"Come again?" Mark asked as we sat in homeroom. I had just told him I was trying out for soccer and he wasn't taking it lightly. For some reason I just couldn't meet his eyes so I just looked down at my hands. My hands seemed to have a mind of their own because they were fidgeting around without me knowing.
"Um...yeah I'm trying out." I said awkwardly. I finally looked up at Mark. He had a confused expression, but at the same time happy. His lips had a slight curl but his eyes showed doubt.
"Tori I'm really happy you're getting into soccer again, but tryouts? For the school? Not even that but for the GUYS team? Sounds suicidal," Mark said, "How did you get the idea anyways?"
I wasn't sure how I would tell Mark. I'd have to make something up, or I could just ell him the truth. I settled on half truth, "Um...Cole Parris signed me up."
Mark's mouth hung opened in complete shock and then he gave a nervous chuckle, "I'm sorry did you just say Cole Parris?"
I nodded, "He saw my moves and recommend me to the coach."
"How did he even see-"
"Do you not think I can make the team?" I asked cutting him off. I didn't want to have to explain everything so I just shut him up by changing the subject.
"What? No. I mean..." Mark shook his head as if trying to figure the wording, "I think you can make the team Tori. I'm just worried of what might happen. For all we know, they might try to do something. I just don't want you to get hurt."
"Can you do me a favor?" I asked Mark softly.
"Anything. You're my best friend."
"Do you think you can make it to tryouts? It'd help knowing you're there." I glanced over at Mark who had a goofy grin. He nodded and I smiled at him. He was about to say something but the bell cut him off. We both got up and made our way to first period.
Having Mark tell me he'd come to tryouts, boosted my confidence. He's seen me play, but that isn't the reason I wanted him to come. I wanted him there becasue I thought having my best friend in the crowd cheering me on would help. He seemed like the perfect person, he's always been at my side and I know he would make me feel better.
"You do realize you have to tell Cali right?" Mark said with a smirk.
"Oh boy," I muttered.
****************************
"So this is her?" I looked up to see a man that looked in his late thirties. He had black hair but the top of his head was slowly losing hair. He was thin and looked in shape. For some reason he looked like someone with a sense of humor but at the same time, in charge. He was wearing a blue workout jacket and some shorts. Instead of running shoes, he had cleats so they would grip the grass on the field. He had a whistle around his neck and clipboard in one hand.
Cole gave me a shove and I stepped forward. School had just ended and now everyone was going home. Cole insisted on being the first here so I could talk to the coach.
"I'm Tori Linean," I said introducing myself.
The coach smiled and stuck out his hand, "Coach Walker. But you can just call me Coach."
I shook his hand and made sure to make my grip firm. I didn't want to make the coach think I was a sissy.
"Cole's told me you're impressive. Says that you bike to school everyday and that you play?"
I nodded, "Yes sir. I consider biking a better work out than shifting from park to reverse."
Coach laughed at my stupid joke, "Save energy too."
I grinned and just looked back at Cole. He looked at us awkwardly like he was creeped out or something. Just then Blake came out from the locker room and met us on the field.
"Coach, Cole, Tori?" Blake nodded at each of us when he said our names, but when he saw me he raised an eyebrow.
"You didn't see that your brother signed her up?" Coach askee.
"No I didn't," Blake said through clenched teeth directing his attention to Cole.
I smirked, "I'm sorry captain is there a problem?"
"No there is no problem," Coach said before Blake could open his mouth. Coach looked back at me with a smile, "Go get changed Linean. And a word of advice, don't listen to these jocks on the field."
I nodded and walked into the girls locker room. I liked the Coach. He seemed like a good man, like he understands or something.
The locker room was completely empty and was incredibly quiet. It was werid getting changed in all the quietness but I did it quickly. The only noise i could hear were the guys in the room next door. I heard the lockers closing and the laughs. When I closed my locker I sighed.
'I'm about to step into Hell.' I mentally thought, 'God help me.'
I walked out with the soccer ball tucked under my arm. Cole was there ready to meet me. When I came out he gave me a smile.
"Ready?" He asked.
"You're not going to leave me are you?" I answered.
"I'm not that mean." Cole walked beside me as we went to the field. I quickly looked up at the bleachers and my eyes searched around. Finally I found the person I was looking for. Mark and Cali were both seated and I saw someone next to Cali. When I squinted my eyes I saw it was Jerry. I didn't really care if Cali's boyfriend was there. As long as Mark and Cali were there, I was happy.
