So this chapter is a sporty one. It didn't start out that way, but for purposes needed to be met the little things to get done. Just to clarify, the last chapter took place in around the beginning of October. And this will pick up from there.
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the storyline.
Recap:
I don't know that you really need one, but for consistency I will oblige.
A trial bake sale
I wasn't doing the actual baking but I helped to pick out all the cakes and mixes.
We spend the weekend with our dad
"Yeah. I'll even make them breakfast," he says.
"Please don't," my sisters and I beg.
At a business dinner for our dad's company, an unwanted person makes their appearance
"You're the daughter of the man who won't do business with me. And you're in high school. Just what game are you playing at?"
"I'm just testing the waters."
"Every woman is interested in me."
"Don't flatter yourself, Desta.
But my dad comes to the rescue
"Alright Taka, I'd like to get a dance in with my daughter before the night ends."
"Was he bothering you Nam?" Dad asks with a concerned look.
"He gives me the creeps."
My father picks up where Desta left off, swaying slightly to the lively jazz music and calming my nerves.
Chapter 18: Just the In-Betweens
~0~0~0~
BGM: Fake Tales of San Francisco – Arctic Monkeys
After the little party Friday night, we asked our dad a million questions about the company. Some of the employees were familiar faces we had grown to know from visiting our dad at his office. But it seemed like his business had expanded greatly; as did the staff.
I dished to Yuffie later that evening about Desta; where I actually met him and the weird vibes he gave off. She shared Riku and Selphie's concern about being alone with him. Guess they were worried for a legit reason.
The rest of the weekend went by smoothly. We played cheesy board games and ordered a ton of takeout. I didn't want to take Dad up on that home cooked meal since Ramen noodles were the best thing he could make. We settled for Mexican, Chinese, and any other food places in the area.
We caught up on school and work, dating and sports. There wasn't a dull moment in our visit, something I could be thankful for. The dating aspect though, was geared more towards Kairi. Being the youngest, she was still liked to be kept under lock and key, much to her dismay. Dad spared no words in his long speech. She wouldn't be hanging around any schmuck with a cute face and pretty eyes. Yuffie and I took the chance to escape to the balcony. Yuffie had her focus directed elsewhere, saving her from that impending conversation. And Dad had an understanding with me, one that included a very stern talk about not being a grandparent at his age and safe sex. And that him and Mom would kill me and make sure no one ever found the body. Glad to know they were on the same page about something.
During that short time I had texted Cloud quite a bit. But it was a task trying to balance that needed time with my dad and my affections for my new person of interest. I ended up spending a majority of my time with my dad. Important things first and all.
We ended the wonderful weekend with a trip to this new bakery. Our dad spared no expense to our endless amount of scones (they had at least ten varieties), muffins, lattes, and toasted breads. It was a great way to kick start Monday.
At my persistence, our dad dropped us off at school early that morning. It was much to Kairi and Yuffie's dismay but I had business to attend to. Newspaper duties, Cloud, catching up with Riku. They would understand.
Yuffie draped herself over Kairi in an attempt to catch some extra sleep.
"You're too heavy," Kairi complains.
"But you're so soft Kai."
"Oh look there's Ariel. I have to talk to her about the next swim meet." With that Kairi pushes Yuffie away and takes off.
She's startled by the action and turns to me. "Hey Namine," Yuffie starts.
"Busy. Bye." I leave my sister in haste. She'll probably fall asleep on some steps.
After exchanging my books at my locker I run into Vanitas.
"Fancy seeing you here so early," I greet him.
"I had to talk with a teacher about a grade."
Vanitas was a shut-in, which attributed to his near flawless grades. I admit I was a bit jealous.
"For what? You're like, at the top of our class."
"He marked a few terms on my paper wrong. I wanted my full marks."
I give Van a look. "And here I thought I was a perfectionist."
He waves it away. "Don't give me that look. Anyways I also have some business to take care of."
Business, what business? I take a look around the virtually empty hallway and spot a girl by Van's locker.
Oh, that kind of business.
"Let that one down easy, would ya?"
