RED CARDS FROM THE OFFENSIVE

My name is Syra Antoinette Beauchesne. I'm 17 and a freshman at South Park University, Massachusetts. I have an elder brother, Jasper Theodore Beauchesne, a senior in the same school. And he's my total opposite. He's one of the jocks, girls flock around him, waves at people everywhere he goes, everyone in school gets awestruck upon hearing his name. But me? I am nobody. One of the geeks, the usual shy type. I prefer to be alone and read books. Music is what keeps me company. But suddenly, the world seemed to turn my own bubble upside down in just a short span of time. Welcome to my wonderland.

It all started one December morning when I was on my way to school. I usually go with my brother to school because our classes start at the same time and he's got a car. He's 21, alright. But that day I was walking alone because Ted. (a name he hates, but only I am allowed to call him that.) went to school early for his soccer practice. I was happily listening to Avicii on my iPod when.. BEEP! BEEP! I was startled by the honking. I looked around and saw a silver Camaro pulling up to where I was. The window to the passenger seat lowered and I saw him. My Prince Charming, Paolo Javy Steinhoff. One of Ted's teammates, also a campus heartthrob.  

"Hey Syra! You and Jasper not getting along? How unusual not to see you ride with him to school.", he said.  

"It's because.. Um, he went ahead to practice.", I blurted out in a rush, overwhelmed by the feeling that PJ was really, REALLY talking to me.  

"I see.", he replied, "why don't you join me instead then? It's a long way to school.".  

"Five blocks is not a long way, PJ.", I said annoyed at the thought that most jocks find a block or two too far to walk. 

"Yes it is. Why don't you just hop in? Besides, you're gonna be late for class if you walk at that rate.", he said smirking. 

I rolled my eyes, but decided to get in the car and ride with him to school. Though five blocks is not that far, he had a point that I would be late for class. As he started the engine back to life, Avicii came up on the stereo. I was silently rocking back and forth on the passenger's seat to the tune of my favorite DJ. 

"You like the song?", PJ asked. 

"Yeah. Avicii's one of my top favorites.", I said absentmindedly, continuing my little dance in place. 

"Cool!", he said as he turned the volume up and smiled.

We continued the drive and as if it was on cue, the song ended the moment we reached the gates of the university. Nearing the parking lot on one side of the field, I saw girls giggling at the sight of PJ's car. He parked beside Ted and turned his stereo off. 

"So here we are. You goin' to your class right?", he said. 

I was too flushed to answer. Instead, I was just staring at him, speechless, unable to comprehend what he was saying. 

"Hey Sy, you okay?", he waved a hand in front of my face and I came back to my senses. 

"What? Me? I.. Umm.. Yes, I'm good. Thanks for the ride! Say hello to Ted for me.", I gathered my things and hurriedly scrambled out of his car. "How very clumsy, Syra.", I scolded myself when I dropped my things upon closing the car door. 

I straightened and was about to start for my classroom when I saw all the other girls staring at me, astonishment painting their faces. I suppose they were shocked at the sight of Paolo Javy Steinhoff, quarterback of the SPU Vixens on a ride with Syra Antoinette Beauchesne, sister of the Vixen's team captain, Jasper Theodore Beauchesne, and.. What? Nothing. I'm just my brother's sister and his total opposite. A nobody.

I kept my head down while crossing the halls to reach my room, aware of the whispers about what the student body have witnessed earlier. As I reached the room, my bestfriend Georgette Jean Kettner, or Gee as I call her, waved and rushed to my side excitedly.