Hope

Chapter 16

»

"Anderson, travel!" Aaron points out for the fifth time, I let out a frustrated groan and lay on the court.

"I can't be Jace replacement, I can't." I sigh, feeling the pressure.

"It's gonna be fine, Xandra. You just need to relax." Cameron says, putting my towel over my face.

"I am so tired." I then sit up, "let's go get dinner then. It's getting late, you will be fine for Friday's match, no worries." Realm assures.

"What do you guys want to eat?" Aaron ask. I pick up my bag and stuff my things into it and zip it quickly.

"Nuggets!" I shout and look at the sun which is setting behind a house.

"Typical Anderson, still loving the sunsets?"

I step back and look at the guy with shock, "who are you?" Aaron pulls me behind.

"Eden Powell, Alexandra's ex-boyfriend."

"Okay.. What do you want?" Cameron questions.

"I am just here to visit my dear ex-girlfriend." Eden kept a devious smile on his face.

"She's living life well without you." Aaron says and drag me away.

»

"Eden Powell is the school bad boy." I say, hiding my face behind the menu.

"You dumped him because of Jace? Well done, Anderson." Realm claps sarcastically.

"Actually, something was going on. It wasn't going well between us." I say in a low tone.

"What? He's seeing another girl?" Aaron raise a brow at me. "No. It was an on-off relationship, he hits me." I frown at him.

"Then why did you stay?" Cameron looks at me with concern.

"Because I couldn't leave."

»

"Hey, sorry I am a little late today. Erm.. There's a new book you need to read for literature, you have to take biology and a math test when you come back. And you have to write three poems about love."  I say to Jace, and took out a few books from my bag.

"And this is my notes for you to study biology and math." I added, taking out my own notes.

"You don't need to give me your notes," Jace says.

"It's fine, we already took the test. So good luck to you. I can't stay long tonight, I will see you tomorrow okay-"

"Hey, Anderson!" Jace cuts me off, "don't stress so much over Friday's match. You will do fine, I have faith in you."

"Pfft." I start laughing at what he said, "I am not stressed over that, Collins."

Jace smirks, "put out your hand." He says, pulling out one of his bracelet from his wrist.

It's the bracelet he always wear when he's in matches, he says it's very lucky.

He puts the thin light blue bracelet through my hand and tie it tighter.

"Good luck for the game," we give each other a normal-friend hug.

"I will see you Thursday night okay? I have something on tomorrow night," I say to him as I take my leave.

"You don't have to visit everyday, Anderson."

"I am your best friend, you can't rid of me." I stated and shut the door.

»

I sit in the living room with my brothers, watching reruns of paranormal activity. No matter how many times we watch it, Max still gets scared at the same part of the movie.

The house phone starts ringing, Shane went over to go get it.

"Xandra, it's for you!" Shane shouts.

I got up and went over to him, "you know the man from University of Florida? He's on the phone."

My eyes widen at what he said and grab the phone from him.

"Hello? This is Blake Alexandra Anderson." I say nervously.

"Hi, Blake. I remember you were really good on track a last year, but I noted that you had transferred school and you're now taking basketball. I from University of Florida, will coming down Friday night as I was informed by your coach."

My mouth hung open, not knowing what to say. I grab Shane's shirt, "uhhh.. Erm, I am actually still interested in track-- my interests are everywhere." I blurted out nervously and quickly put the phone to loud speaker.

"Yes, I have noticed, Blake. But we will be taking note of you and your teammates. On Friday night, I will be coming down with Ohio State University and University of Michigan. I wish you nothing but luck on Friday night."

"Okay, thanks Mr Florida!" I end the call quickly and pass it to Shane.

"Oh crisps, I am doomed!" I groan aloud.

"Blake... You just called the guy, Mr Florida..." Alex points out.

"Oh shit, did I?" I put my hand over my mouth in shock, "Blake, you're gonna be fine. You have three universities down there, chances are you can get into any three! We will be there for you." Shane assures.

"Tomorrow night, our relatives are coming over ok? We need the place spick and span, Alex and Alex go and buy groceries for tomorrow's dinner." Shane orders.

"Why are they coming?" Alex grumbles and took his car keys.

"Be safe ok? It's slippery and dark on the roads." Shane told us and went into the kitchen.

"Max, do you want anything?" I ask, picking up my phone.

"I want some sweets and get me a card, I want to give it to Jace!"

»

Alex push the trolley as we go through the snacks section first.

"You know what we should get, this hello kitty crackers..."

His voice faded in the background, and I stood frozen, looking at Eden.

Crisps, what do I need to do?

"Alex!" I turn around to look at him, "I got Nutella." I threw it to him.

And I turn back around, there wasn't anyone in sight.

Crisps.