I was utterly late, how could I be late! I was so absorbed in a book that I completely dismissed keeping an eye on the clock. It was only fifteen minutes and surely he was down at the soccer field with his team. I hurried along as quickly as I could trying not to plow into someone or something. I could hear the practice going on as I neared and it soon became visible.

The guys had already started up a quick game the coach yelling out orders and commands. I walked over to the bleachers slowly finding Daniel among the players. He was out on the other side of the field watching the ball carefully. He spotted me soon enough and raised a hand in greeting. I smiled a little in return.

I made my way up the bleachers to the very top. I took a seat. I watched the players run back and forth chasing the ball. Not much of a crowd had gathered today just a few other people and some of the hardcore fan girls. Overall the game wasn't exciting as the last practice, they must have been working on a particular skill. I reached inside my bag and checked my phone to see if he had sent me a message since I was late. Just one.

I'll be at the soccer field.

About half an hour, the practice was declared over with the blow of the coach's whistle. All gathered around the coach for last minute instructions before departing. The girls below practically jumped out of their seats to greet the players. I rolled my eyes at how easily they fawned and flocked to them. They threw themselves desperately and demeaningly it was humiliating. I hoped I never became a fan girl for a guy, ever.

Daniel walked off the field and gathered his things. He came over to the bleachers and instantly was surrounded by two or three girls eye batting their eye lashes and flashing him dazzling smiles. He smiled sheepishly giving them a few words. I was too far to read his lips to figure out what he said. But whatever he told them, they backed away looking uninterested and perhaps a little angry.

He crossed them climbing up the bleacher toward me. Daniel looked gorgeous despite being all sweaty. Any man who went through a bit of hard labor was always attractive in my eyes. My heart thumped madly in my chest just the mere sight of him. I had to convince myself to rid of these thoughts before I acted up on them.

He finally reached me smirking a little. "You're slipping, Luce."

"It wasn't intentional, that I promise you," I said getting to my feet. I trotted past him descending down the bleachers and he soon followed suit. The girls down below looked up at us whispering and sending us wicked glances. "What did you tell them to get rid of them so easily?"

"Nothing," Daniel said with a shrug. My heart quickened it's pace. My mind automatically assumed the worst which would be he telling them he was seeing someone particularly me. I was already unpopular for different reasons and I wouldn't want to drag him down with me.

"Why won't you tell me?" I asked. I hopped down on the last step and turned to look at him.

"It's nothing really," he insisted.

"Then why can't you just tell me then," I protested. We headed over to the parking lot.

"Why don't you just let it go, huh?" Daniel asked his voice losing its playfulness. It was the same angry tone he took with me when we would get into another row. "I know if I tell you, you'll get mad then I'll get mad and we'll say things we don't mean, alright."

"So, what did you say?"

"I told them I was meeting up with someone. Happy?"

"Yes."

I walked beside him to his car. I couldn't exactly be mad at him for this one. It was partly true for the most part. I chewed my bottom lip just letting it go. I looked up at him half expecting a witty remark but it never came.

"You'll be at the game tomorrow?" Daniel said as we reached his car. He popped open his car and pressed the button on the control to unlock his car. He shoved our things inside.

"Of course I'll be there, I wouldn't miss it," I said opening my door to his car. I slid in and shut the door. I heard the back door slam shut and he appeared in his seat a few seconds later. He backed out and pulled away making our way back home.

"I'll be working tomorrow morning so if I'm not home or don't answer your texts that's where I'll be," he told me as he drove.

"Alright."

Once we got home, I hopped out grabbed my things and scurried off to the back entrance. I slid the door closed behind me. What was wrong with me? Why was I prying? Why couldn't I just things go? He and I had to keep things the way they were.

I threw aside my things and picked up as much of my room as possible. I cleaned up until I could see the majority of my floor. My laptop rang out from my desk making me jump, I never get a call. I hurried over and opened it to accept the video call. As I opened it, Hogan appeared on the screen. I only got a glimpse from his upper chest and above. He must be on his phone.

"Hogan," I said. "Hi. How's it going?"

"Not good, things have been real shaky," he told me. I gripped the seat from my desk. I didn't like the sound of that. "Those pesky Snatchers have been rearing their ugly heads around here. Anything with you?"

"Two but I managed to get rid of them with no problem," I reported. "What about Gabriela? Have you heard from her?"

"No, not yet," Hogan said. "I don't think I can stay here much longer, I may need to relocate to a safer location."

"Shall I stay here?"

"For the time being, yes, I think that is your best option." He ended the call. I shifted in my feet anxiously. Hogan was never one to run from Snatchers, things must be terribly wrong for him to pick up and leave.

We were never allowed to communicate who we were held responsible for. He could have either the past or the future, I would never know. And Gabriela, I was worried about her. I had not spoken to her in years this life time. I wondered if she was in the same predicament as Hogan. I wanted to call her but Hogan didn't instruct me to, I'm sure he would talk to her soon enough.

I paced nervously. I wasn't too fond of Hogan's call. I'd have to keep a closer eye on Daniel these next few days. I begin to suspect if any Snatchers were out there somewhere hunting Daniel down at this moment. There was no recent time quake in my area, regardless; I couldn't be too careful. I quickly headed over to my blinds and shut them just in case, you never know who could be out there watching.

My stomach rumbled loudly declaring it was time to eat. I closed my door and followed the hallway through the house to the kitchen. Aunt Steph and Uncle Liam had went to sleep early already in their room. I had not been intentionally avoided them even though that is what it probably looked like.

Aunt Steph had left out a plate near the microwave. It was filled with marinated pulled pork giving it a red tinge and a cereal bowl full of tortillas chips. I put the meat to reheat and pulled out a bottle of cherry soda. Cherry soda was my favorite kind of drink to have ever been invented. It was big a few decades ago and now it has ceased to disappear in some areas. The microwave beeped and I pulled it out and took a seat the table digging in.

My phone shook to inform me that Daniel had texted me to check in. I put the phone to my lips debating if I should tell him about what was going on. But I couldn't do it, I didn't want to distract him from tomorrow's game. I wanted him to win because I know that would make Daniel happy.

Good luck tomorrow champ.

A second later he answered my text. Sweet dreams, I'll make a goal for you.

I smiled at the text. I set my phone back on the table. I finished eating and headed back to my room. I got ready for bed and lay in the dark waiting until sleep would consume me and take me away from this world for a few hours.