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ps: long chapter. almost 5000+ words
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Iris
It is a typical Thursday night but all of a sudden, Dad decides that this dinner is going to be special. We, three women, know what that means.
It is time for Chicken Adobo.
Cue some really happy music for me.
I know I say Dad cannot cook-which is true almost. Almost, because there is only one thing Dad cooks and it is Chicken Adobo.
It is made by stewing chicken in soy sauce and vinegar, adding peppercorns and bay leaves for that special flavor. We eat it with rice but Dad's biological Aunt tells us to eat it with bread which Dad very much hates. He says it should be enjoyed as it was meant to be and I couldn't agree more.
Sometimes, when there are any leftovers, Mom pulls the meat from the bone and fry 'til crispy for some tasty adobo flakes-which are good too but I prefer the original one, nevertheless.
But while he is cooking and is in the kitchen doing god knows what, the rest of us are watching The Office in the family room. Yeti is on the sofa, sleeping on Daisy, while Mom and I are on the couch adjacently from theirs.
Mom asks, loudly, "Steve, can Iâ?"
"No," Dad answers, quick.
Mom bites her lower lip. "Please?" She asks, again.
There is a pause on another side until he says, "Still a no."
Mom sighs. I nudge her, "What's wrong?"
"I am concerned about the kitchen," She answers.
"Dad is cooking the one thing he knows well. I am not concerâ"
There is a huge sound of metals hitting the floor, followed by silence and then, "Don't worryâjust the spoons and forks and stuff."
Mom nods and says to me, "Tell me you are not concerned."
"I am not concerned. Not at all."
"Iris," Daisy calls me and sighs. "I want a Jim Halpert."
"You have Percy," I state.
She clicks her tongue and shakes her head. "One can only dream of dating Percy Jackson."
"Dude."
"What?" She turns to me.
"You are dating Percy Radcliffe."
"I remember."
"As you should," I state. "Are you all coming tomorrow?"
Tomorrow is Friday and it means two things: Spirit day and the match between two rival schools. In other words, I can predict how bad it is going to be but I am excited.
After a lot of negotiations and time-wasting hours, Stacy and I agreed to go along with Justin's plan. I will take Juliet's place in the squad only-again, only for the match while Stacy will audition for Juliet's place in the dance team on Monday.
Yes, an audition.
I went through that for the cheerleading squad on Wednesday and their Coach, Ms. Lana, selected me. Trust me, I hoped not to get selected but turns out there was only one who could do the spin-aka me. I haven't regretted doing that spin perfectly so much until then.
Keisuke and I agreed to do an audition for the spot but given there is only a month for the Nationals, now, we will only select who a) is a great dancer, b) is a fast learner, and c) wouldn't bail on the last minute.
I do not know if Stacy can join but all I expect from her is to show up for the audition.
"I don't know, hun, but I will try my best. I already have used my personal days," Mom says to me.
Daisy and I give her a look. Daisy says, "You literally own the Harrington Law Enterprises, Mom."
"But, if I myself take advantage of that and do less work, what kind of a boss I am?" When Daisy starts to answer, she stops her. "Rhetorical question. Also, I am thinking to take leave for Iris's Nationals."
"Wait, really?" I ask her, surprised. "I didn't know you were serious then."
"It is Nationals," Mom states. "Of course, I have to."
"Aw, Mom." We hug and Dad enters the room, wiping his hands on his apron.
"Dad, you destroyed the apron," Daisy groans.
"I am a messy cook and I am not sorry about it. Anyway," He grins. "Dinner is ready."
And Yeti is the first one out of the room.
"Steve, it better be made by you," Mom says to Dad when we start sitting at the dining table. Daisy and I laugh, giving each other's low fives.
We do not have the head of the family chair. So, ignoring the chairs on either end of the table, Mom and Dad sit on the left side of the table while Daisy and I on the right side.
