Half a Step

Chapter 7

Hope's POV

Overnight. That is how long it took for me to go from the new girl that you may share a few classes with to a viral soccer super star. I was not prepared for this especially when I started the day with nothing special.

I avoided social media as much as possible, which generally worked for the best because only the people I had voluntarily shared my number with. Though that was not always a good thing when you are left out of the loop at school.

When I got to school that was a whole other story, people were staring at me as I walked through the front gate, it was weird. I thought this stuff only happens in movies. A group of boys were watching one their phones, unblinking and in awe.

My phone binged. It was June.

June: Soz, I can't go to school 2day. I got sick 🤮

Hope: That sucks, get some rest. Don't die

I turned off my phone before a teacher confiscated it. They did not ban phones but they had to be in your bag all day otherwise it gets taken away and, depending on the teacher, a detention.

My first class today was Math but there was no point for me to go to the classroom because I had to go to the quad first for roll call and I needed to order lunch. I would walk to the quad right away but something in my gut was saying something is wrong today with all the looks I was getting. I was not used to being more than just another student in the masses of humanity.

I decided to go to the quad anyway and see what is happening.

I got there and like always people were in their groups of friends chatting, playing handball and a few just sitting on their phones despite the risk that they could get in trouble.

I walk towards the canteen. The canteen had four doors, three of them were closed showing the drawing that decorated the doors. One of my favourite doors was blue and it had a picture of milkshakes. While I would never eat the food displayed on the door if it was made to look cool. The fourth door on the side of the building was open for people ordering their food for recess or lunch and those who needed to buy breakfast. There was no queue, so I asked for a paper bag and pen and wrote down my order.

I was doing up the maths, for the money I needed to pay for a chicken burger and a chocolate milk when the lunch lady said. 'Nice job yesterday.'

I paused my writing and looked up. 'Thanks?' I furrowed my eyebrows, 'What did I do yesterday?'

I racked my brain for something I might have done that was worthy of being noticed by the canteen lady but I could not think of anything. I had a free period, where I sat in the quad and worked on my homework but other than that I had not been near the canteen, or been nearby.

'Sweetie, how could you not know? You're viral, that's what. Have you not got Snapchat?'

I shook my head and scrunched up my lips, making a small popping sound. 'What's happened?'

'I thought everyone had Snapchat these days. Finish your order.' She gestures to the paper in front of me. 'I'll just get my phone and show you the video, sweetie.'

I nod but the lunch lady has already turned around.I write down the sum for the order coming to exactly seven dollars. I pull out my wallet and put the cash on the bag and wait for the other woman to return.

Eventually, the lunch lady returns with her phone in hand and clicks to start a video. The video is not very well taken but it is obvious that it's from last night. It zooms in on my face. I causally flick my hair away from my face and start in my position. After a bit I get the ball and it comes to me what is about to happen. I scored.

When I was there in the moment I felt a bit clumsy especially because I had a weird burden of pressure on me and kicked the ball a bit too far when I dribbled but on screen, I look relaxed.

'Thanks.' I say to the lunch lady and push the bag towards her and with a smile walk off. I glance at my watch and then sigh. I still have twelve minutes until the bell rings for roll call.

I go to bubbler to fill up my drink bottle to kill time. While I am standing at the tap which is always slow and likes to dribble into any bottle, a boy walks up to me.

'You know, your... Your soccer skills are like amazing.' He says, stumbling over his words slightly. 'The coaches would be stupid if they did not let you on the team.'

'Thanks, though you never know.' I say, smiling modestly at him.

'You know, there is a party next friday because like why not. You should go. I am going with my friends.'

I hesitate, not sure how to phrase my next words without sounding rude.

The boy senses my hesitation. 'Don't worry. I would not be like a date or anything. I just thought you should now because you're super cool now.'

I stay silent, not sure how to be a part of the conversation.

'I just realised I never told you my name. My name is Angus. I am in year ten but I am actually supposed to be in year nine.'

I screw my drink bottle lid on. 'Nice to meet you Angus. My name is Hope.'

'Your name is Hope? That is such a cool name.' He says.

I almost yell in celebration. Whoever shared the video did not put my name there. I am all good, I can live my life without everyone knowing my name.

'Thanks.' I say.

'Have you found your soulmate yet?' He asks, I am starting to realise that Angus has a lot of energy and is very conversational.

'Nope. I am yet to find them. What about you?'

'I have only found one of them. I have two numbers, one on each forearm. My sister likes to say that even destiny couldn't make me decisive.'

I chuckle politely at his joke. 'That's cool.'

'Can I get your number so that if you decide to come to the party I can tell you all the stuff you need to know.'

I don't see why not so I recite my number off to him. The bell rings and Angus quickly puts his phone in his pocket.

'See ya. Nice to meet you, Hope. I really hope you decide to come to the party!' He says, then 'Oops. That pun was not intended.'

Then Angus runs off to get into the roll call lines.

This will be a long day if I am somewhat famous.