OFF TRACK

24

SUMMER

It's Saturday morning. It's been two days of me avoiding Trevor and my mother. I even tried to persuade them
both to not come today. But here I am sitting in the arena that's been set up with mats, trying to figure out the best way to make sure Trevor and my mom don't meet. Because despite my best efforts they're both sitting across from me in the stands, about six rows apart from each other.

I'm already nervous enough at it is. This is our last chance to place and qualify for nationals. And now with my mom, her creepy boyfriend and his creepy son watching me and I'm even more nervous.

I already know what she's going to say after, 'That's not lady like! Why would they make you do that?' And I'll fake a smile and say 'It's putting me through college, mom.'

I'm not nervous about Trevor being here, I'm actually kind of excited he came but I am nervous about him possibly meeting my mother. I still don't know how to go about that whole situation, I've been avoiding thinking about it.

"Hey," Ellie taps my shoulder, she's sitting behind me so I twist around in the chair and face her. "Alex and Trevor wanna meet outside real quick, come with?"

After I avoided him for two days? Yeah sure, sounds like a great idea. But I keep that inside and smile, "Sure."

After telling our coaches we're going to the bathroom, Ellie and I make our way down the stands and around the arena to meet the boys outside.

In true Ellie fashion she basically bounces to Alex who happily wraps her in his arms and they're, once again, off in their own world.

"Hey," Trevor smiles at me. But he doesn't reach out, he doesn't try to hug me or anything. Part of me wishes he would but I'm the one who has caused the distance.

"Hey," I weakly smile, "I'm sorry about the other night and the last few days."

"It's okay."

No it's not! Stop being so nice! He makes me want to scream sometimes.

"No it's not," I'm trying to keep my voice steady because there people all around us.

"Don't worry, I crossed a line," he shrugs.

"But it's not just okay, we can't just move on, I ignored you for two days. And yet you're still here?"

"Summer, it's seriously okay."

I'm going to scream. Why is he saying it's okay?

"Stop being so nice all the time," I cross my arms over my chest, "You're supposed to be mad at me. Tell me I fucked up."

He takes a step closer to me, "Why? Why would you want me to be mad at you? It's your life, I shouldn't of said anything." He pulls me into a hug, my arms are still crossed over my chest as I look up at him and he looks down at me.

"You have to do what's right for you and I'm here to support you through whatever that is," he gives me a kiss, "Plus," he smiles playfully, "I could never be mad at you."

My insides melt into a puddle, he makes me forget how think properly. God, I love him.

Oh my god.

I love him.

"You're too nice to me," I whisper.

"You say that like you don't deserve it."

I don't.

His hand cups my face under my chin forcing me to look at him, "Now stop thinking about us and go kick all these other teams asses," he smirks and kisses me. I laugh a tiny bit but it's muffled against his lips.

"How about tonight," he's still holding me. I hope he never lets go.

"Just us, a pizza in bed with whatever movie you want to watch."

"I'd like that," I smile at the idea but it only lasts a second, "But, uhm I'm having dinner with my mom after this."

"Your Mom is here?" He sounds almost excited and I want to tell him to run for the hills.

I nod slowly as we step apart, standing facing each other, "She came to visit for the weekend."

"Where is she?" He starts looking at the crowd around us, "Can I meet her?"

"Uhm maybe, I'm not sure where they went," I lie.

He sees right through my lie. "You don't want me to meet her, do you?"

"No of course I do!" I look back up at him, not sure when I looked away.

"You stutter and look away when you lie," he smirks.

"I do not!"

"Yes you do," he smiles, "You can say no, it's okay."

See! He's too nice!

"I do want you to meet her but," I take a deep breath, "She never comes to visit unless there's a reason. And I haven't figured it out yet. I don't know what's going to happen at dinner and it's making me anxious."

"Well, I'll stay home, but if you need me," he brushes some of my hair back, his index finger and thumb come to hold my chin as he looks me in the eyes, "Call me, and I'll come rescue you."

I smile at him, "My prince charming," I step forward and give him a quick kiss.

Ellie and I spend a few more minutes talking with our boys before having to make our way back inside to stretch and walk through our routine with the team.

There's only a couple teams before us, Ellie and I are standing near the back of our team. My hands are sweating and my heart is pounding. I can see the stands from where we are.

My mom looks beyond bored as she snacks on a bag of chips and talks to her new boyfriend.

A few rows up Trevor is throwing popcorn at Alex who is trying to catch it in his mouth.

I tap Ellie on the shoulder and point them out.

"We're dating children," she smiles as we both watch them.

"I bet Trev is telling Alex he's moving too much," I comment, crossing my arms over my chest, still watching them.

"And I bet Alex is blaming it on Trevor's aim," Ellie smiles beside me as we watch Trevor throw another piece at Alex and it misses his mouth. Alex picks the piece back up and throws it at Trevor's chest.

"I feel bad for the people who are gonna have to clean that up," I shake my head laughing.