By: OrchidPrincess
Chapter 6: To Baja
oOo
Bridget woke up at around 2 hours before sunrise feeling all pumped up about going to Baja Mexico. She would see Diana and relive all her happy moments at the soccer camp even if it would remind her of Eric.
Feeling fresh and new, she walked to the bathroom and started up a bath. She poured extra lavender-smelling bubbles in the tub just because she was happy. Quietly humming a silly popular tune, she picked out the outfit she was going to wear when arriving in Baja Mexico.
Bridget decided on a cute I Love Soccer T-shirt and jean shorts. Grabbing her towel, she went into the bathroom and went into the tub. Sighing with relaxation, Bridget rested her head on the edge of the tub. After 10 minutes of complete relaxation, she decided to shave. Shaving, she continued to hum the silly popular tune.
Suddenly and accidentally, Bridget cut her leg. Wincing at the pain, she remembered what had happened yesterday and she was no longer in a peaceful relaxation mode. She felt stressed and confused. Washing her cut with clean water, she decided that she didn't need a Band-Aid. Bridget put on her clothes and went to the mirror to brush her teeth and comb her long messy hair.
Once finished, Bridget went down to the kitchen and greeted Greta. She politely reminded her grandma that she was off to Baja today and would be back in Alabama in 2 days. Greta nodded her head. Piling a high stack of pancakes on Bridget's dish, Greta told Bridget to take care of herself.
Nodding her head, Bridget stuffed her mouth with Greta's delicious pancakes and maple syrup. Once Bridget was full, she looked at the clock. It was 7:30 and her flight left at 8:30. Bridget decided it was time to go. Grabbing her bags, she gave Greta a kiss on the cheek then grabbed a taxi to go to the airport.
25 minutes later, Bridget arrived at the airport. It was 7:55 now. Sighing, Bridget found a seat and checked her cell phone. She had 1 message. Listening to her message, it said
(BEEP: Hi Bee. This is Diana. I was just making sure that you were notified that your airplane flight had been changed. Your airplane now leaves at 8:00. Well, I'll see you soon. Bye.)
Bridget instantly panicked. She grabbed her bags and sprinted to her terminal. Half way to her terminal, the flight attendant announced "Flight 787, to Baja Mexico will leave in 1 minute."
This announcement only made Bridget sprint harder. She dodged everyone in front of her and dashed to the door. Once she made it, she ran to the flight attendant who was just half way through closing the airplane door.
"Miss. Vreeland is it?" the flight attendant asked.
Bridget nodded.
"You're late." Remarked the flight attendant.
Bridget, who was still out of breath, nodded her head again. The flight attendant, who seemed annoyed by Bridget's tardiness muttered silently "blasted late comers" and opened the doors for Bridget to enter the airplane.
Bridget found her airplane seats and soon fell asleep.
Later on, the airplane pilot announced "the airplane will be landing in 30 seconds."
This excited Bridget terribly. She jumped up and down in her seat until the person beside her told her to stop. Bridget only grinned harder in reply. The plane landed. Bridget rushed out of the airplane and ran to get her luggage. Once complete, she looked around for Diana. She spotted Diana. Diana was dressed in jeans and her soccer jersey. Bridget immediately ran and practically jumped on Diana.
"BEE!" Diana screamed in shock.
A deep, baritone voice replied back amusedly "Bee? Run or else it will sting you!" He then faked a cowered pose.
Too caught up with the spur of the moment, Bridget and Diana ignored this funny man.
"DIANA!!!" Bridget screamed back, louder.
This once again, inticed the man to add in his humorous remark. he began to sing "Diana" (AN- The Song) and strummed his air guitar.
Once again, Bridget and Diana ignored him.
But this time, onlookers were now staring at the over excited young women.
Bridget laughed and stared at the particular man who was staring at her with amusement and was the one who said all the funny remarks close by to Diana.
She said "Who you lookin' at?" attempting to stop all the stares from the people in the airport. She hoped that this man would walk away.
Instead, to Bridget's surprise, he laughed an enriching laugh. The airport people stopped looking at Bridget and Diana. This man said after his burst of laughter "This is the Bee huh?" asking Diana, but looking at Bridget.
Bridget was shocked that he knew her name. She stared closely into his face. He had brown hair that was cut to perfection, and eyes with a gorgeous mystical touch. He wore a soccer jersey, just like Diana's and jeans that weren't too baggy and tight.
His grin lightened up the whole room and his teeth were straight. He was also very muscular. In fact, he looked like he came from a men's underwear ad. Bridget thought he was very handsome and cute.
Smiling her prettiest and thinking that she might as well use her flirtation skills, she said "Yes, I'm Bee. Otherwise known as Bridget. How are you and how do you know me?"
James answered "Nice to meet you Bee. I'm James, one of the most handsome coaches in Baja" he joked. Diana hit him hard on the arm.
"Yes, James you are. The most ugliest coach in Baja." Diana joked back.
