Songs for the Chapter: Wide Eyes - Local Natives, Cardiac Arrest - Bad Suns ( Youtube Only)

Chapter 4: Ruby

Sara POV:

I close my eyes and listen to the sound of the tires as they scrape against the rough road; the soft Rock music playing on the Radio, slightly calming me. It's only my second Day of Summer School, and I already hate it. Today, Max woke up while I was getting ready. He sat there quietly, and watched me straighten my hair in the Bathroom. He even pushed a couple of strands away from my eyes. But, when It came time for me to leave, Max grabbed his shoes from his closet and put them on; thinking he was going with me. It hurt me when I told him that he wasn't going. But, it hurt even more when he ran upstairs to my Mom with tears in his eyes.

"Still thinking about this morning, huh?"

I hear my Dad ask. I open my eyes and turn my head to the side, looking at him as he watches the Road. It amazes me how he knows what I'm thinking about, all the time.

"Yeah."

He nods and takes in a deep breath, lightly shaking his head as the Car starts to slow down. I turn my head towards the window and feel my stomach start to twist at the sight in front of me. Some of the students are hanging out in front of the Main Entrance; right by the Flag-Pole.

"He's just not used to going a Day without you, Sara. Don't blame yourself for that."

I take in a deep breath and he slowly pulls up to the curb of the Drop-Off Zone. He turns the key in the ignition and shuts the Car off; the sound of the Kids talking outside, replacing the soft Rock Music from the Radio.

"Okay?"

I turn my head towards him and look into his eyes, that are staring straight into mine.

"I just feel like . . . I'm neglecting him, now."

I whisper, feeling my eyes start to water. My Dad takes in a sharp breath and shakes his head firmly.

"You're not neglecting him, Sara. Stop thinking that you are. You're going to school to provide a better Future for you and him, right?"

I nod my head and blink my eyes, feeling a couple of tears travel down the skin of my cheeks. I know that my Dad is right. I shouldn't be thinking that I'm neglecting Max, when all I'm doing is trying to provide a better future . . . but I can't help it. No set of wise words can change my mind. My son is at home right now, wanting me there with him.

"Then, go. And, remember . . . you're a Day closer to conquering the world for you and Max."

My lips curl into a weak smile and I take in a deep breath, letting his words sink in. Maybe his words can change my mind. I'm not neglecting Max. I'm just trying my hardest to make our lives better. And, in all honesty . . . I want Max to watch me walk across that Stage in my Cap'n Gown. I want him to watch as I receive my Diploma, that I have worked so hard for. I want Max to know that, even though it was a struggle every day, his Mother did it all for him.

"Alright, class. If you look up on the board, you'll see that I will be assigning you a project that is due in Two weeks."

Mr. Green says, picking up a marker from the tray underneath the whiteboard. He turns his back to the class and begins to scribble down a couple of words, lightly bobbing his head to the Folk-Music playing low from his laptop. I set my pen down on the desk and and bring my hand up, resting my chin on my palm. Even though this morning was rough, Class has been going pretty good so far. The Boy and Girl from yesterday are not here, which is a bit of relief.

"Now, you will be pairing up for this. I will assign you and your partner a Chapter from the Book. The two of you will come up with a way to present Facts, Statements, Pictures and Examples. It can be a Power Point, a Poster Board or whatever. As long as you two find a way to deliver the proper material, you will receive an A. Do I make myself clear?"

I let out a small sigh and drop my head, feeling a little unsteady about having to pair up with someone. But, I have to try. I have to make friends. Especially since I'll be coming here for my whole Senior year.

"Alright. Now, pair up!"

My Green shouts, walking behind his desk and sitting in his chair. Mostly everyone turns either to the side of them, or behind them; their friends sitting right next to them. I take in a shaky breath and slowly turn my head, looking at the two empty seats right beside me.

"This is so embarrassing."

I mumble, feeling my cheeks grow red.

"What's embarrassing?"

I hear a soft voice. I turn my head towards the desk on my right and see a girl. She's sitting at the desk next to me, looking right at me; with a small smile on her face. I take in a small breath, feeling nervous and clear my throat.

"Um, are you talking to me?"

I ask lightly, not waning to scare her away if she is. Her smile grows wide and she nods, folding her hands on her desk

"Yeah, I am. My name's Ruby, by the way."

