𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥

13

TUESDAY

I should probably feel some kind of guilt when Madeline hands me her copy of The Bell Jar because I don't actually need it. Now, does that make me seem pathetic that I told her I need the book for my English class when I really don't? Probably. Do I care? No. I head off to Maths, smiling to myself like a goddamn idiot receiving a strange look from Josh when I sit at my desk.

"You look like you just won the lottery." He says.
Feels like it too. His face twists into something weird like confusion and then a second later profound revelation. "Quinn Foster, you've found a girl!"

He says it enough that a few heads swivel round to my direction.

"Could you speak any louder?"

"You haven't denied it. Man, I didn't think I'd see the day." He grins, settling his hands in front of him. "So. Who is she?"

"No one."

"Ohhh, is it a guy? Cause' you know I'm cool with that dude." It takes me a second to realise he's being completely serious.

"No it's not a guy." I drag a exasperated hand down my face. "It's no one."

He huffs and narrows his eyes suspiciously, "Okay don't tell me, I'll figure it out eventually."

-

"I want you all ready for Saturday's game because I'm not planning to lose. I want you all back here on Thursday and rest on Friday, no going out to clubs or whatever it is you kids do nowadays!" Coach yells. "Go get changed, you all did good today."

I grab my water from the bench and down half of it while walking back to the locker room. I grab my duffel out the locker and take a shower to wash off the sweat and dirt from practice and change into my spare clothes after, folding my gym clothes and school uniform in my bag. I head over to the exit where Henry's waiting, twirling his car keys around his finger.

"You take ages." He complains as we walk to his car. Henry started rugby way before me and he's going to Edinburgh University next fall. He was the one that talked coach into recruiting me for the team even though I was a lanky kid with no physical training. He insisted I had the 'spark' and helped me train each week. Now he was the one who drove me home after practices. He reverses out the school gates and we talk about the game on Saturday on the way to my house.

And as I expected the dreaded topic comes up, "Isn't that university scout from Glasgow university coming to check you out?"

I knew it was coming but it still made my breath hitch. I was excited because if they like me and the way I play, I could go to my dream university. But there's a constant loop in my mind of what if they don't?

"Yeah, yeah." I say, he looks over at me as if expecting me to say more.

He raises an inquisitive question, "That's it?"

"I'm just worried I guess. What if I mess up and they don't want me?" This was the first time I'd voiced my concerns about this but I know he'd understand considering he went through the same thing a few months ago.

"I was nervous too. Threw up twice before the game."

"Oh god, you just added to my list of things that could go wrong." I groan, running a hand through my still damp hair.

He laughs and shakes his head, "You'll be fine. When I first saw you on the field, tackling around a rugby ball I knew you had the spark. And they'll see it too." He pulls the crutch back as he stops outside my house and looks at me with a reassuring smile.

"I hope so. Thanks for the ride, Hen." I give him a small smile back and get out the car, throwing my duffel bag over my shoulder while I rummage for my keys.

"Hi, marls." I laugh as he launches at me the second I enter the door. For a small pup he has a lot of strength.

"Hey, hon. Practice okay?" My mom asks, appearing in the hall.

"Yeah. Got another on Thursday to prepare for Saturdays game."

"Okay. Make sure you get enough rest this week. Your dinners on the side, it should be warm still." She says and presses a kiss to the side of my head.

"Thanks mom." I grab the plate from the kitchen and go to my bedroom. I shut the door behind me and sit on the window seat. I try to block out my thoughts while I eat and start reading the book Madeline lent me. I'd talk to Lance on Friday in our session and everything would be fine.

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