Chapter One
Character Intro
Alex
I have light brown/blonde hair, about 5"4', really tan skin, green/blue eyes, and a light set of abs. I'm 17. I attend Northpoint. I'm a junior. I do soccer, cross country, powerlifting, tennis, and track. Basically anything I can do to get a good work out in, I'll do. Soccer, however, is my number one priority and always will be. Personally, I believe I'm a pretty laid back person. There's not much you can do to bother me unless its one of three things: talk about my family/friends, try to tell me about my life, or get involved in my relationships. I'm a lesbian. Kendrick and Ericka are my best friends. Without them, I'd be nothing.
Ariel
Hey! I have black hair, blue eyes, and I'm pretty pale sadly. I started going to Northpoint this year. I used to go to a private school but everyone is such a snob there. I do martial arts, and just about any sport. I have an amazing boyfriend named Zayne. I'll be 17 in a month. Im also a junior. I tend to get along with everyone.
Kendrick
I'm African American and about 6"1'. I'm 17 and I go to Southpoint. I'm running back for our football team. My best friend is Alex. Mess with her and you mess with me.
Erika
Hey everyone, I'm Erika. I'll be 17 next Friday. Of course I go to Northpoint. I play soccer and my best friend is Alex.
Zayne
My name is Zayne obviously. I'm on the Southpoint football team and my girlfriend is Ariel. I also do powerlifting.
Kendall
Hey people, my name is Kendall. I play soccer at Northpoint. I'm a lesbian. I have blonde hair and I'm about 5"5' with green eyes. I also do track and tennis.
Chapter One
There's something calming about the sound and feel of my cleat hitting a soccer ball and sending it soaring into the net. I just spent about $200.00 on these cleats. They were the new Adidas Messi cleats that were rainbow colored. I cherished them like they were my children.
Coach blew the final whistle signaling the end of practice. Today is an easy day so no end of practice sprints. I quickly huddled with the other girls who threw their hands in all at once and we screamed Lady Jaguars at the top of our lungs.
"Hey Kendall! Can I have a drink of your water?" I shouted since she was already making her way back inside.
Kendall is my ex. We were the only two lesbians in the school so naturally we gravitated towards each other but quickly learned we were meant to be. She ended up hurting me pretty bad. sometimes deep down I still miss her but there's nothing left for us.
"Yeah babe!" she said tossing me her bottle. No she does not call me babe because we're gay. The entire team is like a strange lesbian family and we all love each other. That will never change.
Taking a long swig, I realized water is the drink of heaven. We live in Tennessee and it's the middle if April so it's already freaking 85 degrees. Sweat was dripping off my body. I took my shirt off wiping all of the sweat off my face. As gross as it is, it means hard work and I love that.
Walking off the field and back inside, I saw the locker room jokes already started. It was Friday and everyone was in a good mood. There was a pleasant atmosphere hanging about even though it reeked of sweat.
"Do I look pretty now?" Kristen said making the ugliest face possible at her camera.
"Take a picture of your ass. I'm sure it'd look similar," I gently pushed her out of the way.
Everyone burst into laughter. I smiled at her but she gave me a death glare. With wide eyes, I turned to open my locker. Suddenly there was a stinging pain spreading through my back. Kristen soon there with a smirk holding another soccer ball ready to be launched. I quickly grabbed one.
"Ball fight!" Ashley shouted next to me.
In less than five seconds our small locker room was a whirlwind of screaming and soccer balls being thrown everywhere. After throwing a couple, I attempted to grab my duffle bag and take off when I felt one clip the side of my face sending me crashing down. There was a cease fire because they were almost pissing their pants laughing. I got up still slightly dazed. Everyone was silent for a moment.
"Now!" Ashley shouted. All at once another volley of balls came flying at me. I was out the door just as they all slammed against the wall. Laughing, I walked into the main hallway.
It was 3:25 and everyone milled about waiting for the final bell to ring. Some of the other girls started to come out and I joined them. We pretty much messed around and annoyed coach until the bell rang.
I was walking to my car when I heard a voice shouting for me. Turning around I smiled when I saw Kendall.
"What are you doing tonight?" She asked.
"Absolutely nothing."
"Good. I'll be over around 5."
After that she walked away, without even asking if that was ok or not. I had to laugh though. Most of my friends are like that. I don't mind.
I popped the trunk of my 2014 maroon Camero and shoved my duffle bag in it. This was a birthday gift from my mom. She likes to buy me all kinds of expensive crap ever since she became a huge business owner. I still remember 5 years ago when my father walked out on us and the only job my mom could find was stripping. We lived in a tiny 2 bedroom apartment struggling to make ends meet. Suddenly one day a man showed up and realized all the degrees my mom had and offered her a real job. I was so happy but sad a little bit at the same time because now I never see anymore. She calls all the time but I'm the only one that lives in our 10 bedroom 6 bath Spanish villa.
