Crossed Spells

Chapter 5: The Match (Part 1)

The long-awaited Friday finally arrived, bringing with it a wave of excitement that seemed to overwhelm all of Ravenswood. From dawn, the entire town seemed to vibrate with a special energy, as if preparing for a grand event. For Aria, who woke up long before her alarm went off, this day represented much more than just a football game.

Sitting on the edge of her bed, Aria stared at her open closet, her stomach knotted with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. What should she wear for her first American football game? And for the party that would follow? She had never had to worry about such things before, and this apparent normalcy made her both smile and tremble.

A light knock on her door pulled her from her thoughts. "Aria? Are you awake?" Elena's voice was soft, almost hesitant.

"Yes, mom. You can come in," Aria replied, turning towards the door.

Elena entered, already dressed for her workday. Her gaze softened upon seeing her daughter's troubled expression. "Nervous about the big day?" she asked gently.

Aria nodded, unable to put into words the whirlwind of emotions that inhabited her. Elena sat down next to her, putting a comforting arm around her shoulders.

"It's normal to be nervous, sweetie," Elena said. "It's a new experience for you. But don't forget..."

"To be careful, I know," Aria finished with a small smile. It had almost become a mantra between them.

Elena hugged her daughter slightly. "I know it's not easy, Aria. I want you to enjoy this evening, to have fun with your friends. But..."

"But I must remain vigilant," Aria completed. "Don't worry, mom. I'll be careful."

Elena looked at her daughter for a long moment, as if trying to engrave her image in her memory. "You've grown so much," she murmured, a hint of melancholy in her voice. "Sometimes, I wish I could give you a normal life, without all these worries."

Aria felt her heart tighten. "It's not your fault, mom. We're doing our best with what we have."

They stayed like this for a moment, sharing this moment of silent complicity. Finally, Elena stood up, glancing at her watch. "I have to go. Are you sure you'll be okay?"

Aria nodded, forcing herself to smile confidently. "I'll be fine, promise. I'll call you if I have any problems."

After a last hug and some additional recommendations, Elena left, leaving Aria alone facing her closet and the day ahead.

The journey to high school was a whirlwind of thoughts for Aria. She thought back to the past week, to the brief moments when she had crossed paths with Lucas in the hallways. They had only exchanged a few quick glances and smiles, each too busy with their own obligations to really interact. Lucas had been caught up in intense training, preparing the team for the big game. As for Aria, she had immersed herself in her studies, using schoolwork as a welcome distraction from the growing anticipation of this evening.

Arriving at Ravenswood High, Aria was immediately struck by the electric atmosphere that reigned. The hallways were an ocean of blue and silver, the school colors. Encouraging banners hung from lockers, and everywhere she looked, she saw excited faces and anticipatory smiles.

"Aria!" Ivy's joyful voice pierced through the ambient hubbub. Aria turned to see her friend making her way towards her, proudly sporting a Ravenswood football team jersey. "Are you ready for the most exciting day of the year?"

Aria couldn't help but smile at Ivy's contagious enthusiasm. "I think so," she replied, trying to infuse more confidence into her voice than she actually felt.