Bittersweet (Jenna Ortega)

chapter five.

SATURDAY

Maise's POV

First game to set off the season is always the hardest to play. Everyone is on edge, and mistakes are easy to make.

"Liv's about to combust into a pile of ashes," Keli chuckles. "I don't recommend going in there unless you want your head bitten off."

I rest my hand on the door handle into the locker rooms, a smug grin on my lips. "I do enjoy a little female aggression."

"Suit yourself." She shrugs and jogs off toward the field for warmups.

Liv is curled into a ball. Her position makes me snort. "Go away." She huffs.

"Our game is in a half hour and you're about to be swallowed by the floor."

She grunts in response. So attractive.

"Guess you don't want my gift then."

She snaps her head up to flash puppy eyes at me. "No, I like gifts!" She splutters.

I shake a packet of her favourite cigarettes from my back pocket and joy lights up her features.

"You're a life saver!" She springs to her feet.

"Did the mini meltdown have anything to do with soccer.. or was it because you ran out of cigarettes and didn't have time to stop by the store?"

"Would I be selfish to admit I was having withdrawals?"

"Not at all."

"I had a bad craving, I'm so glad yo-"

"Selfish!"

Liv smacks me across my chest. "Seriously, thank you for being such a beautiful and considerate friend."

"Keep praising me and I think I might just jump your bones right here."

"You're not my type." She crinkles her nose playfully in disgust.

"Bet if I looked like Sadie, I would be."

"Shouldn't you be out there giving advice, Captain?"

"And you're supposed to be right beside me, Co-Captain."

"Got me there," she giggles, breaking the seal on her cigarettes. "I'll catch up."

"You kicking me out because you need alone time to rebuild that social battery, huh?"

"Read my mind." She kicks me in the backside gently, forcing me towards the exit. "Now get out."

I rejoin the group huddle and jab my finger into Keli's side. She gasps and punches me in the arm on instinct.

"You trying to lose your greatest player to a injury you caused?"

"I barely even hit you. How about don't sneak up on me next time?"

"How about be more aware of your surroundings in the cruel world we live in?"

Keli gently shoves my head to the side. "Stop being right."

"Stop-"

"Can both of you quit your insufferable flirting. I'm dying over here." Jenna insults, glaring daggers at me.

"Die quietly." Robin pipes up in my defence. I grin and bump her fist for appraisal.

I love having sassy friends.

—

"I'm open, Ortega!" I shout, jogging down the centre of the field. "Clear the ball! You're clumping!"