In the shadows, under the bleachers

Chapter 15

Sunshine: Meet me at THE spot

I saw Will's text halfway through his practice. Mark hadn't shown up to school of the entire day so I hadn't seen him since this morning with Mom.

Me: Are you seriously going to refer to it as THE spot?

Sunshine: What do you want to refer to it as then?

Me: I don't know, our spot? Under the bleachers? Have you seen Mark or talked to him at all today.?

Sunshine: Our spot? I like the sound of that

I could tell he was smiling as he typed the text.

Sunshine: Well he asked me for a favor

Of course he did.

Me: What did he ask you?

Sunshine: He asked me to watch you for a few weeks

Me: You mean like you did over the weekend?

Sunshine: Yeah, it sucks I know

I sighed, feeling somewhat angry at Mark and my Mom. Why didn't he tell me? Why won't he give me a reason? And if that wasn't enough he keeps pawning me off to his best friend. Not that I mind but it's about the principle.

For the next two hours I watched Will effortlessly get to the other sides end zone running past everyone else. I suddenly stood up and made my way off and under the bleachers.

Mark: Hey Aiden

A sudden wave anger came over me as I stared at the message. Everything he did came rushing to mind as I typed and deleted possible replies. Finally I decided a dry simple text would do.

Me: Yeah?

Mark: I'm sorry

I sighed, we're not doing this over text.

Me: It's whatever

I saw another message but ignored it. I sighed pinching the bridge of my nose.

"What's wrong?" Will asked from behind me, his bag was over his shoulder.

I shook my head and started fidgeting with my ring, "It's nothing just me being upset over stupid stuff. Nothing worth mentioning."

"So I can't know the stupid stuff you're upset over?" He asked.

I hesitated, "I don't want to bother you, it's my stuff to worry about after all."

"Do you really think that you could ever-"

"Hey you two." It was Mark standing over by Will's car waving us over. As if I were on autopilot I took a step back staring at Mark. Suddenly my legs felt like jello.

What's wrong with me? Didn't I want to talk to him?

"Reckless artist?" Will whispered, I was still staring at Mark, "hey it's okay." I felt his hand rub my shoulder

I turned, "I know," I turned back to Mark who was watching the two of us suspiciously, "I'm okay, come one let's go." I forced my jello legs to move toward the car.

"Hey Mark." I said before closing the passenger side door. I waited for five minutes before Will opened the door.

"Just let it go Mark. It is what it is." Was the last thing I heard Will say before he closed the door and started the car.