Gwen wrapped a sweater around her slim shoulders as she watched St. Albion's soccer team practice. She laughed when she spotted Merlin playing goalie. What was he doing playing on Arthur's team? Arthur Pendragon was the most popular boy at St. Albion school for boys; every girl at Our Lady of the Lake longed to claim the elusive blonde. Did I just say elusive? I need to stop reading so many novels.
Arthur's blonde hair gleamed as he rushed past two defenders to score a goal on a hapless Merlin. Merlin could try to stop the ball, instead he curled himself into a ball like a roly poly. His wide mouth omitted harsh groans of pain or small shrieks whenever they advanced on goal.
Arthur used his hard head to pass the ball to Lance. His strong legs crushed grass as he avoided Gawain and Percival as he pivoted down the field. Lance flashed a brilliant smile to Arthur as he shot the ball past a trembling Merlin.
Patiently, Gwen sat watching practice; she hoped Coach would call practice soon. Her mother and Henri were due to return from France. A dutiful daughter must appear beautiful and well behaved. Gwen needed to tame her unruly curls and remove any evidence of her father, Tom's brilliant jewelry collection. At times, Gwen wondered if her mother regretted dumping her father during the lean years. Leogrance Jewelry was worn by stars and royalty. Her dad was the toast of the town. Gwen longed to live in Los Angeles, but her dad thought she was far too young for LA. So, she was banished to Washington, DC to live her French diplomat stepfather and butterfly mother.
Gwen brushed Oreo crumbs from her school uniform, a slight grimaced covered her face when she realized crumbs fell into her Converse. It's going to be an uncomfortable ride home. Gwen rose to her feet when Coach blew the whistle to signal the end of practice. Slowly, she walked to the edge of the bleachers. He came rushing over wearing a wide smile. Her small hands rest on the white painted metal railings.
"How's my girl?"
"Ready to go home."
"In a sec," he muttered. His face was flushed and sticky from running around chasing a ball for hours. "A kiss?"
"Sweaty, no,"
"Lance, "Arthur yelled crossly. "Leave the sophomore alone. Coach wants us."
Gwen rolled her eyes. Arthur felt Lance was dating below his standards. How dare he even look at underclass girl, let date one! Why does anyone like Arthur Pendragon?