"You do realize this is going to be like Jackie Robinson right?" Cole said as we got closer to the group of guys that were trying out.
I nodded, "Only this is soccer, and I'm a girl. So I seriously doubt you guys will throw a punch at me."
Cole flinched as if involuntarily, "Don't underestimate these guys Tori. Some are real assholes."
"Like Blake, Trent, and Jack?" I asked.
"I don't think it can get worse than Blake and Trent, but they're still bad." Cole chuckled and looked towards me. I simply rolled my eyes. We reached the field and I could see Coach talking to some kids. Some of the guys that had been stretching turned their attention to us.
"You actually brought the bitch Cole?" A familiar voice said. I wasn't surprised to see it was Trent.
"Oh I'm sorry I didn't know there was a jackass on the field," I said sweetly placing a hand on my heart. I heard a few chuckles from some of the guys.
Trent shook his head, "You got guts coming here Tori. We'll kill you on the field. Bitch."
"Hey Trent," Shawn stepped up beside me, "I think you forgot what I told you in the locker room."
Trent laughed and then looked directly at me, "You got all the Parris brothers at your feet. What'd you? Sleep with all of them?"
Now it was my turn to laugh, "I would've given them the same treatment as you. Tell me Trent I'm still curious, how DID you get out of the handcuffs?"
Trent and me started a staring contest but I kept a grin on my face while he just shot me daggers. Everyone watched us and I could see Cole and Shawn smiling. Then a whistle blew.
"Alright break it up," Coach Walker came into view with Blake at his side, "Alright start warming up. Go on and run."
He blew his whistle and we all started to run the field. Cole and Shawn stayed beside me and I couldn't help but smile.
"You guys don't have to you know," I said. Cole and Shawn were at my left, leaving an empty space to my right. Cole was in the middle, me on the right, and Shawn at the far left. I know I said they didn't have to, but it made me happy knowing that they were at my side. And honestly I didn't want them to leave.
Shawn smirked, "I didn't even know you were trying out. Dammit Cole you could have told me."
Cole laughed, "It didn't seem to come up."
"You know what else didn't come up the fact that-" Shawn was interrupted by a wolf whistle that someone did behind us.
"Come on girly move that ass of yours!" I heard someone yell.
"Just ignore them," Cole muttered.
I forced a smile, "It's not the fact that they're insulting me. It's the fact that everyone is running behind us just to look at my ass."
Like that Cole and Shawn realized we were in front and everyone was behind us. It was funny watching their reactions. It seemed like I was the onky one that noticed.
"Damn perverts." Shawn said. He looked behind the group and for a second he ran backwards to face them. Then he gave them the finger before turning back in the right direction.
"Weren't you two like that last year?" I asked. It seemed like a appropriate question. If they hadn't met me would Shawn still be a player? And would Cole still be an ass like his brothers? Was it possible I changed them? I remember last year girls lined up to be with Shawn and Cole. Now that Shawn's changed he's out, and Cole still has dates but I don't ask much, but Blake hasn't changed at all. He still hooks up with girls at least that's what I know since I live with him.
"Yeah," Shawn said, "But now I see how perverted I was."
"You're still perverted," Cole said with a laugh. I chuckled along with his laughs, just then another boy came onto my right side. When I looked over I smiled at the familiar face.
"Hey Tori," Hayden said with a smile.
"I swear if you're going to make fun of her-"
Hayden interrupted as Shawn was talking, "No I was just gonna warn you."
"About?" I asked to make him keep talking.
"Just some of the guys. Some think you should go to hell. Some think you want attention. Others don't care and shrug it off. But a large portion are thinking of making your life miserable." Hayden actually looked worried for me.
"Oh." I didn't know what else to say. But in the back of my throat I could already feel the taste of bile.
"What are they thinking?" Cole asked for me.
"Grabbing your ass, and other areas." Hayden's face turned red. More than it already was. After all we've been running for a while now. But I could see how uncomfortable this was making him.
"Has my brother said anything?" Shawn asked.
Hayden shook his head, "He's neutral at the moment. Why?"
Shawn shurgged, "Curiosity."
I was surprised to hear that Blake hadn't said anything. I thought he would at least say something. But no, from what I hear he's neutral.
We ran in silence for a minute. My breath was getting heavier, along with the guys.
