deep blue eyes // Antoine Griezmann

Chapter 19 - Christmas Break

At school, I try to keep as quiet as I can. I told Neymar about what happened, and how I don't want to sit with the guys on these days nearing Christmas because I think that'd be way too awkward with Griezmann.

So I go back to sitting by myself.

On Monday, Rachel has a bandage over her right eye, and it's so wonderful. Still no regrets whatsoever.

I'm really happy on Wednesday, which is our last day of school before break. I have been resenting school more and more lately for obvious reasons, and it feels to have a break now.

Although things are a bit tense with my family because of the punch, my older brother, who I have always been very close with, has come home for Christmas, which is amazing. When I tell him about the whole punching Rachel, and the story about it with Griezmann, he says simply, taking a draw from his cigarette, "Yeah, that's kind of what she deserves, though. So I say good job."

I grin at this and nod. "I mean, it's not Antoine that's being a jerk for dating her. She's just completely tricking him. It's not his fault."

He shrugs and says, "It makes sense you'd say that, because you like him. But he's not completely innocent. Now, I don't know the kid. If he really is a good guy, and he's just making a few mistakes, alright. But I just want you to be careful, Sage."

I nod slowly, then say, "Yeah, you're right. But I really do think he's a good guy."

He nods back. "Alright. Well, good luck with him, because I think you're really going to need it."

Yeah, my brother Gale is just awesome in every single thing he does. I mean, he's a smoker covered in tattoos with an awesome girlfriend and good advice. Where can you go wrong?

For Christmas, he gives me the newest FIFA game, which is just about the best gift I could be given. Like I said, he's the best big brother ever.

Also on Christmas, he takes me to just about the only place open on Christmas- one of my favorite arcades that we used to go to all the time when we were younger. He have a blast.

Have I stressed it enough of how amazing my older brother is? I haven't? Well, he is.

Then, while I'm laying in my bed that night, content, I get a call from Neymar, who I gave my number shortly before Christmas break started. I sigh. Do I really want to answer this? I've had such a good day, and what if he has bad news? Do I really want to hear it?

But I'm too curious to ignore it. I answer it with a, "Hello?"

"Hi, Sage."

"How has your Christmas been?"

"Good. I got some cool gift and stuff... That's not what I'm calling about though."

I try not to sigh, preparing myself for any possible bad news, before saying, "What are you calling about then?"

"Ericsson broke up with Griezmann," he says, getting right to the point.

I stare at the phone, unable to respond for a second, before saying, "Why?"

"Well, Griezmann is really upset about it. He was talking to Mbappe on the phone today, and Mbappe told all of us the story." Gossip at it's finest.

Oh well. I'm too curious. I guess I'll engage in the gossip, too. "What was the story?"

"Well, he called Mbappe, sounding close to tears, saying that Rachel broke up with him today, on Christmas. Apparently, they had gone to a beach or something, and there, they had a great time. Kissed and spent time and stuff. You know the gist. Well, apparently right before Griezmann dropped her back off at her house, she said she needed to talk to him. That was when she dropped the bomb. Apparently she said that she used to really love him, but it has worn out, and that she is just not into him anymore. She said that he is just kind of a lame dork, and that she does not even find him attractive anymore. She said that he is too clingy, and that she does not even like the way he kisses. She ended it with, 'So, Antoine, I think what I am saying is that I am breaking this whole thing with us up now. I feel I'm too good for you by now. We're not together anymore, so bye now.'"

"What... do I even think?" I say quietly. It sounds like Rachel really just insulted him. I mean, I know from personal experience that she is fully capable of that... But to break up that way? That's just cruel, for God's sake.

"I would think you would be happy, since that means he is free for you now."

"Sure he is, but he does not even like me at all, so this does not change much. This is a great way to make me even more angry at Rachel, though, so thank you!" I say sarcastically.

He snorts. "Griezmann is just being overemotional, like always."

"Coming from you, Mr. I Have A New Girlfriend Every Week," I roll my eyes. "I just feel bad for him. I mean, now he is getting the short end of the stick of Rachel's absolute brattiness."

"Yeah, I guess you are right. But of course you feel such sympathy for him. You like him."

"Oh, shut up," I sigh. "I do have to admit, I am happy that he's not with her anymore, but for his own good, not mine. Because him being single won't change the fact that he hates me."

"It might."

"What do you mean?"

"He hates you because Rachel does not like you. If he does not like Rachel, maybe he will finally realize how wrong she was about all of that. Just an idea, though."

"Do not get my hopes up, Neymar."

"Alright. Well, I guess I have got to go now. Have a nice rest of your Christmas."

"Yeah, you too. And thank you for the information, by the way."

"Sure, no problem. See you," he hangs up.

I really have no idea what to think or feel right now. No idea whatsoever.