Runaway

Chapter 06

07.04.2017

Last summer was the apocalypse. I had a firm belief that it would never get better. And yet, here I was, over the moon, to be a part of the Graysons' fourth of July party. I was going to Harvard in the fall and nothing could bring me down. Not even a friendly game of football with the Graysons and some of their closest friends. Even when I knew absolutely nothing about the game.

There were fifteen of us who were playing while the few other people enjoyed drinks and burgers on the far side of the grounds. One of Simon's friends had volunteered to be the referee so everyone else could be evenly split into teams. I was on the team with Simon, Nick, Alex, Aunt Sasha, a large man that everyone referred to as DVD, and the referee's wife. On the other side, there was Uncle Blake, Irene, Harry, Oliver, DVD's wife, and two other men whose names I didn't know.

Oliver tried to explain the rules to me before the game started but here I was, standing completely blank as the first whistle went off. Everyone runs off in different directions while I stand and watch, confused. Somehow, the other team scores and cheers, returning to their initial spots once again.

When the whistle goes off this time, I pick a direction and run, still oblivious to everything. For a few plays, which is what they seem to be called, I do the same. Pick a random direction that is as far away from the ball as possible, and run.

It works for a while until I hear someone call out my name. When I look towards the sound, it's Simon, who, without a second word, throws the ball at me. I say at me because it slams into my face, making me fall on my back.

Sounds of concern fill the air, which is all I can discern while my vision returns to normal. I squint at the sun right above me until it is blocked by a figure that offers me a hand. Groaning in pain, I grab the hand and it pulls me up. I almost bump into the chest of my savior but quickly regain my balance. I look up to see Nick staring at me.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, I guess," I mumble while rubbing the back of my head.

"Melody, why didn't you catch the ball," Simon runs over to us, his face full of concern.

"I didn't know you were going to throw it," I reply sheepishly.

"When someone calls your name, it means they are passing you the ball. Are you alright, though?"

"Yes, I'm fine. I just don't understand the game," I shrug.

"We've got two more quarters left. All you need to do is catch the ball when someone throws it your way and run over there," he points to one end of the field.

"Or pass it to someone on our team," Nick interrupts, clearly unimpressed by my skills.

Frankly, I don't blame him for underestimating my running skills. They are subpar, at best.

The game resumes and I return to my previous strategy of running away from the ball. During the short breaks, I ask Oliver or Harry which team is winning since I have absolutely no clue how the scoring in this game works.

"So, who's winning," I ask Oliver as he passes me by.

"With you on that team, who do you think?" He grins and runs off.

A few minutes later, I ask him again.

"What's the score now?"

"We're almost tied. Almost. But not to worry," he winks at me.

When the next whistle goes off, their players cover all of ours except for me. Which is nice for a few seconds until I hear Nick call my name.

Why, oh why?

I turn to see the ball flying at me. My eyes instinctively shut but I force them back open, raising my hands to attempt to catch it. It practically hits me in the stomach but I wrap my hands around it before it can fall to the ground. I watch as the other team breaks out in a run towards me while I stay glued to my spot.

"Run, Melody," Simon yells.

So, I do. I run where Simon had told me to run. Just as I almost make my way to the line drawn in white chalk, Oliver tackles me to the ground.

"Oliver," I groan as he tries to wrestle the ball from my hands but I keep my grip strong.

"Let go, Melody," he grunts through our struggle.

When I refuse to let up, his foot slams against my shin making me gasp in pain.

"You kicked me," I stare at him in horror, both our hands still gripping the ball.

And then I kick him back. He bursts into laughter forcing me to join.

"No, let me go," I manage to get the ball away from him and try to drag my body out of his hold but his grip remains strong, even through the laughter.

I continue to wiggle, my arms pulled away from him until the whistle goes off and he finally lets go.

The referee announces a point for us, tying the score, making Oliver groan. I look up to notice I had somehow wiggled onto the white line. Oliver helps me stand up as I brush the dirt off of my clothes.

I notice everyone from our team celebrating the point. Everyone except for Nick who rolls his eyes at me and Oliver and looks away.

I clear my throat in embarrassment, trying to not be hurt by his behavior.

"Ignore him," Oliver playfully hits my arm. "He's just jealous his girlfriend didn't show up."

"Well done, Melody," Simon walks over and high-fives me.

The last play finally comes around with the score still tied up. The whistle goes off and Simon passes the ball to Nick. He sprints across the field and within a few seconds he's at the end, slamming the ball into the ground, scoring us the victory. No one even comes close to catching him.

After the game, everyone goes inside to shower and change, followed by dinner. Soon, it is almost time for the fireworks. Everyone brings out blankets and lies down on the ground. I sit with Oliver.

"So when are you leaving for college?"

"September 2nd or 3rd, I think. I'm not sure. What about you? Did you finally decide on something?"

"I told you, Mel. I'm not the academic type like you," he chuckles, lying back down on the blanket, his arms crossed under his head. I lay down next to him.

"Well, you must have some plan."

"I want to travel the world. Take photographs," his eyes stay glued to the stars.

"Then do that," I turn my face from his and towards the sky.

"I'm just trying to figure out a way to tell Mom and Simon. He won't be pleased." Frown lines cover his forehead.

"I'm sure he'll understand once he sees how talented you are."

Oliver doesn't answer as Simon and Nick sit down on a blanket a few feet away from us.

"Hey, where's Amanda?" I hear Simon's faint voice.

"I didn't invite her."

And then the fireworks light up the sky.