Salty Licorice

Chapter 43

Liz's POV

The rest of the day went by faster than I anticipated. I'm still irritated with Avery, but what did I expect really? She was already in a bad mood since we came back from our long weekend four days ago. I'm not sure what happened over Thanksgiving but she wasn't happy about it. I worry it has something to do with the bruises I saw on her earlier today after gym. I didn't mean to back her into a corner by asking her, I just got worried and maybe a little defensive. It's not my fault I was trained to protect those around me, blame that on my military school, that's a story for another day.

I'm in the art room getting my camera from Mrs. Carson, when I saw Marisa walk in and she sighs when she sees me.

"I'm not gonna lie, I was hoping you'd miss this one," She said. It was odd since earlier I got the same impression from Avery when she asked me if I'd be going to her game today. "Oh and can you change your jacket pretty please." Even with the words that are normally said with some expression in someone's voice Marisa managed to say it so dryly and monotonously, she has to be one of the only people I know who doesn't use their voice to express themselves.

"Why? This is a big game for her, scouts and stuff. I always wear her varsity jacket to her games." I tilt my head.

"Just for me?" She raises her eyebrows. "Just this once, here, wear my jacket and I'll keep this one safe." She peels Avery's green and white jacket from my arms and wraps her dark green military jacket around my shoulders.

I just stare at her, baffled during the entire encounter. I don't miss the whisper under her voice, "Good thing I found her before she went to the gym." I don't think it was meant for my ears. She turns around holding Avery's jacket in one hand as she walks out of the art room heading for what I assume is the Gym. I squint my eyes at her confused and slowly follow, not intending to catch up since I'm a bit irritated that she just took my jacket, or well Avery's jacket that she gave me. I will be getting that back, all though I wouldn't mind if Avery wore it for a bit before giving me it back. It smells like my laundry detergent now and I miss how it used to remind me of her from wrapping me in her scent. Though I can't complain about having Marisa's, I've been eyeing this one for some time now, and surprisingly this one doesn't reek of clay or weed.

When I walk through the doors to the Gym I see the net getting strung up by a few of our school's players while the Coach is talking to Avery and it seems to be intense. They're wearing their long sleeves today, so I can't complain. I love the way Avery's back flexed when she would spike, but in the long sleeve compression shirt it just insinuated the view even more then the short sleeve jersey shirts did. I've learned to find Volleyball way more attractive since being at this school, but I also might just be biased but who cares.

I love watching this sport.

"If you love watching Volleyball so much, you should try Lacrosse . It might be a bit more exciting," Spencer whispers in my ear from behind me, making me jump.

I turn my head to face her and catch the wide proud smirk across her face, I just roll my eyes. I can't believe I said that out loud.

"Arschloch," I mutter in my native tongue and walk towards the side of the court, seeing Avery alone on the bench.

"This way kid," Spencer grabs my shoulders and steers me towards Marisa. "No need to distract the superstar while she gets ready for her big game."

"Is there something nobody is telling me?" I finally ask, sensing everyone's moods shift.

"Nope," She pops her word.

"Oh really, cause I've never pegged you as a girls volleyball fan," I snapped.

"You haven't pegged me ever," Spencer chuckles at her joke, but I don't get it.