Hey guys!
I'm very sorry for this late update, it completely slipped my mind. Thanks so much for the get better wishes. I have this weird thing that gives me the biggest cold ever about every two weeks. It's a curse.
Anyway, I love how I'm able to share new chapters with you daily that I have saved, so I don't feel the pressure to write. I have written 8 so I should be running out by at New Years. Luckily, I'll have more time to write in the two week long vacation, so I don't think you'll have to wait longer than a week for the chapters later. Just a little heads up.
Oh, and expect a little surprise appearance by Justin Bieber later this chapter ;)
''Listen up, toddlers,'' the frightening looking coach demanded, causing the group of students to straighten their backs like freshly new soldiers automatically. He was the standard kind, the one you could find at every football team; not too tall, but broad, broad enough to look threatening to anyone who makes a wrong move. ''Each and every one of you was the high school 'star jock', am I right?''
A mixture of mumbled agreements, humming sounds and others were so afraid to speak, they simply nodded. The coach, his name neither mentioned nor important for now, Austin thought, narrowed his eyes as a sign of discontent. A few of the boys glanced at each other before raising their voices to give him a powerful 'Yes, coach'.
''And now, every one of you thinks he can just show up, sell me their promotional talk and simply roll into the team,'' this was Austin's way of thinking too, way too cocky, before Ian had enlightened him. ''Well, that's not going to happen.''
A few disappointed murmurs rise from the group, softly, but audible. Austin uses this moment to look at the stands next to the field, which were, surprisingly, completely filled. Ian had told him there were people who liked to watch the try-outs, see the fresh meat, but he never expected the turnout to be this huge. He knew Ally was somewhere in the crowd to cheer him on, but he couldn't find her instantly. More time to study the stands was cut off when the coach started talking again.
''Only being a superstar won't get you a spot in this team. I'm looking for character, bravery, effort and cleverness. This sport isn't just catching and throwing, you need to show me you understand what you're playing, what it's about,'' the man sums up on his short fingers while walking along the line of young men, giving them a quick stare before moving onto the next. At the very end, Austin stood, holding his helmet under one arm. The coach stops his pace to give him a glance, forming his first impression about him in only a second. ''Now, go warm up. Morgan leads.''
The line breaks apart and a few are about to start a conversation, doubtless about their opinion about the coach's strictness, when the said man interrupts them. ''And if I hear one whining, that means pushups for everyone.''
''That's not fair,'' a mumble rises, clearly much louder than he intended as his eyes widen when the coach makes eye contact.
''It's called team work, rookie. Look it up.''
''Now is your time to prove you know what you're dealing with,'' the coach opens a big notebook as he stands in the middle of the circle the students made around him. On a blank page, he starts scribbling straight lines, Xs, and Os until he has created the football field on paper. The try-outs had passed quite well, as far as Austin knew. He had made an impression on both the coach and the other students. But this moment, Ian had told him, mattered most to the coach.
With help of a few arrows, he starts explaining the strategy. Quite complex to anyone who's not experienced with the sport, but to Austin, and probably most of the students, it was a piece of cake. He had no trouble imagining the strategy in his head, the positions the players were in and even the looks on their faces if he concentrated hard enough. But when he hears what the score and the remaining at that exact moment are, he can't help but feel like this may not be the best way to handle it.
''Sir, can I suggest something?'' this oh-so innocent question makes the coach stop mid-sentence. You could hear some people hold their breath once the guy made eye-contact with Austin, an annoyed look undeniable.
''It's coach to you,'' Austin sees the slightest narrowing of his eyes, making him nervous, but he takes a few steps forward so he can see the notebook more clearly. A few students move out of the way and stare him down, as if he's on his way to his own grave. And maybe he was. The coach hadn't denied, nor accepted his request, so Austin takes a deep breath and points at an arrow on the paper. ''Figuring we only have a few minutes left, we're only five points behind, 25 yards from their end zone and the opponent plays quite offensive; why don't we play, instead of a 3-4, a 4-3 defense. That way, we still have a shot at scoring enough points before time runs out.''
It was quiet for a second. Dead quiet. The coach had given his stretched out finger that was pointing at the paper one glance before his eyes had set on him. And now Austin knew exactly what Ian meant with 'The Dead Stare', he was facing it right now.
''You're one of those guys, huh,'' the coach states the question formed sentence. He didn't expect an answer and Austin didn't plan on giving him one. Austin could feel the looks filled with pity and angst the boys were giving him, but no one would even consider helping him out. ''Rather playing all or nothing with a chance to lose than play safe.''
''Yes, coach,'' he couldn't deny that observation, no matter how much trouble it would cause.
''Just like my son,'' and that's when he thought he screwed up. And, whatever you do, don't bring up his son in any way. Just don't, Ian had told him. He hadn't brought it up himself, but the fact that Austin reminded him of his son might even be worse. The coach stands up to face him, his eyes only reaching the height of his shoulder, Austin looks down in defeat. He prepares himself for the 'You're out speech', but is surprised with what he hears next. ''I like that. Everyone, think about this man's suggestion and why you didn't come up with it.''
