Friday, Cafeteria, 7:45 A.M...
It was early in the morning and like usual, the boys were sitting in the lunchroom at their regular table, shooting the shit and talking about whatever came to mind. The only person missing was Dean, since he hadn't arrived at the school as of yet.
"You're telling me... You deadlifted 500 pounds... 5 times." Seth said in disbelief.
"Yes. Yes I did." Big E replied nonchantly.
"You know, you don't need to do this, right? Like, no one's forcing you to compete with Braun." Shane said, wondering if Big E understood that.
"Yeah, I know. But I can't just ignore him. Ettore Langston never backs down from a challenge! Ever, goddamnit!" He said proudly.
Seth chuckled.
"Alright, big guy. Just don't hurt yourself. You're a huge part of our team... Literally."
"You don't gotta worry. I'm a beast, remember? I don't get injured."
"True, true." The quarterback agreed.
"Speaking of the team, how many more games do we have left before the playoffs? I'm still not familiar with the schedule." Shane stated.
"Oh, we're facing Stepinac this week, Mount Vernon next week, and the week after that is the final game of the season against Cardinal Hayes, the best team in the state." Seth informed.
Shane rubbed his hands together in excitement.
"Oh yeah, I can't wait! We're gonna go undefeated, I can feel it!"
"Yeah, but it's gonna take a lot of hard work. Speaking of which, you up for another session at the old warehouse this Saturday? Get a little extra training in before the game? We haven't been in awhile."
"Sure dude. I got nothing else to do."
When he said that, his mind went straight to his little neighbor that he had spent so many days with. It had been 2 days since her parents came home and he had to admit, he was really bummed out about no longer being able to come over hang out whenever he wanted. Sure, they were able to talk a little throughout the school day but it didn't compare to the stuff they did together in private. He preferred waking up with some extra weight on his body only to realize that it was just Alexa grabbing on to him while she slept soundly instead of waking up in an empty bed. It was almost like a part of him was missing. He swore he almost called his dad Short Stuff when talking to him the other day.
"That... Would've been kind of hilarious actually." He thought with a small smile.
As he was thinking of the girl who had become his closest friend in a matter of weeks, he was removed from his thought when he found himself wrapped in a giant hug.
"Hi, Shane!" Bayley yelled in her normal enthusiastic tone.
"Hey, Bayley. I'm impressed, you toned down the intensity a little bit. I'm not struggling to breath right now. Good job, kid."
The happy teenager beamed at his complement.
"Thanks! I've been working on it!"
"Ay, yo Bayley! You forgot about me and Rollins over here? Where's our hugs at?" Big E said, feigning disappointment.
"Oh, no. I'd never forget about you guys! Two fresh hugs, coming right up!
Bayley have big hugs to both Big E and then Seth. E ruffled her hair a little bit and Seth started coughing hard, trying to regain his breath.
"I thought you said she toned it down!" He said.
Shane shrugged.
"She did... A little bit. Plus, I think I've gotten used to them already."
"How?! You've only really known her for like 3 days!"
"Yeah, but she's hugged me a lot over 3 days. I mean, a lot."
"That just means I like you." Bayley said while laughing.
"If that's the case, then I must be your favorite person." Shane joked.
"Nah, bro. That title belongs to me." Big E confirmed.
"Are you sure? I might take that title from you at this rate."
"I don't think so, Cash."
"Boys, please don't fight over me. There's enough Bayley around for everyone! Including Seth, even though he's a meanie who doesn't like my hugs." Bayley said.
"No, I like your hugs. I just don't like almost dying." He said, trying to clear his name.
"Whatever, meanie."
Seth crossed his arms and made a face that almost looked like he was pouting.
"I'm not a damn meanie." He grumbled to himself.
Shane laughed at Seth's annoyance, and then turned his attention back to smiling brunette.
"So, what brings you to our table?"
"Well, I was just wondering if you guys wanted to hang out again after the game on Sunday, since it's in the morning."
