Today was the biggest day of my sophomore year. The rivalry football game. Us verses the Archbishop Carol bulldogs from across town. Cops would be there in mass numbers because of the known fights in the past. Every senior from both schools would be there. If they weren't, there excuse would be hospital worthy.
Most people get there a few hours early and get food beforehand. Lucky for me, I got invited by Jasmine and a bunch of basketball dudes to go to Panera before. Well, three hours before game time.
Of course (as always) I was the youngest of the group, a mere fifteen against these seventeen year olds. Yeah, I am kind of proud of myself. Most people spend their whole time in high school trying to figure themselves out, while trying to fit in. For me, the fitting in came naturally. Whether it was my personality or looks, people were just naturally attracted to me.
I ran out of my house wearing two thermal long sleeve shirts, a football jersey (Marcus' white one), black skinny jeans, and my brown ugg boots with a long black north face in hand. Jasmine opened up the car door from the inside, pulling me inside next to her. I nodded at the driver, who was a junior I didn't know. In the passenger seat was Nick, his eyes locked with mine for a split second before Jasmine pulled me into a deep conversation. I shook my head at him before turning my focus to the girl who invited me.
"Gosh, this must be fun for you. Like, you first rival game eh?" she smiled, her voice all giddy.
"UH, I've been to football games before. But yeah, this is my first for this school." Nick turned around to meet my eyes again.
"Hey," I said. He looked surprised that I said anything. But nonetheless, he returned the smile I held.
"Hey Miley, how was your Friday night?" he asked, his shoulders turning to face me as his whole body slid over.
"Uh," I can't tell him that I cried the whole night, staring at pictures of Dylan. "It was great." The things you could hide with a smile.
"Good," he offered before turning back around. This was going to be a long night apparently. And Jasmine could tell, her face lighting up as she propped her glasses back into place letting a giggle slide from her plump lips.
"Shut up," I hit her arm.
"Okay, so do you wanna order the food or grab the table?" the driver asked Jasmine. He asked this as if he already had the answer but was just waiting for her to say it.
"You're ordering," she said, grabbing my arm and climbing out of the car. Just as we walked into the Panera, RJ pulled up in a car with a few other people I didn't recognize except – wait, is that Kasey?
"Hey Kase!" yup. That's Kasey.
"Well, this should be fun," I mumbled walking after Jasmine.
"I think there's a table over here. We sat here last time," Jasmine said.
"Do you guys come here before every PVI game?" I wondered, watching all the boys walk in with Kasey and two other girls following. A total of six people, not including me. So, I was the seventh and odd man out.
"Yeah, we do," she laughed.
"Wait, does um…" I stopped, realizing I didn't know the guy who drove me here's name.
"Oh right! Greg doesn't know what to order!" she grinned as if this was the funniest thing in the world. "What do you want?" she asked, standing up next to the table.
"Uh, I'll just have a Caesar salad and a strawberry smoothie," I handed her ten dollars, watching her take off – leaving me alone.
Not for long. "Hey," Nick sat down next to me.
"Hey," I said, blushing as he put his arm nonchalantly over my shoulder. I felt my whole body go hot, his breath hitting my hair. I could have sworn I was sweating at this moment, but it quickly ended as Kasey came up and sat across from us, glaring with distaste. I slightly moved away from Nick, feeling uncomfortable suddenly. He looked annoyed, as if this was a usual.
"So Kase, you excited that the soccer season is almost over?" Nick asked, placing his hands on the table.
"Yeah, it's pretty great. I'll finally be able to go to the mall and on dates and stuff," her voice raised at the mention of dates, her eyes widening suggestively. Nick didn't look phased at all, his eyes never leaving the side of my face.
"That's so great Kasey! Who do you got your eyes on? The soccer team thinks its RJ. You two go great together," I smiled, sarcasm dripping in my voice. Nick glanced away from me to look at Kasey, only for her to stare back at him. The moment was too much for me to handle – especially since I was supposed to be getting her away from Nick, not pulling them together.
"Excuse me," I said, sliding out of the booth and walking up to the line to wait with Jasmine and Greg as they waited for our food to be made.
"Oh hey Miles! These are the guys," she motioned towards the group of people standing beside her waiting for their food as well.
"This is Greg, he drove us here," she nodded at Greg as he stepped over to me to shake my hand.
"Nice to meet you," I smiled meeting his beautiful green eyes, with a speck of brown in them around the edges. I could stare mesmerized all day. He smiled back, clearly assessing me as well.