I was home in about ten minutes. The maids were just leaving. The house was once again silent. It doesn't bother me like it use to.
One thing I really liked about our house was the speaker system. I plugged my iPod and had Neon Trees blasting through the whole house. I hopped in and out of the shower, found some basketball shorts and a plain T-shirt to throw on, and went back downstairs. About an hour later Kendall was on my doorstep.
"Hey hoe," I said cheerfully.
"Sup bitch."
She threw her stuff down and we lay on the couch playing FIFA 14.
"Whoo! Suck it hoe!" I shouted . My team, FC Barcelona, just beat her team, Manchester United, yet again.
"Screw you!" She tackled me.
Landing on the couch, I quickly flipped us over. That's when she found my weakness and jabbed me in the side. I jerked sideways. After wrestling for awhile longer we laid on the couch entangled together. I was close enough to smell her heavenly perfume that made my heart go crazy. Moments like these make me think about the past we shared.
"I'm going to miss you next year," I whispered. She's a senior while I'm a junior. She'll be leaving me soon.
"Ugh. Don't start talking like that or you'll make me cry. Graduating sucks."
"What colleges you looking at?"
"Anywhere but here hun."
"Amen."
I ordered a pizza like I usually do on Friday nights. Once we were comfortably set back up on the couch, Kendall asked me a question that threw me off guard.
"Any girl caught your eye lately?"
"That's funny. There is no one in our school," I snorted. It made me mad that we were the only two lesbians in our school. That is the reason why I have never even made out with a girl. I only ever kissed Kendall a couple times. Kendall on the other hand has done a hell of a lot more with one girl that used to go here except she graduated last year and pretty much left her.
"So you think," she winked at me. I gave her a questioning look. "You know AJ? Tall, mixed girl?" I nodded. "Well uh I made out with her yesterday."
My pizza almost flew out of my mouth. AJ was not my type at all or maybe I just had high standards but a lot of people think she's hot. And she was preppy. Those girls aren't gay.
"Stop lying."
"I don't lie."
"How? Why? What? Answer dammit!" I exclaimed.
"Woah. Chill. I saw her in the hallway, started talking to her, and it just kinda happened. I think we're kinda a thing now."
"But you said even if you could find a girl you wouldn't want a relationship because school's almost over," I specifically remembered us talking about this one day after practice.
"I know but I just think this will be something fun, y'know?"
"Alright. I rest my case," I dropped the subject knowing full well she'll get attached. That or she'll screw AJ over. It's sad that she is that kind of person.
We must have passed out because I woke up next to her. Sunlight filtered through the windows and glistened off the pool. Beautiful day.
I decided to cook since Kendall was still passed out. Obviously I can't cook well or my mom wouldn't need to hire a chef but one thing I can cook very well is a breakfast burrito. I make a badass burrito.
Turning the radio on softly, I started to gather ingredients: eggs, bacon, sausage, bell peppers, and cheese. Five minutes later was the sound of sizzling on the stove. I heard footsteps and saw Kendall still looking very tired.
"Morning' hun," I grinned.
"What is that heavenly smell?"
"The smell of heaven. They'll be done in just a sec."
Once I wrapped the first two I slid her one. She took a large bite.
"Thmith is uhmayhing!" She said with a full mouth.
"Sounds like it!" I laughed.
After a couple moments of eating in silence, I noticed Kendall staring confusedly at her phone. I gave her a questioning look.
"Do you know who Ariel is?" she asked.
"Yeah she was in my Chemistry and Trig class last semester."
"She just started following me on Instagram. She's really pretty," Kendall looked at me. I know that look.
"Ha no. Her boyfriend is Zayne. Emphasizing her straightness."
"Aww. Really? Him? He's such a dick. He's not even good looking."
"I know. I hope he doesn't hurt her though. She's pretty cool," I sighed.
"You're certainly right about the pretty part. Look at her eyes!" She said holding up a picture she posted recently.
"She's got the most damn blue eyes I've ever seen."
We talked about her for a little while longer until Kendall realized the time and left. I started cleaning up the kitchen while I sang a Journey song. After I finished cleaning, I wondered what I should do on a Saturday like this. Hmmm. Where did I put my phone? The couch.
It seems Ariel started following me on Instagram as well. I made a mental note to follow her back later and checked the weather. It was supposed to be about 70 degrees today. Perfect.