"I make no promises," Van says before leaving.
I texted Riku on the drive over and was hoping we'd be here at the same time. I also stopped to send Cloud a good morning text of sorts. Hopefully he didn't have a problem with being woken up early. If not, then I'm sure I'd hear otherwise when I saw him.
I started to make my way over to his locker in hopes of finding him.
"Just the man I was looking for," I say when I spot a head of silver among a small crowd.
"How was your weekend?" Riku asks after hugging me.
"Filled with edamame soup and chorros."
"You were with your dad." It was more a statement than question.
"Yeah, it was fun." We walk away from whoever he was talking to. "He took us to a bakery this morning and nearly bought out the whole place."
"What, and you didn't get me anything?" he places a hand to his chest in mock offense.
"Of course I did Sugarlumps. Who else is gonna give you good eats if not me?" I pull a paper wrapped pastry out of my bag and hand it to Riku.
"Thanks," he says before taking it graciously.
"You need to get those carbs in if you ever plan on making the big leagues, Shaq." I slap him on his back.
I hear a muffled 'ow.'
"So how was your weekend?" I ask.
"We won our away game."
"I would say that I'm sorry for missing it but there will be plenty more," I say.
"Ah but you were there in spirit," Riku says dramatically.
"What would you do without me?"
"Hopefully find someone else who knows good food." He takes another bite of the baked good.
I scoff and poke him hard in the stomach.
"Was Rinoa at the game?" I ask.
Riku swallows a bite and looks at me. "She's captain of the cheerleaders, Namine. Of course she was there."
How did that slip my mind? Oh yeah, it was Monday. "Yeah well, I'm sure she was cheering with extra pep in her step just for you." I waggle my eyebrows at him. I catch the light dusting of a blush on his cheeks.
That would've been Kairi's third away game, complete with a trip to an outlet mall, but Yuffie and I dragged Kairi away for the weekend. Well we wanted to spend time with our dad and that's exactly what we got.
"Isa was with me, unfortunately," he says.
Riku was forced to drag his brother along with him. Sharing a hotel room couldn't have been fun. Although his teammates probably got a kick out of that little bundle of energy and sarcasm.
"We had a mini date at a doughnut shop."
"I approve."
"It wasn't my first choice though. The only other options were a sketchy sushi place and a hotdog stand."
"What was wrong with the dogs?"
"It had little hairs on it."
"Probably just a bonus topping."
"Namine, ew."
"Oh you suck the fun out of truck food."
"Anyways it was chill. We walked around the mall some. I made plans for a real date this week. And she told me how you tried to murder her under an avalanche of cake."
I laugh. That's grocery shopping with me. "I promise I didn't hurt a hair on her. I might've shocked her a little though. She wasn't expecting that."
"She does like to be in control."
I saw an opening for an innuendo but didn't take it. Instead I laugh to myself.
"You know, maybe we should double date," I suggest.
"So you two are official?" Riku asks of me and Cloud.
"He wanted to put a title on it."
"And you don't?" Riku asks.
I shrug my shoulders. It honestly didn't matter much to me. I was always monogamous with the guy I was spending most of my time with.
"All I know is that we're together," I say.
"He might feel differently about it," Riku replies. "What if he wants more?"
The thought didn't really pass through my one track mind. "It's just me and him. No one else is in the equation. Shouldn't that be enough?" It was a simple concept to me.
"Hey, you work those kinks out of your relationship with Cloud. Find out what he's after."
It seems as though Riku was at the end of his advice for me.
"We'll be fine," I say optimistically.
0.0
BGM: Collar Full – Panic! At The Disco
"Are things in order?" Quistis asks me.
"Yes. All of the teachers I spoke with are on the same page as Jacques. The shopping is finished, the menu is drawn up. My last two articles are on the server."
Meeting with my newspaper crew happened quickly after I left my Statistics class. I was pretty much up to date with the right articles and I just needed to finalize a few things with Quistis.
"Can I leave now?" I ask.
"Yes, yes. You may go." She waves me away and returns to her clipboard.
