Lottie and the Boys

Stop turning me into a Buffoon

I felt odd when I awoke the next morning.

Like I wasn't the same person I was yesterday morning.

I felt different.

The feeling didn't go away when I rolled out of bed at 7:45 and pulled on a pretty mahogany colored sweater dress. Nor did it go away when I brushed my teeth or my hair.

It wasn't until I was in the car on the way to church that I remembered what had happened the day prior:

the game. Erek. Aaron.

My heart fluttered at the thought of Erek, even though I didn't really want it too. There was still something off about him. I still hadn't let go of the idea that he'd stolen my jersey, nor could I get the idea that he's just a f'boy out of my mind.

And then there was Aaron, who I really didn't have feelings for at all, but I worried that we didn't share those same thoughts.

After church I had breakfast and then just laid in bed for a bit, checking my instagram.

Hey. This is Aaron.

A message popped upon my screen. I sighed and bit my lip.

Hey

I replied simply.

What's up?

I groaned, anticipating a boring conversation. I decided to give him a chance though, and told him I wasn't doing anything.

Cool

I threw my phone to the side in frustration. "Cool." He might as well have said "k." When I didn't reply after a few minutes, another message lit up my phone.

You were really good yesterday.

I typed a quick and polite reply.

Thanks, you too, which I followed up with

I have to go do dishes, later

I went downstairs into the kitchen where my mom was washing plates. Wanting to not have lied completely, I offered to help her, which she gladly accepted. We made small talk, but I was sure she could tell my mind was elsewhere.

And my elsewhere I mean Erek.

Why can't he just get out of my head? He was nice to me yesterday, and I couldn't stop grinning like a buffoon. He shouldn't be having this effect on me. I should think of other things like . . .

Gabe.

I mentally slapped myself. I'm replacing my thoughts about a boy with thoughts of another boy.

Gabe and Erek didn't seem similar at all. I mean, sure, both play soccer, and they're both nice to me (I guess). Gabe's a two years older than me, he's a team player, he's nice to everyone, and his laugh sounds like heaven.

And then there's Erek, the baddy, with his perfect hair and his flirty smile. He's nice to me. But he's not nice to the others, which is important to take into consideration.

After I finished the dishes, I went back to my room and wasn't at all suprised to see a message from Aaron.

K l8r

I ran my fingers through my hair, trying to figure out whether I should text him back or not. After contemplating I realized I had nothing to do so I shot him a short, "I'm back," and checked facebook while I waited for a response.

Hi :)

it took him about twelve seconds to reply.

It's literally a 4 letter/symbol word. Stop overthinking it.

We began talking about random things, and suddenly he brought up one of the guys from my team.

Have you seen Joshua's insta xD

I raised my eye brows. Joshua was a newbie soccer player. I'd followed him a day ago. He posted a lot of random pictures and cartoons.

Yeah, why?

I replied.

IT'S SO WEIRD!!

I did a double-take. It's literally none of his business what anyone posts. They can do whatever the hell they want, and they shouldn't be judged for it. Who does Aaron think he is?

He's being himself, and I respect that

He responded a second later with, "tru," and with that, I gave up and decided to go for a jog.

---

The rest of the day went pretty casually. I watched netflix, ate things, read books, and so on. I'd gotten a text from Aaron but I hadn't responded so that died down. I'll respond eventually to be polite, but right now I'd rather just focus on me.

It was about five p.m, and I hadn't eaten since my afternoon snack.

"What's for dinner?!" I called out to my mother.

"We're going out!" she responded a minute later.

I realized I'd have to change out of the comfy clothes I'd put on after church, so I headed to my room. I threw on a pair of black leggings and a green t-shirt that was tight and was cut to the top of my leggings. I paired the outfit with black converse and a cap, and I was ready to go.

---

"She always talks to me in German," my brother was saying while he munched on a fry he'd picked up from his plate.

We were talking about the game yesterday and how it was for us being siblings.

"That's so people know we're related," I pointed out, taking a bite of my steak.

"Why?" my father chimed in.

"Because it makes me proud," I stated without thinking. I blushed nervously as Michael gave me a hug and my parents exchanged smiles.

"Anyone would be proud to know me," Michael said, causing me to stick my tongue out at him.

We're both in high school, I promise.

"How are the kids treating you?" my mother asked curiously.

I shrugged, "as well as you could expect. I mean, even Erek's nice now," I shared.

My parents knew about my whole jersey thief theory, and though they warned me not to jump to conclusions I knew they were wary of him as well. My family was incredibly supportive and protective of me, which I was happy for. Everyone wants a family like that, right?

While conversations continued flourishing my mind was brought back to my feelings toward Erek. Did I still think he stole my jersey?

The shirt was taken, and that was between my other clothing items, so there's no way it was taken by accident. Maybe I should start taking other people into considerations. Maybe I really shouldn't be jumping to conclusions so quickly.

---

We got home at about seven, and I then spent the next two hours doing my homework. Though nine is early for a teenager, I deeply felt the importance of sleep and decided it was time for slumber. I brushed my teeth, combed my hair, cleaned my face, and jumped under my covers.

I closed my eyes, hoping to dream about Erek-- but my mind was confused, and wrestled between the images of four different boys.