"And this is Bella, Danielle, and James!" she smiled, pointing to each person, introducing them one by one. Out of all of them, the only one I could see myself friends with was Danielle and Greg. There was something intimidating about Bella, with her petite chocolate skin body, and her curly black hair just accented with a glare. James, looked pretty cute, I knew that he was a basketball guy from watching him play during lunch, but I had no idea he was this hot. He just looked like the player type of guy, so I didn't know whether to get involved. Now Greg, he was shy – but that smile was so contagious you just couldn't help but love the guy.
"What's taking so long?" Nick came up to the counter, noticing that I was staring at Greg as he looked at his shoes. He was just too cute for words. Nick didn't seem to think so.
"Hey Greg," Nick said. "I think Kasey is getting alone at the table, maybe you should go over there and keep her company. I'll wait for the food. You too Dani, Bella, and Jay, I got this."
Jasmine being Jasmine, started cracking up as the group suddenly walked over to the table except for Greg. "Nah, I'll just wait here for the food," he said, smiling at Nick like they had a secret joke.
Nick thought about this for a moment before just shrugging and walking towards the counter to lean on it, his gaze turning to me.
"So," he started. I looked at Greg once again, fully intrigued at him. For some reason, I kept thinking he could be Dylan's brother. They were just so similar in looks, and from first glance they could be similar on the psychological level as well. Suddenly, I felt warped in a time machine, my mind miles away.
July of that year, two weeks before I left for Florida
"Nothing is going to change while you're gone Mile, I swear!" Dylan's eyes were full of regret. He knew that I wouldn't be seeing him for another month. He knew that we would be leaving each other on a very low note. The fight that just took place about feelings, clearly made us both know what could happen as I stepped on the plane that day.
"It gets harder every day, cause I love you more than I did before and if you ask me I will stay," he groaned, his voice changing again. He was no longer the boy who was shy to show his emotions, he was now a man telling a girl that he loved her more than ever, and didn't want her to leave. Because he knew, that the moment I stepped onto the plane, I might not come back. Ever.
"Back to reality oop! There goes gravity yo!" Eminem's soft cries were heard on the radio in the Panera, the words speaking to me on more than one level as I was brought back to the situation at hand, my eyes hinting at tears. I mimicked Greg's earlier actions, staring at my shoes trying to avoid anything and everyone. I walked to the table taking a seat next to Dani, trying to think of a way to get Dylan out of my mind – trying to get the image of Greg as the twin of Dylan out of my thought process.
"So, Miley," Danielle started. I looked at her, wiping my eyes on my sleeve.
"How come I haven't seen you at school before?" I questioned, interrupting her. She had the reddest, almost orange, hair I have ever seen. It was so pretty, accenting her freckles perfectly. She smirked, reading the thoughts straight off of my face.
"Well, most people don't see me at school because I have a tendency to run from class to class. You see," she leaned in close, hinting at a secret. "I'm a bit of a dork," she grinned. And I never would have guessed by a first glance. She laughed as I giggled slightly with her, watching as Jasmine and Greg brought over the food, Nick trailing behind them. Jasmine took a seat next to me, Greg sitting across from me as the spot on my other side was already taken up, Nick sat at the end.
"Got the drinks," James showed up with at least four beverages in his hands. I took mine which looked like it was about to fall first quickly before he could attempt to set it down with the rest of the drinks.
"Thanks," I mumbled, taking a sip of my smoothie.
"Miley!" I groaned hearing the sound of my name. They were far too cheerful as they said it, and well… I don't do cheerful.
Jason popped up into my view, a group of people trailing behind him. Some of whom I recognized, others I did not. "You guys all here for the pre-game snack?" he asked, directly his question mainly at me. I nodded, watching as he leaned up against the booth on Jasmine's side. Nick sat rigid, keeping his gaze elsewhere.
I smiled, staring up at one of my new best friends. "Hey Jason!" he returned the smile willingly, leaning over Jasmine to pat my head. Jasmine of course, laughed at this, standing up to allow me to get out of the booth and hug him.
"Hey Miles," he said again. "Wanna stand in line while I order? I kinda want to talk to you," I looked to Jasmine asking for her approval. She nodded with a smile, so I said "okay," and followed him to the line.
"So, I see you're already in with the junior group. It's cool that they invited you, Greg is really nice," Jason looked back over at the table where my new friends sat. "He's been in my latin class for a two years now, really great guy." I nodded in agreement, leaning against the counter to assess them as well.
