Last Player Standing

Chapter Two

If I ever needed a day to turn around immediately this would be it.

I walked to the football field arm in arm with Ning, full cheerleading outfits on. I had spent 30 minutes of my math period crying to her in the bathroom before returning to class and praying no one would notice my bloodshot eyes. Ning was definitely the MVP of those 30 minutes, rubbing my back and calming me down.

"Hey!" someone called.

We turned in time and replied the same greeting, giving our best smiles. I whipped my box braids back over my shoulder and began to put them in a secure bun for practice. As we continued down the hall, I took the time to analyze my best friend.

Ning is one of the prettiest people I know. Her tall and willowy figure was a stark contrast to my shorter, curvier body, and it made her one of the best flyers on my team and one of the most crushed on girls too. The model vibes she gave off were completed by her 5"7 height and bone-straight, pitch black hair. It's cut in a shoulder-length bob with wispy bangs, and the hairstyle couldn't be any cuter than it was on her. Li Ning Jia had been my saving grace in school for years. After breaking my 'friendship' with Lucas, she stuck with me throughout the tears and the mood swings. Ning and I had met when we were eleven briefly, and once again when we entered high school. We hit it off again immediately.

We had rushed to change after Math and now, as the last bell rang to end the day, the two of us stepped into the sunshine of the field. The light blinded me for a minute, and I breathed in deeply, closing my eyes. Cheer practice would be the perfect opportunity to relax, and unwind from the stress of the day. I couldn't wait to put it all behind me.

I opened my eyes, expecting to find a host of girls stretching on the field getting ready for practice. Instead I saw... Lucas?

Oh hell no.

I stalked towards him and his maddening grin. He removes his goalie gloves and watches me approach.

"What are you doing here?" I demand.

"What does it look like, Cassandra?"

"It looks like you're getting ready to practice on a field I booked for the day."

"That's funny, I was sure I booked the field." I can see his eyes glittering with humor, and it only made me more frustrated. How was he already over everything that had happened today? Oh right. He wasn't the one that almost got kicked off his team. Was this all a game to him?

I took a step closer to him, Ning at my side like a lieutenant. She tugged on my shirt. "Don't, you'll get in trouble."

"Go manage the girls, don't worry. I just want to talk. " I made my voice sweet and light, almost cordial. But Lucas knows exactly what 'talking means'. It means a fight. He beams and steps closer when Ning leaves, hoping I'll back down. Unfortunately for him, I don't play like that.

So I give him my best smile.

And I close the gap.

I'm looking up at him now, his golden locks blocking the sun. I can sense the eyes on us, even though he was blocking my sight of the rest of the field.

"I booked it a week ago, Lucas. Move your team off the field."

"I also booked it a week ago. Shouldn't you move off?"

"No, because my team was here before you." Even as I spoke, more of his team was filtering on the field.

"Well, I'm not moving. If you want the field, you're going to have to deal with me, for your entire practice." I glare at him and he glares back. I cross my arms against my chest and he does the same. I drop my arms and he drops his.