After weeks of training the junior varsity and my other teammates, we were sure that we would excel at the qualifying rounds next year. Because times were getting pretty cold and finals were approaching as November drew to a close and came a frosty December. I would occasionally see the Gammas training in 20 below weather wearing fur hoodies and gloves. A couple of players were getting scolded by Ruben for freezing their asses off as his hot breath waved over them. He saw me and gave a harden glare before turning back to his main players telling them to repeat sets until he felt like stopping. He eventually went down the half pipe and I would walk off.
For a long while Hazel didn't speak to me as I did her. I would talk more to Roxanne, and she would cross paths with us, say hi and rush off. It just how it was since that day.
And then Roxanne stopped me when we were about to enter class.
"Talk to Hazel." She told me as I blinked twice.
"Why? She won't talk to me? And she practically lead me on...I don't think she's genuinely sorry for what she done...really Roxy." I growled.
"You can talk to her...even if she doesn't...because I've been talking to her." She admitted.
I glared, "Really now?"
"It's different for us girls Max. Get over it. Now, just...try okay? You're a good person and I know you want to make sure Hazel is okay...like when you found me."
I blushed at the old reminder of how Roxy and I became literally best friends in weeks. It was almost surreal that we went out and I had...feelings for her. I'm kinda unsure if what I feel for her is genuine affection or what.
"Alright fine...but you owe me. Movies. Tonight." I dared her as my heart skipped a beat somewhat realizing I was asking her on a date.
"You're on." She winked as we walked desperate ways, as I went to find Hazel.
/
I eventually found Hazel cursing out her Math teacher for having at A C- as of midterms. Both were furious and she eventually walked off flipping him off. We stumbled into each other as she didn't notice me as she did a sharp turn. Her beautiful eyes widen as she backed away, turning away from me mumbling sorry.
"Wait." I grabbed her arm. I did it without knowing what exactly what I wanted to say. Just like Roxy. Just like two people what I grew affectionate over for weeks.
Except...deep down I think I can accept being over Hazel...a wake up call...a second chance to make amends with...
"I just want five minutes...even less." I said. Hazel nodded as she gestured to walk with her around campus.
/
"Everything got so messed up and confusing Hazel and...I...I'm sorry. I shouldn't been upset after everything. And said those things." I apologized.
Hazel shuffled as we finally sat down on a bench. "This is more of my fault. I should've just kept my personal life to myself...I shouldn't have thought things would be okay even thought I knew you probably...felt more about me than just a friend. I should've told you about Ruben and I...and...I'm just selfish."
I leaned back. "It's okay. We have our own issues anyways...why are we pushing away the people we truly feel about to others? This is just a big game." I smiled.
"You're right Max..." As she trailed off, running a hand through her locks. "So...friends?"
I nodded. "Yeah. Friends." As we slowly hugged it out.
"So where were you heading'?" I asked.
"Back to my dorm. I need to see if I can get my Math up and..." Her glance drifted, "There's someone who might needs to talk to me."
As I was fully alert of someone behind me as I turned around.
"Hazel..." Ruben's voice was strained. "Are you...busy?"
I caught the hint. I wanted to be an asshole to this guy so badly but his eyes are torn between weary and pain. And I understand that maybe he isn't the guy I'm ought to hate so much.
"I was leaving. I'll see you later Hazel." As I nodded at Ruben and left for my dorm to find movies to watch with Roxanne. The holidays were close so I would start packing soon.
/
"Hazel..." Ruben started with a bit of hesitation.
"I have no words... I really don't know who you are anymore. Where is the Ruben I fell head over heels with? Times changed but...you changed for the bitter. I understand...we're so different but do you have to drag me down so low to get your selfish needs? How many people have to get hurt for a Vanderbilt to be satisfied?" Hazel exploded with tears. "I...I love you."
Ruben's watery eyes seemed to hold so many tears. He gritted his teeth as he shook the tears out his eyes.
"Im ...so sorry. For everything. All the times I've been so cruel and mean... I was doing the demonic work of my father. Please believe me." Each sentence he inched closer to Hazel as she posted. "I just been doing everything so that... I can no longer live in this prison he sat me in my entire life. Everything I have done is so that I can somehow stay with you. If anyone saw this was me...my dad would terminate your scholarship. I don't want you to go Hazel... I loved you ever since we were kids. You're beautiful and smart and artistic. You're everything that inspire me to move forward. And I just want to tell you I don't deserve you like this...not this way." As he closed his eyes, the harsh winter nipping his face as tears streamed.
Hazel couldn't help but to soften up to the biggest dummy she ever loved as she held his head to her shoulder. Slowly, Ruben held her tightly as if he never wanted to let go.
"You big dummy." Hazel could barely say as she buried her face on Ruben's bronze hair. "Why couldn't you just tell me..."
"I know." He mumbled helplessly as he clung to Hazel, soon lifting his head to look straight at her. Standing only inches above her height his eyes stared into her eyes for the longest.
"If something happens I will find my way to you." Ruben promised. "My dad can't limit me forever."
"You better." Hazel lightly punched his arm as he cracked a smile. Hazel's heart skipped a beat or three.
Then in no time Ruben closed the distance, lightly kissing Hazel until she relaxed and returned the affection, deepening the kiss. They both pulled away, face heated up from the cold. Ruben rubbed the back of his neck as he broke the silence.
"Let me walk you back to the dorms...it's late." Ruben held out a hand as Hazel entwined his fingers with his.
/
I let Roxy in the dorm as she casually wore a sweater hoodie and sweatpants. Her reddish hair in a dishevelled fashion under a beanie as she grinned, holding up a bag of snacks. I snorted as I offered to hang her coat over the chair. She took a glance around the dorm, specifically fascinated how the guy dorm can be neater than her and her roommate's.
"I see PJ still likes collecting vinyls and Bobby is still a video game addict", as she took a look at our media corner filled with CDs, vinyls, games, and headphones. Among them stuck out an old Powerline CD that Roxy noticed. The hair on the back of my neck stood up as she stared at it.
"Powerline was my favorite in highschool...especially when that one goofball pulled that stunt on the last day of freshman year." Roxy smirked.
"I earned my rep that summer...I got to finally show off to people that I was a pretty pro skater." I bragged as I waved up an action movie.
"I'll fix the snacks." Roxy said as I set up the couch with cushions and covers. Shortly Roxy came back with nachos and sodas. We chinked our cans as the movie started, sitting pretty close. But I wasn't such an emotional mess and just looked at her with genuine care.
"So what happened with Hazel?" She asked, looking at the TV still.
"We talked and hugged it out...Ruben came and I decided to leave those two alone." I said.
Roxy was smiling when I side glanced her. "I'm glad you two made up. I told you it would work...maybe, maybe even she and Ruben finally hooked up."
I slightly turned to face her, "What about you and Ruben?"
"I went off on him too. But I forgave him...and we moved on." Roxy looked at me. "I guess...it was like a game. Why should we be pushing away from people we care about to others?"
The hair on my neck stood as there was a tension growing between us. I cleared my throat as I looked at the movie.
"You're right."