This catches the rest by surprise and it takes them a few seconds to realize Austin didn't just get killed by the always merciless coach. The guys he has to compete with for the quarterback spot seem less happy than others, especially Ian, who gives him a wide grin.
''Except you, boy. Moon, isn't it?'' Austin is called back as the rest walks back to the field.
''Yes, coach. Austin Moon.''
''I've seen you throw. A little rough around the edges, but I know a talent when I see one,'' he nods approvingly, even a small smile found on his lips. ''You remind me of my own kid. In a good way. Now, explain your strategy to the rest.''
''Congrats, dude!'' Ian laughs as they high five each other. They had changed their clothes, taken off all the heavy protection, just after they got the good news.
''You too, man. I can't believe we both made it!'' Austin shakes his head in disbelief as they walk off the field. The once so filled stands were now almost empty. As soon as the sky became overcast and even a few drops fell down, most of the students fled the benches. He's about to look closer to find out if his girlfriend did stay to watch him, when a tall blonde girl blocks his view.
''So, you're the new quarterback,'' she shoots him a flirty smile before two others collect around him, making it unable to pass through, at least not politely. All three wear cheerleader outfits in the school's colors, brown and yellow.
''Are you new here? I've never seen you before,'' another blonde twirls a curl, one clearly formed by a curling iron, while excessively moving her jaw to chew her chewing gum.
''What are those arms good for besides throwing footballs?'' the dark haired girl asks him naughtily before stepping forward to reach for his upper arms. Austin quickly backs up, ducking the needy hands before they could touch him. The girl looks at him surprised, before she steps forward again, this time reaching for his hair as she's accompanied by her two friends.
''I'm sorry, girls. I'm off the market.''
''Why are the cute ones always taken?'' is the last thing he hears before he steps through the small gap between them, escaping their enclosure. The girls' displeased huffs come to a stop when Ian willingly takes Austin's place. A confident smirk on his face is shown as he walks off the field, the girls on his side. Finally, Austin can fix his eye upon the stands, only to see Ally run up to him. Even when rain threatened to fall, she stayed till the end to watch him. He drops his bag just in time to catch her as she jumps up, wrapping her legs around his waist before kissing him happily.
''Look who made the team,'' she gives him a final peck on the lips before looking at him joyfully. ''I'm proud of you, superstar.''
''Who told you I made the team?'' Austin uses his hands to support her thighs as she doesn't look like she's planning on letting him go anytime soon.
''The coach totally loves you, I could see it even from up there,'' she nods to the stands with a chuckle.
''What can I say, I'm easily loved,'' he shrugs with a jokingly smug look as he brushes his nose against hers.
''You are indeed,'' she doesn't copy his amusing tone as she looks him in the eyes, a serious look on her face before she buries her face in his neck. Austin thinks about what she could mean with those three words as he moves his arms around her body, holding her in the tight embrace while slowly swaying her.
''Out!'' Dan lets the rest know while catching the tennis ball, bouncing upwards.
''That's another game for us!'' Ian cheers as he collects the ball Dan hands him.
''That ball was in, didn't you hear the 'tap'? It hit the service line, right there!'' Austin exclaims, walking towards the net. He points at the exact spot he saw the ball hit the ground before looking at everyone helplessly. They all give him blunt looks in return. ''Ally!'' he calls for backup, his final chance of proving him right.
''Hm?'' she looks up from her phone to eye the players in confusion, showing she hadn't been paying attention at all. Austin groans frustrated before giving up the fight. Ally simply shrugs as she focusses on her phone again, Hannah giggling at her. The two girls were completely unexperienced with tennis, the game and the rules. And, honestly, they couldn't care less for watching it. But the other four had practically dragged the two to the court to watch them.
''Grow a vagina and get over it, milky way,'' Lib walks up to him to grab the tennis balls out of the pockets of his tennis shorts to send them to the other side of the court. ''If we don't focus, we'll lose.''
''You're losing anyway,'' Ian yells at the two, high fiving Dan as he walks to the baseline to get ready to serve the game. He looks at the two opposite players smugly. ''We only need to win my service game for championship. And you all saw my serving skills.''
''Fine, bring it on,'' Austin mumbles, staying his competitive self. They'd been playing for almost an hour now and the score was 6-5, in the other's favor. Serving was usually Austin's strongest point, but, nevertheless, they lost the last game, giving Ian the opportunity to serve their way to victory. Ian hits the ball with enormous power, making it fly just inches over the band of the net. Austin steps in at the exact right moment to hit the ball straight past Dan who notices too late to react.
''Nice shot, hot stuff,'' Lib praises him while letting the surface of strings hit his butt, making him jump up. He still has to get used to the girl's ways, including stuff like this, but he had grown close to her in a short time.
The next game is a battle, during almost ten minutes, but, eventually, Austin makes the winning point. 6-6. Tiebreak.
