offsides | c. clark

fourteen.

2021
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa

"We are throwing Caitlin and Alex a joint surprise party," Kassidy says as she lays down on Kate's bed. The blonde looks up at her with furrowed brows, not really appreciating the way that Kassidy was just making herself at home...in Kate's home.

"I was about to take a shower..." Kate says.

"What? You can't multitask? Strip and talk," Kassidy says, and Kate looks at her concerned and Kassidy sighs flippantly, "Kate I swear whatever you're hiding under that practice jersey is not going to excite me."

"It's literally not about that! It is about privacy! And why are you in my room, you came to see Monika," Kate responds.

"Because we're Alex and Caitlin's respective best friends? Hello? Anyway, we're throwing them a joint surprise party. Alex has never had one before so please be prepared to party plan with me," Kassidy says.

"Yeah, sure whatever. Can you please get out of my room?"

"How are things with Claire-"

"Get out!" Kate exclaims.

Kassidy rolls her eyes as she stands and walks out of the room, hearing the door slam behind her. Kassidy sighs as she turns to see Gabbie, Lauren, Caitlin, and Alex sitting in the living room. Alex was eating a burrito which was halfway into her mouth as she stared at Kassidy.

"Lover's quarrel?" Caitlin teases.

"How about I let my foot have a lover's quarrel with your ass?" Kassidy asks.

Alex laughs, "That was funny."

Caitlin looks at Alex, "You're not going to defend me?"

"Oh sorry," Alex says as she sets her burrito down, "Kassidy noooo don't stick your foot up Caitlin's ass."

Lauren and Gabbie snort at the lack of effort and Caitlin takes Alex's burrito and takes a bite of it, causing Alex to gasp loudly as Caitlin eats it in front of her dramatically. Alex snatches one of Caitlin's tortilla chips and gives her a look as she eats it dramatically, causing Caitlin to smile at her and Alex smiles back.

"Ugh, you two disgust me. If I ever start acting like them, please shoot me."

Caitlin pretends to write that down, "Take Kassidy out back and shoot her. Got it."

Kassidy rolls her eyes, "What are you losers doing?"

Alex takes another bite of her burrito and jumps to her feet as she stands in front of the TV in the living room, "I have an idea that I wanted to share with you guys before taking it to real adults."

"Lay it on us, baby," Caitlin says.

"I bet you wish she was laying something else on you," Kassidy mutters. Caitlin gives her a look and Kassidy smirks to herself.

"So, what if we organized a charity tournament? Like, between student-athletes from all the teams here at Iowa."

Gabbie tilted her head. "A charity tournament?"

"Yeah," Alex nods, "We could make it, like, a competition where people pick their teams, you know, mix it up across sports. Basketball players, soccer players, even track or wrestling. We'll play little matches of basketball, soccer, flag football, volleyball. And... um, the winning team gets to donate to a charity of their choice. It could be fun, and it would help the community."

"That's a really cool idea," Caitlin says.

"Thank you," Alex smiles, "Can I get an opinion of someone who isn't Caitlin and doesn't feel obligated to agree with me?"