Jamdown

Chapter 16

Irwin Pristine

Her beauty was eloquent. I needed to introduce myself to her, but would she give me a positive response? My hands clamped up on the thought of going over there. I wanted to speak to her, but those two were next to her. 

Donavan and that Driver Boy, ever since they came here, the Driver Boy never left her side. I swelled with irritation at his relaxed, ‘hands in pocket demeanor’. He was probably making moves on her. The little man was shorter than me. Hell, he was shorter than Vanessa with his curve cut, low wavy hair, and big chin. Even his ears were big, such big features on a small man were a sad affair.

I was not ugly, so I definitely had a chance.

Donavan gestured at her and she smiled at his words. Even Donavan was making a move on her. Her smile as she turned her head was so enlightening. I needed to speak to her. It was now or never. I breathed in and straightened up.

My shaky feet carried me over there and I saw the Driver Boy looking at me with those beady eyes like he was watching me. I stepped beside Donavan, who looked up at me with a shocked face. “Hey, Irwin, what’s up? You need something?”

“Ah, no, no, hm,” I said. I turned to Vanessa. Her eyes were on me. My chest felt like it was about to burst. I parted my lips. 

“Hey, Vanessa, right?” I asked.

“Yes,” she said.

“Right, ah how are you doing today?”

Vanessa shrugged. “I am good.”

“That’s great. It is good. Ah—“

“Donavan! Sup!” 

Vanessa and the Driver Boy turned their heads instantly to the new person stepping into this circle. This young-looking man was darker than a nightshade, but the smile shinned brighter than a supernova. His black jacket swung over his broad shoulders while the gray long-sleeve shirt barely held the extent of his chest. Black pants fitted around his legs hungrily.

He must have been from another team, for I did not recognize him. All of them looked like something out of a model show. Looking down at my skinny arms and basic dress clothes made me feel like a peasant to these kings.   

Donavan nodded. “Sup Alwayne?”

Alwayne smirked. “Life’s good. Looking to cap off a good season and win this year. What about you guys?”

“The usual grind,” Donavan said.

“Hey, still, congratulations on making it this far. You guys are the best non-league team. I was telling Oxler you are the guys to look out for.”

Donavan averted his eyes and gave him a sly grin. “He probably would think otherwise.”

“Don’t give me that. I expect you guys to win today.”

Donavan laughed. “Don’t say that aloud. The other players might scandalize you.”

Alwayne exchanged nods of acknowledgment with the Driver Boy. Then he turned to Vanessa, placed his hand out, and smiled at her. Vanessa lit up like the fourth of July and giggled with a seductive smile. 

“Good day miss! Ah, pray tell what is your name?” Alwayne asked.

“Vanessa,” she said. 

My chest burned.

“Vanessa, such a beautiful name. Hold up, you are beautiful now that I look at you, I must say.”

“Oh, thanks!” She was beaming and I was shaking with rage. “I always heard of the sport, but I never watched it.”