I quickly started calling some friends and everyone agreed to be over around 7:30. My best friend Kendrick was already on his way to help set up. Kendrick has only been my best friend since around 7th grade but it feels like I've known him my whole life. He's stuck with me through everything and I will never be able to repay him for that. He was African American, about 6"1', and freakin built. All the years of playing football really paid off even though I'm still trying to convince him to play soccer.
In less than an hour, he was on my doorstep. Squealing excitedly, I raced to him.
"Well good to see you too!" He laughed.
"Jeez you sound like its weird to love my best friend or something."
"Well come on. We've got a party to set up," He said making his way inside.
"Do not call this a party. We would have the entire school over in less than an hour."
"Then what would you like to call this?"
"A get together of close friends?"
He laughed again. I shook my head an followed him outside.
I was a huge fan of our backyard. When we got rich I made sure I got the backyard I wanted for our house. There was an in ground pool with two small water slides leading into it, a hot tub next to the bar and grill, a soccer goal with plenty of yard space, and the rest was just forest in the distance. The patio had its own outdoor living room with tiki torches and a speaker system which was one of my personal favorites. Looking through the window, I saw my dog was wanting outside with us.
"Come on, Jax."
"Hey boy!" Kendrick said when Jax dashed over to him and started licking him in the face. "When you going to let me take Jax home with me huh?"
"You can't take him. He's my best friend." I said petting Jax. Kendrick coughed. "My best furry friend," I rolled my eyes.
"That's right," Kendrick winked. "Oh and why doesn't your hair have its usually fluff today?"
"Oh damn. I haven't even showered today. Kendall spent the night last night."
"Kendall?" He gave me a look.
None of my friends really care for Kendall. Not after she hurt me so bad because they had to deal with the crying mess she left in. They all think I'm still in love with her and that's the only reason I became best friends with her. First off they're wrong because I never loved her. I've known Kendall since I first moved to Tennessee way back in 3rd grade. Growing up, she was always my inspiration because she knew for a fact she was gay and she was an amazing soccer player. She was a good friend of mine until she left for high school since she is a grade above me. By the time I got there, she had changed. I know exactly why as well.
"Yeah?" I raised an eyebrow, daring him to say something. He shrugged. "Well I'm gonna take a shower and put some decent clothes on."
The clock read 6:04. Plenty of time. I showered, blow dried my hair, and turned towards my closet. Light skinny jeans and a white Nike T-shirt on top of my bikini seemed like a pretty good idea. Don't ask me about my obsession with skinny jeans. They are the only jeans I'll wear for some reason. That's just me. Checking the mirror I saw my light brown/blonde hair falling just past my shoulders in a million layers. Looked pretty good to me.
"Damn Alex," Kendrick whistled. I flipped my hair cover girl style.
"Hold up, I need to get the London look," I said pretending to drive a wedge between my front teeth.
We both started laughing until the doorbell rang. It was Rain and James. I opened the door and bowed dramatically for them to come in. Rain was one of my closest friends and she was also anti Kendall. James on the other hand was kinda new to the group and didn't fully understand the whole Kendall situation. James was QB on our football team and very attractive. Tall, green eyes, and black hair. The chemistry between Rain and him was undeniably there but they would refuse to admit. They're in "that" stage.
A couple minutes later Jack from the baseball team came. Of course he had the baseball guy look. Khakis, a collared polo, and flippy brown hair. Thats when Morgan and Derrick showed up. Obviously a couple. Lastly came Erika. Very good friend of mine.
Within an hour, there was laughter and the smell of grilling hot dogs in the air and a full fledged game of pool volleyball.
"Back at ya!" I hollered slamming the ball back over the net. Derrick dived for it but Jax beat him to it. "Jax! Good boy!" I giggled as he swam towards me with the ball in his mouth.
"Hey that's not fair!" Jack yelled. I stuck my tongue out at him.
"Alright children! Dinner will now be served," Kendrick yelled over the music.
Kendrick was a badass cook and a grill master. He made perfect hot dogs and hamburgers as usual. I piled my plate high with two hot dogs, a hamburger, and loaded the rest with chips.
"For such a tiny girl, you eat like a freight train!" James chuckled.
"Get used to it," Rain replied.
"Well it's because I play so many sports and work out so much. Hell, I burn more calories than I eat," I said.
"You're damn right," Erika said. We all laughed.
Eventually people started leaving. Erika made arrangements to stay the night. Kendrick stayed for a little while longer until around 11. He had to work the next day though so he left. Somehow I ended up sitting at my desk and Erika was laying on my bed.
"Kendrick told me Kendall spent the night last night," She said bluntly.
"Damn all of you."
"Alex, you know we're just looking out for you."
"I don't need looking after," I grumbled. She picked up my black soccer ball sitting at the edge of my bed and threw it at me. "Ouch!"
