The Army, The Player, and I

Extracurriculars

I held soccer practice after Gavin's for the next couple of days. The Varsity teams always practice at the same time but I managed to convince the coach that having it at night would be much more beneficial. Kerr knew that I was avoiding Gavin by the constant disapproval stares I get but she knows better than to question me. Ugh, Kerr is constantly with Gavin the idiot now so I've had to result in more-extracurricular activities-as they say...

"Maybe we should talk-?" James said.

"Shut up." I pushed him back on the bed, kissing him roughly. I yanked my shirt and shorts off leaving me in my matching hot pink set. James looked at me carefully then took off his clothes too...

I was lying in bed with James after it was over. He played with a strand of my hair.

"Lex I have to ask you something." He said. I rolled over to look at him, arching an eyebrow.

"Well, we've been friends pretty much our whole lives. And we've been doing this benefits thing for a while now too. I was wondering if it's too much, well, for you to be my girlfriend?" My jaw really wanted to drop open but I couldn't be rude to him.

"James, you know I don't do committed relationships."

"What if we weren't in one? We just date. You can see other people and I can see other people." I thought about it for a little while before answering.

"Fine. But this can get called off at anytime, agreed?"

"Agreed." I smiled and pecked his lips.

"Another round?" I asked.

"Hell yeah."

*James POV*
I walked onto the soccer pitch hand in hand with Alexa. To be honest, I really liked Alexa but I knew her rules and what she wanted. I respected that. As long as I can do this stuff in public then I'm fine with it.

"Yo Williams! Ditch the side ho and hurry up!" I heard a voice yell at me. Gavin Lahar was standing close to us, arms folded, looking disapproving not at me but at Alexa. I looked down and she was narrowing her eyes at him. She turned and kissed me hard.

"See you later baby." She said, nipping my bottom lip as she pulled away. She looked once more at Gavin who just looked pissed now before walking to the other half of the field. I made my way over and started to lace up my cleats.

"You and Alexa huh?" Matt Coleman asked.

"Yeah, well it was bound to happen." I said knowing Gavin was eavesdropping.

"She's a great catch. How long are you gonna hold on to that?" Matt was extremely curious.

"I don't know. However long it takes."

"Williams! Coleman! Let's go, five laps around the field for excess talking and for dawdling." Gavin said sarcastically. I smirked at him, getting up and gladly running those laps.

*Alexa*
My eyes followed James as he ran around the field. The Riverhawks had a game today and I was one of the few in the stands. Since I came with James, I was early. I had worn his away jersey to show my support, even though the green is hideous. I may be supporting but that doesn't mean I won't have school spirit. The Riverhawks were tied 2-2 and for some reason, Gavin and James refused to play together. As many open opportunities Gavin has had, James refused to pass him the ball and vice versa. I don't know what's going on between them.

I scanned the crowd briefly, skimming over some people before my eyes landed on this middle aged man wearing an Army uniform. I suddenly thought back to Gavin's letter. I stood up and walked down over to him.

"Hi." I said. He turned and faced me.

"Hello." He responded.

"I'm Alexa, I'm guessing you are here for Gavin Lahar?"

"Yes. I'm Luke it's nice to meet you."

"Same." He turned back to the game.

"Your friend is really good. Just the person we need." Luke said, smiling down at me.

"If you don't mind me asking, how did Gavin get interested in the military?"

"Well, he came by my office several months ago, interested in our programs. It turns out that I date his sister."

"Oh Rebecca?" I asked remembering the older Lahar.

"No, Charlotte."

"I wasn't aware Gavin had another sister." I frowned.

"Yes she isn't around here much, she works in the Army, but she's overseas." I nodded. That makes sense. I watched when the crowds got louder, Gavin running down the field and making his shot. I even clapped for him.

"Gavin's a special kid. You can tell he's been through a lot, and the fact that he wants to do this, well, it's just makes him very special." Unconsciously I found myself shaking my head in agreement. The whistle blew singling the game was over.

"Yeah, he is special." I mumbled. James jogged over to me.

"Hey! Good game!" I said.

"Thanks!" He grinned and kissed me. When we pulled away, my eyes immediately found Gavin's, as his easy smile slowly faded, replaced with a frown. He looked away, clenching his jaw in anger before stalking away.

Why?