I kept my eye on the clock above the teacher's desk. With just a few seconds left until the school day came to an end, I knew these precious moments by myself would be short-lived.
I didn't move from my seat as the bell rang. The other students all began making their way towards the exit, bottlenecking as they scurried through the doorway, but I knew there was no point in me moving.
It was like clockwork a few moments later. I gathered my things and turned to head for the door, not even a little surprised to see Mariah standing there, holding two protein bars and a sports drink.
She'd been dropping them off for me every day before practice for the past three weeks and about fifteen minutes later, after changing into my football gear, I sat on a locker room bench, finishing the second protein bar.
"Mariah?"
I didn't bother looking at Spence as I nodded, verifying his assumption. Instead, I rolled my eyes a little, huffing as I rolled the wrappers into a tiny ball.
"Dude, that girl has it bad for you."
I sighed again, shrugging as I hung my head. Spencer gave me a look as he adjusted the straps on his shoulder pads.
"Nate, man, why don't you seem more stoked? I mean-- you've got one of the hottest girls in school, and she's all about you. And you're like..."
Spencer shrugged just like I had a moment ago, widening his eyes and making a face for dramatic effect.
I chuckled a little and shook my eyes, knowing he was right. I should be more excited about Mariah; I just wasn't.
"It's Sunny, right?"
A sarcastic chuckle left my lips just before I stood from the bench and grabbed my helmet.
"Seems like it always will be, dude."
🖤