Quarterback Love

Chapter 5

        I slide on my basketball shorts, new nike indoor soccer turf cleats from Nike, and my Van Persie jersey. I pull my hair into a loose ponytail and continue to braid the rest of the remaining hair down my back. After I put deodorant on, I sling my red and black backpack over my shoulder, walking out of my room in the process. 

        After I arrive to school, I walk up to the crowded doors of Melrose High School. I am given many glares and hear several rude remarks about my appearance. Don't they know that I really don't give a fuck? 

        "Jules!" I turn and look towards one of the columns under the school roofs outside. I spot Porter along with some of our soccer and football playing friends. 

        "Hey guys," I say. 

        Andy Cross, an amazing attacker on the varsity soccer team, drapes his long arm across my shoulders.

        "Are you coming to our game today, Julia?" He asks in a deep voice.

      "Dunno yet, Andy. I have football practice tonight. I'll try to come if I can," I say, looking up at his light blue eyes.

        A crooked smile appears on his face, "Great, hopefully I'll see you there then, yeah?"

        "Yeah," I reply.

        "Cool, I've gotta run, have to ask coach about starters. See you guys," he says, nodding towards his mates, "Julia," he says with a nod and a smirk. He turns away on his heel and runs his fingers through his black hair. 

         "What was that about," I ask, to which they all reply with questioning mumbles and hints of smirks. The bell rings and we all start walking inside the dreaded school together.

        "Hey Julia, want to go to the park today before my soccer game?" One of my best friends, Greyson asks.

        "Yeah sure," I say with a smile, which he returns. He turns down a hall and waves goodbye. I approach my red locker and unload unneeded books and retrieve necessities. After gently shutting the small door, I turn and head toward my homeroom. 

        "Julia," I hear a squeaky cheerleader call out. I turn my head to see what the fuck she wants. While I turn my head, i feel a large weight crashing down on my books that were in my hands. Now, they're spread all around the ground, some people are kicking them away and several are staring and laughing. Squeals of delight come from the slutty cheerleader and large booms of laughter swirl in the hallways. Fuck me, I got book checked again. 

        "Here let me help," a deep voice above me says. The body kneels down next to me and picks up my loose papers. I look up and lock eyes with incredible aqua pools. He stands up, brushes off his black skinny jeans, and offers me an outstretched hand. 

         "Thanks, Andy," I say, grabbing his large hand.

        "That's alright, Julia," he replies. He hands me my papers and once again wraps his arm around me, walking down the hallway with me.

        "Whoever did that is a fucking dick," he says.

        "I'm used to it, it's alright," I say with a slight smile to subside his worry. I look up at his staring eyes, caring and full of concern.

        "Julia," he says, carefully thinking about his next words, "you're so -," he gets cut off by the bell.

        "We'll talk later, promise. Thank you again, Andy," I say, walking into my homeroom. What was he about to say?

***

        The final bell rings. I gather my belongings and shut my locker door. Walking out of the school         doors, I am hit with the scent of rain outside. 

        "Julia!" Grey shouts from across the pavement. He waves his hand and is adorn with a wide smile. I've known Grey since the third grade, he has always been the best of friends, a friend I could confide in. 

        "Hey Grey," I smile up at him. Being five feet and two inches, I always have to look up at my friends, all of my friends being guys does not help with the fact that I lack height. 

             "I like your jersey," he says with a chuckle, noticing that we are both unintentionally wearing our Van Persie jerseys.

              "I like yours, too mate," I say laughing.

              "Did you copy me, Julia? Wanting to be a cool cat and wearing the same top as me? Oi, I see how it is, I see," he says in a deep and sly voice. I look up at him and raise my eyebrow, giving him a questioning look. I lightly punch his shoulder.

              "How did you know?" I sarcastically say, both of us burst into laughter.