"Wait, you guys hung out? Without me?! When?!" Big E asked surprised.
"On Tuesday, when coach let us have the day off." Seth answered.
"Why didn't you bring me along?!"
"Cause, you said you were gonna train for that competition remember? We figured you were busy, man."
"I mean, I was. But you could've said something at least."
"No problem, big guy. You can come this time if you want." Bayley said.
"Alright, unless I'm completely exhausted, sounds like a plan."
"Great!" She yelled excitedly, "Is everyone else in?"
"Yeah, me and Seth are down." Shane agreed.
"Whoa whoa, who said you could decide for me?" The two toned hair teenager said annoyed.
"I figured you'd go. You don't want to?"
"No, I'm most likely gonna want to just go home after the game ends."
Bayley's cheerful expression faltered a bit. She looked down at the floor, holding her left elbow with her right hand.
"It's okay, if you don't. I... just really wanted to hang out with everyone again." She said, slightly downtrodden.
Shane saw the sad look on the normally cheerful girl and decided to take action.
"Come on, man. Just go. It would mean a lot to her."
"No, dude. I'll be tired."
Shane sighed.
"Look man. Are you really gonna say no to that face?" He asked, pointing in the girl's direction.
Seth looked at Bayley, and saw her big brown, doe- like eyes almost on the verge of tears. He was trying to resist, but he couldn't ignore the look she had. Bayley was never sad, so when she was, you couldn't help but try and make her feel better. It was killing him on the inside.
"Alright! Alright, I'll go! Just don't start with the waterworks. Shit tears me apart."
Bayley lit up and jumped up in the air in happiness.
"Yay! Seth's coming! It's perfect now!"
Meanwhile, Big E had heard Seth's comments, and couldn't help himself from making a dumb movie reference.
"You're tearing me apart, Bayley!" He said in an exaggerated foreign accent. He started to laugh after he performed his best Tommy Wiseau impression. He was met with confused looks from Seuh and Bayley, while Shane laughed uncontrollably.
"Yeah, Cash gets it!"
"Get what? What the hell was that?" Seth asked confused
"Yeah, I don't understand either." Bayley seconded.
"What?! You mean you guys have never seen The Room?!" Shane asked surprised.
"No man. I haven't." Seth answered.
"Me neither."
"It's only the best worst movie of all time! You know what, that's what we're doing! On Sunday, you guys are coming to my house, and we're watching that damn movie. You need to experience it for yourself." Big E said
Seth and Bayley just shrugged their shoulders in response.
"You know, we should just make this a thing. Every week, we have a movie night, but on Friday or Saturday." Shane suggested.
"That's a great idea, Shane!" Bayley said.
"l second that." Big E stated.
"Well... Okay. As long as this doesn't effect our performance on the field."
"You worry too much, bro. We'll be fine." Shane said, trying to comfort his team captain.
"Now, we just need to get Dean and Alexa on board." Bayley pointed out.
"Oh, I'll take care of that, don't worry." Shane clarified.
"You sure? You don't want me to deal with Alexa?" Seth asked.
"Nah, it's cool. Dean's my friend and Alexa..."
Shane stopped himself before he spilled the beans. He had to remember, as far as anyone knew, Alexa didn't hate him anymore, but that's the extent of their relationship. They weren't friends, they were just acquaintances with mutual friends. That's it. But now, he had to cover his tracks.
"What about Alexa?" Big E inquired.
"Uh... Alexa doesn't hate me as much anymore so I'll be alright. Sorry, had a bit of a brain fart there. My bad."
"Oh yeah, I forgot about that. That's still weird." Seth said.
"So, everything's a go! Thank you guys! I love you!" Bayley yelled while she went around hugging all 3 boys, "Alright, see you guys later!
The walking ball of sunshine skipped away with a giant smile on her face. Seth held his ribs in pain.
"That girl is too strong for her own good." Seth proclaimed, in slight discomfort.
Shane waved him off.
"Man, stop being a wuss." He joked.
