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Chapter 10

TOBIAS

Coaches whistle blows and he yells something that signifies the end of practice. Practices on Mondays, like today, are normally lighter, and it ends relatively early today.

So some of the guys decide to hit up 21U on the way home. It's Zeke, Uriah, Will, and I making our way to Tori's. Most students who don't have after school activities go there after school to work on homework. It has the advantages of having different study tables to do work, but there are food and drinks as well. If I didn't work out as much as I do, I'd spend a lot more time here, but I do come in a decent amount of time.

Lately, I have been going more because of a new blonde in town.

We walk in and there are still a good amount of people here. Since practice ended early, the normal crowd of people that comes after school is still here. I ask the guys what they want and they text me their orders and hand me some money. It works out, really. They give me their orders and money so it is all in one place, and I make the one trip; it's clean, straight to the point, easy, and painless.

I make my way to the counter to order, and there stands a little blonde drawing next to the cash register. She has on the jean capris from today, the normal worker's shirt, but she wears an under armor long sleeve that comes up her neck underneath. I try to look and see what she is doing, but she manages to conceal what she is working on. I get her attention, and her eyes bolt out of their trance.

"Hey Tris," I say. "I didn't know you were working here."

"Yeah, well, Tori wants me to engage more, and forcing me into a place where most of school is her grand idea. I was training Saturday and Sunday with Christina, so I've got a pretty good handle on what I'm doing."

Now I wish I'd dropped in this weekend. I really do like talking to her. Looking back to Friday after the game, I still can't believe we exposed the little parts of ourselves. And she has this thing about her that makes me want to be around her, to protect her in a way that can make us both strong.

But I'm glad she is working here. It is a place I know she's at and she'll have to make some small talk. Even if it is just that, something small is better than nothing. Even though I have a few classes with her and eat lunch with her, she manages to cocoon herself from almost everyone but Christina. And even with Christina she stays to herself.

"Well I've got a few orders for the guys and myself."

I read off the list of orders on my phone. She puts the food orders in the computer for the kitchen in the back and begins with the smoothies that Uriah and Will want. I would normally go back to the table and wait for it to be ready, but I stay and watch her.

I look over the counter and see her sketch book, or should I say sketch books. I've only seen one with her, and, from what I understand, it holds drawings of school stuff. The other one must have something deeper inside her. I am really interested to see what could be in there. She probably holds a large part of herself in those pages. I look up to see she is finishing up the drink orders and brings a tray to the counter and stands next to the window to the kitchen waiting for the food.

"I didn't know you had two books," I say, hoping it will spark a conversation, similar to the one we had on Friday. Sadly, a part of me knows that could have been a one-time thing.

"Oh that?" she says as she walks towards it. "I don't bring it to school. It is a little bit more personal. Even Tori hasn't seen those pictures."

And as she says this, she slides both books under the counter.

Damn it! I pushed too hard and she's backing away. I see her as being a really good friend and it just has to build slowly. And maybe it will build to something bigger. I really do like her, and the best part is she isn't even trying.

"So, have you put any thought or gotten started on the mural?"

"Umm, yes. I was thinking doing a collage of a bunch of different things from our school or incorporating the mascot in some way. But with work and all these projects for school I am really pressed and busy. I like it that way, though, being busy."

"I agree. I kind of like being busy. It keeps my mind focused on one thing," I tell her as the food comes out. She lays it on a tray and gives it to me. I don't want to leave, but I have no reason to stay, and the guys are shouting over to me to bring the food and drinks over.

We hang out, joke around, and get a little homework done. I engage a little, but I am too busy building up my courage.

More than once, the guys catch onto my demeanor, and of course, they make fun of me for it.

"What's into you?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Well, for one, the guy who can walk into a room and command it, looks nervous."

"Shut up," I tell them.

"Has little Four got a crush on someone?"

"No," I lie.