I let out a small sigh and relax my muscles at the friendly tone in her voice; and the wide smile on her lips.

"Oh. Well, my name's Sara. "

She lets out a small chuckle and grabs hold of her desk, turning it towards me. My lips curl into a small smile and I grab the edges of my desk, turning it to face her.

"It's nice to meet you, Sara. Wanna be partners for this project?"

She asks, tilting her head to the side. I take in a deep breath and slowly skim my eyes over her. She's dressed in a Blue and White Floral-Print dress that ends just above her knees, with a pair of white-dressy sandals. Her long Brown hair is curled all the way to the roots of her scalp, where a small Flower barrette holds back her bangs. She doesn't seem like the type of girl who would be mean for no reason. In all honesty, she looks like she is a bubbly person.

"It's nice to meet you, too. And, sure."

I say, smiling. She nods her head lightly and drops her eyes down, looking at something on my desk.

"Aw, he's adorable. Is he your brother?"

She asks, lifting her eyes back to mine. I tilt my head to the side, confusion streaming through my mind and look down; seeing a pair of Black eyes. My smile slowly grows and I shake my head, looking back at her.

"Thank you, but no. He's my son."

I say, nervously. Suddenly, her eyebrows rise and she smiles; her white teeth shining under the dull lights.

"Really? I have a son, too!"

She says, turning around and grabbing her bag. My lips slowly curl and I watch her. She pulls out her folder and tosses her bag on to the floor, setting her folder on my desk. I drop my eyes down and look at the picture that's in the center of her Folder-Cover, feeling the discomfort leave me as I stare at it. It's of her and a small boy. He looks about Max's age, maybe a little older. But, he looks exactly like Ruby. He has her eyes, her smile and her long brown hair.

"That was at his Third Birthday party, Two months ago. His theme was Toy Story. How old is your son?"

I lift my head up and she grabs her folder, placing it right in front of her. I look back down at my picture of Max and smile, lifting my head up.

"That was my son's Second Birthday party Theme. He's turning Three next month, though."

Ruby gleams with excitement and I chuckle, finding her energy to be alluring.

"They grow up so fast, though, don't they? It seems like only yesterday I was changing his diaper for the first time. Now, he tells me he can do it by himself because he's a big boy."

She says, wiping a fake tear out of the corner of her eye. I let out a small chuckle, knowing very well what she's talking about.

"Yeah, they do. Sometimes I wish I could just go back to that night at the hospital, you know?"

She lets out a small sigh and nods, looking down at the picture of her Son. Her eyes slowly fall and a weak smile forms on her lips. I know that look all too well. That's the look of a Mother, who misses her child.

"So, what's his name?"

I ask, trying to distract her from the feeling. She lifts her head up and smiles, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.

"His name is Gabriel. Gabriel Ian Miller. What about yours?"

"Max. Max Clement. "

She smiles and lightly nods her head, looking back down at the picture of her son, Gabriel. The familiar look twinkling in her eyes. She misses him, just like I miss Max.

"You know, I don't understand why his Father can't see what I see? His smile. His eyes. He's the most beautiful thing in the world. If only he was around to see."

Ruby says, letting out a small sigh. I feel a slight jolt in my heart as her words linger through my mind. I've said those exact same words before. I've said those exact same words before, with those exact emotions laced in each letter. That's when it hits me. I'm not the only one. Max, is just like Gabriel. Ruby, is just like me.

Tegan POV:

I place the strap of my duffle bag across my chest and close the trunk, pressing the small button on my keys to lock the doors. A small smile forms on my lips as I turn around and walk to the Gate. Last night, I had the strangest dream. Even though it was strange and slightly sad, it's the reason for the smile on my lips.

My Dream was about Lilian. To be honest, I've had so many dreams about my sister since she's been gone, most of them being nightmares; but, this one was different. It was strangely peaceful.

We were at the park, laying down in our spots; looking at the clouds. She was wearing my Soccer Jerseys that I gave to her 5 years ago. Her Long Blonde Hair was spread out across the grass, while her Blue eyes were sparkling under the Sun Light. We stayed still, never leaving those spots. She watched the clouds, while I watched her; remembering every single freckle on her face that I had completely forgotten about. And, through out my whole dream, she only said 11 words to me. 'I'm proud of you, Tee Tee. I love you, so much.' That's when I woke up.

