So here is the second chapter to the "Elements of Love" series. Hope you like it.
Swim tryouts we today, so me and the other Sharks were supposed to meet up at lunch to talk about the tryouts. And I say supposed, because two of the three members ditched me to hang out with their "girls." So I sat there, looking at the list of people who signed up. Out the corner of my eye, I see Daniel and Emma. They're practically molded into a single person at this point. And I hear Maddie telling Diego and the Panthers about how they messed up or something.
When I look back at the list of names, one name in particular stands out.
Jax Novoa
He seemed like he'd be a good fit for the team. Then again, we needed to see how well he performed in the water.
After putting some thought into it, I decided I'd go over and talk to Jax. I picked up my stuff and moved to his table.
"Hey Jax," I said.
"Oh, hey Andi," he said, a bit startled.
"So, I saw that you signed up to tryout for the Sharks. I just wanted to ask a little more about that swim team you mentioned…" I say, realizing that he wasn't paying attention. Instead he was sneaking glances in the direction behind me, so I turned to see what it was that was so captivating.
"Just some other students eating and chatting. There's Daniel and…," Then it hit me.
I turned and took a closer look at his face. His eyes read longing, his slight slouch meant that something was bothering him. I put two and two together and…
"Oh… oh… oh no. Please don't tell me you're crushing on Emma."
He chokes a bit on whatever is in his mouth, before looking at me, with eyes wide for second. Then he smiles and tries to play it off
"What, are you kidding me? What would I want anything to do with little miss innocent? I mean, come on…," he says, denial written all over his face.
"Yeah 'come on'. Of all people, you choose to fall for the girl who's half of the school's golden couple. I mean, you two have nothing in common. At all."
"More than you know," he whispers to himself. Then he huffs and asks, "Is it really that obvious?"
"Don't worry. It's not really that noticeable. I'm just well acquainted with that look."
I glance over at Diego, who's carrying all of Maddie's things. Jax follows my gaze.
"Ahhhh, so you have a thing for Maddie's little pack mule."
"He's not her pack mule. At least, he wasn't always."
"Well don't worry. You keep my secret, and I keep yours."
After that, he picks up his stuff, dumps his tray in the garbage, and walks off. Looking back at the source of my frustrations, I swear I see him glare for a second at Jax before focusing on Maddie.
"Interesting."
Second chapter completed.