"Well if that is true, you wouldn't want to go on a double-blind-date with Shauna and I?" Zeke tells me, a smirk all over his face.

"Hell no."

"It wouldn't happen to be Tori's new girl? Tris? If it is, you better do something about soon because I heard James talking about her."

I try as hard as I can to mask me reaction when they say her name. They know. They are my friends, of course they know I have gotten a thing for her.

I am about to say something, but the doors open and a group of loud girls come in. You could classify them as mean girls, all tall and critical of everyone, including each other. Apparently there are a lot of flaws in a person's appearance.

I don't bother to listen to their conversation, but it is loud enough to understand that they are talking smack about Lynn.

"You guys hear what they are say?" I ask.

"Yah, Shauna would be pissed."

"I am going to say something," Zeke says, getting up from the table.

The group of girls are at the counter, partially ordering but mostly talking shit about our friend.

"And her hair… It is the fugliest thing I have ever seen."

Zeke walks closer to them, but what really catches my eye is Tris standing at the cash register. She doesn't look at me or anyone else. She looks down, her mind deep in thought. Right as Zeke gets there and is about to yell, Tris looks up.

"Stop it," she says. I think it was supposed to be quiet, but it was loud.

"What?" One of the girls ask.

"She doesn't bother you, so leave her alone. You don't know her, but her friends do and I know none of them would appreciate it."

They don't say anything, but they raise their eyebrows and claws.

"Who the hell are you?"

"Someone who knows there is no point to putting others down."

"Well—"

Zeke now stands behind them. "Tris, were they talking about my girlfriend's sister?"

The girls practically squirm under Zeke's glare. For someone who is normally so carefree and a jokester, this look even puts me on edge.

Tris looks back and forth, her mouth pressed into a line. "Not anymore."

The girls, with the little sense they have, walk out without another word, but I know there will be catty calls thrown once they leave.

Tris seems almost unaffected by the scene that just took place in front of her. Except for the haunted look on her features. I can't get it out of my head of what she just did.

I have made my decision, I will ask her. I need to start off simple, and I think it will help the both of us. I wave the guys ahead in front of me and make my way to Tris at the cash register.

"Hey, would you be willing to work together on the English project? You know, since we are both busy and all, it could work better that way."

She takes a second to think it through. I have no idea what she will say, I just hope she is willing to do it. It will be a small step, but a step is a step.

"I don't know, I mean we are both pretty busy, but we have different schedules. You're training schedule seems pretty intense. Maybe another time. I just think it will be better to be alone on this one. And probably the next time." She kind of mumbles the last part.

I can't help but feel disappointed, but who was I kidding? She's made it very clear she is an independent person. But that's what I like about her. "Okay, I understand. Next time, though, we can work something out."

I walk out with my half-completed homework, not really in the mood to finish it.


I walk into the gym like every other morning. I really do like early morning workouts because there is not that many people here, and those who are here are here to get some work done. Normally, people here this early don't bother each other either, which is nice.

I get the most work done here at this time than any other. I can also get a lot of steam blown off here. My dad is in the government, and because it is an election year, he hasn't been home often. I know when it is all over, though, he will come for me. I don't know what is wrong with me; I am a grown man, I am strong and capable of defending myself. But when I see that look and his deadly eyes, I shut down and I can't help but feel weak.

I do my usual stuff; I run some, lift a lot of weights, jump rope a little, and work a few minutes on the rowing machine. I am walking to the locker room when I glance over to the punching bags. They are all still at rest, not moving an inch. Except one. It swings like it will fall off, and in front of it is a little powerful blonde. Tris.

I walk over to her wondering when she managed to slip in without me noticing. I guess that is just her, trying to stay hidden and out of peoples' minds. But that doesn't work. She tries to hide in the corner away from others, but I always seem to find her every time. At the moment, she is so focused I bet she doesn't notice me walking over. Her eyes say everything from pure hatred to brisk fear.