It took me a while to stop crying, though. I stayed in bed for Two hours, just staring up at the ceiling with the sound of her voice in my head.

I take in a deep breath and lift my head up, looking at the small group of Boys in the center of the field; Coach Boonie and Coach Ron talking on the side. I grip the strap across my chest and stop right in front of the Boys; all of them too distracted in a conversation to even notice me.

"So, what's up with you and Carla? Pussy-Whipped already, Evan?"

I hear a familiar voice. I look up at the Boy in front of me and smile, lightly shaking my head at Ben. He's in the center of the group, all eyes on him as he looks to the boy standing in front of him; Evan.

"Man, I've been dating her for Two months and that Bitch still hasn't given it up!"

Evan says, letting out a scoff. I pull my bag up from my chest and set in down on the floor, looking straight at him as he high fives a couple of boys standing next to him. Is he serious?

"You really expect her to, when you go around calling her a Bitch?"

I say, stepping right in the circle; behind Ben. Ben turns around and looks at me, a smile on his face. He moves out of the way and Evan rolls his eyes; throwing his hand up and waving it around.

"Who the fuck brought you in to the conversation?"

I let out a small chuckle and shake my head; taking a step forward.

"I did, Evan. You couldn't tell when I asked the question? Or, maybe you need me to repeat myself, because you're a little slow?"

His nostrils flare and I smile, hearing Ben laugh. Suddenly, Evan takes a step forward and presses his Chest into mine; his face inches away from mine.

"Fucking Dyke."

He mumbles; the mist of his breath hitting my skin. I tilt my head to the side and look at him; not feeling at all embarrassed by the whispers surrounding me. His lips pull into a small smile and I chuckle; a smirk forming on my lips.

"You're right, Evan. I am a Dyke."

I say, unamused. Suddenly, I feel a strong hand land on my shoulder, lightly gripping me. But, I don't take my eyes off of Evan. Just because he's the Coach's Son, doesn't mean that he can do whatever he wants. It's time someone puts his ass in to place.

"Alright, break it up. "

I hear Coach Boonie's voice. The grip on my arm starts to tighten and I tear my eyes off of Evan's, turning around to look at Coach Boonie. He lets go of my shoulder and shakes his head, grabbing his whistle from around his neck.

"Line up!"

He shouts, placing the whistle between his lips. I turn my head to the side and the ringing stops, the whistle falling back against his chest. The boys slowly turn around and start to walk over to the Chalk Line on the Edge of the field. I turn my body towards the Line and follow, making sure to stay a couple of feet behind them.

I stop on the White Line and turn around, looking at Coach Boonie as he stands on the other side of the field. He's looking at Coach Ron, while Coach Ron looks at the white Clipboard in his hands.

"Evan can be a dick, huh?"

I hear a familiar voice say. I turn my head to the side and my eyes land on a familiar face, my lips curling into a wide smile as I look at my Cousin, Brandon.

"Brandon!"

I shout, throwing my hands up and wrapping them around his chest. He lets out a small chuckle and wraps his arms around me, lifting me up from the ground. A small sigh escapes my lips as his grip gets tighter. I've missed him so much.

"Hey."

He says, placing me down on the ground. I pull my arms back from around his chest and look at him; feeling my eyes water. Brandon. There are no words to exactly describe how much he means to me. With us only being a month apart, we grew up together. Before Lilian came along, Brandon was all I had. But, I haven't seen him for four year; not since Lilian's been gone. Now, he's all I have.

"It's so good to see you, man. You honestly have no idea how much I've missed you."

I whisper, feeling a little embarrassed. He lets out a small chuckle and nods, looking straight into my eyes.

"I've missed you too, Tea."

He says, holding out his fist. I chuckle at the use of my nick-name and pound my knuckles into his, both of us pulling back with a smile. Suddenly, I hear the ringing of the whistle. I turn my head around and see Coach Boonie. He's waving his hands to a Cone right in front of him; on the White Chalk Line.

"We'll talk after?"

I hear Brandon ask. I keep my eyes on Coach Boonie and nod my head, placing one foot on the chalk; the other behind it. Coach Boonie lifts up his whistle and looks at Coach Ron, his other hand pointing at me.

"Tegan had the Record Score yesterday! 35 Suicides in 5 minutes! Whoever beats her, gets to skip conditioning!"

