Beyond What Meets The Eye

Chapter Five

Mira's school had one of the best girls soccer teams in the state, and they'd made it close to the state championship all three years Mira had been on the team, but this year, everyone thought there really was a chance to take home the state cup.

It was their second game of the season, against one of their most skilled opponents, and a game that would set the tone for the rest of the season.

Mira's legs pumped beneath her as she sprinted down the track, nothing but the sound of her pounding heart pulsating through her ears.

She reached the end of her last lap, her coach standing there with a worried expression on his face. Usually he would be stoked to see her run two miles so quick, but her expression must have said it all.

"Well Aldaine, I think that's the quickest two miles you've ever ran, but by the looks of it, it's not for a good reason." He pursed his lips. "You alright?"

"I'm fine, I just have a lot going on at home right now. Trust me, I'm ready for the game today." She reassured him with a strained smile. It wasn't a lie either, soccer was an outlet for her, and she sure as hell was going to blow some steam off by whooping Hillcrest's ass.

She'd cried the night before about feeling worthless, someone who people could just push around, but on the field, she did mean something, and that kept her going.

Their morning practice was light, just a few drills to make sure everyone was sharp for their game later that afternoon.

"So, are you going to tell me what's going on or should I just let you ride out this villain era?" Jayla asked teasingly as they walked back towards the school. Mira laughed.

"That bad, huh? Let's just say Kamen stopped by the cafe last night and our conversation was far from pleasant," she explained, knowing Jayla deserved some sort of explanation. Luckily, she also knew when not to push things.

"Fuck, that guy doesn't know how to take a hint. I'm sorry, you don't deserve to have to put up with his bullshit." She gave Mira's shoulder a gentle squeeze.

"Thanks. I think I'll feel better when we whoop Hillcrest's ass," she smiled back playfully, eager to lighten the mood. She had dwelled on her conversation with Kamen long enough the night before. It was a waste of energy to keep thinking about it.

"That's my girl. Anyways, I overheard the new kid is tutoring you." She wiggled her eyebrows at Mira.

"Yup, and he's fucking good at it to. I think I might not only pass stats, but actually do pretty damn good in it too." Mira stated proudly.

"Sounds like a match made in Heaven." Jayla said dreamily. Mira jabbed her playfully in the arm.

"Yeah, after Kamen, I don't think so."

They walked into stats, and Mira couldn't help but catch the smile Xavier gave her as she passed his desk. She would have been lying if she said his smile didn't make her heart flutter a little bit, but she knew the little crush she had him would blow over in a week or so. It was embarrassing how easily some common decency charmed her.

Mira's mood lightened a bit when she actually was able to follow Mr. King's lecture, her tutoring session the day before really proving its worth.

Class ended and Mira made her way out and down the hall like she usually did when Xavier's voice startled her.

"Mira, hey," he jogged to catch up with her. "You have a game today right?" He asked.

"Oh, yeah we play Hillcrest today. They won the state championship two years back, so it's going to be a pretty tough game, but I think we can do it." She replied, lifting her eyes to meet his. He gave her one of his dimpled smiles.