The Journey of the Orphans

Chapter One

Jayden

"I heard he is a ranked soccer player."

"Why would he choose this camp then? Especially when there is only one week left..."

The girls at my camp, Sports Camp of the Youth (But everyone calls it SCY), like to gossip a little too much. I'll give it to them though, they are really good at sports. SCY isn't just any camp; you either have to compete to get accepted or if you are really lucky, scouts ask you to come free of cost.

"I heard he has an entire body of tattoos and girls hanging onto both arms at all times." Natasha exclaimed and I rolled my eyes.

"Do you even know his name, Tash?" I inquired.

"Who cares? I heard he's hot." The girls and I started to walk to the dining hall as we continued our conversation about the mystery boy.

"Does he play anything other than soccer?" Sarah asked.

"I think basketball, football, surfing, and soccer," Natasha responded. "Sounds like the perfect boy to me."

"Who is this perfect boy?" a deep voice asked. "I'm just joking, I'm Zachary." Natasha turned bright red and buried her face into Sarah's shoulder.

"Hey, I'm Jayden." I brushed the hair out of my eyes to get a better look at his face. He had dirty blonde hair cut just like all the boys that I know, shaved at the sides and a poof at the top. His eyes were strikingly green and reminded me of springtime in Los Angeles. He was tall, about six foot one or two, and he looked back into my dull, brown eyes with a certain intensity. My eyes carried down to look for any tattoos on his bare arms but only found muscles. "This is Natasha and Sarah." I introduced my group of friends but he still maintained eye contact with me. I broke it by beckoning the girls to come inside to eat with me.

"It was nice meeting you," Zachary called.

"OMG! Girls, he is so hot and cute. But like, really hot, like really." Natasha rambled on. "JJ, are you listening? We only have six more days together!"

"Mhmmm." I hummed along while we got in line to get our camp's famous tacos. I grabbed a red tray and quickly took three tacos instead of two while the cooks weren't looking.

"You really shouldn't be eating that much, Jay." Natasha gave me a look while she took an apple and a small salad. But all I could think about was the meat soaked in sauce, my white rice, lettuce (which she should give me some credit for), and the crunchy exterior of this deliciousness. Before Natasha could make another remark, I devoured one of my tacos. Instead of snatching a napkin, I quickly licked my fingers. Even though I got a disapproving look from Natasha, it was so worth it. Sarah was reading one of her books, and when Sarah is reading, you do not interrupt.

"Hey, can I sit with you guys?" Zachary said, interrupting my thoughts.

"Um, usually, uh, the boys and girls um-" I try and say but stumble along until Natasha interrupts me.

"Yeah, sure!" she cheerily responds. She patted the seat next to her, but he chose to sit next to me instead.

"So, what sports do you play?" Zachary asked.

"I play lacrosse and field hockey," Natasha answered proudly, and before I could answer, she replied back for me. "Jayden plays soccer and basketball."

"I do too," his eyes glistened. "We'll have to play sometime." I give a thumbs up and get back to my meal. I didn't know he meant it.