-key and messy within a matter of seconds, slowly fading to a stop. The murmurs of the crowd grew louder, shock filled voices filling the air. 

A few football players pointed and stood from the bench, jumping as they whooped and clapped. I saw Coach Hanks running to the field from the corner of my eye and I dove left, joining the sea of band members, weaving in between them and hoping they wouldn't try to stop me. 

All at once I was plunged into darkness. The stands instantly got louder-- I couldn't tell if they were loving or hating the interruption, but I couldn't seem to care. All I could think was to run, run, run, and keep running. 

Rutherford's marching band was only so big-- soon I reached the end of the crowd of teenagers and instruments and was out in the open, pushing my legs to move faster as I grew closer to the edge of the field. I could hear a voice over the loudspeaker telling people to remain calm. Finally, I reached the chain-link fence and put my shoe into one of the openings, hoisting myself up and over, my feet hitting the grass on the other side.

I kept running, worried someone would be following still. Once I reached the treeline I tugged the coat back on, snatching the mask off my head when I could finally see Ian's headlights up ahead. I powered my way through the twigs and branches littering the ground, willing myself not to trip. 

I only allowed myself to walk once I finally reached the truck. My legs felt like they were on fire, as did my lungs. I retied the coat to cover myself, trying to catch my breath as I headed to the passenger's door. I opened it and lifted myself inside, relief flooding through my body once I finally sat down.

"Maddie?" Ian watched as I closed the door and buckled myself in.

"Yeah?" I breathed out, my eyes closing as my head hit the headrest. There were a few seconds where he didn't say anything, the air filled with only the hum of the engine.

"You're incredible, you know that?"

I exhaled, forcing myself not to smile. "Just drive, Ian."

are you surprised madeline did the streaking? 😶

I'm too tired to think of more questions omg 😅 I hope you all enjoyed the chapter! 💙 thanks so much for reading :')