"Mia," Dad puts his hand on his chest, and Daisy and I share a look. "I have been cooking this for twenty odd years. I know it well enough."
"Two months ago, you made Stevie get Chicken Adobo via the back door."
"Because mine got burnt! Did you want to eat the burnt one?"
"It smells amazing, Dad," I interrupt, before the long list of kitchen disasters by Steve Cooper comes on.
"Thanks, sugar cube." Dad leans forward on his chair. "By the way, I didn't only make Chicken Adobo." He, one by one, opens the lid of every container.
"Steve," Mom gapes at the food on the table. "You made Kare-Kare and Leche Flan too?"
Leche Flan is a custard dessert made of pudding with a soft layer of caramel on top while Kare-Kare is a Filipino stew with vegetables, oxtail, and a thick savory peanut sauce.
Daisy narrows her eyes at the table, before turning towards Dad. "Is itâ?"
"It is a special dinner." Dad smiles. He turns to me and passes a blue envelope towards me. I look at it for three seconds, normally, but then, I look between Dad.
"No!" I gasp, looking between the envelope and my Dad, who is grinning.
Mom starts, "What is thâoh my god."
"Holy crap," Daisy starts shaking me. "Iris!"
"Well," Dad beams and puts his hands on the table. "Seems like I have to tell you what's in that envelope - yes, kiddo, it ain't empty. Donella Estoile University in London, near-"
"Dad, just tell me!"
"Okay, okay." Dad laughs. "DEU is willing to give you a chance in their school. They will be sending their scout to see your dance at the Nationals-"
I say, slowly, "Dad, I swear if you are lying, I will-"
"Dude," Daisy says, "The envelope is right in front of you!"
Laughing a bit, he replies, "I ain't lying, Iris. Julio sent the tapes of your past performances and, apparently, also told them about the Nationals. They want to see it too but, as far as I know, they are willing to give you an audition in April."
"Wow," is all I say.
"Iris..." I look at Mom who is almost on the verge of crying. "You are going to prove anyone who doubted you andâJesus, I am so proud of you."
Daisy holds my hand. "We all are proud of you."
Dad hugs me and gives me a kiss on my head. "Vince would've been proud too," he whispers to me and I nod, feeling an eerily comforting feeling.
I know, he would have.
***
From all the events that happened this week, I had forgotten one thing. Actually, no. I didn'tâI deliberately ignored it and I am happy I did.
"Why did you not say that Thomas Scott asked you out?"
I jump at the sudden voice of Victoria, making half of the books in my hand fall down. Alyssa leans beside my locker and shrugs-a gesture 'I didn't tell her but you know, rumors.'
Right now, lunch has started and we are in the almost deserted hall as both of the girls are looking at me.
"Huh? What did you say?" I ask, again, picking up the books and putting them in my locker.
"Thomas Scott asked you out," Victoria states. "Almost the whole school knows."
"Except the guys," Alyssa says. "Thank me later."
This time I turn towards them.
Since today's Spirit Day, Alyssa has worn a yellow sleeveless striped top tucked into a denim skirt, paired with white Jordans. She has straightened out her usual curls and has put them in one of the perfect Dutch braids.
Victoria has worn a navy-blue-colored button-down dress paired with brown boots. Her hair has pulled up for a high ponytail and curled at the ends.
"Wow, you actually wore the school's varsity jacket." Alyssa nods. "It looks so good on you."
Yes, I am wearing a white plain shirt over our school's navy-blue and yellow varsity jacket and jeans. I have just combed my hair-left it on the wind on how it wants my hair to be. I know it is Spirit Day and we have to be there for rallying the soccer team but I cannot change myself overnight.
"Thanksâ"
"Did you say yes?" Victoria interrupts me. "Because if you did, you are doing a fucking mistake. Then, I wouldn't be too shocked to see you sing breakup songs."
"Oh no, she only sings to Little Mix. We sang Shoutout to My Ex on that breakup day. Good day," Alyssa says, shrugging. "Anyway, did you tell him no or not?"
