Aviva

Five | Research

- Aviva Jones -

This rematch will be the death of me. Waterford Uni wanted another chance to play against us because apparently we weren't playing fair. The umpires didn't say anything at the time. But when you're a rich school, and full of stuck up people - who can't handle losing. Then of course, you're going to have a hurt ego.

"Aviva, tell the team to come around one last time for a practice before we finish off." Coach instructs.

As the center, I'm also team captain, at least that's how it works here. "Alright team, can we group up for a sec." I yell, gaining everyone's attention.

It's been a long day and what I really need is to sleep. But there's still so much to do. As the team gather round, I tell everyone the instructions given and we begin to practice our passes.

We play a few games and before we know it, practice is over. I walk with Joyce to my car. When we approach the car, I see someone standing right in front of it and they look familiar.

"Avi, is that Alexis?" Joyce asks, standing next to me.

For context - Alexis is my ex, he goes to Waterford, and we didn't really break off on good terms. The advice I took from that relationship, was to not date soccer players, just because we're both sporty, doesn't mean anything.

It's definitely him, and he recognises us, me. He's coming our way. Where's the nearest cliff?

As he approaches us, Joyce stiffens for a second and pulls out her phone texting someone. Great, she's managed to move, but I'm stuck in the same spot. I'm actually scared to move.

So I let him approach me. I'll let you know why, when I have an answer.

"Hey Via," I internally cringe at the sound of that nickname. He notices, I'm sure of it but he continues nonetheless.

"You look great, I see you're still into netball."

Someone kill me now, it's not even awkward. It's just painful.

"Listen Alexis, nice to see you're alive and well. But I've got to go somewhere." Lame excuse, I know but I couldn't be near him like this.

I try and swerve past him, but he catches onto my arm and holds in a harsh grip. All of a sudden, I'm getting major deja vu.

He takes a warning step towards me and whispers harshly, "Let's not cause a scene. We all know how good you are at that."

Excuse me?

"Listen-."

I freeze when a feel hands on my shoulders from behind and Alexis takes a step back. I stiffen at the contact until I turn around, and see Cameron.

I'd never thought I'd say this, but thank God.

I relax instantly as he whispers, "Go along with it." Then he glares at Alexis, who's looking between us in confusion.

"Sorry I'm late Jones. Who's the friend?" He asks, rather out of breath, but he says it in a statement way, rather that a question.

"Hey, no you're just on time." I smile. "This is Alexis, an old acquaintance of mine." I hesitate, I hate how strained my voice sounds, just pull through.

"Nice to meet you, like Via said, I'm Alexis." He extends his hand out for Cameron to shake.

Cameron, looks at the hand, at Alexis then back at the hand, but doesn't make an effort to shake it. So I turn my head to stifle my laugh.

Alexis drops his hand and smiles, but it's so clearly fake. "Anyway, just wanted to catch up. I'll be at your next netball match, we should go for coffee sometime, you should come too..." He trails off, that's when I realise Cameron still hasn't introduced himself yet.