Rancorous

Chapter 23

PRESENT

Brevin

Fifteen minutes into soccer practice, and Urvan finally arrives. There's a shift in his demeanor that isn't normally there. I've known the guy long enough to notice it.

I can't tell if it's good or bad. The guy is unpredictable, which is dangerous for those on the receiving end.

When the coach asks him about his late arrival, he gives some excuse and it's a pill I can't swallow. I narrow my eyes.

As he approaches the field, I wait for him to meet my stare. He doesn't. His head isn't dropped though. The guy has perfect posture cemented into his bones. "Everything good?"

When I finally get a good view of his face, I watch him. Closely. His upper lip curls. "Never been better." His silver eyes underlying with joy.

I flash of blonde hair out of my peripheral drags my eyes to the right. and I watch Presley exit Urvan's car, her hair slightly disheveled. As quickly as my gaze leaves Urvan, it returns. I give him a curt nod, presuming he's alluding to Presley.

Walking over to my duffle bag underneath the sideline bench, I search for my water bottle and take a long sip. Dropping it back into my bag, I hear my phone buzzing inside.

The screen is facing down, so I don't get a chance to look at the caller. I've been avoiding everyone these last few days, unless I really needed to conversate with them.

I'm not stopping anytime soon, so I ignore the persistent vibrations coming from my bag and jog back to the soccer field.

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PRESENT

Herlina

I'm beginning to think Presley's skipping volleyball practice. I lounge in the hallway leading to the gym. I still have about a month left of the brace on my foot and then I'll finally be able to play volleyball again.

More of my teammates walk by and ignore me. I sigh, still not catching sight of my best friend. I want to talk to Presley about my poor attitude toward her yesterday. She's been ignoring my calls and texts, either intentionally or not, it doesn't matter. I just want us to be on good terms again.

I was planning on going to her house yesterday to apologize after I left Milo. But after cutting him out of my life, I went straight home feeling emotionally and physically spent.

Hearing footsteps approaching, I look up expectantly, but slouch when I notice it's just Haley. She stares at the ground as she walks, her forehead wrinkled, seeming lost in her thoughts. 

"Hi Haley." I wave and she spots me.

Her steps falter, and her eyes seem to brighten ever so slightly. "Herlina, hi."

"How've you been? Have you found your dog yet?"

"Fine." She stops in front of me but averts her eyes. "I, um, I haven't."

I frown. "I'm sorry to hear."

Haley nods and seems hesitant in saying more. She visibly gulps and then smiles at me. "I texted you, but you didn't answer."

I lean away from the wall and pull out my phone. Sure enough, I have two texts from her asking where I am.

"I'm so sorry. I must've had my phone on silent. Did you need something?"

"I just wanted to thank you for your kind words in the text you sent me. It was unexpected and I really needed it."

I smile back at her. "You're welcome."