I place my hand on her bag, thinking it will be the least painful and surprising way to get her attention. She hesitates a moment glancing up at me, but continues beating the shit out of the bag.

"Here," I say, "let me steady your bag. It will help you more." She stops for a moment before nodding and continuing. She's good, but she could be better.

"You know, you'd get more powerful jabs using your elbows and knees. You could get a lot more damage done and defend yourself more."

She doesn't say anything, just applies the suggestion perfectly. I kind of wished I'd not given the advice because, while the punching bag is getting the worse of it, I am getting pushed around. An alarm on her phone goes off and she stops.

With her still, I get a real look at her. Her hair is in a braid down her back. She wears black capris leggings and a regular t-shirt. She walks over to her bag unwrapping the tape from her hands.

"Thanks for the tip," She says, "and for holding the bag."

"I don't mind. Really. It's nice to see someone in here as determined as I am."

"Well, if I were you, I'd spend time on your quickness."

"What are you talking about?"

"Umm, with football, you know. You are deadly accurate, but your mind works faster than your hands and feet. You're not that bad at it but the others are worse than you. Most players are too focused on the brutal strength of the game, but not much beats quickness."

"Okay, I see what you're saying."

"Do more jump rope, that helps you stay on the balls of your feet, and doing it for a while builds stamina. And you are smart out there, but sometimes the guys don't see the field the way you do."

"Thanks for the tip." And I mean it. I love how we can bounce different ideas off each other like this. "Why don't I walk you to school; meet back here in 20 minutes?"

"Sure, see you in a few."

And she makes her way to the women's locker room with her bag. I go to the men's and am in and out really fast. I do make a note to try to look and smell somewhat nice. My jeans and AE shirt seem to work. I want to ask her a few more things in the few minute walk. I walk out and shortly after Tris walks out in jean Bermuda shorts and a black top.

"Ready?" And with that we make our way to school. At first it is quiet, but I can talk to her right now without her finding a way to busy herself with something else.

"How long have you been boxing like that?"

"Oh, since a couple of months ago. I feel a little better knowing I can defend myself. And I've pretty much always been an active person."

"You know, I know a little bit about that stuff myself. My uncle Max is ex-military and taught me how to shoot a gun and throw a knife and stuff like that. If you are interested, I would be willing to teach you."

Sometime during that last part she tensed up, and I grab her arm to try and bring her back. She snaps back and says, "Thanks, but..." she hesitates and really thinks about her answer, "Actually, I'd really like that. But you have football and training, how will there be time?"

"Well, if you are willing to come to football practice here and there and help some of the guys, coach won't mind if we stay in the trainer's room in the basement after practice."

"Alright. Would tomorrow work?" She says a little unsurely, I'll have to talk to Tori later.

"Yes. And since we will both be on crazy schedules, it is probably best to work on the English project together. I know you said earlier you wanted to work alone, but I really need someone to work with if I want to get it done. And you're going to be running a similar schedule." I know this is too much to ask and I feel stupid and embarrassed for asking.

"I guess you have a point, and if we work together, it won't be as much work, I guess." She replies and I can't help but letting a huge smile spread across my face. I usually keep my emotions in check, especially happiness because I don't see it much. But as meaningless as that statement might sound, "I guess you have a point, and if we work together, it won't be as much work, I guess", it means the world to me. It is a step, a tiny step, but a step.

We are now entering the school and I even walk her to her first class. She keeps her head down like every other day, but I know that come tomorrow I get to spend some time with her. I can't help but feel a little victory. I just have to remind myself to not press any more for a while. What happened today was me pressing my luck, and I just have to back off a little now. But it is worth it.


Author's Note

Okay everyone, I hoped you liked this! I have a pretty significant cliché moment planned to come in the next chapter, but it is at the beginning and it will be pretty short and sweet.

School starts in a few days and I don't know how often I will be able to update. I promise I will try my hardest, though. It is my senior year of high school, so life is about to get crazy. Please review!

Be brave, everyone!