"Damn girl," Hayden said with a small breath, "You're real fit. I think I'm breathing heavier than you."
I knew that wasn't true. We seemed about the same so I cracked a smile, "I bike to and from school everyday."
"I should start doing that." Hayden added.
We passed by the bleachers again and I looked up to see Mark and Cali giving me a thumbs up. Mark gave me a smile while Cali clapped her hands. I gave a small wave and they waved back.
"Friends of yours?" Hayden asked.
"Huh?"
Cole and Shawn laughed. I rolled my eyes at them two. Hayden gave them an odd look.
"What's so funny?" Hayden looked so confused, I tried my best not to laugh at his expression.
"Oh yeah Tori and Mark are friends." Cole nodded his head. His voice made him sound sarcastic.
"Yup they're REALLY good friends." Shawn laughed.
"Mark's your boyfriend?" Hayden asked me.
"Well," I said, "He's a boy, and he's my friend. So yes he's my boyfriend. Like Cole. He's a boy, and he's a friend. Or Shawn. He's a boy, one with a jacked up mind, but still a boy. And he's a friend. So in all, right at the moment I have three boyfriends. Catching on pretty boy?" I grinned. It wasn't meant as a insult, just a statement. I loved making fun of guys like this, they would just stand there confused as ever.
"Pretty boy?" Shawn asked turning his head to look at me. I didn't think Hayden was bad looking, so pretty boy seemed like a appropriate name.
"Shawn is feeling left out." Cole added. I rolled my eyes.
"Don't worry Shawn you could be....." I thought for a second and then I snapped my finger, "I got it. You could be Tonto."
Hayden turned his face so Shawn wouldn't see his laugh. Cole smiled and Shawn nodded.
"Sweet," Shawn said. I broke out in a laughter and in seconds Cole and Hayden joined in.
"What?" Shawn asked, "What the hell is so funny? What does it mean Tori?"
"It means 'dumb' in Spanish stupid," Hayden answered.
"Oh I get it," Shawn frowned for a second like he was thinking it through, "Wait a second. Hey!"
I almost tripped on my own footing I was laughing so hard. Hayden grabbed my arm keeping me from falling but it looked like he was having trouble too. Cole put his arm around Shawn' shoulder as we jogged.
"Oh my little brother." Cole said. Shawn unwrapped Cole's arm and pushed him. Cole tried to keep his footing but fell on the ground.
"Hey what's going on there!" Coach yelled as he jogged over.
"Just tripped coach," Cole answered.
"Alright enough laps get on the field. I want everyone kneeling in the center of the field. Go." Coach blew his whistle and we all sprinted to the middle of the field. We all made a circle and stood on one knee. I couldn't help but notice some eyes were staring at me. I just shurgged it off and Coach Walker came in the middle of our circle.
"Alright. I don't like giving annual speeches but I'm forced to. Sadly." He stopped for a second to roll his eyes, "Now there are about thirty of you. Approximately. But only eleven of you will play, and another four of you will be on the bench in case of injury. So to put things simple only half of you will make the cut. And for those that don't know what tryouts are, its where I choose the best and kick out the girls of the team."
As if instinct everyone turned to look at me. I just smiled up at the Coach that noticed everyone's change in attention.
"Great wording Coach." The way I said it sounded much more confident than I felt. Coach gave me a sympathetic look, like he was trying to say sorry through his eyes. Everyone was still staring at me and I could see some smirks and disapproving looks. This is when I started to doubt. Maybe this wasn't a good idea. These guys could hurt me. And it looked like thay all hated me. Some just didn't seem to care, like Hayden said. But the majority hated me.
"Anyways," everyone looked back at Coach, "If you tried out last year and made the team, I can't guarantee you're going to make it this year."
Coach kept talking about crap like that but my thoughts went somewhere else. I changed my glance at Blake who was looking up at Coach like the rest. Blake was already admitted in the team. But he didn't try out. Hell he was trying out right now but he was still captain.
I looked back up at Coach and listened on how we were going to be divided. But my thoughts still remained in Blake. I'd have to ask Cole or Shawn. After the end of Coach's speech we were all divided into groups. I had a pang of fear as I realized Shawn and Cole weren't in my group.
"You'll be fine, you have Hayden." Cole said before jogging off with his group.
I turned around and saw Hayden talking with the group. Yeah Cole this was so much better, I mentally thought.
