Never I Thought

Chapter 20 - It's Always Unexpected

As the game ended, crowds started to make their way towards the parking lot. Mabel and I walked down to the locker rooms where Kei was waiting in the hallway, leaning against the wall and looking up at the ceiling.

"You played good," Mabel said, seeing the disappointment in his face.

"Thanks," he responded flatly.

We started to make our way to the parking lot, in silence, until Mabel's phone began beeping and she told us she'd be right back.

"Are you okay?" I asked once we were alone.

Kei sighed, "I'm not gonna lie, I did feel like a headless chicken on the field running back and forth but, hey, I kept up well for my first game."

I found myself taking his hand and squeezing it, "you ran beautifully for a headless chicken. I know as soon as you get that opportunity you'll be the best player on the team, it's only a matter of time."

He smiled and it looked genuine and real, causing my heart to swell happily knowing I had made him feel a little better. Then, he stopped walked and reached out for my other hand, his fingers were warm and the skin slightly calloused. I watched his eyes intensely, unable to look anywhere else as it was suddenly just the two of us.

"Thanks, Alyssa, that means a lot," he stuttered and looked down at the ground, "actually... you mean a lot—" 

He dropped my hands quickly and the magic of the moment was gone. I heard Mabel's voice behind me and understood why he did it. Neither of us wanted to tell her about this small crush we were experiencing because we were worried how she'd react.

"So sorry guys! Some university rang about I question I emailed and, you know, boring stuff," Mabel was saying and we both nodded in understanding but I wasn't sure if either of us really cared.

Kei opened the door to Mabel's mum's car and looked back at me, "I'll see you at school, Alyssa. Thanks for... well, thank you."

I smiled slightly and he closed the door. Mabel hadn't yet gotten into the car, hadn't even opened the door despite her hand resting on the handle. She handed me a sheepish smile.

"Thanks for forcing me to go tonight. I actually had fun."

"So what uni calls this late at night, May?"

She gave me a devilish grin, "I didn't want to say it in front of Kei but it was Matt. He wanted to hang out after the game."

"Oh my gosh! Are you going to?" I tried to whisper squeal.

"As if! Mum would never let me go and if she did I might have to bring Kei with me, ugh, no way I'm doing that!"

I looked at Mabel's eyes, how they went from an excited light to now a dull, giving-up look. The two were so close to really being together that I knew I had to do something. So I found myself walking over to the car and knocking on the window. Mabel's mother rolled the window down.

"Evening, Alyssa, do you need a ride home?" She smiled.

"Actually... Penny and I were going to meet back at my house for a sleepover. Would Mabel be able to join us?"

She thought about it for a moment, "I suppose we have nothing on tomorrow. Does she need anything from home?"

I shook my head, "I have spare clothes. Thank you so much, Mrs Asano."

Mabel watched me with a smile trying to resist.

"Ta-da, now you can go," I wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

We watched her mum reverse and drive off. As soon as she was out of sight Mabel squealed.

"You're the absolute best!"