DAYS WE DANCED

IX

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Time was passing faster than Ophelia wanted. She wanted to just live sometimes, but not always.

Fights with her parents became more frequent, daily. Her parents not supporting her was the worst of all. She felt like the black sheep in her own family. Her sister didn't really want to spend time with her, always finding excuses. And her brother yelled at her which resulted in a fight no parties apologized for. 

Her friends were no better. Miriam and Summer started to distance themselves from the group and Ivy's focus was on finding a boyfriend. No one acknowledged her.

She felt more alone than ever. Only spoke to Coach Gael and Mr Liang. She didn't feel much joy at all. Living every day almost the same.

The tournament was around the corner, just a few days away. She felt confident and her Coach became a good support system. Their relationship became stronger and much better, built on trust and good work.

Her grades also improved a lot. She wasn't failing any subject and her grades were actually good for a student-athlete. The teacher also seemed more than pleased she picked up the book and started studying.

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It all kind of started to fall apart when she bumped into the annoying boy from her trip. Ophelia was carrying a dozen of old books to the library and couldn't really see in front. She bumped into something.

"Ah, sorry." She said quickly trying to pick up all the books from the semi-wet floor.
"No biggie 'Phelia." Said the voice. She recognized that voice.
"Did you bump into me on purpose Demien?" She asked, her mood obviously shifting.
"I could never. Now let me help you." He took half the books from Ophelia. 

They walked together towards the library.

"So, you helping the librarian?" Demien started the small talk.
"Yeah, I am. I volunteer for small jobs around the school during my free period." Ophelia answered truthfully and in a normal tone.
"Ah, that's nice. I'm in the journaling club so I have no time for other activities." He continued.
"So do you help print the school magazine or do you write?" Ophelia asked.
"A bit of both. I like printing more, it's peaceful and takes all my problems away." He admitted.
"Cool. I'll read your next article." Ophelia said. 

Soon she realized who she was talking to. It was too late to back off now.

They arrived at the library soon after that. Leaving the books and parting ways.

Ophelia repeated the whole talk in her head countless times. It looked like a normal conversation. Then why was Demien so annoying on the trip? Was it because of Axel? Well, she caught Demien looking at Axel for some sort of instructions a couple of times. That meant that he was probably following his lead.

Only now she wondered why was Demien even outside of his classroom. Did he also have a free period? How come she never saw him before? So many questions circled in her brain. 

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For the whole day, the same thoughts occupied her mind. Only Demien was on her mind.

"You won't believe what just happened." Ivy said during lunchtime.

The girls started hanging out more often. Miriam and Summer still seemed to distance themselves but were doing their best.

"You forgot your homework again?" Summer suggested.
"No. I just bumped into Axel. The dude from our trip." Ivy answered after a couple of seconds.

 Summer and Miriam were aware of the two boys. 

"And? Did he kiss you?" Miriam asked jokingly.
"Oh hell nah. He talked to me. Seemed super interested."
 "Wait we are talking about Axel Nielson? He has a girlfriend. Gemma Serfino. They go to the same class." Summer said.
"Didn't you see her on the trip?" Miriam asked.
"We might have. I don't really remember. They were super annoying so I didn't pay much attention." Ophelia joined in at last.
"Wait, why would he be interested in me if he has a girlfriend." Ivy spoke.
"I'm not sure that they're a real thing. I just now rumors about them being all over each other."
"That sounds gross Summer." Miriam made a puking expression.
"It's true. They are a big talk in the rumor community."
"I'm pretty sure there's no such thing as a rumor community." Ophelia said to Summer who just srugged.

The conversation continued. The girls coming up with theories about Axel. Ophelia never mentioned her encounter with Demien, not wanting to be the center of attention.

The rest of the day went and ended. She forgot about Demien only to be reminded about him when she closed her eyes at night. She saw his perfect features. His hair and his light eyes reminded her of the sea. How his eyes lit up when he saw her or how his style in clothes hadn't changed since the trip. Oh, she was in some deep trouble.