10. Carson's Competition

Carson and Olivia passed the ball back and forth underneath the hot summer sun on the soccer field. Olivia wasn't as near as good as Carson, often missing her completely while passing, but Carson was too relaxed and laid-back to care. Suddenly the coach's whistle blew, and the Orange Team gathered around.

"Okay, girls, our first scrimmage is in two days," Coach Baker said. "I plan to dominate the Blue team. They are the first ones to go. I've been observing them. Their players are weak and can't run as near as hard as you can."

"Are you paid to say that?"

The voice came from a snobby, but gorgeous, tan, blonde haired soccer player wearing her orange jersey hanging on her neck. The coach stared her down. "Hackman, take a lap," she said. Adrian Hackman rolled her eyes but started jogging. "And sprint it!" the coach yelled after her, but Adrian showed no sign of speeding up. She turned back to her team. "Okay, gang, go get dinner. I plan to have a midnight practice. It's optional, but fun. Orange on three." Everyone put there hands in the middle and chanted,

"One, two, three, ORANGE!"

Nadia caught up with Carson as she walked toward the dining facility. "Hey, girlfriend."

Carson smiled. "What's up?"

"I know all about Tom Lancy," she said slyly. Carson looked at her sharply.

"What are you talking about?"

"Tom Lancy, eh?" A voice behind them said. They turned, and saw Adrian Hackman standing there. Even with her sprint around the field, it hadn't caused a single flyaway on her head or a sweat.

"What's it to you?" Nadia asked, but there was no friendliness in her eyes.

"Oh, nothing, really." She smiled. "He just happened to be my boyfriend."

"Whatever," Carson waved off and started walking.

Adrian fell in step with her. "In denial, huh? That's you. Go ask him. He's a freshman here, hoping to play for Madrid someday."

"What an accomplishing goal," Carson said sarcastically. It was something Jules would have said.

"I think you are heading in on my territory, Richman," Adrian said, flipping her hair.

"Excuse me, but what is Tom doing with you?" Nadia asked.

Adrian's eyes went cold. "Now, come on, Nad," Carson tried to reason. She really didn't want a fight to start. Sure, she had gotten in plenty on the soccer field (her father trying to stop them and her mother cheering her on), but she didn't want on at that moment.

"I don't know," she said, twirling her hair. "Maybe you should ask him. Here he comes now."

Sure enough, a gorgeous Tom was walking toward them. He looked especially hot and enchanting with the sunset behind him. Adrian practically jumped into his arms, and Frenched him in front of everyone. He was shocked, but to Carson's dismay, she could tell he was kissing her back. The kiss lasted nearly a minute, and ended when Nadia cleared her throat.

"Oh, hey Richman, nice going out there," Tom complimented. Carson smiled. Adrian observed, and slithered her arm around Tom's waist protectively. He didn't move his arm around her, making Carson smile even wider.

"Thanks," she said, swaying on her tiptoes. "Glad you noticed."

Adrian was fuming at the obvious flirtation Carson was causing. She butted in. "Hey, Tom, do you wanna go grab a bite to eat?"

He looked sheepish. "I, uh, actually have some English homework that I didn't finish. I just came over here to tell you. But I promise that I will tomorrow. Homework or no homework."

Adrian half-smiled and tucked a lock of hair behind his ear, then twirled it around her finger. In a puppy-dog voice she said, "You're going to ditch me for homework, Thomas?"

He pulled her in his arms. "I'm not ditching you. But I really need to get past this semester. Tomorrow, I promise."

Adrian looked at Carson out of the corner of her eye, who was standing there beside Nadia, trying not to break out in a fight. "Alright, but give me a ring afterwards. I have midnight practice. So I'll be up, all night." She giggled, and he kissed her.

"Gotta go," he said, touching her shoulder. "Bye, Richman. See ya...person I don't know." He smiled.

"Nadia," Nadia volunteered dully. Obviously, the whole conversation and Adrian's antics had annoyed her. Tom turned and left, and Adrian flipped her hair, grinning.

"Well, sorry Carrie," she said. And she left. More like walked sluttily away.

"It's Carson, you idiot!" Carson shouted out after her. She shook her head, and turned to Nadia, who was fuming. "I really don't like her."

Nadia scoffed. "I don't think there is one person at this camp who likes her."

"Except for Tom."

Nadia rolled her eyes. "Yeah, except for Tom."

"Oh, boy," she replied as they walked into the dining facility. Adrian had joined her group of friends and they were all giggling girlishly. "Make me hurl," Carson said as she passed them to get her food. From the "wide variety of choices", she chose macaroni and cheese. Nadia chose a burger, and grabbed them both a bottle of water. They sat down at a table the window and ate quietly.

"So, where are you from?" Nadia asked, taking a bite.

"Um, Bethesda, Maryland," Carson replied. "I've lived there my whole life. Where are you from?"

"Tucson."

"Interesting." Carson stole a look over at Adrian's table. A couple were talking, while the rest were staring at her. Oh, great, Carson thought, she has an army.