02: Jonah

I wasn't ready for what was about to come.

After coming home late last night, my parents gave an hour long lecture about how senior year was the big shot for earning a sports scholarship. Of course, my brother was sitting there smirking at me.

I somehow slept through my alarm causing me to be ten minutes late. With tousled hair, I quickly slipped on some jeans and managed to wear a jersey over my tank top. My shoes untied, I stood by the driveway as I pondered whether I should take my rusted pickup wagon or my brother's sports car which he had recently bought.

Sighing, I knew I had no choice as I got in my brother's car. At least I could call it a tie after yesterday's distress. I was nervous throughout the ride, knowing I would get in trouble for it but I couldn't bother to care as time kept ticking.

By the time I reached class, I was breathing heavily as everyone stared at me. However, a few girls swooned at my sight, causing me to tense up. I wasn't a person who was confident in talking to girls, excluding Ashley and Gina.

Speaking of Ashley, I noticed her in the middle row dozing off. I smirked, guess I wasn't the only one who slept late.

The teacher let me off with a warning, although I was pretty sure it was because of my relation to Austin Quinsley. After all, he did win subsequent tournaments earning the title of our school's hero even after he had graduated.

I awkwardly sat in the seat beside Ashley, who noticed my arrival. "Who's the teach?"

She brushed her brown hair back, trying to straighten it out although her eyes read 'sleep'. "Mr Wilson, heard he's the grumpy kind."

"You've got to be kidding me," I whispered loudly before pausing. Thankfully, the teacher didn't notice my reaction as he continued the introductions.

I would share my skittles with Ashley now and then, knowing that she probably wants to be awake during lessons. On the other hand, I wasn't the brightest student, a reason why I chose soccer over studies.

And so, I basically slept over the next four periods until lunchtime rolled by. The usual athletes' table waved me over as I waved back. However, I found myself making my way to another table where Gina and Ashley sat. Surprisingly, Leo joined us not long after as he abandoned the artists' table.

The table was situated away from the other male population as Gina had a strong passion of hating guys, excluding Leo and I of course. We all grimaced at today's lunch which basically looked like pickled slob. I shuddered.

"Would you believe six guys gave me their number?" She said, throwing the papers on the table. Admittedly, Gina was popular for her looks so it wasn't something new. However, she wasn't a person who could be easily tamed as a strong feminist.

"I know what you mean," I said as Hayley Moore glanced at me from the other table yet again. Sure, we had dated a while ago until we were forced to break up because of my training sessions. Although, I couldn't bring myself to get back together with her since then.

Ashley noticed my glance and she smirked. "She's in love with you."

"Shut up," I said although my stomach flipped.

Gina sighed. "Well, I guess I better put these numbers to use and trade them for some better food."

She got up and made her way to the girls' tables as squeals came from here and there. I stiffed a laugh as she returned with good old junk food.

"I owe you one," Ashley said as Gina flipped her hair. "Anytime."

"So," I said to Leo, "how's your first school year so far in this hell hole?"

"The art is the only thing that keeps me awake here," He said almost instantly. Like me, Leo wasn't that much of an active student although he's pretty smart. Coming from a rich family though, I was sure his parents wouldn't mind him to pursue his art career.

Ashley looked grim before I asked her what was wrong. "It's just.. I don't know."

She longingly looked around the cafeteria. "It's the last year of school and I was hoping this year would be different."

I shrugged. "Have you tried any clubs?"

"The closest thing to talent I've got is fighting a boxer with a butter sock," She deadpanned, causing us to burst out laughing.

It was true. Last summer her cousin who was a boxer had visited. After a game of truth or dare, she won a fight against him with nothing but a butter sock.

"That was gold," Gina said, laughing in between.

I stopped when I noticed her pouting. "Hey, I'm sure you're not that bad. Maybe you could stay back for soccer tryouts?"

"I suck at every sport known to man," She said as a matter-of-factly.

"That's not true," Gina said, "you did take soccer lessons when you were younger." Ashley shook her head.

"Too bad you can't shoot a ball with a butter sock," Leo said, "Or could you?"

She threw a fry at him although he had caught it, dipping it in his ketchup. "Thanks!"

We talked about other topics until the bell rang, Ashley staying silent throughout.