Coach Ron yells. A small smile forms on my lips and I straighten my back, bending my knees as Coach Boonie puts the whistle between his lips. No one's beating me.

I let out a small chuckle and shake my head, watching as Brandon walks towards me; his face red and sweaty from Conditioning. He stops right in front of me and falls on to his knee's burying his face into the damp grass.

"How did you manage to win yourself, by one minute less?"

Brandon asks, his voice muffled from the dirt. I take in a deep breath and throw my head back, looking at the clouds as a smile forms on my face. Today, it took me Four minutes to do Forty Suicides.

"Training, man. I've been working out all Winter for this. "

I say, tilting my head to the side to look at the rest of the guys. They're all scattered around, standing while they drink they're water. Suddenly, the whistle blows. I turn around and look at Coach Boonie. He's standing in front of all of us, holding his white-clipboard under his arm.

"Alright. Today, you're going to be trying out for your Positions. If there's more than Two people for one Position, you will have to start at a different Position first, then switch. Understand?"

Coach Boonie asks, looking at all the boys. I nod my head with the rest of the boys and Coach Boonie nods, pointing to Coach Ron.

"He's going to call out Positions. When you hear yours, tell him your name and he'll give you a number. "

Coach Boonie says, reaching down and grabbing a small bag next to his feet. Coach Ron starts to speak and my ears perk, listening out for any Position that pulls me in. As he goes through the list, each boy raises their hand at least once. Suddenly, Coach Ron yells 'Goalie'.

I tilt my head and look at all the Boys, noticing that one of them has their hand up. I move my head a little closer and feel my skin crawl as Evan's face becomes visible.

"You already know that that's my Position, Ron."

He says, a smirk forming on his face. I turn my head to the side and look at Coach Ron, watching as he writes down Evans name.

"Who else?"

Coach Ron asks, lifting his head up to skim the group of boys. All the boys take a step back and look away, all of them finding the sky to be more interesting. I trail my eyes back to Evan and he chuckles, throwing his hands up in the air.

"Everyone already knows that they don't stand a chance."

He says. I take my bottom lip between my teeth and push my body up from the ground, standing up.

"Put my name down."

I say, bringing my hands up to the rubber band in my hair. Coach Ron turns his head and looks at me, a smile forming on his face as he nods. I hear a couple of whispers from my side and turn my head, looking at all the boys. They're all looking at me; shock displayed on their faces. I pull the rubber band from my hair and look at Evan, finding him already looking at me with disgust. My lips curl into a smirk and I wink at him, turning my head away as I put my hair up in a tighter Pony-tail.

"Alright. Evan, you're 13. Tegan, you're 16."

Coach Ron says, putting the clipboard down and looking at Coach Boonie. Coach Boonie nods and reaches into the bag in his hand, pulling out Two sets of Padded Gloves. He drops the bag on to the floor and looks at me, holding out his hands; showing me the Red and Blue Pair.

"Which pair?"

He asks, taking a couple of steps towards me. I take in a deep breath and smile, grabbing the red ones; wanting them to Match my uniform. Coach Boonie nods and turns around, walking over to Evan. Evan takes the Blue pair and places them between his legs, grabbing the hem of his shirt. He slowly pulls his shirt up and tosses it to the floor, letting everyone see his pale white skin with a Two pack of Abs. I trail my eyes up to his and he looks into mine, a smug grin on his lips.

"Ready?"

He asks, sarcasm laced in his tone. My lips curl into a smirk and I chuckle, letting the gloves drop to the floor as I reach for the hem of my shirt. Two can play this game. I pull my shirt up and toss it to the grass, letting everyone see my Red Sports Bra and bronze 6 pack. Evans lips pull into a tight line and I nod, hearing the boys gasp.

"Ready."

Sara POV:

I toss my pencil inside my bag and zip it up, placing it on my desk as Mr. Green goes over the last instructions of the Project. I turn my head to the side and look at Ruby, watching as she types away a short message on her phone.

After our conversation, Mr. Greene stepped it. He explained to us what he didn't want displayed on our projects and the Grading system for it. Since then, Ruby and I haven't gotten the chance to talk. But, we do smile at each other every couple of minutes, which is also nice.

Suddenly, the bell rings. Mr. Green stops talking and sighs, nodding at everyone to leave. Everyone stands up and I push my chair back, taking my time to stand and put my bag on.

