+ E L E V E N +

     It's too loud. I realize this when I'm seated in the front row of the bleachers, sending Melanie an encouraging thumbs up as she smiles widely at the crowd. Most of her teammates smiles are fake—but hers is raw; and so real.

     And I can't help but be proud of her.

     I receive worried looks from some of the guys sitting, and watching my school's cheerleaders cheering. A boy, who's as tall as my father, sends me a sympathetic smile when he sees my tank. Another seems shocked, but looked at the ground when he catches me catching him staring.

     But I understand

     I understand how rare this may be for them. But I can't say that seeing a group of college-going students breaks my heart just a little. Because I know; there's no college for me.

     There's nothing beyond the four walls of this high school, that I probably won't even get to graduate from. But I suppress those thoughts when Noah's chocolate colored eyes find mine. After he halfheartedly ignored me in the hallway, I gave up on the fact that we may never speak again. But when he waves my way, I'm hesitant to return the gesture.

     "Alright, good morning, Asheville seniors, and some of Tennessee's finest ball players!" I'm too caught up in Noah's gaze, that when Principal Reyes speaks into the microphone—I flinch, Noah following suit just across the room.

     "I hope everyone's having a fine morning; missing first period and all." He jokes, smoothing out the front of worm suit. "Well, I just wanted to let everyone know that college decision-making, isn't the easiest of all circumstances. I'm sure most of you can understand that by now." I don't. "And I deemed it important for all of you big dreamers to know that, there's more to life than just a small town like, Asheville. But I also, think it's important for you at least think of Tennessee University, as a—safe school, of some sort."

Principal Reyes coughs to himself when he seems to realize the wrath of words, "not that Tennessee University should be thought of as anything of than a first choice, although, it definitely wasn't mine—" he's interrupted by vice principal Edwards, who's taking the microphone from him, smiling shakily.

"I'm sorry for the interruption, everybody. Now, let's give it up for coach Beesly, the man who's lead our football team to numerous victories and championships—now everybody—coach Beesly!"

Coach Beesly steps out from behind the gymnasium curtain, putting a hand up to the seats, signaling that he accepts the applause. "Hello, everyone, now, I just wanna say that I've called up an ol' friend of mine. A friend of mine who coincidentally; coaches the football team up in Tennessee University. And a few weeks ago, I asked him to send over a few of his best players for this years very first pep rally. You know—kinda talk up Tennessee University and it's sportsmanship.

"So, I just wanna welcome back TU's very own, Terry Fischer; who has lead his team to victory for two years in a row—alongside his teammates who were fortunately free this evening; Noah Donovan, and Kourtney Wilmington."

My heart plummets into my chest, when, Noah, alongside both of the boys who had been giving me worrisome looks, stand up, and make their way over to coach Beesly. The boy, who Beesly mentioned was named Terry—stepped up, a faint blush spreading his cheeks, as he took the microphone from Beesly's fingers.

Today was sure to be a long day.

     By the end of the pep rally, my sister and her team had performed twice, Noah had been forced into talking up TU's sportsmanship, although, by the mere discomfort displayed in his eyes—I knew he didn't mean any of it. Why did he come if he wasn't as connected to TU as the others?

     Was it possibly became of me?

     I visibly shook my head at this; there was no way. We'd only spoken once, and waved once. Although, I still couldn't seem to forget about his accusation of a glare in the hallway.

     Maybe I would get the chance to explain myself today. And maybe—just maybe, he would listen.

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a/n: sorry if this chapter was a bit pointless. I just felt the need for Julia to see him, but not be able to touch him, nor speak to him. I'm hoping it'll make her seem even more anxious to get to know him.