The Stake of Us

Ch 8: The Wall

By the time Aiden got to third period, his body is already exhausted from football practice. He puts his backpack down with a loud thud startling some of the other students, as he smiles apologetically at them. They return his smile before going back about their business again. But he knows, discreetly they're still watching him.

More students filter into the classroom, Aiden takes out his notebook when the seat next to him creaks as someone sits in it.

In Aiden's periphery, Tristan's side profile comes into view. Tristan eyes the black pen in his hand as he twirls it dexterously around his middle and index fingers, deep in thought simultaneously reaching down into his backpack to produce a black spiral notebook.

"Hey man," Aiden greets.

Tristan pauses briefly upon hearing Aiden's voice, he glances up.

"Hey." he greets back before returning his attention to the contents of his backpack.

"Have you put any more thought into it? We could use a quick, strong guy like you out on the field" Aiden states matter-of-factly, turning to face Tristian.

Tristan pulls out his calculus book, carefully placing it on his desk "Yes, and the answer is still no."

"Aww c'mon, everyone here would love a chance to be on the team, I can guarantee you a spot."

"No thanks. I'm busy." Tristan answered curtly.

"With what? Working part-time at your parent's shop?  If you're afraid of getting too injured for your job, don't. We have pads and helmets for that."

Tristan worked hard not to scoff in Aiden's face. Instead, he looks down at his calloused hands. His training in Monbodia comes to mind, reminding him of the shoulder injury he sustained yesterday from one of the purebloods during training, it still hasn't healed properly. 

His brow furrows as frustration begins to gnaw at him. 

"c'mon, don't think too hard," Aiden continued.

Tristan turns completely to face Aiden, his eyes glowing hot as he looks at the football team's captain. "What I do with my time is none of your business. Unless I'm knocking on your door telling you to put me on the team, stop bothering me with your questions."

Aiden not appreciating Tristan's sudden hostile tone quickly gets up from his seat. Tristan follows suit, towering over Aiden by a few inches "The fuck crawled up your ass dude?" Said Aiden through clenched teeth, his shoulders feeling tight from hours of practice earlier in the morning.

Tristan eyes Aiden, his irritation reaching a boiling point. "You." He responds.

Just then a teacher walks in "Hey, what the Hell is going on with you two!" He calls out from the front of the room in a booming voice.

With all eyes on them, both boys turn to the teacher.

"Nothing, we were just talking," Aiden said before relaxing his clenched fists, his eyes going back to Tristan.

"Oh yeah? Why don't you two continue your conversation outside while cleaning the wall." Mr. Ortega said.  He was known around school for being one of the strictest teachers at Roselake High.

Aiden considers his options, he doesn't want detention, they have an important game coming up next week and Coach will kill him if he misses practice.

Before Aiden can fully make up his mind, Tristan makes his way to the front of the room and grabs the cloth Mr. Ortega holds out. He grabs it without a word before hastily walking out the door.

Aiden sighs and follows suit, grabbing a cloth himself. "Try not to miss any spots, make sure to wipe clean all those skid marks, boys." Mr. Ortega said after them.