There were about five groups and each group had six people. So eveyone had a partner.
"So your Tori?" I looked over at one of the guys that had said my name. The boy had a buzz cut so it looked like he had black hair. His skin was average and he wore a simple red shirt and some blue soccer shorts.
"Yeah and you are?" I asked.
"Doesn't matter," he said hotly, "Just stay out of our way. You heard Coach, girls don't make the cut."
"Well aren't you just a ray of sunshine." I smirked and started juggling the ball. Bouncing it on my knee or foot. Hayden smiled and watched me, the other guys just watched expressionless.
"So what first?" I asked as I continued. The other four guys lost interest and started stretching or warming up with the ball.
"Well," Hayden said grabbing my ball in mid-air and started juggling, "Coach walks over. Gives us partners. And then we tryout."
I got my ball back by intercepting it and ignored Haydens shouts of disapproval, "Did you make it last year?"
"Yeah I did," Hayden answered taking my ball away. Again.
"That is my ball get your own." I stuck my tongue at him and he laughed. He dropped the ball and dribbled it a couple feet away before passing it to me. I tapped the ball and then passed it back.
"So how come Blake is automatically captain?" I asked. Coach was getting closer to us and soon he would be at our group. Me and Hayden kept passing the ball back and forth just getting used to it.
Hayden frowned, "You don't know? I thought you would considering you hang around Cole and Shawn so much."
"Blake doesn't talk to me. Much." I shrugged.
"Oh. Well the reason he's captain is because he was the first freshman to play for the school. Usually if a freshman is good he's allowed to make the team but he'd be on the bench. But Blake was so good, he got to play." Throughout the story I thought about how Blake loved both soccer and football the most.
"One more question." I held up my finger.
"Yeah Coach is almost here so make it quick." Hayden and me looked over and saw Coach was talking to two guys from our group. Probably making them partners.
"Why are tryouts in October?"
"Well generally they're in spring. But last year we lost the championship so Principle Roy said he wanted us to practice more."
"So our first game is in Spring?!"
"No we'll be playing indoor."
"Thank god." As I passed the ball to Hayden, Coach came and intercepted it. Placing his foot on the top of the ball.
"Alright you two," he said pulling his clipboard, "Hayden you know the drill. Tori you don't mind having Cleves as your partner?"
I had no idea who Cleves was and I started to feel a bit panicked.
"Who's Cleves?" I asked.
"Hayden Cleves. Sound good as a partner? We don't use partners often just on field trips, you sit with them on the bus." Coach explained.
Hayden Cleves. I should have guessed that was his last name.
I nodded, "Yeah he's a good partner."
Hayden smiled and Coach nodded scribbling something on his clipboard. Then he went off to the last group.
"Cleves?" I asked raising an eyebrow at Hayden.
"That'd be my last name Linean." Hayden smirked.
"Isn't that a place in England?" I asked.
Hayden sighed, "Yes. I think. But I'm not from England. I'm from the Washinton D.C."
I was about to say something else but Coach blew his whistle. He walked over to all of us and started yelling what we were going to do.
"I want a single file line behind those cones. This drill consists where you run between the cones with your ball. It shows control. Captain! Please demonstrate." Coach blew his whistle and Blake grabbed a ball and started running between the cones. I had to admit, he was good. He kept the ball between his feet, tapping them back and forth. When he was done he picked up the ball and went the end of the line we had all formed.
"Understand?" Coach asked. Everyone nodded or replied a short 'yeah.' Coach put the whistle in his mouth and gave one nod, "Good."
He blew the whistle and the kid in the front was off. The line went forward and forward and finally it was my turn. I put my ball down and when Coach blew the whistle I was bouncing the ball between my feet as I zigzaged through the cones. The whole time I didn't lose control, so I guess that was good on my part.
We did a couple more simple drills. They didn't last long and finally the fun part came. We were about to play a game. There was still an hour left in practice. When I looked back at the stands I saw Mark was sitting there. Cali and Jerry weren't there. It hurt a bit that Cali had left but Mark covered up her loss. He gave me a wave when he saw me looking over at him and I waved back.
I couldn't believe I've only been here for an hour, and we still have another hour left.
Coach blew his whistle, "Alright. I'm going to be nice today and we're going to play one of your favorite games."
Guys started yelling names out of random. Coach blew his whistle again and everyone shut up.
