Too Close To Falling

Guided by Choices

I got home from the party and attempted to start my homework, which ended with me just going on Instagram. I scrolled and saw Brigid's post with Kieran, and instinctively rolled my eyes.

"My mcm"

Like ew? And this was just posted, so I guess they got over whatever they were fighting about. At that moment, my phone buzzed.

UNKNOWN

How was kev?

Ugh, I never saved his number.

Why are you texting me?

I take this time to change his contact to asshole.

ASSHOLE

I like to make sure I'm always on your mind ;).

Ew.

Well you're not. I will be blocking your number now.

ASSHOLE

WAIT! Ugh. I need your help, alright?

With what?

ASSHOLE

I know you're like this nerd, and I need some tutoring asap. I'll help you get captain for lacrosse in the spring 

HA! If he thinks for one second I am tutoring his lazy ass, he is very, very wrong.

Intriguing, but no.

ASSHOLE

You need this too, I hear you got waitlisted to your top school. You know it is because of extra circulars. Captain of the lacrosse team would help you and you know it.

Okay, first of all how does he even know I was waitlisted from Duke. I also already have training sessions with the girl's lacrosse coach set up, so I am good.

Thanks for reaching out, truly. I got it covered. You shouldn't worry so much about me you and Brigid might get into another fight . :)

With that I blocked his number, I didn't even want to hear his reply.

Liam and Katie walk with me to sign up for tryouts for lacrosse. Since it's the end of January they will start up the first week of February.

"Katie you're trying out too, right?!" I state."

"Hell ya." She replies.

"My girl is a beast."

Liam gives her a peck and whispers something into her ear.

"Alright ladies I gotta go sign up for the dudes, I'll catch y'all losers later."

"You guys are pretty serious now huh!" I say.

"Haha, ya I guess we are."

"I love that."

Kieran storms by me with a black eye, and doesn't even look my way. Is he really that mad that I won't tutor him? Or is that I blocked his number? Now he is gunna make me feel bad, but I can't he is the worst!

"What is Kierans issue?!"

"Oh I heard his dad is back in town."

"They don't get along?"

"I guess not" Katie shrugs.

I walk over to Kieran, before I can even register what I am doing I tap him on the shoulder. He angrily and swiftly turns around and spits out

"What!"

I am taken back by the anger and suddenness that I actually jump back.

"I—I- I just wanted to..."

"You wanted to what? Spit it out."

"Make sure you were okay?"

"I'm fine, now get away I've got things to do."

With that I turn around and walk away because I just let myself get mistreated by this womanizing asshole over and over again, and I am over it. I can't handle his mood swings.

"Hey Low, they want you in guidance." Elle says to me from across the hall.

As I wait for my guidance counselor to come in I anxiously go over everything last thing this could be about, she interrupts my thoughts.

"Hi Willow! How are you today?"

"Hi Mrs. Landy, I am good how are you?"

"I am great! So I received some news from the admissions office at Duke. They told me that it is down to a few of you guys to see who will be accepted for the fall. Since I have connections there they did me the favor of looking over your application again and giving me some recommendations for you to do, before reapplying this spring."

"Oh my god, that is so kind of them thank you so much, can I see what they said ?!"

"Yes of course! I will email it to you later, but I know that today were the lacrosse sign ups and I know you play. Knowing that, one of the most recommended things that Duke requested was have a role of leadership and sports for extra circulars. I thought maybe captain of the lacrosse team would be perfect!"

"Yes, I am going to try, I have set up coaching lessons with Ms. Julie. To improve my skills so I can make sure I can get that spot."

"Oh perfect! I would also recommend some one on one time, because I know those coaching sessions include other girls."

Shoot she is right, I probably won't be getting much one on one time.

"You're right. I will look for other things as well!"

"Perfect! Look out for your email later! I know you can do this! Have a great rest of your day Ms. Redding."

As I am leaving I can't help but re read my texts with Kieran. I hope there are other outlets I can find, because I can't imagine having him coaching me!!?? And me tutoring him? That is a recipe for disaster. But Duke is all I've ever wanted...