I smile, sheepishly, and both of them groan. "I haven't replied to him. I have been avoiding him. After he asked me out, I have been avoiding him," I reply.
As we start to move towards the courtyard, Victoria says, "There was something about you both being friends again."
Alyssa says, nodding, "Yeah, that is true. She said yes to being friends."
"What?" Victoria gapes at me. "Dude, never ever make your ex your friend. Even I know that."
"Should've told me, earlier," I say, rolling my eyes.
"What have you done, Iris?" Victoria says, shaking his head.
"Okay, let's not say anything to the guys about it," I tell them as we near the courtyard. I share a look with Alyssa. "You know what they were going to do after the breakup."
Victoria looks at us, confused. Alyssa explains to her, "Colt is in the football team with him, right? He almost would've beaten him to black and blue if Caleb or Nick wouldn't have stopped him."
Victoria looks at us, wide-eyed and impressed. "Okay, that's just hot."
"Victoria, I am cool with you both making out on the locker, next to mine, but just... don't. We both still have the image of him running naked in the house." I shiver, remembering.
"Also, he has named his little him," Alyssa says, shaking her head.
"Oh, I know," Victoria says, laughing. "Hey, that reminds meâ"
"Naming of certain part reminds you something?" Alyssa says and I laugh.
Victoria gives us a look. "No. Colt being in a team reminded me. Who's wearing whose jerseyâyou know, all that supporting and all?"
I stop myself from getting into this conversation. I am pretty sure the only ones who haven't given out their jersey to anyone to wear are Noah and Caleb. I know, for a fact, Caleb might give me his jersey but... I cannot wear anyone's jersey.
Yeah, nobody knows that I am going to be a cheerleader todayânot even Colt. I have no idea how all of them will react to that, especially in a match with Crescent High.
"FINALLY! We have a crisis, here, and you, girls, are coming, now?!"
Three of us turn to Adi, looking ridiculous as he is standing on our table with all of the guys scowling. But that's something usual for Adi to do. The main thing isâ
"Hey, bucket head," Victoria says. Adi frowns while Caleb holds out his hand and Tom gives him two dollars. I notice Noah isn't here.
"I liked when you were shy, Victoria," Adi pouts.
Colt and Victoria reply, together, "Fuck off."
Not only he has the bucket hat, but he also...
"You put blue and yellow paint on your face?" Alyssa asks, looking at him.
"Looks fierce, doesn't it?" Adi replies, wiggling his eyebrows, as we all sit at our usual places, except Alyssa who gives Adi a look.
"We have another crisis too," She tells him.
"Well, I don't think that's more important than mine."
"I think there's something important than the pimple on your face."
Adi stops for five seconds, looking confused. "I don't have a pimple..."
Nick looks at Adi, narrowing his eyes. "Yeah, there's a pimple just above the upper lip. Not that visible, though."
"I have a...pimple above my lips?" he huffs out. "No wonder I didn't get anyâ"
"What's the crisis, Adi?" Michael, finally, asks, stopping him to say anything.
"Oh." He blinks and then, looks around, sheepishly. "I think I forgot..."
All of us groan while Adi sits down properly, beside me. Sitting down, Alyssa asks, "Where's the captain?"
"Must be coming," Caleb says, shrugging.
"What was your crisis?" Nick asks Alyssa as she sits down, beside him.
"Nobody's wearing Noah's and Caleb's jerseys and it is ritual for every captain and vice-captain to have someone who wears their jersey, remember?" She says, looking at all of them but all the guys are looking at me.
"What?" I ask.
Caleb leans forward and says, "I thought you were wearing mine."
"I am not wearing anybody's jersey, Cal. I support you guys in different waysâI haven't worn even Colt's."
"I never gave it to her, anyway," Colt says and I glare at him. He gives me a smile. "We have our bracelets?"
