The Sound Of Your Heart

THIRTEEN

MILES

As, my brother, Jackson, and my friends trooped out of the soccer field, the cool autumn breeze rustled through the nearby trees, swirling leaves around our feet. The setting sun casts long shadows across the empty bleachers, giving the surroundings an eerie feel. The victory cheers still lingered in the air as we made our way towards the parking lot.

"So are we going straight to the party?" Erin asked suddenly as we made our way to the car, and we looked at her, surprised by her sudden enthusiasm.

"Um, I think you guys should go ahead; I forgot to ask Mom's permission," Charles said, so Erin and I both nodded.

"Me too; how about you, Miles?" Erin asked, so I smiled as I was about to speak, but Jackson interrupted me.

"Tyler will pick him up," Jackson said while looking at his wristwatch. Suddenly, a familiar voice of a man called to me from behind me, curiosity piqued so I slowly turned only to see Tyler.

"Miles!" Tyler called my name once more, waving his hand as he made his way towards us with a bright smile on his face. He was still dressed in his soccer jersey, with a white towel draped around his neck and a duffle bag slung over his shoulder. I waved back at him, trying my best to suppress the excitement and happiness that welled up inside me.

"And here he is, right on time!" Jackson said with a mischievous glint in his eyes, which made Erin and Charles chuckle in anticipation.

As Tyler approached, his contagious enthusiasm seemed to fill the air around us. I couldn't help but notice how his dirty blonde hair clung to his forehead, damp with sweat. His gray eyes sparkled with excitement, and I found myself mesmerized by his carefree spirit.

"Hey, you guys!" Tyler greeted us, his voice brimming with energy. From this distance, I can smell his favorite cologne from his soccer jersey, wet from his sweat.

"Hey Ty, congratulations!" Jackson greeted Tyler as they shook hands. My two friends, Erin and Charles, also joined in to congratulate and praise Tyler. It was no surprise, really; he had just been awarded the title of Most Valuable Player for his soccer team.

Tyler was always the one who scored the most goals for his team. His skill, agility, and determination were unmatched, and it was evident in every game he played. He had saved his team from countless defeats and turned them into exhilarating victories.

"Hi," he greeted me as he turned to me, his voice cutting through the haze of my thoughts. Startled, I snapped back to reality and met his piercing gaze. Instantly, a smile tugged at the corners of my lips, mirroring the warmth in his eyes.

His smile widened at my response as if my congratulations had ignited an inner fire within him. Curiosity overwhelmed me, drawing me closer to him. "Congratulations!" I said sincerely, my words carrying genuine admiration.

He chuckled softly, his laughter dancing in the air around us. "Thank you," he replied, his voice imbued with charm.

"Okay, so we'll go ahead first, Miles, Tyler? We'll see you guys later," Jackson said, pushing my friends Erin and Charles away from us.

"We'll see you guys later!" Charles added a laugh.

"Ciao!" Erin shouted, waving her hand at us.

As the last rays of the setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and purple, Tyler and I found ourselves standing alone on the edge of the parking lot. Our friends had all departed, leaving us with only the whispering wind for company.

"Miles, it looks like it's getting dark and night is approaching," Tyler remarked, his voice filled with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. I glanced around, noticing how the surrounding trees stood tall and formidable, their branches reaching out like long, gnarled fingers against the dimming light.