"Hey, Sara. What time is your next class?"

I hear Ruby's voice. I turn my head to the side and push in my chair, looking right at her.

"It's at 11:30."

I say, tilting my head to the side. She smiles and grabs her bag, placing the strap across her chest.

"Oh, mine too. Do you wanna hang out for a little bit?"

She asks, starting to walk towards the door. I push my chair in and follow right next to her, nodding my head. She smiles and shrugs her shoulders excitedly, pushing open the Class room door. She steps out first and I follow, feeling the fresh air sink into my pores.

"So, how about we go down the stairs and watch the Soccer players, eh?"

Ruby says, turning her head to the side with a playful smirk. I let out a small chuckle and nod my head, watching as her eyes light up with excitement. She giggles and stops in front of a door, pushing it open to reveal a hidden stairwell. She steps in and I follow her, noticing that it's barely lit with a dim light on the ceiling. We walk down the second set of stairs and I notice a door. She pushes it open and we step out, the glaring sun beating down right on us.

"I left my sunglasses at home."

Ruby says, her shoulders falling. I chuckle lightly and we start walking again, my eyes trailing to the Soccer field in front of us. The grass looks freshly cut and the chalk looks reapplied. But, that's not the only thing I notice. The boys are all scattered across the field, some running while others stand on the side; watching them.

"Wanna sit down on the bleachers?"

I hear Ruby ask. I tear my eyes off of the running boys and turn my head to the side, looking at Ruby. She's standing in front of a set of Wooden Bleachers, pointing to them. I nod my head and she smiles, turning around. I follow behind her as she walks up to the highest Bleacher, both of us sitting down right next to each other once we're there.

"I love Soccer Season."

Ruby says, her eyes tearing away from mine as she looks at the boys on the field. I let out a soft giggle and turn my head, looking at the boys with wonder. Most of the guys that are running, are pretty fast. They're all passing the ball as if it's a course of Nature to them. But, out of all of them, there is one guy who seems to be the fastest. The Goalie.

Under the sun light, his pale white skin shines with a hint of sweat; letting me see the faint outline of a Two-pack on his stomach. His short blonde hair is standing up as he moves from side to side, following the ball.

"Have you ever dated a Soccer player?"

I hear Ruby ask. I tear my eyes off of the boy and turn my attention to her, lightly shaking my head. She takes in a deep breath and smiles, leaning back against the Wooden rails.

"You should. They're so sweet and romantic. Plus, they have amazing bodies."

She says, raising an eyebrow as she licks her lips. I let out a stiff giggle and tilt my head to the side, looking at her with curiosity.

"You've dated one before?"

I ask, raising an eyebrow. She turns her attention to me and shakes her head, letting out a nervous laugh.

"No, but I have seen She's the Man."

My mouth opens and she smiles, shrugging her shoulders. My lips pull into a smirk and I turn my head to the side, looking back at the boys on the field. Suddenly, I hear the sound of a whistle. All the boys stop in their places and turn around, taking deep breaths as they walk back to the Chalk Lines. The boys that are standing on the side slap the others boys hands and walk out on to the field.

"Oh, they're trying out for Positions."

I hear Ruby say. Without saying a word, I nod; too focused on watching the guys take their Positions. As soon as all the guys are spread out onto the field, I trail my eyes over to the Goalie; noticing the change right away. The boy with Blonde hair and Royal Blue Shorts has been replaced by a familiar figure. Her legs. Her Red Knee-High socks. Her Black shorts. Her Red Sports Bra. Her toned stomach with the outline of a sick pack.

It's that Girl. The Girl that I was watching the Day I came to pick up my Schedule. The Girl who I couldn't take my eyes off of. It's her.

"Who's she?"

I ask, letting my eyes linger on her stomach; watching as her muscles move with the slightest movement.

"Who, the Goalie?"

Ruby says, a hint of curiosity in her voice. I take in a small breath and nod my head.

"Oh. I think her name's Tegan. She transferred here for her Senior year. Rumor has it, she's going to lead our Boys to Victory this year."

Tegan. My heart flutters as her name floats around in my mind. Tegan takes a couple of steps forward and my pupils blossom, watching as she reaches down and grabs the Soccer ball right in front of her. She takes the ball and turns to her right, tossing it to a scrawny boy with force. The boys walks behind the Chalk Line and stands there, looking at the ball.