"Ya," We show each other our bracelets. "And this time Victoria is wearing your jersey. So, double luck!"
"So, I do not have any luck?" Caleb turns to Aly. "Will youâ"
"Nope. Nick asked me first. Sorry, I guess," Alyssa says.
"Oops." Nick snickers. "Ask the boys then?"
"Wait," I look at Adi, asking, "Danielle's not coming?"
"Please, I am happy she isn't. I don't want a pompous bitch when we win the match." Adi replies, scoffing. "And why do you think Danielle is worthy of wearing Noah's jersey? If anyone is worthy, it has to be uâhoo me!"
I grin, nudging him. "That's actually a great idea! Adi can wear Noah's jersey."
"Oh, here Noah comes...holy shit..." Colt trails away looking behind me and we, all, turn in the direction.
He changed. He actually freaking changed.
Though everything about Noah is still the same in a way, except the black jeans, he is wearing a copper yellow sweater, bringing out the color of his eyes... and he is not wearing his jacket.
Let me say that, again.
Noah Arthur Radcliffe is not wearing his black leather jacket. The Holy Grail of the land that is Noah is not there.
The sweater is very fitted to his body. Very much.
To think, you were under his half-naked body someday.
I look down at the table, blinking, and take some fries, from Caleb's plate, trying to divert my mind but... Please, someone, tell me, I just didn't think that.
"People," I hear him say as he stands behind me. Adi slides away from me, and he sits down between Adi and I.
"Okay, you are hot. You have proven that," Alyssa says, nodding.
He smirks. "I already knew that, Aly. Thanks for reminding." Then, he looks at me and nods. "Bella."
Giving him a quick smile, I tell him, "Adi should wear your jersey."
He looks at me as if I just spoke in an alien language. "I rather not have him wear my jersey."
"He is your only chance," I say, taking fries from Caleb's plate, again, at which my brother scowls. "Do you have...anyone in mind to give the jersey?"
He pushes back his hair and says, "No. No one."
His nose twitches; he is lying.
I lean towards him and whisper, "Why are youâ?"
Alyssa and Adi, almost jumping, interrupt me, "SOMEONE HAS TO!" Surprised, both of them look at each other. "Don't copy my words!"
Tom gasps, mockingly, "There are two of them!"
Noah looks at me, knowing what I was going to ask, but looks away, soon. He asks others, "But is it necessary?"
"Yes," Victoria says this time. "You are the fucking captain of the team. Obviously, someone has to wear your jersey."
"I don't have anyone in my mind," Noah says. He looks at me and then at the space in front of me. "You didn't get any food."
"Just... too tired to go the cafeteria," I reply, smiling, and I can feel the girls' eyes on me as Noah looks at me, a bit shocked, but doesn't question it. "Okay, get Amelia to wear it or Rina or Beth or... oh! Tiffany would look so cute!"
"Whose are you wearing?" He asks, looking down at me.
"Nobody's." I shrug my shoulder.
Noah furrows his brows and looks at Caleb, who is already looking at him. He says, "She is not wearing yours?"
Caleb tells him, "It is still not decided."
"I think she decided it," Noah counters.
"It's still not." Caleb turns to me. "You are going to wear mine, right?"
"Caleb," I say, "I said no. I am not going to wear your jerseyâor anybody's jersey for that matter."
"Why won't you wear mine?" He asks, persistent.
"I do not get what the problem is, Caleb. Anybody you want, except me, ask them to wear it."
"Butâ"
"Iris," Stacy calls me from the door that connects the school building and courtyard. "Important talkâ"
I stand up. "Yup, very much important talk. I am coming!"
"Stacy, what do youâ?"
I get up and almost dash out of the place. When I reach Stacy, I pull her away before she can answer Caleb. We are near the lockers when I stop and Stacy stands in front of me.
"Do not be smug about it but thanks for taking me out of that," I tell her, leaning on the lockers.
She nods, slowly. "They don't know you are cheerleading today."
