Hows life going y'all? I can't believe it's already April. Time really flies eh? But here's the chapter just as always. I never miss an update day.

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"The best part was when he snapped on live TV" Dean said as we exited the theatre.

"No, it was definitely the part when he put the face paint on." I argued, tossing my leftover popcorn in the trash.

When I got home from Delaware, Dean was already waiting for me. Him and Baylor were playing video games and had already devoured a bag of Doritos.

We just finished watching Joker, and can I just say that it is by far my favourite movie. Watching it with Dean also made it ten times more enjoyable.

Despite the fact that he kept eating all my popcorn and my gummy worms. And drinking my pop.

He constantly steels my food. It's like he's never full.

One time we went to an Italian restaurant, and I couldn't eat all my pasta, so he ate the rest. After having eaten all his gnocchi.

His fast metabolism, and the fact that he works out almost every day, allows him to eat so much. I on the other hand, got a food baby no matter how much I ate.

"Well, you're wrong." Dean stated matter-of-factly.

"Nope. You are." I replied, tossing my 3D glasses in the bin.

Dean opted to keep his glasses on, as we headed outside.

"Agree to disagree?" He raised his brown brows and held his hand hand out.

I shook it and smiled at him.

The cool air rushed over me, and my eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness.

"Ugh, I don't wanna go home yet." I whined, bumping my shoulder in to his side.

Dean was more that a foot taller than me. I stood at only 5'4, whereas he was 6'6.

"Wanna walk around for a bit?" He offered.

I nodded as we began walking down the sidewalk. The breeze caused me to shiver.

"Cold?" Dean asked.

I was surprised he could see anything with those glasses still on. He reminded me of a child, who kept their 3D glasses for the purpose of convincing their friends that they got real glasses.

"Yeah, a little." I admitted.

He shrugged off his varsity jacket and handed it to me. Graciously I accepted it.

The sleeves were definitely too long but I didn't care. It was warm and comfy. Plus it smelled nice. Like laundry detergent and cologne.

"I talked to your dad earlier. He said he's going to try his best to find the jerseys." Dean stated, looking straight ahead.

"Can't you guys order new jerseys or something?" I offered.

"We wouldn't get them in time, plus with all the teams getting stolen from, it would cost way too much."

I already knew this, of course. But I was not about to let him figure out I was living a double life. Okay, that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but I sorta felt like batman. Just without the weird voice and billions of dollars.

If only I head the billions. Boy would that be nice.

"I guess it's not fair to charge players for new jerseys when it's not they fault that the jerseys were taken." I added.

That's the reason I was planing on anonymously returning the jerseys before each game. It would be rude of me not to.

"I just hope they get found soon. This is putting way more stress on us than necessary, especially with the Junior Bowl coming up. Last year we got so close to winning, I don't wanna lose again this year. This whole situation is a distraction." He sigh, defat in his voice.

It hurt me a little, knowing the effect I was having on these poor players, who had done nothing to me. But it was for a good cause. How were others supposed to have the opportunity to play in the Junior Bowl if it wasn't able to keep going?

"It's not fair, but if all the teams end up getting stolen from, at least all of you guys are dealing wit the same thing." I sympathized.

"I guess you're right." He paused. "Y'know, I read an article on Central Valley's news site about the theft. I guess the whole thing is getting the bowl some attention."

At least my plan was working.

Dean and I continued our light conversation the whole ride back to my house.

"Thanks for the movie. I miss hanging out with you." I told him.

"Me too. But once this whole thing blows over, we'll both have tons of free time." He replied as we stepped out of his red truck.

I wrapped my arms around his large frame and he lifted me up and swung me around.

"Dean!" I cried. "Put me down."

He set me down gently both of us laughing.

"Bye." I smiled heading in to my house.

"G'night." He waved back.

I already missed him, and he hadn't even pulled out of the driveway.

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"So how the hell am I going to get in to this place if it's locker up tighter than Alcatraz?" I asked, munching on a chocolate chip muffin.

It was just after seven on a Tuesday morning, Baylor and I were seated at the breakfast bar. My father was trying to explain to me where I'd have to deliver the next letter. My mother was busy preparing a grocery list for the week when all the quarterbacks would be staying with us.

"I've talked with the Dean of the school, just tell them who you are and they'll let you in." My father explained, handing me the letter.

"And where is this place exactly?" I questioned, mouth full of muffin.

"Wow Bailey, you're such a lady." Baylor scoffed, taking a sip of apple juice.

"Shut up." I mumbled, throwing a piece of muffin at him.

It bounced of his forehead and landed on the granite counter top.

"Gandale Academy is in Connorsville Connecticut. And the quarterback is Vylad Cardel, number seven." He explained, ignoring mine and Baylor's bickering.

"You kids should get going or you'll be late." My mother warned, her attention focused on the digital numbers on the microwave.

I finished my delicious breakfast, uninterrupted by the annoyance that is my brother. Then grabbed my bag and drove myself to school.

