In the Middle

Chapter 4 - On the Field

I took a seat by my friend and she asked where I had been and that I missed out on my favorite but she saved me her slice. Much like Dex she was on a diet but they both didn't need to be. She literally wore a waist trainer to school. I was ecstatic about the cake and she smiled as we continued talking about the girl who was rumored to be pregnant.

After school I went early with the rest of the school to watch our soccer team train for the match tomorrow. Who doesn't like to see a bunch of sweaty teenagers with six packs run across the field? Reed. She said she didn't see the hype and I told her that was because she liked older men and she elbowed my side.

Dex called me down and I looked behind me and he said you dummy out loud and Reed laughed. The crowd of people watching the training was slightly concerning it was almost like match day. The stands were almost full.

"You can't still be mad at me. I knew Reed saved you her slice by the way."

"You were hoping she would."

"What snacks you got in there?" I hands flew straight to my bag on my back and I started backing up. He stepped closer like a tiger in the veld.

I bolted but remember what I said about him being a track star. I didn't get far and he was right on my heels. I fell or acted like I did to gain sympathy but I should have known this would have worked on anyone but him because he did not hesitate to snatch my bag and empty it's contents.

I lunged to save my best snacks but he pushed my head away and swatted my hands away. He said I was greedy and didn't like sharing as if I didn't give him half my snacks this morning in class. He probably ate them all or worse he got robbed just like me. I told him I hope he chokes. He did and I ran to his aid and he said he knew I care about him and I hit him but the coach told us to stop fooling around and told Dex to get back on the field.

Everyone was used to our antics so no one even batted an eye and I heard someone scream and I looked at the field and Gal was airing the bottom of his shirt. Me too sister. Gal passed him water because he was choking now and I offered Gal a chocolate bar. Dex said he had to fight for it so he better take it because I only offer once. He shook his head with a teeny smile that I swear I saw I'm not delulu.

"On the field now Park."

Dex was more like an annoying brother than anything but I was an only child. I understood some soccer but I was mainly there for Gal. It had rained the next day and I saw some people run to the school building quickly as I walked calmly since I had a huge umbrella. The umbrella was snatched from my hands and suddenly there were two of us under the umbrella. Only one person would do that.

"What do you need the umbrella for?"

"I have a reputation to uphold."

"With the amount of gel on your hair I have no doubt."

Dex's two front pieces of hair were out as the rest of it was slicked back. Personally I preferred when his hair didn't have anything on it but then again it didn't matter what I thought looked better.

"If you were going for wet cat, you on the right track."

Before class started, we stood by the entrance watching people come in some dry some wet. Not soaking wet because majority of kids either got dropped off or drove here. The squad walked in holding coffee cups and Gal holding a coffee cup holder with 2 cups. Dex held my wrist because he knew I was going to bolt. Everyone did their greetings and I kept mine to a minimum offering a closed lip smile. Nia and Georgia liked hugging but I was not much of a hugger and in a big crowd I quietened down.

"Dex said you didn't like coffee so I got hot chocolate."

"You good for something."

"How do you get through the day without caffeine?" Georgia asked with genuine disbelief.

"She runs off pure adrenaline this one. Let's go to class some of us don't have passes."

"That's because you got mine taken away." I whispered but I heard Georgia laughed. I'm not sure when she got next to Dex.

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"Hi."

Gals hi as I sat reminded me he sat here. My pen ran out of ink and he offered me his and I had like five pens in my bag but I took his anyway. Gal's overly kind behaviour was the most attractive about him.

I found a note in my locker from Gal. It said that Gal wanted to meet me in the middle of the field after the game to talk about something. The letter specifically said that I should wait for him in the middle of the field.

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On Friday the car park was full of puffers and coats including my own. Cold wind and rain was predicted today. The game was delayed because of the weather but it went ahead since the rain stopped. I was near the hotdog stand on my third hotdog. I didn't eat after school today okay because I couldn't really go home I had driving lessons near here and my teacher doesn't exactly do lunch beaks.

Reed was munching on some almonds and carrots I don't even want to know where she got that from but I guessed she probably brought it with her. Reed had an almond mom who was also an ex ballerina teacher and Reed was forced into ballet but she did end up liking it. Her toxic relationship with food was sadly the cause of her mother who was blissfully unaware.

The end of the soccer season was closing in as the rain washed away another season. Gal was wearing a black long sleeve under the black soccer jersey and gloves. Gal had power and strategy which made him a great captain. Dex had speed and great intuition which made him the best striker. Dex was in a short sleeve with black gloves to protect his hands he said.