"Shirts vs. Skins." Coach answered. It's like he wanted to make fun of me. Or was this a test? I could already feel some eyes on me. Some guys were looking at my chest with a smirk.
"Blake your captain for shirts, Trent captain for skins." Coach said, "Blake you're heads, Trent you're tails."
I could see Trent give me a grin. Just that small thing gave me a chills. Coach flipped the coin. He took a dramatic pause and then opened his hand, "Heads."
It still didn't make me feel better. Blake loved making my life miserable, he would probably let Trent do what he wants. But even if they did pick me for skins, would Coach let them?
"Take your pick Captain," Coach said.
Blake looked around at all of us then his eyes met with mine. He gave me a cold look before nodding, "Tori."
I just stared at him. Did he just seriously pick me? Or was I hallucinating? There had to be a trick somewhere. He was probably just going to do something. All of a sudden say he was kidding or something. He waved his hand towards me to get by his side and I did. I felt weird standing next to Blake. His huge figure towered over me. It made me feel small. And the fact that he hates me didn't help either. Usually I'm against him, not with him.
As I looked through the eyes of everyone I saw some disappointed looks in some guys. Cole gave me a small thumbs up, Hayden smiled with a small nod and Shawn just shook his head his lip curling. Coach looked pleased because he was nodding his head in agreement. Blake looked down at me, but I couldn't read his expression. It looked like he was waiting for me to say thank you.
Trent glared at me, then at Blake. "Jack," Trent said. Jack came up and took a step by Trent.
"Cole," Blake said it so quickly, I think he already knew what order he was picking. Cole came and stood beside me.
"Dan," Trent added. The kid I saw yesterday at the store came up.
"Shawn." Shawn came and stood beside us. It was funny watching everyone's reactions. All three Parris brothers on one team. That's crazy. Some looked horrified. Others were glad when Blake chose them. When everyone was done I realized that Hayden wasn't on our team. Looks like Trent got him before Blake did.
Everyone on Trent's team took off their shirts and either tied it to their forehead or belt loop (for those that had shorts with loops. But I didn't see many of them) or they would just send them at the edge of the field. It was funny because you would think a girl like me would be drooling at the sight of all these hot guys with packs and pecs. But to be honest I wasn't. I've seen Blake, Cole, Shawn, and even Mark shirtless. Some of these guys just weren't cut. Especially compared to Blake. I mean don't get me wrong I hate him more than anyone, but some of these kids were wimps. Even Mark had a six pack and biceps. Courtesy of working out at the gym. He doesn't do sports but he works out.
I noticed some guys were waiting for me to react to them with no shirts but I didn't do much. I just walked back our teams side. It would be a fair game and our goalie wasn't bad. Blake made sure to pick the best one.
"I want a clean game. No fouls. No offsides, and no throw ins. I want this game to be continuous. Ready!" Coach yelled. Everyone got into their positions and then Coach Walker blew the whistle.
Blake passed the ball to Cole who passed it back to Shawn. Already the Skins were running after the ball, so I took the chance and ran up the field. While the guys kept passing the ball here and there everyone seemed to be ignoring me. I smiled at the fact that they didn't think I was important. I could use that to my advantage.
Coach said no offsides, so I quietly backed up until I was close to the goal.
"Shawn!" I yelled. He looked up at me and chipped the ball over another guy. I could've kicked it in, but instead I jumped up, flicked my head when the ball was in position and the ball flew its way into goal. The Skin's goalie jumped up and the ball lightly brushed his fingers, but then it collided with the net in the back.
When my feet touched the ground I lost my balence and ended on my butt. I was laughing and the only guys that seemed to be doing the same were Cole and Shawn. They lughed along with me. For everyone else they just stood there, processing what happened.
"Next time," I said as I started standing up, "Cover eveyone. Including me."
I smirked and my whole team walked back to our side of the field. Coach gave me a nod and a wink. I just smiled back. I was walking past a Skins when the kid stuck his hand out and grabbed my ass. I tensed.
On instinct I grabbed his arm and hand. I bent his hand back and in a swift movement I had his arm behind him. I looked closely at the kid and realized it was the buzz cut kid from earlier. Mr. Ray of Sunshine.
"What the hell?!" He yelled. Already everyone was coming closer.
"Lookie here its Ray of Sunshine. Why don't you share with everyone what you just did?" I said sweetly. He struggled and I locked his arm bending it further.