The day went as usual, bored out of my mind in most of my classes. Dean and I texted to distract ourselves from wanting to fall asleep. And he continued is rants about his Advanced Functions class.

I ate my my gross cafeteria lunch, accompanied by Baylor and our friends. The regular conversations occurred and before I knew it the school day had ended.

I sat down behind the wheel of my Jeep, prepared for another long drive to a place I'd never been.

The sun beamed down, causing my car to feel like an oven.

Although, the football players seemed like they had it worse than me. I watched as my brother and his teammates ran laps around the track, wearing only shorts and running shoes, sweating bullets.

It was mid October and the temperature was eighty seven degrees. Really unusual for New Jersey to have weather like this, in this time of the year.

Turning up the air conditioner, I pulled out of the parking lot and began my ride to Connorsville.

Thee hours later I was parked in front of a five story, stone building. Several other large buildings surrounded it, and expensive cars. On my left was a black BMW and to my right was a green Lamborghini Aventador.

It was blatantly obvious that Grandale Academy was a private school. If these kids' parents can afford these sort of cars, I'm sure tuition isn't that cheap either.

I locked my car and approached the huge entrance.

The large, wooden double doors towered over me in an intimidating manor. Next to it was a large speaker with a green button underneath it.

Following my immediate instinct I pushed down on the button until a loud beep could be heard.

"Hello?" A woman's voice crackled through the box.

"Uh, hi. I'm Bailey Thomas, I have a letter for Vlyad Cardel and the rest of the football team." I explained, awkwardness oozing from my words. I mentally cringed. God why did I have to be so awkward? I place all the blame on my social anxiety.

The woman didn't answer for a moment and I thought, maybe they weren't going to let me in. While those worries flooded my head, I began devising an evil plan. I would kindly ask a student to let me in.

But then she finally spoke.

"Oh yes, Miss Thomas. I'll let you in."

I thanked her and, with a great bit of force, yanked the oak door open.

The hallways looked like something straight out of a fantasy novel. For a moment I thought I had walked in to Hogwarts.

The brick walls lead up to the high ceiling, with it's dark oak rafters. Stain glass windows depicting butterflies, lions and other creatures caused the sunlight to take many colours. Trophy cases were packed full with shiny plaques and trophies, proving the school's acceptance to the Junior Bowl was well earned. Sparkling green lockers lined the walls, along with banners advertising the school's sports wins.

The thing that baffled me the most, was the fact that there was absolutely no dust.

Props to the janitors at this school. They deserve a raise.

As I wandered the school, I knew that I was about to get lost. But If I kept wandering I'd eventually find my to the football field. Right? Yeah, sure. Right.

Twenty minutes later, most students had dwindled out of the building, and I had yet to reach my destination.

But I was determined. So a few minutes of mindless wandering later, I was able to find a door with 'Outdoor Locker Room' written on it.

Pulling my hoodie up I entered the room, and scanned my surroundings.

Much like St. Johnson Heights, Grandale Academy had all their equipment in cubbies instead of lockers.

I shoved the jerseys in my bag, but once I reached the cubby labeled 'V. Cardel', I placed the letter on the top shelf.

Just as I put the last jersey in my bag, the door opened. They would see me if I ran out now, so I ducked behind one of the rows of cubbies. Unfortunately I wasn't quite as sneaky as I thought I was, because a deep voice yelled out in anger.

"WHERE'S OUR JERSEYS?!"

I watched the brunette scan the room with his emerald green eyes. They matched his green and black uniform and pale skin perfectly. He was definitely on the shorter scale, compared to all the other quarterbacks I had met. Probably about 5'10, but he made up for it with his large biceps that looked ready to burst his sleeves open at the seams. In a few years, he might have bigger arms than Chris Evans.

I recognized him as Vylad, the guy I had to give the letter to. Well, more like the guy I had already given the letter to.

His eyes landed on me, and I cursed under my breath.

I took off out the door and down the hall, but panic set in when I remembered that I had no idea how to get out of here.

I could hear Vylad's footsteps right behind me as I continued to run, as lost as a blind mouse.

He reached forwards, grabbing at my bag, and I pushed myself to run faster. My heart in my throat, and my feet shaking against the marble floors.

Glancing behind me, I saw that I was gaining more head-way.

About twenty feet ahead was the large doors I had come in through.

God, how was I supposed open that thing without Vylad catching me? But just as the thought crossed my mind, a miracle occurred.

Someone opened the door.

I flew past them and slammed the door behind me. Then I hid behind my car.

Vylad looked up and down the parking lot in search of me, but left with a shrug and a few curse words.

Wow. I should run a marathon.

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So this chapter hit the 2000 word mark! YAY! I hope I did a decent job describing the school, and that I did a good job portraying what sort of relationship Dean and Bailey have. This isn't the last you'll read about them, I promise.

~Grace🏈