Queen of the Underworld

18

The school week went by really fast. Everyone kind of went they're own way. I talked a lot with Veronica, but not as much with the guys. Gabriel didn't talk to me much, he probably thinks I'm mad at him. I haven't done anything to make him think otherwise, so I don't blame him. Mateo has stayed clear of me since I've been hanging out a lot with Jacob. I don't really blame any of them for still being skeptical, I would be too. And well, I didn't expect Nicolas to talk to me anyway, didn't want him to either.

It was a week after the party and we were back at school. We were in gym right now, choosing teams for soccer, after our workouts. There's four teams playing, two on each half of the gym. I always get chosen as team captain and today wasn't going to be any different. The other captain was Lana, who was really good at sports.

She had been really laid back with me since the party. No one talks about what happened at the party, which I was thankful for. Everyone in the group, even Jack, were being nicer to me. We didn't talk like before, but we didn't act like strangers either. We had small talk, but not enough to get into any deep questions. It was great.

As captains, we had to choose our team members. Only five per team, including the captain. Were flipped a coin, resulting in me choosing a member first.

"Vee," I said smiling.

"Hell yeah, I'm number one bitches." Veronica said while walking to me, causing a few snickers and a glare from Mr. Parker.

I high-fived her and she stood behind me.

"Briana," she said, obviously.

Bri ran towards her and smiled excitedly.

"Teo," I pointed at him, he smiled wide and made his way towards me.

"Austin," Lana said, referring to a kid from our class that was ridiculously good at soccer.

"Gabriel," his face lit up like a Christmas tree. I guess I've been really distant lately. I gave him a wide grin as he made his way towards us.

"Julia."

Jacob and Nicolas were left, and of course I could only choose one. I briefly met eyes with Nicolas, he gave me an almost nonexistent smile, but it was there for sure.

"Jacob," I said almost immediately. He gave me a wide grin before making his way towards us. I gave him a soft smile, feeling guilt ride up my throat.

Nicolas turned away and avoided my gaze. He scoffed before making his way to Lana, who welcomed him with a big smile. He smiled back, genuinely. She introduced herself in an almost flirtatious manner. He would smile at her and act way nicer than he ever was with me. The whole thing was making me gag. I didn't realize I was balling my fists until I felt the pain of my nails dig into my skin.

"Team talk, come on beau."

I walked over and huddled with them.

"So what's the plan?" Gabriel asked.

"We beat their asses," Mateo responded.

"Good enough," Jacob agreed.

We all put our hands in the center and did one of those cheesy team cheers that everyone does.

"You know the rules! Second one to choose teams, is the first to touch the ball. Any problems, call me over. Begin!" Mr. Parker blew the whistle as we all began scattering. I kicked the ball over to Lana and she started the game by kicking to Austin.

We played for a good thirty minutes, Lana's team winning six to four. I had the ball in my control, we were so close to scoring a goal. I passed it to Jacob, who was free. He took the ball and right when he was about to throw the ball at the net, he stumbled back and fell to the ground. Nicolas had tackled him and took the ball away. He had been relatively calm throughout the whole day, until this point.