"Hey!" James pretended to be upset but his eyes were glowing. "I thought the ugliest coach was Aldo" he added as an afterthought.
Bridget, who was watching James closely, felt an immediate attraction towards him. He was humurous and handsome. She smiled at Diana and said "Let's go. I want to see how my old soccer camp has been going."
"Okay" replied James and Diana in unison.
James took out the car key from his back pocket and said "Follow me" Bridget and Diana lagged behind.
Bridget whispered in Diana's ear, "He's so hot"
Diana giggled and whispered back "I know huh?"
James suddenly turned into a halt and spun around. "Talking about me eh ladies?" he said in a teasing tone. He turned around again and continued to walk to the car. Bridget looked at Diana and Diana looked at Bridget and they broke down laughing. They were laughing so hard, they had to sit down on the ground. Once calming down, Bridget stood up and held a hand to pull Diana up too. Looking at Diana, Bridget thought this is going to be a great weekend. Diana and Bridget ran to catch up with James.
They drove to Bridget's old soccer camp. Bridget looked around. Everything hadn't changed one bit. The beautiful beach, they freshly cut grass, and the breezy air. Bridget sighed. She felt like she was in paradise. James and Diana sensed that Bridget needed alone time so they left her alone.
Bridget walked slowly to her first old cabin. The walls were repainted. Bridget thought. She smiled to herself. Bridget put her hand and ran it through the outside walls. All the soccer campers/players were at practice. Bridget walked to her old coach cabin. She looked through the window and spotted her old bed, the one where she was having her fever.
She walked towards Eric's old coach cabin. She once again peeked inside the window and spotted Eric's old bed, the one he held her at night when she was having the fever. Bridget sighed and closed her eyes reliving the memory. She was so confused these days. She didn't know what direction she was going. Bridget thought I thought I was over Eric 2 years ago. I'm sure about it. Why do I always have this very weird feeling whenever I'm around him? I never felt that way before. Not even around Billy. If I didn't feel that way towards Billy, then for sure it isn't love. I did love Billy right? But I can never love Eric again. He has a girlfriend. His one true love, I'm sure. What was her name again? Oh yes, Jolene.
Caught up in her thoughts, Bridget walked towards the bulletin board that was placed outside the camp office. She glanced at it. There were lots of pictures and photos of soccer players but in the middle, there was a notice. Bridget read it. It said:
Attention to all soccer campers!
This year, we are having a very special occasion! The soccer team that is going to the World Soccer Championship Finals has asked to us, the Baja Mexico Soccer Camp to grant them permission for their coming. This soccer team is the Kickers! They need our soccer teams to play them so they can warm up for the WSC Finals! (World Soccer Championship) Luckily for us, Eric Richman, the coach who coaches the Kickers has coached in our camp for 4 years. He knows our camp very well and has decided to use our camp as a warm up for his team! The Kickers! Each and every one of you campers is indeed very lucky. You will have a chance to meet and play against the Kickers! The Kickers are to be arriving tomorrow. So practice and be pumped up for this very special occasion!
Bridget stood there shocked. She didn't know that the Kickers and Eric would be here! Bridget sprinted to Diana's office and came to a halt once she saw that James was also in the office.
Bee panted as she said "Hello James. May I speak to Diana?"
James didn't move. He simply looked at her.
"Alone?" Bridget included.
"Oh, alone." James laughed as he walked out of Diana's office and shoving his hands into his pockets.
Once James had left the office, Bridget turned and looked at Diana. "Diana! How come you didn't tell me that Eric and the Kickers would be coming?"
Diana giggled. "Why Bee! I thought this would be a nice surprise for you! You get to meet up with Eric your boyfriend! Didn't he already tell you?"
Bridget stood there all furious. "Diana! Didn't you know that Eric and I broke up 3 years ago?"
Diana's smile immediately left her face. "Bee! Why didn't you tell me? Oh this will be terrible!"
Bridget sighed as she recalled that Diana had never been updated on her life. "I'm sorry Di. I guess I was overreacting. I should have told you before." Bridget sat down on the chair across from Diana's desk. She took a deep breath and spilled everything that had happened to her 3 years ago. From the breakup to her mild depression about Eric, to meeting Billy on the airplane, and so on.
Once Bridget was done, Diana was horrified. "Oh Bee, I'm so sorry!" Diana exclaimed.
Bridget walked towards Diana and replied "It's all right Diana. You didn't know. Besides, I was overreacting. Remember, Eric and I are friends. We just left in an awkward scene." As Bridget said this, she was recalling the kiss Eric and her had shared.
"That's right!" Diana exclaimed, once again looking happy. "Come on Bee! I want to introduce you to the soccer campers and your team!" Diana said, standing up and pulling Bridget out the door. "Hurry up! The campers are in the mess hall!"