I sighed. "Just give it a try." She nodded, finally giving in.

After we had separated, I headed towards study hall until I noticed Hayley calling me, causing me to come to an abrupt stop. Her long blonde hair was put into a braid, matching her hipster outfit that were in shades of red. She gave me a hug before she stopped a couple of inches from my face.

Realisation hit me as I stepped back, hinting at her that we weren't at that type of relationship. "Um, hi Hayley."

She cleared her throat, dissapointment evident in her face. "What's up?"

"The usual," I shrugged, not knowing what to say. Now that I thought about it, we weren't as close other than the lip contacts.

"So...you've moved on?" She got straight to the point, sadness lacing her words.

"It just happened," I said simply. She nodded depressingly again, making guilt build up inside of me.
As cliché as it was, I didn't want to get back to her only to break her heart. If we were meant to, our relationship should've meant more than physical contact. I nodded at her.

"I've got to go." I couldn't stay there any longer so I made my way towards study hall, knowing I'd do nothing there but sleep.

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"I'm crazy," Ashley stated as she came out to the soccer field with her PE outfit on, consisting of shorts and a tank top. Maybe it was because I was protective of her, but I felt uncomfortable knowing she wore that in front of many boys who were trying out for soccer. However, I wasn't gonna force her into anything knowing that she'll sweat like she never did before in the summer heat.

The coach blew his whistle, gathering us up. Apart from Ashley, some other girls showed up and I can see her relax at the sight of them. "Maybe I won't be the only one embarrassing herself." She must've tried to convince herself because the girls had better posture than her.

"You'll do fine," I reassured her just as everyone started doing their laps. At that moment, I focused on myself as I followed the other guys. Every now and then, my eyes would waver to Ashley to keep an eye on her. Surprisingly, she was doing not bad herself.

After the warm ups, we were called out in order for shootouts. The guys went ahead first as I gave my own shot flawlessly. I noticed Ashley getting nervous by the second so I gave her a thumbs up. She gulped, mirroring my action.

She was next in line and I saw her gasp as the girl in front of her confidently shot a straight goal. The soccer team cheered and I was afraid Ashley would pass out from her expression. She delayed her shot, stretching until she straightened up.

"Come on," I whispered as she then ran to give her shot. My breath hitched until the ball went straight into the goal. The team cheered as I did so, before we were once again gathered by the coach.

He let us know that the results would be out in a bit, our cue to take a break. I handed Ashley a water bottle as we headed towards the bleachers where we spotted Gina and Leo.

Ashley nearly spit out her water at the sight of them. "You were here the whole time?"

Leo raised his hand before she could freak out even more. "Actually, I just returned from an art club meeting. I got chosen as the leader."

I fist bumped him, noticing his hand was stained with paint. "That's awesome."

"I was here the whole time. Girl, you still got them soccer skills," Gina gushed. Ashley nodded, feeling a bit more confident making me smile teasingly at her.

"The sun is killing me," Gina whined, "you better take us out for ice cream if you get the spot." Leo nodded agreeably.

We were called back by the coach as he handed the forms to those who got in. I noticed Ashley crossing her fingers and I mirrored her action.

I was handed a form as Ashley gave me a smile that was a mixture of proudness and anxiety. As if to save the anticipation, she was handed the form next.

Her eyes lit up as she gestured the form to Leo and Gina who were cheering. I wasn't sure whether they were sincere or if it was because of the ice cream, but I couldn't help but smile.

"Guess I'm treating everyone to ice cream," Ashley sighed, "you coming?"

I shook my head as I thought about Austin's car. "I have to go home."

Ashley looked a bit upset but she nodded understandably before I picked up my bag to head towards the parking lot.

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My bag slipped from my fingers as I froze. I was going to die.

The blood left my face as I examined the spray painted car I couldn't recognise. The sleek shiny outerior of the audi a5 was a bright yellow with the words 'eat your own shit' written on it.

I might as well die right now.

I hastily took of my jersey as I tried to rub the words, but there was no avail. I turned around as my eyes scanned the parking lot, but there was no one other than a few cars.

I exasperatedly threw my jersey on the floor as I slipped down, my back against the car.

I wasn't going home tonight.