Invisible String (w|w high school romance)

The First Date

Riley POV:

We were now a couple weeks into soccer season. So far our team was undefeated, and so were the boys. With our record I had been attracting the attention of more college scouts. I now had full ride offers from both Penn State and Uconn, on top of the 4 offers I already had coming out of my junior season. Still, I hadn't heard anything from the one school I've always dreamed of going to.

I tried not to worry. There was still so much time left in the season, but there was one thing I couldn't get out of my mind. In soccer, the biggest thing that I've always struggled with is my height. Growing up, I have been doubted by every coach that I've ever tried out for simply because of my size. They thought that because of my height, I could never be good enough. I know that it isn't true but sometimes I can't help but think that maybe they're right.

Could that be why Notre Dame hasn't reached out to me yet?

I closed my eyes and rubbed my face as I forced those thoughts out of my mind. When the bell rang, I grabbed my bag and practically sprinted out of english. Today was Friday and we didn't have another game until next week so coach gave us the day off from practice. When I got to my car I opened the passenger side door and threw my backpack onto the seat. I looked up to see Harper walking out of the building towards her car. I opened my glove box and grabbed the two tickets for one of Kayla's college soccer games and stuffed them into my pocket before closing the car door and jogging off towards Harper's car.

When she saw me approach, she smiled and rolled down her window. "Hey Riley what's up?" she said. I leaned on her car door with my arms crossed over her open window. I Bit my tongue as I smiled nervously. 

"What would you say if I asked you out on a date?" I said. Harper looked at me with an unreadable expression on her face. I nervously tugged at the collar of my shirt. Right when I was about to stammer a "never mind" and walk away Harper finally spoke. "Of course I'll go on a date with you." she said.

I smiled broadly and she matched my smile. I dug through my pocket quickly and held up the two soccer game tickets. "I was thinking we could go to Kayla's soccer game next weekend and then go out for dinner afterwards." I said. Harper's smile grew impossibly wider. "That sounds perfect." she said.

"Alright. I'll pick you up around 4:00." I said. I leaned through the open window and gave her a quick kiss. She smiled, her eyes shinning with joy. I said goodbye before leaving to head back to my car. I couldn't wait for our date next week.

________________________________________________________________________________

Harper POV:

The night before our date I could hardly sleep. My excitement kept me up all night. The second the sun rose on Saturday morning I was jumping out of bed. There were still hours before I even had to think about getting ready for the date but I was too excited to sit still.

I practically skipped down the stairs to find my dad brewing a pot of coffee in the kitchen. He turned when he heard me coming down the stairs and offered me a warm smile. "Good morning Harper. Would you like a cup of coffee?" he asked. 

"I'd love one. Thanks Dad." I said. He handed me a mug of coffee and the bottle of cream. As I stirred some cream into my coffee he asked "What's got you looking so cheery this morning?" he asked.

I looked down at my mug with a smile. "Nothing. Just plans with Riley later." I said.

"Oh? Who's this Riley kid. I haven't met him have I?" he asked.

"She's not a boy. It's Riley from my soccer team." I responded.

"What's her last name?" he asked. His smile from earlier gone. His mood has completely changed.