Bridget laughed at Diana's enthusiasm. She followed Diana to the mess hall. Diana stood on a table clanging her glass. "Campers! Please be quiet!" Diana screamed. Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at Diana. Diana took this as a cue to go on. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I want you to meet out new coach! Her name is Bridget! She will be filling in for our old coach Kevin, who had to leave due to emergency situations!"
Everyone in the mess hall turned and looked at Bridget, who was standing beside Diana.
Bridget stood on top of the table with Diana and said "Hi everyone! I'm Bridget, but please call me Bee!"
Everyone applauded in greeting. Bridget beamed. She felt so alive again. She hadn't felt this way since she went to college. Noticing that Diana and Bridget had nothing else to say, all the soccer campers continued what they were doing before Diana had interrupted.
Bridget jumped of the table with Diana and asked excitedly, "When do I get to meet my team?"
Diana replied, "You'll get to meet your team in 5 minutes. Come on, let's go to the soccer field and get you ready for your first soccer practice!"
Bridget, who felt all pumped up, said "I'll race you"
Diana nodded. "Ready, set, GO!" Bridget and Diana bolted so fast to the soccer field. Bridget, who was one inch taller than Diana, had longer legs and more built leg muscles, so she won by 2 seconds. Laughing, Diana pushed Bridget to the floor and they laughed, wrestling and trying to pin each other on to the floor.
A quick bell ring broke them apart as they both looked at each other and screamed "Soccer practice!"
As if on cue, all the campers spilled out and ran to the field Diana and Bridget were on. They crowded around Diana and Bridget. Diana, who was in charge, screamed, "Campers, go to your coaches! My team will meet at the far right corner! Bee's team, which is Kevin's old team, meet at the center field. All you other people follow your coaches! Practice starts now!"
There was a huge uproar as the soccer campers ran to their desired places. Bridget's team crowded around her. She shouted "It's too loud here! Meet me near the corner of the beach!"
After settling down and getting to know each and everyone of her soccer players, she instructed her team to start running. Leading the run, Bridget pushed her team harder than ever. She wanted to feel pride for her team, and to feel pride, they must win or lose trying their best.
Bridget took a deep breath as she jumped on to her cabin bed. She was exhausted. She had pushed and worked her team so hard; she thought her legs would fall of. Bridget was sharing a cabin with Diana. Diana had worked hard to polish up her cabin. The walls were repainted, the beds were new, and there were soccer balls pasted all over the walls. Even though Bridget had to admit the soccer balls were too much, she appreciated Diana's effort.
After soccer practice, Bridget and Diana had put forward an extra effort to clean up around the camp and to clear space for the Kickers. James' had volunteered to share his cabin (he gets a cabin all to himself) with Eric. James' cabin is the closest cabin to Diana's.
Bridget fell asleep very fast. She woke up in a startle and looked at the clock. It was only 4AM so she stayed in bed. Staring at the ceiling, she remembered that Eric and the Kickers were to be arriving at 8AM today. Feeling like she had been struck with lightning, she ran to the washroom and splattered water all over her face.
Immediately, Bridget calmed down. She and Diana had planned to keep it cool when Eric came. Diana thought it would be a good idea for Bridget to confront Eric and have a heart-to-heart conversation so Bridget wouldn't feel confused. Bridget had disagreed, saying that it would be awkward. So they both agreed that Bridget should keep it cool, and see what happens even though both of them had wanted to shove Eric over and slap him for being such a confusing, alluring fool.
As Bridget was brushing her teeth, she reminded herself over and over again that she did not love him. Bridget thought I don't love Eric anymore. I just feel nervous that he's coming because of the awkward situation we had before he left. I just need to talk to him and tell him that the kiss was nothing. I'm going to be fine. Nothing bad will happen. I don't love him anymore. Eric is my friend. Repeating to herself over and over again that she didn't love Eric, Bridget put on shorts and her soccer jersey and went for a run. While running she continued to repeat that she didn't love Eric and that he was her friend. Once finishing her six mile run, she ran back to find Diana.
Bridget found Diana waiting for her near a van.
Diana had spotted her and yelled "Bee! Come on! We got to go greet the Kickers and Eric at the airport! They arrive in 20 minutes! Everyone left already!"
This excited Bridget. She always wanted to meet the Kickers. They were after all, the most famous internationl league in the soccer industry. She hopped into the van and Diana drove them both to the airport. Once at the airport, it struck her. She was going to see Eric. Bridget reminded herself for the last on millionth time, she did not love Eric.
Walking around people in the airport with Diana, Bridget spotted the Kickers filing out of the departure door. She stood there with Diana.
One minute later, Bridget was thirsty. She told Diana she would be off to buy a water bottle and that she would be back in a flash. Bridget walked to the closest water bottle selling store and bought herself a water bottle. She walked back towards Diana. Bridget couldn't find Diana. Where is she? Suddenly, Bridget spotted her. Diana was talking to this tall, lean and very handsome man. Bridget felt her heart do flip-flops all over her body. It was Eric. Taking a deep breath, she walked slowly and cautiously towards Eric and Diana.