"Aww you're lucky," Selphie whines from her seat, as I pick up my bag.
"I'm going to volleyball practice."
"Still it's not fair." She pops the gum in her mouth.
"You can always join the team."
"And wreck my nails? I don't think so," she turns around in her chair.
"Enjoy the meeting."
After giving my little input on the bake sale, I take my leave. Tifa wasn't too strict when it came to practice, but I was the team captain. And it would look bad if I constantly showed up late.
And just as I had hoped, Tifa was giving a speech as I slipped into the gym. I took this chance to slide on my knee guards.
"So far we have won all the games this season except one. The championship games are coming up soon and we need to be on our A game. Your teamwork has been great and your game play is excellent. You just need to keep that up."
We ran drills for about half an hour before a few girls asked for a break. They looked like they were getting ready to pass out so I granted their request. For the grueling workouts we did, those JV girls lasted a good while. Even though the Varsity team was going to play the championship games, we practiced as a team. And they would have to keep the pace if they planned on staying on the team.
Along with Jasmine and I some of the Varsity included Sarah, Yuffie, Paine, Clara, and Rikku. Though the latter girl's time was split between us and the cheer team. While the others took a break I continued to toss the ball around with a few of my teammates.
"Her last test totally killed my grade for the semester."
"Ursula has the worst exams ever. Don't forget her midterm is coming up soon."
"Glad I don't have her class anymore," I state.
"Yeah lucky you."
"So Namine, how's Cloud?" Jasmine changes the subject with a smirk before throwing the ball my way.
"Oh he's fine," I reply with a grin.
"Yeah, hella fine. Did you see soccer practice the other day?" Rikku chirps up.
"They were shirtless. Have you seen those boys shirtless? Mmm mm," Sarah agrees.
"Aladdin was so-"
"Ugh forget that biscuit chest," Clara scoffs.
"You're just jealous cause he won't pay you any mind. He is-"
"Hey he may be eye candy, but I've called dibbs on him," Jasmine interrupts them with the ball in her hand. "You'll have to settle for one of his soccer pals."
"Fine with me. I prefer brunettes," Sarah says.
"Sorry to break it to ya honey," Paine speaks up. "Flynn is already taken."
She scoffs. "Already? By who?"
"Who hasn't he dated?" Jasmine says.
"Well damn the guy's like a doorknob. And everyone gets a turn but me," Sarah says.
We laugh. "I'm not sure you don't want him after knowing that," I say.
She sighs dramatically. "I guess you're right, but he is sure nice to look at."
"Just like lava lamps. But they're not very bright either."
~0~0~0~
BGM: 505 – Arctic Monkeys
I'm here first for the newspaper, second for Cloud, I tell myself. But I couldn't help the butterflies my stomach was creating in anticipation of seeing him.
I offered to take pictures for some of the games this week and it just so happened that Cloud had a soccer game on Wednesday. It was a win-win.
After volleyball practice ended I was the first one in the showers. It felt like I was running a relay, trying to scrub sweat from my pores and putting deodorant on. Having to towel dry my hair took the longest. I would've been satisfied with letting it air dry but the October air brought in a chilly breeze. Now was not the time to risk getting sick.
From the showers to the field I went. After setting my things up in a nest I made my way down the bleachers in search of my athlete. I couldn't spot him from the track so I had to make my way passed the fence and on to the field. The players were all dispersed on the grassy plain, in wait of the other team. All I could see was blue and orange uniforms littering the field.
"Looking for someone?"
There's my guy.
"Hey sweetcheeks," I greet Cloud. He pulls me into a hug.
"I missed you this weekend."
"I'm sure you did," I kiss him lightly on the mouth.
"My weekend was boring. Filled with nothing but homework and NASCAR."
I make a face. "That does sound pretty boring. Though I'd love to get behind the wheel of one of those rides."
"We could've gone to this food festival by the race track."
"Oh yes. Now you're speaking my language." I smile at him as I wrap my arms around his neck. Cloud seemed like a sweet guy from what I gathered. I should probably start treating him like it. "Maybe this Saturday, if you're free, we can do something," I suggest. "I have a game, but after I'm free."