"Nope and do not tell them."
She replies, "I might be a bitch but I do not gossip."
"Sure," I scoff and she rolls her eyes.
"Also, congrats." I look at her confused. "You got the audition in DEU, right?"
"And you say you do not gossip?" I raise an eyebrow.
She cracks a smile. "I can take part in it."
I told the gang this morning in school, except Colt who got to know on the way to school. I think there was a lot of screaming and squealing and hugging when I told them.
"Okay, it is refreshing to see you being all nice to me but don't," I tell her, straightening up. "We both how you were to me all these years."
Stacy hums, nodding, and then "You do not have your own cheerleading uniform. So, you have to wear Kate's. I think you can fit her size. You can go to the locker room and ask her."
"Okay, cool," I say and she starts to leave but I stop her. "Do your uniforms still include skirts?"
She scrunches her nose. "That shouldn't even be a question."
When it is time and I wear the uniform, I understand why the uniform has skirtsâdamn, the freedom of movement in this.
The cheerleading uniform is pretty, I admit. The blue top is full-sleeved with a yellow-colored V-neck collar that has 'SHS' written on it. The straight skirt has a small slit on the left side and its borders are yellow. To complete the outfit, we have to wear white sneakers and the hair has to be done in a half-ponytail with a yellow ribbon tied around it.
But the problem is it fits me very much. My curves can be seen very distinctly and the skirt ends on my mid-thighs. I want to hide my legs with stockings at least but Michelle's comment about me trying to be a prude stopped me.
Stacy whispers to me, giving me pom-poms, "What are trying to achieve by pulling the skirts down?"
"So that they come at least under my knees?" I say back.
Stacy rolls her eyesâshe is back, yay! "I don't care if you do not like it. You have to wear that and join us in the halftime."
"Fine, whatever."
I look at the clock. It is almost time. I turn to Stacy but she has gone out towards the field. So, I guess I have some time to check the teamâsneakily?
When I reach the boys' room, there is literally no one. I do not know why I thought I will at least wish them by now. I almost turn away but stop.
Noah is sitting alone in a corner. His knee is jumping up and down as he looks at his phone, swiping through something. Looking at him, I understand how big is the pressure of the match and the game hasn't even started yet.
The soccer uniform, both jersey, and shorts are navy blue with numbers and names are written in yellow. Noah's number is 12 and his name is written as 'Noah A'; if I had written his name on that, I would have written 'Nommy'.
The only thing different about Noah's uniform is that he is wearing a white band that has 'CAPTAIN' written on it on his shoulder.
He actually should wear the soccer uniform more often. He looks good in it.
"Hey," I say, sitting beside him.
He jumps a bit, turning off his phone. When he realizes it is me, he breathes out in relief. "It's you."
"It is me." I nudge him by his shoulder. "What's wrong?"
"Game jitters, maybe." He pushes back his hair. "I...I don't know if I will be a good captain, Bella."
"Noah," I say, turning towards him. "You are a good captain, Noah. I mean there is a chance that the school is trying to make you attend classes by thisâ"
He laughs, lightly, and I smile, continuing, "I know I pretty much suck at motivating people. Anyway, I want to say that I have seen you play and, trust me, if Grandpa was... alive, he would have made you his grandchild, instead of me. You are that good."
He looks at his phone, before looking at me. "You mean that?"
"I swear that, Noah." I, playfully, punch his toned arm, smiling. His eyes sweep over me and I turn awkward.
"Bella," He frowns. "Are you taking Juliet's position in the squad for today?"
I nod and he groans, putting his hand on his face. "It is fineâI have pracâ"
"Juliet practiced too, Bella," He is frantic when he looks back at me. "Caleb wouldâ"
I tell him, "Caleb doesn't own my life, Noah. Nobody does. It is my decision to do this and I will."
"I know," He breathes out. He tucks some hair behind my ear and strokes my cheek. His hair falls on his forehead, hiding his eyes a bit as they look into mine with so much intensity I can't understand.
