[THE WAYARKE SERIES, BOOK #1]
"Take it easy."
"It's never easy with you."
"Good."
୨୧
Ever since Austin Chanler was young, the NBA has been his dream. The one thing he's wanted for himself. Now a 19 year old sophomore, eligible for an academy one ste...
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AUSTIN
Memories from 2 days ago come flooding back, reminding me of both a smiling Akia in the rain and her shutting back down— back to Ms. Hateful.
I assumed we were past that stage, that she was done hating me for that day. It was a mistake. A rude, unforgettable mistake— one that she didn't even let me explain to her. Still, by the way she continues to stare at me— glaring is more of the word, it's clear that she's still not past it. This girl can really hold a grudge.
For me, the chaos 1 night ago was such a thrill. Speeding in Mrs. Moore's car, laughing, meeting Dean. It was the best night of my life. It was definitely the start of something, of all of us becoming friends. I thought that'd include Akia too.
My neck is still sore from the odd position it was in when I was pushed to the floor by my dad. Despite the pain, I force my head to tilt a little bit, trying to get a read on the angry girl a few feet away.
As always, I see myself in her. She thinks she hides herself well, but she uses the same techniques I used to— ones I've better improved.
When Hayden calls me over, I walk over to the table and catch sight of the waffle in her plate, barely touched. The smell is so strong— maple syrup, honey and fresh strawberries. Subtly, I take a seat next to her, talking my way into sliding closer to the food.
It's a lost cause continuing the conversation. Her responses are short and she looks unbothered. Instead of being sneaky about it, I quip off my last word and steal a piece of the waffle. I'm starving.
Chewing the waffle, I'm drawn back to my thoughts. Why was she so happy with holding my hand and running in the rain, but the next, she's practically ignoring me? I'm not scared of communication. As long as it's not about my personal issues, I'm fine with speaking up— setting things straight.
"So, about us in the rain—"
"It was a one time thing. We were both just lost in the moment. It didn't mean anything. Don't you think?"
"Yeah. So, friends?"
There's a pause, none of us speaking.
"Yeah. Friends." She replies, clearly hesitant.
I catch onto her lie as quick as it's spouted, my eyebrows pinching together in concentration. She doesn't fully trust me yet. I get it. With Hayden, he's— Hayden. Naturally nice, funny and a people person— attracting them like bees and honey. With me, it's different. We were already set on the wrong foot. She just needs to get to know me— to trust me.
When she gets up, sending the chair flying back, she's practically throwing my sister out of the door's of the diner. Hayden and I send each other a look— he shrugs his shoulders and I cluck my tongue on a tsk.
