The Gray Zone

CHAPTER 25

/Alexi's POV/

From the parking lot, Levi, Mom and I went straight to the football field behind the Highschool. Like every day, it was sunny and hot and other people were also on their way to the rostrums. 

"I'm so excited that we're finally doing something with our neighbors!" Mom declared and walked to the booth to buy three tickets. "Let's find seats together, but you can go to you friends after a bit." 

"Mom do we have to sit next to you?" My brother said half jokingly. Since he came home this afternoon he seemed a bit lost in thought. But so was I, still smiling the whole time. 

"Of course, I want to spend some time with my kids! You're both growing up so fast. Let's go now, the game starts in a few minutes." So we made our way up the stairs and found three seats in the middle. 

While Levi was still getting some snacks I scanned the crowd. 

"For whom are you looking?" Mom asked. God, why did she have to be so noisy? 

"Just checking for my friends." I mumbled. Then she began some chit chat and soon the football match started. The Newbury Panthers played against the Pacifica Tritons from Oxnard and everybody was cheering and clapping and enjoying themselves. Personally, I had never any interest in football so most of the time I scanned the crowd and after the first Quarter excused me because I had spotted Madison.

"Hey there!" She greeted me and we hugged. Then I saw our usual squad behind her and waved at them. "Why are you sitting with your family? You should join us." My friend invited me and I leaned forward to answer her. 

"My mom wants to spend time with us, but I think I can go soon. But Jesse had said he'll pick me up and then I can hang out with his friends. I'm sure he wouldn't mind if you came with me." 

"No way!" Madison exclaimed "Okay, okay just give me a signal and I'll come with you! Do you think Zach will be there?" 

"Of course." I smiled and said good bye to return to my seat again.

When I sat there, it was one of these rare moments when everything isn't terrible and exhausting. The smells of the food trucks behind the rostrums weren't as greasy as normally, the people chanting didn't annoy me and the loud music wasn't that terrible. Somehow, everything seemed to fit perfectly. I felt very odd until the half time. All I knew was that the other team was leading with like three points but I didn't concentrate much on the game. 

As soon as the recess began, my Mom went to the toilets. Levi and I were left alone and I turned to him. He was smiling at his phone. "Had a good night, yesterday?" 

"Reaaally good." He smiled without looking up. I wanted to ask the next question when I saw Jesse walking towards us and as he passed Levi, I instantly smiled and got up. 

"What's up, Alex?" The boy greeted me and his hands went around my waist. 

"Well depends – am I allowed to kiss you right now or not?" 

He smiled and said "Request accepted." Before I pulled him down to brush against his lips slightly before baking up. "Hey" Jesse groaned "I want more, please." 

"Later, but now I'd really like to get away from here. Then you'll get more, Babe." 

"Alright, I'll wait for you next to the restrooms, ok?" He informed me.

"Great, can I bring Madison with me? I have sorta promised it to her..." 

"No problem." Jesse grinned and walked away again.