"What did you have in mind?"
"Just let it be a surprise. I promise you won't be disappointed."
He pretends to think on it for a moment. "I'll clear my schedule."
"Have a good game."
"I will now that you're here."
I nearly blush at his words. He's just saying that I tell myself.
Before I release my hold on him, I quickly plant a goodbye kiss on his lips. Cloud surprises me by snaking his arms around my waist to reel me in closer. The chaste kiss becomes a make out session.
His teammates wolf whistle as we pull apart.
"Alright Cloud. Enough mackin on your girl. We have a game to win," one of his teammates call.
I find my breath and laugh. Cloud turns a little red but he is shyly smiling.
"Go get em," I say with confidence.
Leaving the field with an extra skip in my step I trapeze up the metal bleachers, which have now filled with students and some parents, and promptly take my seat. I had created a throne of sorts; I didn't plan on going back to my locker after the game so all of my belongings were with me. My camera bag was at my left side while my lunch box and book bag sat at my right. Sitting on metal could get annoying so I stole a small pillow from the locker room. I'm sure no one would miss it seeing as it was covered in dust. I used it to cushion my butt. The large duffle bag sat at my feet.
I felt like a queen. Now all I needed was some grapes and a court jester. Soon enough I left for snacks and a bathroom break.
The weather was cooling down and these hot cheesy nachos were beautiful on my palate. I watch the field and take pictures as both teams warm up.
Right before the game starts a figure dressed in dark clothes comes up to me and plops down.
"What brings you here?" I ask Vanitas.
"Extra credit." I raise an eyebrow in question. "If I stay for the entire game and answer some of Coach Anderson's questions I'll get a higher grade in PE."
"Seriously Van?"
"What, I may like to dance but I'm no athlete." I smile and offer him some nachos.
"You must be one of the staple bench warmers," I say.
"Hey somebody has to keep these benches warm."
"That just sounds kinda gross," I scrunch up my nose.
"What brings you here?" he asks.
"My beau." I point to Cloud on the field.
"Why are you sitting way up here?"
"I wanted a throne to myself."
"Of course. How are you supposed to take good pictures?"
I pull out a long lens. "They don't make these for nothing." I snap a picture and show it to Van.
"Damn that's some good detail," he comments. You could make out each players face and uniform as clear as day.
"Am I talented or what?"
"I was talking about the camera."
"Uh, rude." I take another bite of my nachos.
By now the game has started. I didn't know much about soccer other than it seemed to go on forever and the players required a lot of stamina.
"Where's the duo to your trio?" Vanitas asks me.
"Kairi is at a JV basketball game the next town over. Yuffie was sparring with some Freshmen the last time I saw her."
"I hope for their sake she takes it easy on them. She can really pack a punch."
"Really?"
"Yeah I have a bruise from last week." He rolls up his sleeve some to show me a fist sized purple mark.
"What's that from?"
"Practicing martial arts."
"Och," I touch the bruise lightly. "Sorry for your loss."
"What loss?" he asks.
"Of your skin pigment."
He chuckles before returning his attention to the field.
"I told you not to indulge her but you wouldn't listen."
"I thought it would be fun."
"Aww, look at you coming out of your comfort zone."
"Only to be beaten up."
"Don't be such a girl," I say before punching his arm.
"Ow Namine."
"Oh sorry, I forgot." I offer him some gummy worms to soften the blow.
"You'll be the death of me," he says before taking a handful of blue and red worms.
I take a moment to stare at him in slight shock of his words.
In a low voice I say, "River Song said that just before she died."
"Oh, you're a Doctor Who fan? I wouldn't've guessed it."
I stay quiet and wait for him to acknowledge what I said.
Van sneaks a glance from the corner of his eye. "I promise I won't say that again."
"Good, now eat up. We've got a long game ahead of us."
And I was right. The game was two hours long but it seemed like it would never end. Players racing back and forth up and down the grassy field. One player stole the ball and handed it off to his team mate who scored or lost it to the opposing team. Soccer had to be one of the most boring sports I'd ever watched. But for Cloud I would sit through this boring mess.
