Secondhand - Sophia Smith

Chapter 15

Luckily Sophia was done with the shower when I got home, because I sat in the parking lot with Morgan, and I also took the long way home. 

I took a quick cold shower, as Soph had used all the hot water almost. 

Sophia came in randomly, and started going through the cabinets. 

"What are you doing?" I asked, peaking my head out. "This is a violation." 

"It was never weird before." She said matter-of-factly. 

"Well it is now." 

"Why?" 

"Because I know you're in love with me or something." 

"Woah." 

Maybe that came out wrong, maybe I should have said nothing at all. 

"Why do you think I care about....." She trailed off. "And you've got a girlfriend." 

"I thought you said you wouldn't be weird about me dating Morgan." 

"I did say that." 

"Okay, then." 

"You can't be weird about it either." 

"I'm not the one being weird." 

"Well I just needed this hair stuff. Enjoy your cold shower." 

"Next time you're gonna take the cold shower." I said. 

"And you'll join me, because I know you love them." 

She left after that, laughing, and I yelled after her. 

"You'll pay for that one, Sophia!" 

----------

I hung out with Kelsey a few more times leading up to the game, and then right before she left. I did cry when she left. 

And we didn't mention that night once. 

I still had her shirt, and she still had mine, but that's between us. 

And we did beat San Diego 2-0. Goals from Morgan and Sophia. 

I started in goal, because I did so well the other game. An d I did even better that night. 

I had to try really hard to push all of my mom'e negative words out of my head, and just keep repeating everyone else's encouraging words. 

I saw so much flash through my head as I looked out at the field. 

I heard my mom calling me a worthless piece of crap. I heard my dad yelling back at her. I heard my classmates laughing at me because I got sent to the principal again for getting angry at a kid that made fun of me. 

"You'll never be anything other than a backup goalie." 

That night, I proved my mom wrong. 

My gameday instagram caption was 'Proving my mom wrong at 7:30pm. Be there.' 

In the crowd that night was my dad, my sister, and 2 of my brothers. On the field against me was my college best friend, and on the field with me was my girlfriend and my other best friend.

This one didn't mean much to everyone else, but it meant everything to me. 

We also got our shield that night, for winning first place. 

Greatest moment of my life. 

The picture that was a big thing was Becky Sauerbrunn putting the captains armband on me before the game. 

I almost cried getting it, because I didn't deserve it. 

After that we went out as a team, but I left early to say bye to Kelsey. 

The next day I spent with my family who had flown all the way across the country to watch me play. 

We had a bye week because we were in first place, so we didn't practice on Monday or Thursday. 

I spent a lot of time with Morgan in those days, but nothing seemed to feel like more than friends (minus the occasional kiss and other stuff) 

So we had off the following Monday as well, so I drive to her place. 

Marissa answered the door, but she said Morgan had left to see me. 

So that's where I am now. Their kitchen table, chatting with Marissa. Waiting for Morgan to come home. 

When she came in, Marissa left, and we just stared at eachother. 

She had obviously been crying on her way here, and I had done the same. 

"Taylor-" 

"I can't do this, Morgan." 

"Me neither!" 

"So we're on the same page?" 

"I'm so sorry." 

"No. I'm more sorry." 

"You seem okay though." 

"So do you."

"I looked her in the eyes, and she stared me back. 

"Can you keep being one of my best friends?" I asked quietly. 

She nodded. 

"Of course. I don't think there's any bad blood here, right?" 

"Never." I said. 

I jumped up to give her a hug, and it felt really good. 

"I like being friends." I said. 

"Me too." She whispered. "A lot more." 

"For sure." 

"I know you slept with Sophia." She whispered. 

"How?" I asked, still whispering. 

"Don't worry about it." 

"I'm not going to."