"Yeah, they are really great," I smiled.
"I see Nick is in that group too?" he tilted his head questioningly.
"Mhm, I know. He's bad news according to the gossip chain, but he deserves a chance to prove me wrong. Besides, he's kinda cute," I smirked shaking my head and blushing.
"What a girl," Jason laughed, taking the red buzzer that just went off out of his hand and placing it in the basket, taking his newly made food off of the counter.
Just then, a girl walked up to him. "Jason, Annabel left her phone at home and Gordon forgot a jacket. I'm gonna have to drive them back to their house and get the stuff, so we might just eat elsewhere. Want to come or just stay?" she gave me a death look.
"Uh, I'll just stay with Miley okay?" the girl nodded, slowly turning and walking to the door.
"Why did she give me a look like she wanted my guts?" I chuckled, clearing amused at how other girls acted when there was someone just talking to a guy they had some type of interest in.
"Yeah, that's Piper. She's a little intense," he said, just nodding as if it was no big deal.
"Um, well do you want to come sit at our table? I could ask them if you wanted to come. I'm sure Greg would be cool with it, and well Jasmine is open to anything."
"Okay, that sounds cool," Jason followed me as I walked to my group, all-laughing in unison as I came up with Jay.
"Hey Jaz, do you think Jason could hang with us for a while? And a ride to the game? His group kinda ditched him since they needed feminine hygiene products," jasmine laughed nodding her head.
"Sounds fine, just ask Greg if it's okay with him," I looked to the guy who reminded me so much of my best friend. He nodded, showing a smile before turning back to his food in silence.
"Thank you Greg," I said as sincerely as I could, making Jasmine scoot over so I could sit and there would be room for Jason as well. Nick, being right next to him now, took a deep breath, clearly unenthused.
"Well, this should be fun," Jason said, taking a big bite of his food.
I smiled, realization hitting me. I just invited Jason to hang out with these new friends of mine at the biggest football game of the year. And on the day where I had decided I was going to finally tell Nick that I was tired of his games for real this time, and he needed to make a move before it was too late. For all I know, I won't be here next year. Not at this school, or in this town.
…
"This is so exciting!" I nearly screamed, following Jasmine up onto the bleachers. The majority of the people on the bleachers were either seniors or juniors; all decked out in spirit wear. The visitor bleachers at PVI were very small, so only the real fans and upperclassmen could be up there. Hence, I was lucky to get a seat instead of having to stand on the sidelines next to the bleachers. Although, most people on the bleachers weren't going to be sitting for any of the game.
"I know right! These games are always the most intense and its just crazy when you see what goes down at the snack bar at halftime. I swear, all of the fans go over there yelling at each other. Good thing that we sent Jason over there instead of you, or else you'd probably be getting trampled right now," she grinned, turning her body so she fit perfectly in between the people beside her. She scooted over pushing people aside to make room for me, and I climbed up next to her. Then, I noticed just who was next to me.
"Hey Miles," he smiled.
"Hi Nick," I almost groaned. There was something about him I couldn't get over. And right now, I just didn't want to be addicted to his face – his eyes, or anything other damn part of him. I just wanted to enjoy the game in peace. No strings attached.
"Hey Sweets, I got the goods," Jason popped up, squeezing his way in between the people in front of me, turning to smile at me before handing me the coke.
"Thanks boo," I took the coke willingly, opening it with a click and taking a sip. I turned to Nick, grin across my face. "You were saying?"
"Uh yeah, I just wondered if you wanted to hang out this weekend?" he asked, his eyes gazing at the back of Jason's head.
"Um, I already have plans, I'm sorry," I looked into his eyes, waiting to get a reaction from him, but all he offered was a clinched fist.
"It's because my brother is in town for the week, and I really need to spend some time with him. Maybe next time? I'm free on Tuesday?" I tried again, hoping I'd get a better answer this time. This could be the first time that we would legit hang out, not because he was trying to take away my tears or clean up the mess I made by getting in over my head. No, this would be two friends getting to know each other, alone, and just having a good time.
"Sounds like a plan," he smiled, finally showing me some emotion.
"Good," I stated, turning to look behind me – emotions pouring out as my face lit up with happiness. (I couldn't let him see that, now could i?")
Suddenly, Jason's phone started to ring as he rummaged through his pockets to take out the vibrating object. "Hello?"