He whispers, "I am just scared for you, Bella."
"Noah, I..."
I want to laugh or make a jokeâjust anything but everything feels to stop around us and the room seems way too small for my liking. Even though it is a bit cold, I feel warmâvery warm.
"Noah, you in here?"
We pull away from each other when we hear Nick's voice. I look away from Noah, even though I feel his eyes on me.
I get up. "All the best, Noah."
He doesn't reply and now, he can't as I am already out of the door.
***
The halftime was the best. I may not like Stacy but I have to admit the routine she created is so good that Crescent High's cheerleaders just gaped at us. Especially, when their captain, Josephine Lance, saw me in the squad.
But I don't think any of my friends were happy with the surprise. Caleb and Nick scolded me when the routine ended, while Colt just gave a look. Alyssa has been blowing up my phone with 'what were you thinking?' texts. Rest others are just relieved I came out without any injury.
Sitting on the bleachers in my normal clothes (finally), I know Josephine is still glaring at me. But I don't care. Her expression when I did that spin after being tossed up just made my day.
There are seven minutes and forty-five seconds of the match left and everyone seems to be on the edge of their seat. Comparing to Marcel's team, who have 3-4-4 formation, Noah's team has a 1-1-8 formation which, obviously, is damn nuts.
I remember Noah and Coach arguing over how risky that formation is with only one defender and mid-fielder and eight attackers. I have read about this formation only in the pre-modern era of soccer.
Now, looking at how amazing the team is with formation, I think Coach is thinking why he didn't use this for the games, before.
The score is tied between the teams with three each. From our team, one was done by Caleb and the rest were done by Colt.
I turn my attention towards the ball as it is projected by a white shirt player. It arches in the air and I see a cluster of white shirt players bickering to get it first. I see Colt's blonde hair behind them and, before any of the opposite players, know about it, Colt takes it and moves past the players, sharing a look with Noah.
"Go Colt!" I yell out with the crowd.
Just then, I hear another yell from the other side. Turning towards the voice, I see Josephine and Marcel, Crescent's soccer captain, talking, rapidly. I don't know if my eyes are deceiving me but Benjamin Russo is sitting just behind them, looking at the match.
Benjamin is still a student of our school but of course, now, his loyalty is somewhere else.
Marcel talks to Benjamin, looking at the match, itself. As Benjamin replies something to him, Marcel runs towards the center - exactly where Noah's standing.
I look at Colt and, exactly, at the same time, he passes the ball to Noah and I know this strategy that Noah is going to take the ball near the net and just then, pass to Colt who has to kick it in, after three seconds of passing.
But I look back at Marcel who is running towards Noah, trying to catch up with him.
Not this again!
"Noah! Look out!" I yell out but with the whole school cheering them on, I don't think he hears me, because it happens in four seconds.
Marcel runs out at such a speed that, just when Noah's about to pass the ball to Colt, he slams into his shoulder and every athletic person knows how bad that shove can be.
As my heart stops beating for a second, Noah, groaning, falls down on the ground while Marcel takes the ball away. Without any more time taken, I dash towards him as I feel the team's coming to him too but I reach first.
"Noah? Noah! Are you okay?" I ask him as he groans a bit, closing his eyes, but at my voice, he opens his eyes to look at me, nodding.
"I am alright. He... couldn't shove me bad."
"Damn, loser," I breathe out, angrily. I know Josephine has something to do with it, which I am going to deal with later.
Shaking my head, I hold out my hand as he stops groaning, moving his shoulder a bit. "Come on."
He takes my hand, softly gripping it, as he gets up from the ground. Colt slams Noah into a hug which surprises both of us.
Colt says, "I am sorry I shouldn't have taken that strategy, man."
"Colt, it is fine," Noah says, patting Colt's back and laughing.