''Game, set and match,'' Dan yells out, throwing his racket to the floor dramatically. Ian joins his powerful cheering as the girls sitting next to the court clap enthusiastically. Austin and Lib had scored the first few points, but the two boys had eventually caught up and surpassed them just before the finish. Exchanging a glance with Lib, he sees she's just as furious as she is, but she manages to keep herself calm.
''Good game, retake next week?''
''Aren't you a cute sore loser,'' Ally pouts at Austin once they're back in their dorm.
''They cheated big time,'' Austin still couldn't let it go and Ally honestly found it quite amusing. ''I saw Dan touching the net and he just denied it. That isn't permitted, you know.''
''Oh, really?'' she giggles at him as he stores his racket under his bed.
''Yeah! And Ian said my ball was out, that one time, while I definitely heard it hit the line.''
''Wow, you're competitive, a good tennis player and a really sore loser,'' she gets up from his bed, her usual hangout spot instead of her own, and presses a kiss on his cheek when he rises from the floor. ''Is there something else I don't know about you?''
''I'm going to take a shower,'' he stays in his grumpy mood, but appreciates the way Ally is trying to change the subject as he pecks her lips before grabbing a towel to head to the bathroom across.
Ally decides to fix her hair after sitting outside for more than an hour while the wind was picking up. When she enters the bathroom, she notices her hair is in an even worse state than she expected. With a sigh, she picks up her frizz fighting mousse, a product she swears by. Crunching her locks, she slowly forms them until they look like she's used to again. One of her favorite songs sounds through the bathroom walls, making her casually dance while continuing her procedure, until she realizes she never put on music and the voice is singing live.
''Is it too late now to say sorry?'' The voice sounds hollow through the sound of water hitting the bathroom tiles, but there's not mistaken it came from a boy, a young man, and as far as Ally knew, there was only one present right now. The small bathroom consisted of a sink and two doors on either side of the walls; one leading to the toilet and one to a shower. The door was locked and Austin didn't know shew as on the other side of it. ''Cause I'm missing more than just your body.''
''Is it too late now to say sorry?'' The water stopped falling, making the voice more clear. She could hear him stepping out of the shower cabin, his soaked feet creating puddles on the tiles. She still can't believe the voice she's hearing is Austin's. She had never heard him sing, but she never expected this. Even though his voice was quite similar to Adam Levigne's, he gave the song his own twist. God knows she wasn't the best singer, but she didn't care. But his voice. She was amazed.
''Yeah I know that I let you down. Is it too late to say that I'm sorry now?'' The door unlocks and swings open to reveal her boyfriend wearing nothing but a towel around his waist, still damp hair and the steam caused by the hot water sticking on his skin. He didn't expect to see anyone in the bathroom, but Ally stands in front of the door, blocking the passage.
''Jesus, Ally, you scared me!'' he jumps before eying her surprised. She doesn't respond at first. Instead, she narrows her eyes at him, looking at him from top to bottom, making him follow her eyes to check if there's anything weird about himself that she's staring at.
''You can sing,'' she simply states then, crossing her arms in front of her chest. ''Pretty damn great too.''
''Wha-, what?'' Austin stutters, taken by surprise.
''Do you have any other secret talents?'' is her only following question.
''Ally, I can't sing,'' he tries to convince her, absolutely convinced of his own lack of talent. ''It's just something I do under the shower or when I'm bored.''
''This is interesting new information,'' ignoring his last statement and his attempt to sneak past her, she steps forward to rest both her hand on opposite sides of the doorway, causing Austin to be forced to take a step back in the tiny, built up room. She seems to think for a moment as she keep staring at him, making him feel quite uncomfortable, before she demands. ''Sing something.''
''Excuse me?'' he widens her eyes at her forced request. He backs up some more in the hope she'll leave him alone, but this only triggers her to step closer. With every movement, they inch closer in the shower room until Austin feels his legs hit the edge of the bathtub and the shower curtain graze his back.
''You heard me. Sing something. Anything,'' she shows him a smile in attempt to convince him, but the compelling look in her eyes doesn't go unnoticed. ''I'm curious now.''
''Ally, you better not come any closer unless you want to fall in the bathtub with me or this towel to trop,'' nodding towards the towel around his waist that loses grip with each step he takes, he looks at her worried with a hint of mischief. He tries to get a grip somewhere, but there's nothing close by that grants him support. It stays silent as they stare at each other, tension building up. Ally seems to consider the options she has, whether she wants to push him to start singing and whether if it would be that bad if he really dropped his towel.
''Don't think you're getting out of this,'' she eventually pricks his chest with her index finger as a warning. ''I'll get you to sing for me. Someday.''
Even though Bieber isn't my type of music normally, that song is just damn great. Thanks for reading sweeties!
katebemwah chapter 3
Ok am nt big on sequals bt I'll definately make an exception 4 ths 1 its a gr8 story can't wait 4 the nxt chap *mwah* - It took me a while to decode this, but thanks for giving it a chance!
sicklscaler chapter 3
Sarah sounds like trouble to me. Good chapter to match a good story. We shall see what happens next. - That's an interesting thought you have there. Anyone sharing that?