He yelped and looked up at Coach, "I didn't do anything."
"Lair," I bent his arm more until I heard a crack. That satisfied me so I lessened my grip a bit.
Sunshine winced, "I grabbed her ass."
"Let go of him Tori." I turned around and saw that Blake was the one that said that. I did as I was told and let Sunshine go.
Coach looked at me then back at Sunshine. I wasn't sure whether he was mad at me or Sunshine.
"I'm sorry Coach," I apologized first, "Dad taught me at a young age. And I'm not going to let anyone walk all over me."
Coach looked up at me his eye's softened and a smile playing at his lips, "That's good. You'll need that."
He then looked around the team, "You all heard Miss Linean. Anyone touches her and she'll have your arm. So my suggestion is....don't touch her."
Sunshine looked pissed as ever. I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up at Cole. He smirked at me and rolled his eyes playfully.
"Now back to the game." Coach blew his whistle and we all jogged back to our spots. I kept getting cold stares or the stink eye. But every time I saw that I'd smile. Coach was on my side, I think. He seemed like a fun a guy.
We started another match and this time I was covered. So no one could pass me the ball. I was back in defense for a couple of minutes just trying to catch my breath. I had my hands on my knees and I watched the ball on the other side of the field.
"That was really cool." I looked up to see a sweaty, shirtless Hayden. I looked down at his six pack, and his chest. It was tight and slightly moving up and down. He had a nice tan considering there were no tan lines. When I looked back up at him I could see a smirk playing at his lips.
"Like what you see?" Hayden said.
I smirked back, "Yes. As a matter of fact I do."
Hayden's confident smirk evaporated. He obviously didn't expect that answer. And I couldn't denie Hayden wasn't attractive. His dark eyes captivated me whenever he looked at me. They seemed to look into me and if he held a hard stare I would have to back down.
"Well....to bad it's not yours." Hayden smirked. His confidence came back and I laughed.
"What makes you think I want it?" I asked. Before he could reply I saw the ball heading towards us. Hayden was to distracted in his thoughts so I took the chance to run after the ball. Sunshine had it and I came to his side pushing on him slightly. He kept his balence and we struggled for the ball. I was to caught up to notice that Trent was coming towards us. Sunshine tensed and held his ground while Trnet came and rammed into me. I was sandwiched between Sunshine and Trent, and it hurt. Sunshine's shoulder rammed into the soft part of my shoulder. And I felt Trent elbow my back. I fell on my back but even then my back hurt from Trent's elbow. I could hear the whistle blow but I wasn't concentrating on that. I sat up lightly rubbing my under my collar bone where Sunshine's shoulder connected.
Cole ran over and knelt beside me, "Are you ok?"
"I'm fine." I stood up dusting the dirt off my butt.
Coach looked at me with a bit of worry.
"Why'd you stop the game?" I asked. Coach seemed surprised as did some other people.
Coach Walker just smiled at me and nodded. He blew his whistle and I got to kick off the foul. I directed it to one of the Shirts and they kept going.
Tryouts ended twenty minutes later and we all headed to the locker room. So yeah everyone was ignoring me and shooting me daggers. But other than that I don't think it went entirely bad. Cole, Shawn, and Hayden were nice. Blake was at least kind enough to let me on his team. And Sunshine got what he deserved, next time he gets near my ass, I'm breaking his arm. But for sure Coach was awesome. Even if it was just my first day, he is super cool.
I quickly changed back to my clothes. I didn't feel like showering with all those guys in the locker room next door. I really don't want to find out one is a peeping Tom. So I dressed myself and headed out the room. I left my soccer stuff in my assigned locker and just grabbed my backpack. I swung it on my back and headed out the door. As I walked back to the bleachers I was stopped. There was a hand on my shoulder and I turned around to look at Coach Walker.
"Coach," I didn't know what else to say. He stopped me, so that means he wants to tell me somthing. Right?
"You have potential kid. And you got spunk. But what I think the best thing is, you don't let them get to you." Coach said. I didn't know what to say. Every time I thought of something I just couldn't say it so instead I just nodded.
"See you the rest of the week." Coach nodded once and headed back down the stairs to the locker room. I was going to start back up towards Mark but then I came to a realization. I jogged after Coach.
"Wait Coach Walker," he turned around to face me, "Do we have tryouts Thursday?"
"Yeah it's all week long." Coach answered.
