Tally

CHAPTER 3: ABIGAIL TURNER

Yesterday, as Charlotte and I prepared ourselves for practice and readied to head out to the field. I noticed how our water bottles were practically empty, so I decided to head to the water fountain to get some water for us.

With both water bottles in my grasp, I approached the door to the girls' locker room, unaware of the presence on the other side. As I clumsily pushed the door open with my backside, a sudden grunt pierced the air, causing me to look up in surprise. There, before me, stood a man whom I had unintentionally collided with.

Concerned for his well-being, I said, "I'm so sorry for that. I didn't know you were there. Are you okay?" His gaze lifted, allowing me a moment to check him out. With his strong jawline, a hint of scruff, and warm brown eyes that met mine, he possessed an undeniable charm. His tousled brown hair and sun-kissed skin only enhanced his allure. Fitted in dark blue jeans, cowboy boots, and a red flannel, he had an air of ruggedness that stirred my curiosity.

A playful smile curved his lips as he responded in a southern accent, "Don't worry about it. It was my fault for walking so close to the door anyways." We shared a lighthearted exchange, where I teasingly remarked on his southern origins, and he responded with a chuckle, "Yes, ma'am, I'm southern. How could you tell?" His warm laughter filled the air, and my own amusement bubbled forth as I enjoyed his sarcastic demeanor.

In an effort to establish a connection, I introduced myself, "I'm Abigail. Nice to meet you..." Hoping he would follow suit, I left the invitation hanging in the air. "Jackson," he replied, his gaze never leaving mine.

"I would shake your hand, but my hands are a little full right now," I offered, feeling the weight of the water bottle in my grasp, as well as the weight of anticipation that lingered in the air.

Unexpectedly, he stepped closer, his eyes filled with a captivating intensity. "Here, let me help you with that," he offered, relieving me of one of the water bottles. As our hands briefly brushed, all I felt was how cold his hand was against my sweat warm ones.

Seeking to break the tension, I posed a question. "Um, did you just transfer here?" I asked, hoping to initiate a conversation that would bridge the gap between us. His attention shifted, and he nodded in confirmation. "Yeah, I transferred here from Texas just a few days ago. Today is my first day at school, and I'm still trying to figure out where everything is." His admission drew me further into his world, kindling a desire to guide him through this unfamiliar territory, since he's been the first boy to have ever talked to me besides Nickolas and Noah.

But I didn't get to say anything after that as the hallways suddenly filled with the entire girl's lacrosse team. With everyone moving towards the door, it pushed me in that direction and by the time I got back to him, he was gone. Hiding from the disappointment, all I did was fill our water bottles, as he had left the bottle he was holding on the fountain top before he left, and head out to practice.

...

What I least expected to happen, was a reunion to happen with Jackson the day after that.

Usually, after practice I would immediately start changing out of my cleats and put all my belongings into my backpack and start heading home. But, as I scanned the field, my eyes connected with Jackson, who was in his lacrosse gear, patiently awaiting the arrival of his team's captains, just like the rest of the team.

Our gazes met, and a genuine smile escaped my lips as I couldn't help but remark, "I'm guessing you managed to survive the storm of girls out there, huh?" His laughter echoed through the air, although his laughter sounded nice it hadn't filled my heart or warmth or anything. It just sounded like a simple, normal, content laugh. With a twinkle in his eyes, he playfully replied, "I don't know, I might have some bruising from all those sticks and shoulders colliding with me."

As Charlotte approached me, I seized the opportunity to introduce her to Jackson, hoping they would hit it off just as effortlessly as we had. To my delight, they engaged in lively conversation, matching each other's energy flawlessly. Feeling a surge of joy for them, I decided to give them some space to connect and get to know each other on a deeper level.

As I began to walk away, Thompson caught my attention. I observed him stealing glances in Charlotte's direction while attempting to engage in conversation with another girl. His clenched fist betrayed his feigned nonchalance, revealing a hint of jealousy he struggled to conceal, especially when he noticed my watchful gaze.

Noticing Nickolas approaching the field, I hurriedly made my way back to Charlotte and Jackson, not wanting to appear alone. To my surprise, when I rejoined them, I caught Charlotte glancing in Thompson's direction. Understanding the potential jealousy and hurt she might feel witnessing his flirtations with another girl, I enveloped her in a tight hug, knowing all too well the history between them from our middle school days.

Retrieving a piece of candy from my backpack, I offered it to Charlotte as a comforting gesture, eliciting an outpouring of gratitude and affection from her. Then, I also pulled out my favorite pair of sunglasses because they granted me the freedom to observe without reservation since they shielded my gaze.

The second I put them on, my focus was redirected, and I found myself drawn to Nickolas. He stood there with his helmet, lacrosse stick, and sports bag in hand. He was wearing a black tank top that showcased his arms perfectly. I couldn't help my eyes from running across every dip and curve of his arms, shoulders, and hands. His hands possessed a captivating allure, exuding strength, firmness, and a tantalizing touch that could captivate any girl's fantasies. One hand held his phone, while the other maintained a powerful grip, a sight that casually displayed his dominance. Seeing his head pop up and look over in my direction made me take notice of the snapping fingers in front of me.

Jolted back to reality, I buried my head on Charlotte's shoulder in embarrassment as he could've caught me. Coach Austin's commanding voice echoed through the field, signaling the start of warm-ups for the boys. Jackson's departure from our side was imminent, but not before he squeezed our arms as a goodbye gesture.

Walking alongside Charlotte, toward the parking lot, we eagerly discussed how excited we were to have made a new friend and about how much more interesting practice will become. All because we finally have someone on the team that would make these upcoming 3 months with the boy's lacrosse team more bearable.