It's Just A Game

Chapter 14 Easy There

The house was empty and quiet when I arrived. I went directly to the kitchen to open the Chinese takeout I bought on my way home. When your emotions get churned up in a matter of hours, at the end of the day you'll be starving like a crazed baboon. Eating on time is one of my weakness or I don't eat at all especially when I'm focused on some tasks at hand.

I felt full already from the huge dumplings and dumped all the containers in the trash. I ran upstairs to take a long bath. I came out refreshed from the bathroom, ransacking my closet for an attire for the game. I decided to wear my favorite black skinny jeans paired a white tank top with the school's name printed on it. I combed my long wavy hair in front of my vanity mirror. No makeup for tonight and changed my silver earrings to a black pearl. I reached for my brother's black varsity jacket from the rack and wore it while pulling the sleeves up to the elbow.

My black high cut Chucks caught my eyes. I opted for it. Time travels fast because it was almost 6 PM and anytime Chase will arrive to pick me up for the game.

Not satisfied with my hair down, I fixed it again in a ponytail. Minutes after, I heard three beeps from the car outside. I emptied my backpack with its content and replaced it with my tablet and wallet. My phone lit up with a message.

I'm on your porch. Chase message reads.

I typed in my response and hit the send button. Give me 5 minutes more.

It didn't take that long to assemble the contents of my bag. Skillfully I ran down the stairs from my room by two's and into the door.

"I don't remember giving you my number." I eyed him after locking the main door of our house. We came in stride as we walked to his car.

"I took the liberty of keying it in when you were asleep in my car earlier," Chase replied when he was settled in his designated seat as the driver. "Are you mad at me?"

"I'm not. Just not comfortable." I buckled my seatbelt as the car run smoothly away from the house.

"I'm sorry, Myah. I failed to ask permission from you." There he goes again, he's sorry. My weakness I couldn't stay mad at a person who apologizes for their mistakes. I do the forgive and forget lines.

Chase was able to navigate and follow the direction of the GPS to reach Dunhill High School. The ride wasn't that long yet quiet.

"Do you happen to know if the rest of the guys are here?" I inquired before exiting the car.

"I think they are in the dugout." came Chase's serious tone. He's back to his cold and mean disposition.

"Just go ahead of me, Chase. I'll follow soon." He nodded before turning his back on me. I got nowhere to go. I just want to breathe and excuse myself before showing up in front of the team.

This was the place where my brother was shot and my gut feeling was telling me that the dugout where our team is staying, was the scene of the crime. I wandered within the premise of the school, looking for a place to sit down and collect my thoughts.

I had this habit of not watching where I'm going because of my eyes looking on the ground. I bumped into a solid frame of a human. The person was able to catch me before I put myself to shame in front of another school's student body.

"Easy there, beautiful." His voice was a little bit slur because of the cigarette clipped between his lips. "Next time do watch where you are going."

I nodded but didn't utter a word of thanks. I looked up into his eyes and got drawn into it. Gray eyes again. The same as Chase yet this guy's eyes has specks of blue, Chase was green. He was wearing a black pullover, faded pants and basketball shoes. His hair was long for a guy and it was untamed.

"Hey, GFord! It's almost time." Somebody called him as he smirked and a cloud of smoke emitted via his nose. "Got to go, beautiful! I'll see you around."

I steady myself after that weird encounter. That GFord guy reminds me of Chase in every way minus the cigarette though.

Then my phone rang, I pulled it from the side pocket of my jacket. The display showed Coach Stibbs name on it.

"Hi there, Coach. What can I do for you?" I chirped with less enthusiasm.

"Oh dearie, Myah. This is Mrs. Stibbs. I'm sorry to tell you that your coach won't be able to join the game tonight. He was on his way there when he suddenly collapsed next to his car. We're bringing him to the hospital right now. Please do take over for the meantime, Myah." Mrs. Stibbs narrated in between sobs.

"I'll do my best for tonight, Mrs. Stibbs. I'm praying for Coach's fast recovery." My eyes couldn't halt from crying and started to rub it with my knuckles.

"Thanks for understanding and good luck for tonight's game." The coach's wife countered before hanging up from the line.

I huffed. I sighed deeply before making my way to the dugout before the game will officially start. Lots of students and audience were already settled in their respective seats.

I managed to find the dugout of the New Harold High School. I found them all suit up and pumped up for the game against Dunhill High.

"Guys, I hate to say it but Coach won't be here. He was rushed to the hospital. I'm taking over. I want your full cooperation moving forward." Some of them shocked but the rest recovered fast.