The Bulldogs win 5 to 2. At the end of the game the team is cheering and high fiving each other on the field. Afterwards the guys dog pile on top of each other. I shake my head at this. I'll never understand some of the things guys do.
I packed up my belongings and I bid Vanitas adieu. He'd had enough social interaction for the night. When the team hit the showers I sat around at the bottom of the bleachers to wait for Cloud. We'd seen each other in passing at school or hung out a short while after classes ended. But I hadn't had a chance to see him much this week. And texting did not count as communication.
One by one the players make their way out of gym doors and Cloud makes his way over to me.
I take in his refreshing scent. It was a crisp and green like spring.
"Great game."
"Thanks."
"And I've got the pictures to prove it."
"Oh you can just make me the star of your article."
"I'm sure I can find some other heartthrob to focus on. Our student body will definitely eat that up."
"I'm a heart throb now?" he picks up two of my bags.
"Well you know if some people are into that kind of thing."
By now we've made it to his car. His sweet sweet car. Man what I wouldn't give to have one of these in midnight blue. With a-
"Namine did you hear me?"
"Mm?" I wasn't paying attention.
"Some of the guys are heading out for pizza. Wanna come?"
"Yeah of course."
The pizzeria was alive with the student body of Yonkers High. Accompanying the soccer team were their loyal band of fans. They would definitely make their sales in tonight. Each table had about three pizzas heading their way. Not including garlic knots and the other wonderful delicacies that came with pizza.
"And keep 'em coming," Ventus says to the waiter. He was part of the JV team but he decided to tag along.
We talked about the nearing end of the sports season and the upcoming dreadful midterms. Most of us were sad about both. Although playing on a team is hard work, it was always fun. It's like you build a family with your teammates. And getting to travel to different towns was always a plus.
No one was looking forwards to the impending testing season.
"You ready? Cause I'm not ready."
"I'd rather eat a frog."
"We're supposed to dissect one next week. You can have that one."
"What about you Nam?"
"Well two of my classes are supplemental," I reply.
"Aww you have it easy. I've got all core classes," Tidus says.
"Start studying now," someone says.
He chuckles. "Not my strong suit. I'll just sit next to someone smart."
We all laugh at his plan.
With a full stomachs and smiles on our faces, Cloud and I leave the pizzeria.
He drives me back to my house at a much slower pace, wanting to savor our time together.
It was a different experience getting to see him in a crowd. I've only had him to myself, isolated from everyone else. It was a nice change.
0.0
BGM: She's a Rebel – Green Day
"I told you I wouldn't miss the next game." I hand Riku a bag of caramel squares. They were definitely a weakness for him.
"Tryin to fatten me up?" he asks after taking one out of the bag.
"Yup so I'll have something nice when I set you in the oven. Now go, confront the problem! Fight, win!"
Riku places the bag in his locker and faces me.
"And come back darling I really enjoy our visits."
"Namine go find your seat."
I laugh manically. "You can't get rid of me that easily."
With a hand pressed against my back Riku tries to shoo me out of the locker room. "You know you probably shouldn't be back here."
"Whatever. Nothing I haven't seen before." I turn to face him. "Are you excited that the season has finally picked up?" I change topics.
"Um not really." He crosses his arms. "Practice has been brutal lately and more often. Can't say I didn't enjoy lounging around."
"You're gonna miss it when it's gone."
"Yeah I guess. I definitely won't miss going home sweaty. I need to finish getting ready."
"Alright. Go do your weird tribal chant before the game."
"It's not a chant. It's a-"
But I had left the locker room before I could hear the end of his sentence. The gym was packed, per usual of basketball games. Most of our sports teams were good, but basketball took the cake. In a three tiered, professional icing styled way.
I take a seat next to Selphie.
"You got the popcorn?"
"Yeah but not for you," Selphie replies.
Concession stands were my favorite part of high school games. It made them all the more enticing.
"What happened to sharing is caring?"