I turn around and see Marcel and the referee are arguing with each other. Finally, after more than three seconds, the yellow card gets pulled out and he groans, giving Noah a glare which he returns with the same intensity.
"You okay, kid?" Ref asks Noah and Noah nods. "Well, the penalty for your team."
"That's my best friend, y'all, and he ain't scared of shit!" Adi shouts from the bleachers and Noah looks up at him, smiling.
After a lot of talks, Adi is wearing Noah's jersey and Daisy is wearing Caleb's. I am actually happy that Daisy has come to the match. She is going to leave tomorrow morning and, in her words, she needs a 'winning match' party.
"Fire it up, Noah," I say to Noah. Hearing the ref's whistle, I quickly run towards the benches but yell out, "Do great, team!"
Turning towards the field, now, I notice Noah is standing, making his eyes wander on the net, as the goalie gets ready and the team players are a bit away from him. Three seconds more and, Noah kicks the ball in a perfect arch as it goes straight into the net, making the whole crowd and me go nuts.
"Yes!" I yell out as half of the team players pat Noah's back.
"So... is that your new guy?" I hear her voice and almost, instinctively, want to pick up Coach's whistle and shove it down her throat. Damn, I am too violent.
"What do you want?" I ask, turning towards Josephine. She is wearing her cheerleader uniform as she looks at me, smugly.
"I was just wondering how you were holding up after your breakup." She smiles almost sadistically. "But, of course, you are trying to copy me." She gestures at my cheerleader outfit.
"You think I am trying to copy you out of everyone?" I say to her and scoff. "It is pathetic how self-obsessed you are."
She smirks. "It is okay if you are, honey. After all, you have to match the standard of the best girlfriend, right?"
"Josephine, I know why you did that but I guess your plan backfired. My team did get into the nationals," I say, looking down at her. She is some two inches shorter than me, so it doesn't count so much anyway.
"Just because you are in the nationals doesn't mean you can boss me around. Get that in your head, Iris Cooper. Well, anyway, at least I got one thing that I wanted, right?"
She winks at me.
"And that is?" I ask her, dreading the answer somehow.
Instead, she starts to walk away but then, she says, "Also, if I were you, Cooper, I would have already claimed that fine British ass."
"He is not a thing to be claimed, Lance."
"Ah, I heard that last time too."
Shocked, I look at her as she laughs, walking away from me.
Suddenly, loud cheers from the crowd make me get my attention to the team and I realize I missed the last moments of the game but it is all good as I see the scoreboard, showing a 5-3 score.
"Iris! We won!" I get squashed in Caleb and Nick's arms.
"Yeah! I know," I say, forcing out a laugh.
Just as he pulls away, Colt hugs me tightly. Then, he says, what I had feared, "I saw you talking to her."
"Enjoy your win. We will talk about it, later," I tell him as we pull away. Colt looks behind him.
"Noah made the winning shot," He tells me, grinning.
"Really?" I ask him, grinning, and he nods, just before getting crashed by Victoria, who starts to kiss him.
I look over at Noah who is talking to the other team players but, come on, I can't stop myself as I run towards him.
He looks at me, surprised, just as I jump into his arms. He is taken aback by my sudden excitement as he laughs, holding me tightly.
"You are an amazing captain," I say to him. "But you do need to perfect some moves and some coordination wasâ"
"Bella, let's just enjoy this win," He tells me, smiling, and, somehow, I laugh too, pulling away from him.
Just I am about to turn towards the room, he holds me back and says, looking at me, "You did amaze us out there, today, too."
I feel my cheeks burn at the compliment but, before I can reply to him, I hear Caleb shout out, "Party at my place at eight!"
In reply, the whole school goes wild at it.
ââââââââââââââââââââââââ
- a u t h o r ' s n o t e -
notice how i didn't say 'until next chapter/week'? yeah, this chapter was coming up next within 24 hours. so, what do you think about Josephine Lance? Tell me, honestly.
stay calm and hydrated,
until the next chapter,
Inerys