Suddenly, the whistle blows. I trail my eyes back to Tegan and watch her, noticing how smooth she moves across the grass with the wind blowing behind her; making little strands of her hair stand up.

"Sara?"

I hear Ruby's voice. I tear my eyes off of Tegan and turn my head to the side, looking at Ruby.

"Yeah?"

I ask, feeling slightly embarrassed. She lifts up her phone and tosses it into her bag, looking right at me.

"We should get going. We have 5 minutes before Class."

She says, standing up. I let out a small sigh and nod, gripping the strap of my bag as I stand up. Ruby slowly starts to move, walking down each bleacher with caution. Before I follow, I turn my head to the side and look at Tegan; feeling my heart skip a beat as she wipes her forehead with her gloved hand.

"Sara, you coming?"

I take in a small breath and turn back around, nodding my head as I slowly walk down the steps. I stop right at the bottom and look at Ruby, finding her smiling wide; her white-teeth shining under the sunlight.

"My class is that way. Where's yours?"

She asks, tilting her head to the side. I point near Mr. Green's classroom and she lets out a deep breath, lightly sighing.

"This is where we go our separate ways, then. I'll see you tomorrow?"

She asks, her eyes full of hope. My lips curl into a big smile and I nod.

"Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow. Maybe we can come back here for break?"

I ask, hoping she says yes. She lets out a soft giggle and nods, turning her body around as she walks away.

"Sure. I'll see you tomorrow, Sara."

"Alright. Now, the way I assign homework is a little Different."

Mr. Lopez says, standing up from his seat in front of his desk. He looks down to the open Math book on his desk and flips a page, lifting his head up with a smile.

"I don't want anyone copying, so I'm assigning each of you a different assignment. You will put the Chapter Section you are given as the title, with your Name and Date on the top right hand corner. Do you understand?"

A couple of kids groan and I sigh, nodding my head. Mr. Lopez smiles and grabs his Clipboard from under the Book, pulling a pen out of his pocket.

"Listen up for your name. As soon as I give you your Chapter Section, you can leave. Sara Clement?"

My ears perk up and I grab my pen, standing up from my desk. Mr. Lopez lifts his head and looks at me, smiling softly.

"You will be doing Chapter 1, Sections 1 and 2. Have a nice day."

I bring my pen up to the back of my hand and jot down the assignment. Once it's there, I slip my pen into my back pocket and grab my two Books from the desk, feeling the weight press down on my arm. I adjust the strap of my bag and turn around, walking down the small walk way to the door. I push it open and step out into the open Hallway; feeling a breeze brush past me. I let out a small sigh and shift my books around, trying to find a comfortable position to put them in while I call my Dad.

After a minute, I take in a deep breath and walk up to the Concrete Rails. I place both of my books on the ledge and center them, not wanting them to fall all the way down to the P.E area. I let out a small sigh and turn around, leaning my back against the rail as I reach into my front pocket, pulling out my cell phone. I bring it up to my stomach and unlock it, pressing on my Contacts button. I scroll down and tap my Dads contact, bringing the phone up to my ear.

"This is Bruce."

"Dad?"

I ask, letting out a soft chuckle. I hear my Dad sigh and clear his throat.

"Hey, Honey. You out of school already?"

He asks, the sound of papers crumbling in the background.

"Yeah, just got out. Can you still pick me up?"

"Of course. Just give me 10 minutes."

My lips pull into a small smile and I nod.

"Okay. Love you."

"Love you."

I pull the phone away and press end, pushing my phone back into my front pocket. I push my body up from the wall and turn around, stopping when I feel the strap of my bag tighten across my chest. I tilt my head to the side and grip the strap, lightly tugging on it. Suddenly, my books shift and fall over the ledge, the strap of my bag easing. I put my hands on the rail and look down, hearing a loud Slap as they hit the concrete.

"You have got to be kidding me."

Tegan POV:

I turn my head to the side and look at Brandon, watching as he chugs down the last of his water; some of it spilling down the corners of his mouth. I let out a soft chuckle and shake my head, bringing my own water bottle to my lips. As the cool liquid runs down my throat, I feel my heart start to slow down; keeping up a regular beat.

"Tomorrow, i'm not going to be able to fucking move."