"It can go to hell. I'm trying to attract someone's attention." I could tell. Selphie was wearing a short skirt and a yellow halter top. I gave her points for braving that outfit in this weather.
"I didn't know there was a seductive way to eat popcorn."
"Well make a sport of it cause I'm about to break records."
"With all that grease on your hands?"
"Napkins, Nami. That's what they're for."
"No that's what my jeans are for."
"Ew," she mutters before slowly chewing on a kernel.
"So who's the guy this week?" I ask her.
"Leon."
"You know he's dating Aqua."
"Are you kidding me?" She almost knocks down the popcorn but I save it. "I'm on top of the gossip food chain."
"Well I thought so." I take a handful of her popcorn.
"When did this happen?"
I shrug. "I dunno. Like yesterday I saw them all up close and personal."
The wooden bleachers are filled with our classmates. Some of our friends take seats around us.
"I knew I should've worn that dress," she says more to herself.
"Wait a sec. Weren't you with that guy at your party-"
"Old news," she waves me away. "Besides I couldn't tell my shoes from my face. It doesn't count."
"Whatever you say Selph."
We cheer as our basketball team makes their way onto the court. The other team had been waiting on the sidelines at the other side of the court so we had a chance to check them out. Nothing too impressive.
After some warm-ups the game starts. It was an intense battle between both teams. I thought volleyball was brutal, but there was something about all that testosterone being on one court that brought out animals in their players. We were down 14 to 25 when halftime came around.
As on cue, the cheer squad strolls their way onto the court. The music starts and Rinoa leads her squad through an upbeat routine.
"Hey I recognize this song," Selphie says.
"I think I helped choreograph this one," I say.
It was a saucy little dance and got the crowd going.
"Go Kairi. Shake what ya momma gave ya," I call from my seat.
I could see her face turn red from where I was sitting as she turned around to continue the choreo.
"You really know how to put people on the spot Dollface," Axel says from above me.
"She loves it. She just doesn't know it yet."
~0~0~0~
BGM: Lose You – Kat Dahlia ft. Candy Warhol
I was in charge of the volleyball practice that Friday afternoon so I went easy on the team and cut it short. I knew the championship games were near but there was no need to work the team to death. And I wanted time to relax.
For a good while Vanitas and I practice some acro in my living room. I had done some research myself and found some cool moves that we could try. And for about an hour Vanitas indulged my curiosity before I slipped on a ninja star.
"Dammit Yuffie!" I cry out.
"I didn't do it whatever it is," I hear her call from our bedroom.
"How could you miss that?" Van asks with a laugh. "It's shiny and-"
"Shut it before I call her to beat you up."
Reluctantly he helps me off the ground.
And now we're sitting on my couch sharing snacks and flipping through the movie channels. After a tussle of popcorn and words, we finally settle on something.
"He needs him eight soldiers," I say in a country accent.
"Yes as a bushwhacking army. To kill them Natzis," Van replies.
We continue to watch Brad Pitt give his squad a pep talk.
"He wants those scalps."
"From ALL those Natzis."
I shake the box of Raisinettes until some fall into my hand.
"I knew this would be a great movie," I say.
"Well duh. Tarintino made it," Van replies.
"I didn't even know that. I wouldn't've hesitated to watch it if I'd known he'd made it."
Van takes some popcorn from the bowl between us.
"This is much better than going to the movies."
"Yeah you have a kick ass surround system," he says.
"Courtesy of my dad."
We continue watching Brad Pitt talk about his unruly group of vindicators.
"See this is why his movies are great." Van was referring to the introduction of Hugo Stiglitz.
"Exactly. You get me man." I lightly punch his shoulder.
"Hey what would you do if someone beat you with a club?" I ask Van.
"Before or after the beating?"
I think for a moment. "Um after."
"Well they better hope I die in the process because they're as good as dead when I get off the ground."
That's pretty reasonable.
"I can't see how he's eating while they're shooting them," I say.
"Actually that reminds me of you a bit. You can eat through anything."
"I don't know whether to take that as a compliment or to be offended. But because it's Brad Pitt and he's an amazing actor I'll take it as good."
