The Shift

17

"Chandler, why aren't you in your uniform?" My dad's voice called out. I turned to see two face's full of concern, while Connor mindlessly tapped away on my dad's phone. 'Sweetie is it because you were late this morning?' My mom asked. 'Coach has a no tardy tolerance policy or something like that' I said. 'Well I'm sorry honey' My dad said. 'It's fine, I can still cheer Johnny on with you guys' I said. 'Of course. But were sitting next to the other families. I think Pattie's on refreshment duty today, these games can get so humid' She said as she walked towards the bleachers.

I didn't want to sit next to Pattie, she'd just be a living reminder of what I couldn't have. 'Hi ladies' She said as we approached the other rich families of Calabasas. 'Veronica, you look so good' One mother said. 'Sandra, you're lying' My mom replied. 'For those of you that haven't met her yet, this is Chandler my beautiful step daughter. And this is Connor, my even more charming stepson' Veronica said introducing us. 'Chandler aren't you cheering?' Pattie asked me with a smile. 'Not tonight' I said and she frowned.

The game was a blowout. We started hot and ended that way. 9-2, with four goals from Johnny and three from Justin. I had met Johnny and Beth's father, who came to all of their sporting events. He and Veronica had a cordial relationship, but it was slightly awkward meeting him for the first time. Besides that, you could see the pride in his eyes for his son and daughter, which would make anyone happy to witness.

'How about we go out to dinner to celebrate?' Pattie asked my family. 'Since the boys had such a great game' Pattie said. 'That's a great idea' My mom said. 'Yeah, why not?' Andrew asked as he broke away from a conversation with my dad and a few other fathers. Fucking awesome. 'I know Justin's going to want to shower and get dressed and that'll take him close to an hour. So how about we meet up at Gregorio's at 9.

I turned on my phone to see it was nearing 8 already. The game was officially over, and the boys were heading back to their locker room. We made our way up to the parking lot, and Connor wouldn't stop begging to drive home in my car. 'Connor shut up please' I whined. I was so tired, and I'd probably take a nap the minute I got home. 'Can I ride with you then?' He asked. 'Why?' I asked him. 'Because' He said, with no intention of continuing. 'Fine, whatever' I said. He literally bolted towards my Jeep, making me roll my eyes.

'You were great sweetheart' I heard Veronica's voice say. I turned around to see that Beth had caught up with us. 'Chan slow down' She said as I tried to crack a smile. 'How are you holding up?' She asked, obviously referring to Cat. 'Is it that obvious?' I asked her while she narrowed her eyes towards me. 'A smidge' She said. 'Well, we're going to dinner with the Bieber's anyway' I said. 'Oh shit, really?' She asked. 'Andrew's hilarious, he'll break the ice' She said. 'Sure' I said. 'Chan, hurry up' Connor yelled from the passenger seat of my car. 'I'll meet you at home' I said before we went our separate ways.

'Chandler, Beth hurry up, it's 8:50, we're going to be late' Our mom yelled from downstairs. 'Chan' Beth said as she knocked on my door. 'Coming' I said as I pulled on my jacket before left my room. 'You look nice' She said and I smiled. 'Is it for Justin?' She asked and I rolled my eyes. 'Fuck him' I mumbled as we both went down the stairs towards the door. 'We can all go together' My dad said. 'I need gas, so I'll just drive.' I said. 'Ok then we'll take my car too' My dad said. Connor, Johnny, and Veronica all piled into my dad's black Escalade and we were all on our way in minutes.

Once we arrived, Johnny was the first to get out. I saw him greet Justin, and they both went into the restaurant together. He looked so good. Dark jeans, a black long sleeve sweater and white high top looking sneaker things guys always wore. As I got out, I noticed his hair was slightly wet, and roughly tousled. He was perfection. 'Let's go' Beth said as she pulled on my arm. Our family of six met with Justin's three person party. We had a rather large circle booth, where I was in the middle of Beth and Johnny. Justin was to Johnny's right and Connor was to Beth's left. Our parents were across from us, engaging in their own conversations.