Long pause.
"Oh yeah of course! See ya in a sec, mmk?" and he hung up. He turned back to me, hinting at a frown. "Hey Miles, I'll be right back. Gotta go pick up someone at the snack bar okay? Be back." And he took off down the bleachers, probably knocking over a few people on the way.
"Why do you like him?" Nick immediately asked me. My eyes shot back in confusion, my face getting wrinkled as his face held nothing but complete seriousness.
"Um, he's a really great guy," I answered, sounding more like a question than a real answer though.
"He likes you, and I just…" his voice dropped. "He flirts with you all the time, and well, people think you're dating and it just doesn't seem right-"
"You're jealous," I interrupted him, a smile hinting at the corners of my lips.
"No I'm not!" he sounded annoyed. More like in denial if you ask me.
I laughed outloud, enjoying this completely. "Yes you are Nicholas, don't deny the feelings you're hiding inside. You love me," I joked. His face went expressionless for a moment before it turned up into a smile.
"What's wrong with your face?" I joked, finally hitting the Nick that I had been trying to meet for the past couple of weeks. The one I saw the first time I looked in his eyes, and watched him play basketball with his friends.
He gave me a crooked smile, sticking his hand out to softly touch my cheek – slowly it slided down my face until it just stopped at my chin.
Someone coughed, bringing us both out of our little world we had just made. I looked up to see Jason standing there confused.
"Hey can I talk to you?" Nick asked him, motioning for Jason to step up to the spot where I currently stood. "Miley, you don't mind just standing in his spot for a second. Next to Greg?" his smiled turned devilish, but nonetheless I obliged, taking a step down.
They started talking immediately, in hushed tones so I couldn't hear them at all. I turned anxiously to Greg. He gave me a tentative smile, giving me a little side hug.
"So, your name is Miley right?" I nodded, trying to stop myself from attempting to hear Nick and Jason talking – most probably about me.
"That's a pretty name. Did your mom or dad name you?" he smiled, making me laugh the slightest at his odd question. He was being completely serious, and that's what made it so funny.
"Uh, I think it was my dad. When I was a little girl, my dad had just called me destiny hope. But, I was always smiling and a happy child," I paused, hoping that he would give a signal that he was interested or that he actually didn't mind hearing my long story. He just nodded, smiling at me with those beautiful lips that formed into the most mesmerizing expression I've ever laid my eyes on – his smile could save a life. "And well, they just kind of called me Smiley. That caught on pretty fast. Now, it's Miley for short."
"That's pretty awesome. I only got named Greg because some old guy who was supposedly really awesome in my family had that name and BAM! I was conceived." His smile shown brighter than any light in the stadium. He was a genuinely happy person, something I really could use in a friend right now since I didn't have much happiness left in my life at the moment. Not too many people calling me "Smiley" at the moment in time.
I laughed at his explanation. "Well, I'm glad that guy died so you could get the name Greg, because it suits you well," I grinned, laughing along with him as the crowd cheered loudly at a touchdown for my school's team.
"IRETON WINS! THE KNIGHTS WIN!" My face bloomed with happiness as I started jumping along with the rest of the crowd. Greg hugged me as we continued jumping and yelling at the top of our lungs – being teenagers, and having the time of our lives.
I turned around, hoping that I could celebrate with Jasmine, Jason… or Nick.
Jason stepped down next to my row, his face grim. He made his way through the people that stood between us, his arm reaching out to me. When he reached me, he wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me closer to his body – close enough to feel his heated face and the warmth of his chest.
"See you later Miles," he said, slowly pulling back from me. He looked me in the eyes, the grief look back. Then, he kissed my cheek leaving abruptly after.
I turned around to Nick, he wouldn't meet my gaze so I stepped up to my previous spot. "What did you say to him?"
"Nothing, we just settled something and he said he was going to leave," his face was blank, not giving off any hints of what could have happened.
"Why won't you ever tell open up to me?" I could feel my frozen cheeks being cascaded with warm salty water.
Yeah little did I know before, we would be something more.
Life hit me in the face. Probably going to update another two times before winter break if over. MAYBE before christmas. if not, then merry christmas :) and if you're jewish, hope you had an amazing hanukah! and if you're muslim..happy winter break! HAH :) and HAPPPYY NEEWWW YYEAARRR! love you guys to bits. 15+ reviews for the next one please. gotta know if you like this or not.
Em. Whisper hello, i miss you quite terribly.