Shoot your shot

James

I flopped down onto my bed and cried out in ecstasy.  I place my head to the side, taking in the familiar sight of my room and inhaling the familiar scent of my mums washing. I missed home, but my week training with the Brighton squad is up there with the best experience of my life.

When my coach told me he had been approached by the Brighton scout, I honestly thought it was his idea of a sick prank. It all happened so quickly that I barely got a chance to say goodbye and pack for the week.

The experience was out of this world and I gave it 100%. I feel good about my trial and have a strong feeling I could be signed to the squad in the January transfer window. My dad wasn't happy about me missing school but I'm hoping some good news will soften the blow.

Typically I broke my phone on the first day there, and with my long schedule to impress the managers and coaches, I hadn't found the time to get a new one. I was desperate to speak to my boys and tell them how I got on but I was even more desperate to talk to Emma. Does she think about me the way I can't stop thinking about her?  Even when I was playing she was there in the back of my mind.

I hastily stick my sim card into an old phone and watch as my notifications ping through. Lee and Alec have been blowing up my phone with questions, which is no surprise at all. I even have a few messages from Callie, which I decide I'll read later. Where were my messages from Emma? I tap on her contact name and see she has recently been online, yet she hasn't  messaged me all week to see if I am ok? Maybe I've really read this all wrong.

I find myself sulking for the rest of the night.

**

You know when you want to avoid someone but the universe always takes that as a sign to make sure you see them at every turn? That was me with Emma today. I opted to leave early for college and stop at her uncles cafe  for some caffeine, as I entered I spotted Emma at the counter. Seeing her caused my breath to hitch and I had to walk straight back out of there,  I am in no way ready to have that awkward show down. She obviously doesn't reciprocate my feelings and I need to respect that. Distance is best.

I have Maths this morning and  I plan on getting there late on purpose , meaning I can  sit at the front without raising suspicion . I know all this is childish but I'm hurt and I've never been in this predicament . Space from her is the best thing. Maybe this dumb obsession will go away.

All is going well , I'm shuffling books around in my locker trying to appear busy. The bell rings and I smirk, knowing full well that Emma will be seated and my dumb plan is one step closer to fruition. I start to walk  down the corridor towards the classroom and as I turn the corner I clash with a body. I gaze down to see Emma fixing her glasses. The sight of her makes my heart beat increase. She looks beautiful. Her figure is actually hugged today by a fitted T shirt and some slim cut jeans. Her hair is in a loose plait and her make up is understated but classy. Just like her.

" James?" she says, appearing slightly nervous to be in my presence. I can feel my heart drop knowing she isn't excited to see me. I want to slap these feelings out of my head .

" Emma" I say while trying to stop my eyes slipping down to her full lips. . We stare at each other in silence. I search for any words that will make this encounter any less awkward but I come up short.

" You're back then?" She says , trying to fill the awkward silence.

" I'm surprised you noticed," I reply before I can process that I sound like a needy child. Emma's face looks shocked by my childish statement and I wish I could go back 10 seconds and say something a bit more mature.

" Of course I noticed. I just hadn't heard from you so I figured you were busy and didn't want to chat?" Emma spoke, sounding slightly angry herself.

" My phone broke the day I got there, so I couldn't contact anybody" I say back  in a short clipped tone. I see her process my words and a fleeting look of relief washes over her face.