Brandon says, tossing his empty Water Bottle to the floor. I set my bottle down and sigh, feeling the fresh breeze cool my sweaty skin. Today's practice was rough. Not only because we're in the middle of summer, but because we were trying out. When trying out for a Position, you have to work extra hard. You have to work your ass off, to prove that you're the best for that Position.

"Alright, boys. Listen up."

I hear Coach Boonie's voice. I drop my head down and look at the ground, studying the flat grass beneath me.

"Tomorrow, I'll be pinning your Positions. So, please don't be upset if you do not get the Position you tried out for. But, I must say something. You guys did good, today. All of you were aggressive and I'm proud of you. I wanna see that on the Field for every Practice and Game, do you guys understand?"

Coach Boonie asks. I lift my head up and let out a soft chuckle, lightly nodding my head. A couple of the boys throw their hands up, and Coach Boonie smiles; nodding his head. Without saying another word, Coach Boonie picks up the Bag by his feet and turns around, walking over to Coach Ron by the Gate.

"Hey, Brandon. What time is the Bonfire?"

I hear a familiar voice ask. I turn my head to the side and look up, seeing Ben standing right next to Brandon.

"It starts at 8. You're still going?"

Brandon asks, leaning his body back and laying on the grass. I trail my eyes up to Ben and he smirks, lightly kicking Brandon's thigh.

"You know it. Most of the guys from the team are coming too. We're all gonna bring our girls, is that alright with you?"

I look back down at Brandon and he nods, a small smile on his face. He lifts up his hand and Ben chuckles, lightly pounding it with his knuckles.

"Alright. I'll see you later. Bye, Tegan."

Ben says, looking over at me. My lips curl into a smile and I lift my hand up, waving at him as he turns around and walks away. Once he stops at the Gate, I turn my head to the side and look at Brandon, watching as he looks up at the sky.

"Who are you gonna bring to the Bonfire?"

Brandon asks, turning his head to me. I move my body back a little and smirk, raising my eyebrows.

"Oh, I didn't know I was invited?"

I say, a playful tone in my voice. He lets out a small chuckle and sits up, wrapping his arms around his knees.

"Of course you are. Actually, I was gonna talk to you about it, but Ben beat me to it."

"Mhm, sure."

I say, sarcastically. Brandon tilts his head to the side and sighs, gently kicking my foot with his.

"Fine, don't believe me. But, you better find a Date for Thursday night."

He says, a wicked smirk playing his lips. I tilt my head to the side and eye him, confusion filling my mind.

"Why is it on Thursday?"

"Some Holiday is coming up, so we have a three day weekend."

I open my mouth, ready to ask another question, when I hear a loud smacking sound. I turn my head to the side and look at the Empty P.E area; finding no one in sight.

"That girl dropped her books, all the way from the second floor."

I hear Brandon's voice. I trail my eyes up and look at the second floor, seeing a familiar figure leaning over the rail; looking down at a Pile of books on the Concrete. My heart starts to race as my eyes skim over the familiar figure. That shoulder-length Brown Hair. That Ivory-White skin. It's that Girl.

She pushes her body off of the railing and turns around, walking towards the hidden staircase by the Gate. Before I can even think, I push my body up and move my feet; jogging towards the small pile of books.

I stop right in front of them and bend down, picking both of the books up. Suddenly, I hear the sound of the stairwell door opening. I tear my eyes off of the two books and look up, my heart skipping a beat as she comes into sight; our eyes connecting.

Sara POV:

My heart starts to race as I look in to her eyes. Tegan. She's standing there, in nothing but a pair of black shorts and her Red Sports Bra; with both of my books in her hand. I take in a small breath and stop right in front of her, trailing my eyes down to my books.

"Are these yours?"

She asks, her voice sounding so familiar to my ears. I slowly lift my head up and look into her eyes, noticing the small specks oh Hazel surrounding her large-black pupils. The pit of my stomach begins to flutter and I tear my eyes off of hers, taking in the soft features of her face.

Under the sweat, her skin is a beautiful cream color; with her cheeks blushing a pale-pink. I trail my eyes down to her lips and feel my heart skip a beat. The shape of them is unknown, but the color of them is alluring. A familiar soft and supple, nude nectar. And under them, is a small silver ball; a piercing.

Suddenly, my eyes begin to blink in confusion. I've seen this face before. That color of skin. Those Hazel eyes with large-black pupils. Those lips. That piercing. It all seems so familiar to me. Especially her voice. I know I've heard it somewhere before.