"Says the girl that I had to hold while she cried over the same damn girl that spent the night last night. When are you going to move on and get a girlfriend?"
"I already did move on!" I shouted. "She's just a friend ok? I like talking about stupid lesbian things with her. And there is no freakin girls to date. You know that."
Erika was the only person that I could shout at like that and wouldn't get mad at me. If we ever got in a full out screaming match, I'd still love her just as much as she loves me.
"What about Maddie? She just became single."
Maddie was my first girlfriend ever. She was bisexual and a bit taller than me with blonde hair and hazel eyes. I dated her for like a week in 7th grade but I was so shy around her. Ever since then she's super protective of me. In a way, it pisses me off because she still sees me as that shy little girl all those years ago.
"Nah. I just wish there was a girl I didn't have any history with. Someone I could start fresh with."
"We'll find you a girl. Don't worry."
I leaned back in my chair and sighed. I wish.
Monday swung around and my usual morning routine started. Alarm goes off a six. Press snooze one time too many. Take a shower. Run around the house like a mad woman because I'm running late. Grab duffel bag and my drawstring backpack. Car keys. Get handed a poptart from Kevin, our chef. Somehow make it out the door by 7:30.
I picked up Erika on the way. We jammed to the radio the whole way to school. I tried to sing with the poptart shoved in my mouth but that didn't work out very well.
"We're going to be late Alex!" Erika screamed over the music.
"Fuck it!" I gripped the steering wheel and floored it.
My Camero hit 100 on a 70 mph road. Erika held the seat for dear life and screamed at the top of her lungs. I weaved in and out of traffic earning a lot of honks and fingers. In a couple of minutes we were at school with time to spare. Erika glared at me.
"You could've fucking killed us!"
"Well too bad. You lived," I laughed.
She gave me one last look of death and stomped off to class. I chuckled and started getting my duffle bag out of the trunk when I heard approaching footsteps. When I turned around I saw the most beautiful blue eyes I've ever seen.
"Hey Alex. You're on the soccer team right?" Ariel asked. Her voice was perfectly smooth.
"Yes ma'am," I smiled.
"Do you know when tryouts are?"
"Not a clue. You interested?" I asked raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah I used to play but its been awhile. I miss it," She frowned.
"I'll find out later for you. Should be soon actually. "
"Ok. Thank you," She smiled warmly at me.
She started making her way into the building and I watched her possibly glancing at her ass a couple times. I shook my head trying to snap out of it.
"Well damn," I whispered to myself.
My day was pretty normal. 1st block is American History. 2nd block is Language and Composition AP. 3rd is Intro the Theater. 4th is practice, the best part of the day. I quickly into a white Nike tank top and black spandex shorts. Today I was the first one out on the field.
"Hey Coach, you got any ideas on when tryouts will be?" I asked.
"Not sure. Sometime soon though. The Classic is coming up soon," He said.
I giggled and bounced around. Just talking about the Classic got me excited. Every year, a week after tryouts, our school has a whole Saturday where teams from all different counties come to play. The main reason we hold it after tryouts is so we can see where all the teams stand without any of the new teammates have any practice. Our school, Northpoint, has two soccer fields so different games go on all day. The best part was since we host, we play about three games. It's always really funny watching the newbies get out of breath.
"There somebody you know trying out this year?" Ashley asked sneaking up on me. It seems most of the team was just now coming out.
"Uh yeah. Ariel asked me about it this morning."
"Oh really?" Kendall winked at me. I rolled my eyes and started doing our pre-practice stretches.
"She's like really pretty," Kristen said. The rest of the team muttered in agreement.
I ignored them and continued my stretching. There was a slight breeze but the air was warm. Awesome weather, was the last thought I had before my mind went blank and soccer instincts took over.
My dream is play for USA. The women's team is one of the best in the world. They are my inspiration and hope for my future. I couldn't imagine anything better than playing soccer, getting paid to do so, and then retire happily. Everyday I push myself harder than yesterday. Over the years I've set quite a few records in high school. I've got colleges anxious to watch me play. With my senior year fast approaching, I've got to do everything I possibly can to make it into an awesome college with an awesome team. To be able to do what I love would make me truly happy, and that's all I could ever ask for in life.
An hour and half later, practice was over. Coach made a decision to hold tryouts next Friday. Even though I knew it would be soon, I didn't think it would be that soon. School will be out in less than a month and summer practices will start. Its actually a good thing we start working now. One question on my mind was who will be captain? Our current captain no longer comes to practice because she's already got college practices. The tradition is only a senior who's played for at least two years can be captain. Kendall and I have played all four and think we're the main two contenders for captain. That'll be interesting.