"Oh. Ok. Thanks Coach." I directed myself towards Mark and walked bavk up the stairs. I can't come on Thursday. Mr. Bennet was coming. I can't miss his arrival, I promised Mark. And Mr. Bennet is to special to miss. I wonder how Cole will take it.
When I reached Mark he stood up. I smiled and flinged my arms around him.
"Did you see me? Did you see me? Did you see me?" I said it super fast and I know I sounded like a attention seeking girl but right then I didn't care.
Mark laughed, "You did great. Like you always did when we were kids."
I smiled and pulled back, "Can you give me a ride? I'm tired."
"Come on," He grabbed my backpack and we headed to his pickup. I had just sat in the shotgun when I noticed my bike was at the rack.
"Wait I need to get my bike," I was already opening the door.
"Just leave it Tori, I'll pick you up tomorrow morning and drive you here." Mark answered.
"It'll only take a sec." I ran to my bike and undid the lock I was pulling it out of the bar when I heard someone.
"You did great today." Hayden said as he walked closer to me.
"Thanks, your not to bad yourself." I smirked.
"So you never answered my question." I tried to remember what Hayden's question was and I couldn't. So I frowned.
"What question?" I asked.
"Are you and Mark....a thing?" Hayden asked.
I laughed, "He's been my best friend since third grade. Have you ever had a friend thats been there for you, like forever?"
"I can't say that I have."
"Well he has, and thats what he is my best friend. And I love him for that." As if on cue Mark honked the horn.
"Tori come on!" He yelled through the window.
"See you tomorrow Hayden," I waved back at Hayden and jogged over to the pickup. I put my bike in the back and got in shotgun.
"I'm still picking you up tomorrow morning." I had just shut the door as Mark said that.
I sighed, "Fine."
It could work out. My old house is only ten minutes away from my new one. I can get more sleep, then get ready, bike to my old house, hide my bike and then wait in the front like I always did.
"Let's just go on a limp and say I'll drive you all week. Except for Friday." Mark said. Friday Mark was taking off to spend some time with his dad. I thought that was totally cool, even if I would miss him at school.
I smiled, "Excited?"
"Nervous," He took a deep breath and I put my hand on his arm.
"Mark I'm excited and happy. I'm going to see you dad again!"
Mark laughed, "I know you're excited. I am too, I can't wait to see him."
The rest of the ride was driven in silence. It was comfortable silence. When Mark pulled up in my old house I felt a pang of guilt for not telling Mark about my new living arrangements.
"Mark you should know," I looked back at him but as I did I felt Blake's words in my head, "Thanks for the ride. I appreciate it."
"Dammit Tori you know you don't have to ask." Mark pulled out his pinky, "Best friends for life."
I smiled and entwined my pinky with his, "Best friends for life."
I looked up from our pinkys to Mark's eyes. He looked up at me and I felt my brown eyes swimming in his green ones. One of his strands of hair was sticking up and it took everything in me not to flaten it.
"I'll see you tomorrow Tori," Mark said breaking the silence.
"Bye Mark." I got out of the car and walked to the back. I pulled my bike out and Mark honked. He then drove out. I watched him drive and once he was out of sight I hopped on my bike and started to pedal. I was home in minutes and it was already getting darker. I walked into the house and was bombarded by Suzie.
"I missed you. I was home alone longer than usual, it was boring." She said gripping me around the waist like her life depended on it.
"Sorry Sue," I hugged her back and then pulled back. Blake, Cole, and Shawn were sitting around the living room. Dad was there too but Lilly was in the kitchen.
"Good Tori arrived. Now we can have dinner," Shawn said happily.
"You guys go ahead I need to shower." I headed upstairs and to my room. After taking a long hot shower I got out and dried my hair. My muscles were sore and I lied down on my bed. I told myself I would just close my eyes for a couple seconds, but in the end I drifted into a deep, tiring, sleep.
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
It took me a whole day to write this chapter. I hope you guys liked it, I'm serious I had to think hard about the tryouts. I love soccer but I don't play. I can't, I got messed up feet. But my brother plays so I know a ton about soccer. And I have friends, but I'm just a soccer geek to most of them. Ok sorry about that I was just blabbering on.
I hope you guys liked it, please please please vote. And comment! Pretty please with chocolate chips on top. Tell me what you guys think.
Till next time. Bye.
Vote
Comment
Share
Thanks