In that short amount of time I had figured that Vanitas and I would never make it to the theaters. We'd be those people who talk throughout the entire film, commenting on the bad acting, or the original plot of the book, before being thrown out of the theater. Yeah I'll settle for my couch.
Vanitas interrupts the silence. "You know this is very similar to Pulp Fiction."
"I never really caught on to that til you mentioned it."
"It's nice how everything is being tied together."
"Mmhmm."
I liked hanging out with Vanitas as strange as it sounded. On the regular we would only see each other when our families had dinner together or there was a pool party or we were setting off fireworks in July. We saw and spoke to each other at school in passing, but never made an effort to go out of the way.
Lately I was seeing more of him because of our zeal for dance; twice a week with Mulan and randomly when we wanted to practice some dance moves.
Movie watching was a new area for us. Though Yuffie had been bugging him to spar so she could brush up on her karate, we'd been 'bonding' more. Mulan said that trust was key in a dance partner's relationship and if bonding over Tarantino movies didn't do the trick, I'm not sure what would.
Today was a nice lazy day. For once, my homework was complete before the weekend started. Kairi had roped Yuffie into doing something for her, which quieted them upstairs. Mom was working a late shift. And I didn't have any plans with Cloud. I think he said he was working or babysitting. I couldn't really remember.
Towards the end of the movie where Emmanuel is hosting her movie screening at her theater I get a text.
Cloud
I tap on the little envelope.
Hey babe
Hey I respond. I could feel my face flush a little.
Turns out my awesome babysitting skills weren't need for the entire night he responds.
Why, what happened? I ask.
My aunt got drunk and they had to leave their dinner
I laugh out loud at this and Vanitas gives me a strange look. I show him the text and he chuckles.
I try to sound consoling as I respond. Oh, is she ok?
Yeah. one less bottle of chardonnay for the world to handle
Hah ok. So whatsup?
I wanted to know if you were busy. Maybe we can catch a movie
I look at the time. It was 6:10. Well I guess.
Yeah I could get out of the house.
I return to the movie happily and watch as the theater is burned.
Great. Pick you up in an hour.
I wasn't planning on telling Van to leave anytime soon but he must've been reading my texts.
"I'll make myself scarce."
"What, the movie's not done." I was very strict about finishing any movie I started watching.
"Yeah yeah, I'll be fine. Go entertain your man candy."
"I don't have comeback for that."
"Good that was my intention."
"Until next time soldier." I hold up my hand to salute him and Van returns the gesture.
"See ya later." Vanitas leaves with my box of Raisinettes.
I spend a moment on the couch, basking in the calmness of my time with Vanitas. It was a nice wind down from the week.
I finish watching the last ten minutes of the movie before shutting off the TV and getting ready for my date.
0.0
Our date was calm and cute. Cloud took us to a petting zoo. Definitely not my first choice in the dating scene but those animals were adorable. And I got to feed a baby lamb with a bottle. How Little House on the Prairie is that?
As fun as our spur of the moment outing was it could've never prepared me for Saturday morning.
"Come on you've got it!"
"Keep your guard up Sarah."
"Excellent serve," Tifa calls from the sidelines.
There was about fifteen minutes left of the game and we were up by five points. It was always best to keep it that way.
I was on the sidelines taking a drink. I didn't think this game would be so grueling. The last time we played the Tigers they didn't score at all. Now they were catching up a little too quickly.
Our team was fairing great considering some of our key players had graduated. Our season was a breeze, well to me at least. We had been working a little harder and I attribute that to shaping up the newcomers. JV had it a little easy, although I made sure Varsity was in check. But this season was almost over and we only had a handful of games left.
"Hey coach," I call to Aunt Tifa.
"What's up Nam?"
"Put me back in."
I was sure as hell that the championship trophy would look great in the volleyball room.
So how was it? *waggles eyebrows*
I'm just glad to have this chapter out. Between work, being sick, and my computer slowly dying on me I'm ecstatic to be able to work on this story.
Lemme know what you think :3
Sook