[Anglais] À travers ma fenêtre

23

Soccer: the most popular sport in the world and one of my favorites. I don't know when I developed a passion for watching the games. Maybe it started the day I saw Ares playing in his backyard, or maybe it was when Dani's mom took us to see Dean play in his first game. In any case, I enjoy it, and I didn't hesitate when Dani asked if I wanted to go with her, Carlos, and Yoshi to another of Dean's games to support him. With all my being, I try to forget that Ares is also on the team, and that means I'll see him for the first time since that terrible morning.

I won't deny that it's been a difficult few days, especially at night when I close my eyes. I can't help replaying everything over and over again, as if trying to find the moment or the reason why everything ended up like this. There were even times when I took some of the blame. He warned me. He was very clear about what he wanted, but I still gave myself to him not only once but twice. I've found myself staring at the window sometimes, not daring to look out and peek at his house. It's painful to remember him climbing up the ladder, his smirk, his eyes, all of him there with me in my room.

I shake my head to clear these thoughts. I came here to have fun and enjoy my favorite sport with my friends. Although, if I'm being honest, I know that my racing heartbeat and sweaty hands are not due to the game.

Why does it make me so nervous to know I'm going to see him?

I try to reassure myself that he'll be far away, and he won't even see me or notice me among the people in the stands. I try to calm down as we walk into the field and look for a place to sit. Dani had trouble finding a spot in the parking lot and, as I predicted, the place is full. We see a space in the second row of seats with a good view of the field, so we hurry over. Apolo joins us-he's been hanging out with us at school lately.

Dani sits down first, then Apolo, Carlos, Yoshi, and me. I don't like to be so far away from Dani, but I don't want Yoshi to think that I don't want to sit next to him. There's only a bit of daylight left, the sun is almost gone, and the sky turns gray as it welcomes the darkness of the night. The big field lights turn on, illuminating the freshly mowed grass.

My eyes dance around the players, stretching and practicing with a soccer ball. Our team's uniform is black with red stripes and red numbers, while the other team's is all white.

Number five. Where are you, Greek God?

As if he wanted to answer me, Ares appears, walking with his characteristic confidence. My heart flutters in my chest as if to chase after him. His uniform shorts are perfectly tailored to his defined legs and his shirt fits tightly, exposing his muscular arms. He's wearing some sort of superthin red elastic headband to keep his black hair away from his forehead. And on his left arm he's wearing the captain's armband.

My God, why do you make it so hard for me? Why do you get hotter every day? I'm confused enough as it is.

Ares greets another player, who I can only see from behind, but he seems very familiar. They talk, and Ares's expression grows serious, as if he's deciding something important. The unknown player turns slightly-it's Marco. How did I forget that he also plays on this team?

I make a face remembering the dance I did for Marco. God, how embarrassing. But, well, Marco doesn't look bad at all in that uniform. My eyes go down to his ass, and oh-nice.

Raquel, for God's sake!

I mentally slap myself. Having sex has definitely unleashed my wild side. Ares laughs and shakes his head at something Marco says, and I stop breathing. He looks so cute when he laughs.

"Raquel?" Yoshi brings me back to reality.

"Yes?" I look at him, and Yoshi's eyes are narrowed.

"Enjoying the view?"