Between Two Worlds

Chapter 8 | Setting Into Routine

"I'm sure he'll do great," I said, trying to keep my voice neutral.

"He's been a little distracted lately," Madison continued, her tone carefully casual. "I think he's stressed about college recruitment and scholarship negotiations. Sometimes I catch him just... thinking about things."

There was something in the way she said it that made me wonder if Madison was more aware of Tyler's distraction than she was letting on. Was she testing me? Warning me? Or just sharing concerns with someone she saw as neutral?

"Senior year stress is normal," I said diplomatically. "Big decisions and changes ahead."

"Exactly," Madison agreed, but she was watching my expression carefully. "Change can be really disorienting, especially when you're not expecting it."

I had the distinct impression we weren't just talking about Tyler's college anxiety anymore.

The rest of the day passed without incident, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was walking on increasingly thin ice. Emma's observations about Tyler's interest, Madison's careful probing, and my own growing awareness of the attraction I was trying to ignore all pointed toward complications I desperately wanted to avoid.

By the time the final bell rang, I was actually looking forward to a straightforward soccer game where I could focus on American high school culture rather than relationship dynamics.

Jake found me at my locker, bouncing with typical teenage enthusiasm.

"Ready for the game?" he asked. "Tyler says they're definitely going to win. The other team lost their best midfielder last month, so West Valley has a real advantage."

"Sounds promising," I said, grateful for his uncomplicated excitement.

"Madison's been planning her outfit all week. She does this thing where she coordinates with the school colors but still looks like she's going to a fashion shoot rather than a high school soccer game."

"She always looks put-together."

"That's one way to put it," Jake said with a grin. "Another way is that she's never learned how to look anything less than perfect in public. Sometimes I wonder what would happen if she just... let go a little."

It was an astute observation from someone who was barely fifteen. Jake might be the family goofball, but he was also remarkably perceptive about the people around him.

We met up with Linda and David in the school parking lot. Linda had brought a small cooler with snacks and drinks, while David carried a folding chair and wore a West Valley High sweatshirt that looked like it had seen better days.

"Family tradition," he explained when he caught me looking at the faded sweatshirt. "I've worn this to every one of Jake's basketball games and Madison's important school events for the past four years."

"Dad thinks it's lucky," Jake said. "Really it's just old and embarrassing."

"Tradition is tradition," David said with dignity.

Madison met us at the entrance to the athletic complex, and Jake hadn't been exaggerating about her outfit coordination. She wore dark jeans, boots, and a fitted blue sweater that perfectly matched the school colors, topped with a West Valley High scarf that looked both school-spirited and fashionable. Her makeup was flawless despite the late afternoon hour, and her blonde hair caught the setting sun like something from a commercial.

Next to her, I felt underdressed in my simple jeans and West Valley t-shirt that Emma had lent me.

"You look perfect," I told her honestly.