Meant For You

twenty-four.

Nola Scott

Practice this morning drained me. After I left Miles' place last night, I couldn't bring myself to fall asleep. My head was full of all kinds of thoughts. The main one is why I feel like I have a certain pull to a man I disliked a couple of months ago. On days we don't see each other, I find myself thinking about him, what he's doing. Then I jump the loop and text him, asking him what he's doing.

I used to wonder why I kept bumping into the guy. All I wanted was to stop seeing him because I couldn't stand the look of his face. Now, I'm wondering why I feel a certain pull to him? It might be because we're both dedicated athletes who know what they want out of life. It might be because we're... similar in a lot of ways?

I've gotten to know him a lot better now since I always find myself at his place. There are plenty of differences there but when it comes to the bigger things, we share similar values. It's been a long while since I met a guy who isn't a complete airhead. Most of the guys I surround myself around in school are not the brightest.

Miles is intelligent. He might still be a man but he doesn't say bro or dude every two seconds and I'm sure if I used the word denigrate in a sentence, he would know what the word meant. The way he carries himself is refreshing and it just intrigues me even more. If the two of us weren't as busy as we are, I'm sure we could stay up talking all night.

I don't even remember falling asleep but I hated waking up. Typically, my eyes flutter open and I'm out of bed within the minute. This morning, I snoozed my alarm twice before I realized if I didn't hurry up, I'd be late. Practice ended earlier than usual today at two which meant that I wouldn't be late to Miles' game after all.

Even though being in a loud arena was the last place I wanted to be, I couldn't back out after I told him I'd be there. Immediately after practice, I showered and changed into a warmer outfit. The drive to the stadium is pretty quick since my practice facility is only ten minutes away. I use my fake ID to get a light drink, putting some Mío in it to keep it somewhat healthy. Maybe this will help me wake up.

I make it to my section, freezing in place as the stadium is already filling up. There are a lot more people already than the last time I was here with my brothers. My anxiety is already propelling because of practice so I nervously take the steps down to the first section I'm familiar with. Just like the rest of the seats in this section, the first row is almost packed. This must be other players' families.

Miles told me his best friend Tate's girlfriend wouldn't make it because she hadn't been feeling well the past couple of days. He told me Tate's family would be there though and I could talk to them. Does this guy think I'm some social butterfly? Normally, I have no problem talking to people but right now? I'm not even in the mood for talking to myself.

As soon as I reach the last step, I feel eyes on me as I search for my seat. Is someone sitting there? No, I don't think so. Miles told me since Tate's family is in town, he gave some of his tickets away. Ugh, why are the numbers so blurry from here? "What seat are you looking for, hun?" My eyes flit down to a brunette woman who smiles sweetly up at me. "Uhm, ten," I say nervously. God, I probably looked dumb just now.

"That's right here!" She pats the seat next to her. My cheeks flush a bit as I excuse myself to get to the seat. I smile at the person next to me before getting comfortable. "Sorry about that, I completely forget the way numbers are arranged here," I chuckle nervously. "Oh don't worry about it, hun. Me and my husband come frequently and we still get lost." I look over at the older man who's smiling at me.

"Hi," I say softly. "Are you guys big hockey fans?" I question. The lady laughs. "My husband is, I only come to see one special guy," she says. "Chloe, I'm sure our son has converted you to a hockey fan over the years," her husband replies. Chloe shrugs, "It's too aggressive for me. It's not fun seeing your child get thrown into the plexiglass."