"Um, are you okay?"

I hear Tegan ask. I blink my eyes and trail them to hers, finding them filled with confusion. Nerves start to surface and I take in a deep breath, smiling nervously.

"Yeah, they're mine. I'm sorry, but you look familiar. Have we met before?"

I ask, pushing my nerves away; wanting to solve my curiousness. She takes in a shaky breath and lifts her free hand up, tangling her fingers into the hair of her Pony-tail as she nods.

"We have, actually. In the Candy section of Rite-Aid. I gave you my bag of Gummy Worms?"

She says, tilting her head to the side with one eyebrow raised. I tear my eyes off of hers and look down at the ground, my mind racing with memories. Suddenly, it hits me. The girl who was standing right in front of the Candy selection. The girl who looked at me with Large-Pupils and specks of Hazel. The girl who gave me her bag of Gummy Worms, when I couldn't find another bag. The girl who made me smile, as I walked away. It was her. It was Tegan.

"Oh, I remember you. The girl who's on an 'Athlete's Diet', right?"

I ask, a small smirk forming on my lips. Her lips curl into a smile and she nods, letting out a soft chuckle.

"Yeah, that's me. How were those Gummy Worms, by the way?"

She asks, taking her bottom lip between her teeth. I feel a lump start to form in my throat as she lightly chews on it, her eyes staring directly into mine.

"They were pretty good, actually."

I say, giggling lightly. She starts to open her mouth, ready to reply, when a car honks; making both of us turn our heads to the side. I let out a small sigh as my eyes land on my Dad's KIA.

"Is that for you?"

I hear Tegan ask. I turn my head to her and look into her eyes, noticing the small hint of sadness in them as I nod.

"Boyfriend?"

She asks, her eyes scrunching up with slight fury.

"No, I don't have a Boyfriend. That's my Dad."

I say, letting out a soft chuckle. Her brows slowly ease and her lips pull into a small smile, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"Oh, that's good. I guess you have to get going, huh?"

She asks, sucking in a corner of her bottom lip. My heart starts to race and I take in a shaky breath, nodding my head. She lets out a small sigh and nods, tearing her eyes off mine to look down at my books in her hand.

"Oh, sorry. Let me take those from you."

I tell her, reaching my hands out. She lifts her head up and lightly shakes it, a weak smile forming on her lips.

"It's okay. I can carry them to your car for you, if you'd like?"

My stomach starts to fill with butterflies as she looks at me; her eyes staring into mine as the wind picks up little strands of her hair and blows them into her face. I take in a small breath and smile softly, nodding my head.

"I'd like that."

She lets out a shaky breath and smiles, licking away the dryness from her bottom lip. I take my bottom lip between my teeth and turn around, feeling a little nervous as we begin our walk to my Dad's car.

"My name's Tegan, by the way. "

I hear her say. I turn my head to the side and our eyes connect, my knees becoming weak with her gaze.

"I'm Sara."

Her lips form in to a relieved smile and she turns her head back, suddenly stopping. I take my eyes off of her and look forward, noticing that we're right in front of my Dad's car; the passenger door. I sigh and start to reach for the door handle, when her hand lightly brushes mine away. A nervous smile forms on my lips as she pulls on the handle, opening the door for me.

"Sara, who's your friend?"

I hear my Dad's voice. I lift my head up and look at him, seeing a wide smile on his face. My cheeks start to burn a bright scarlet and I climb in, looking down at my Lap as Tegan Closes the door; my Dad instantly rolling down the window to talk to her.

"Dad, this is Tegan. Tegan, this is my Dad."

I say, lifting my head up and looking at Tegan. Her eyes are on my Dad and she smiles, lightly nodding her head.

"It's nice to meet you, Sir. Here are your books, Sara."

She says, trailing her eyes to mine. She lifts my books up and I grab them, setting them down on my lap with a goofy smile on my face.

"Well, we better get going. It was nice meeting you, Tegan."

My Dad says, making my heart jump. Tegan lets out a small sigh and smiles, gently tapping on the door.

"Um, I'll see you around sometime?"

She asks, tilting her head to the side as she pushes her body off of the door. My lips form the biggest smile yet and I nod, a wave of excitement coursing through my body.

"Good. Bye, Sara."

"Bye, Tegan."