Growing Up

Chapter 2- Nuts

I adjusted my bag as all three of us now had to get to our classes. Our first period was filled with a free period since I had gotten ahead in credits and the Junior class here was allowed a free period besides their lunch period.

"I have Chemistry so I'll walk you and Ty over to English." I followed silently and gazed over the wave of students that walked the busy halls. V had told us where to meet for lunch and abandoned us in our English class.

Tyler and I found our seats on the back edge of the class and made small talk as the class filled in slowly before the bell. "Tryouts for volleyball and track are today. I thought I should tell you in case you were interested. Cheer tryouts are tomorrow and V is apart of it so you can go with her." Tyler commented and waited for a response of some sort.

"When are football tryouts?" Her eyes went a bit wide and she turned her full attention onto me. "They're on Wednesday. Why?" I smiled at her curiosity and rolled eyes playfully.

"I play football. I was quarterback of my old school and I've already talked with Head Coach of this school to allow me to have a spot on the team."

"Are you nuts woman?" She poked at my forehead and waited for me to tell her this was a joke.

"No, I may seem like it but no. I'll even show you old tapes if you don't believe me." She crossed her arms and stared.

"You better have those tapes ready later on today."

The bell rang and in walked the teacher.

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"I hope I get good scores on that stupid test we had on the periodic table." I whined as I met V and Ty by the door. V sent me a look and crossed her arms.

"How did you find that remotely hard?" I shrugged and rolled my eyes at her.

"It has been a very very long summer for me V." She sighed and gave me an apologetic smile.

"Sorry its just its your Junior year Jay." I hummed in acknowledgement and sighed as we made our way to a parking lot. "Where exactly are we going?" I asked as I realized none of us had our cars with us.

"Sorry but the third one to our trio was missing earlier because he slept in." Ty explained as we neared a small blue Honda Hybrid wagon sort.

The trunk opened and out popped a boy.

He had his brown hair swept back and his arms littered with tattoos that probably continued onto his chest and so on.

"I am surprised you woke up Adam." Tyler teased as he sent her a playful glare. "Be happy I dragged my ass over here just to bless you guys with my presence." He shot back and stood to his full height.

He ruffled Ty's hair before glancing at me. "You are?" He crossed his arms in an intimidating manner and gave me a very lasting body rake.

"The name is Jay." I stated not letting him waver my confidence. "You are?" I asked mocking his stance and raking his body over. "The name is Adam."

He then let his firm stare wither after a few minutes and his eyes turned into a warm welcoming stare. His lips fell from the firm line they were into a lopsided smile.

"I like you." I saw V's eyes widen as she glanced at Adam. "What?" I asked as even Ty had a weird face on.

"Adam doesn't like anyone. Hell he barely tolerates us." V explained. Adam rolled his eyes and threw his arms around their shoulders.

"You guys are so dramatic. You know I only tolerate you guys because your parents pay me." V and Ty both smacked his chest and scowled at his answer.

"Jesus I am playing. Only playing." He defended and threw his arms up in surrender.

I smiled at the interaction and felt a small ache of nostalgia hit me.

But smiled either ways.

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"Pass me another slice." I called as I finished my two slices that I was given. Adam handed me the box, but not before he snatched another two slices for himself.

Next thing I know I face down in the trunk with Adam mirroring my stance beside me. I tried to lift my head but V's hand was hold me down and Ty sent me a lopsided frown before looking back out the trunk window.

"You'll thank them later." Was all Adam had said as they finally released us.

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It was the end of the school day and I followed Adam, Tyler, and V to Adam's car still thinking of what happened during lunch.

We piled into the car and I ended up in the back with Ty since V called shotgun and I was too lost in my thoughts.

"Where to?" Adam asked as he pulled out of the parking lot onto the traffic filled street.

"Let's got to my place. I promised Tyler I'd show her something." I stated and gave him my address and relaxed in my seat as I listened to the occasional bickering between one another.

As we arrived the driveway was still empty from either of my parents cars or my brother's car.

We filed one by one through the door. "Holy shit your house is huge." Adam commented as he looked around.

"Must be nice." He added. I glanced at the empty walls and the unnecessary space this house held. "It's always empty." I responded as I walked up the stairs with them silently following.

"Get comfy I'll be right back." I announced as we made it in through my door. Adam obeyed and threw himself straight on my bed. Unlike V and Ty who plopped on my bean bags.

I walked to my closet and went through my drawers where I placed my tapes. Grabbing a few I sighed to myself and went to the DVD player and slipped in a tape.

I knew these tapes held more than just me playing football and I wanted to test my strength against my biggest weakness.

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"My arm is getting tired." My heart rate rose and I felt a hand land on my shoulder.

"Is this only about football?" I turned my head to meet the new but familiar brown eyes that belonged to Adam. I guess my nervousness was apparent to them. 

I glanced at all three of them before pressing play once again and settling in my spot. 

"Its about so much more."

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Third will be released soon. I hope this is a better version of their story.

X.G.