The Soccer Players Made Me Do It

1. Invitation

                                                                    She says "I'm walking in a straight line"

                                                                             But that's not really her style

                                                                                   And they all got the same heartbeat

                                                                                          But her's is falling behind ~

                                                                                                     Echosmith

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"No," I say, deadpan. Tony had ambushed me as I walked out of Willis Hall from my Child Development class, asking if I would go to a party tonight.

"Come on, it'll be fun! Please?" He pleaded making puppy-dog eyes at me. He is really adamant about me going to this thing. He has been trying to talk me into it for the last couple of minutes.

"No way am I going to some stupid party with a lot of people I don't know." I skip down the steps and adjust my backpack up my shoulder.

"It's not going to be that bad. Only a few guys from the team will be there and you'll know me. It's no big deal. Plus, there won't even be much drinking. None of us want to be hungover for practice in the morning."

"If it's no big deal, why do you want me there?" I query, raising my eyebrows and lifting my head to look him straight in the eye.

"I think you are... interesting. I would really like to spend more time with you." He looks so hopeful – too hopeful – but I'm suspicious. I mean, why would he be so intent on getting me to go to this party that isn't a party after just meeting me?

"Do me a favor and never go into the fertilizer business, because your manure ain't selling." He just kind of stares at me for a beat like he is still processing what I just said and then he bursts out laughing.

"Alright. Alright. To be honest, my friend didn't believe I could get you to go to the party tonight. We have this thing every week where we play a game of one-on-one and whoever wins can dare the other to do whatever he wants, and he has to do it. This week, I lost." He looks a bit sheepish at that. His head tips down a little and he rubs the back of his neck with his left hand.

"Wow. So getting me to go to party is something you have to do on a dare." I level a stare at him. "I feel like such a femme fatale," I retort sarcastically. Turning my head so I don't have to look at him, I fasten my pace toward the student Union.

"I didn't mean it like that. It's just that you don't seem the type to want to go to a party." As soon as he says it, I could see it dawning on him that it was not the right thing to say. His face looks stricken and he stiffens, bracing himself for what comes next.

"Oh, really? What type do I seem like?" I enquire, enjoying watching him squirm. I understand what he means. I really don't enjoy parties and prefer small get-togethers with close friends. It doesn't mean I am going to let him off the hook though. He walked into this mess all on his own. I want to see how he tries to get out of it.

"Well... Umm... You... Uh... More the type to like reading a book by yourself for fun?" He ends his sentence like it's a question. He actually has a point. I do like reading a book for fun over social gatherings. I tend to carry my current read with me wherever I go, just in case I have a few minutes to read.

I laugh out and put him out of his misery, "Relax. I'm just messing with you. I know what you meant. And you're right. I would much prefer reading a book than go to the party tonight. As a matter of fact, I have a book in my bag that is calling my name."

He lets out a sigh of relief and shoves his hands in his pockets. "You really scared me. I know it wasn't the best thing to say. But, can you please go tonight? You would be doing me a huge favor," he pleads.

"What happens if I don't join you at your little shindig tonight?" I wonder, he seems to be extremely averse to that outcome. He rubs the back of his neck again, and looks me in the eye. He clenches his jaw and his eyes harden.

"I, uh, I have to dye my hair the school colors and tell everyone I meet that Will Phillips is the best player on Glennrose's soccer team." He keeps a straight face, his jaw still clenched. You can tell that would really be a blow to his ego. Mr. Hotshot, the attractive and talented soccer star, admitting he isn't the best at something.

Trying to picture his dark locks a fire-engine red, contrasting with shocking white, I hold back a smile. He is taking this so seriously. Poor guy doesn't take losing or giving up very well. I kind of want to not go tonight, just to see the sight of him making a fool of himself. On the other hand, I don't want to not do anything when I can help someone.

I heave a labored sigh, "Fine. I'll go, but I won't guarantee any enjoyment on my part," I agree begrudgingly. I start to walk off, like the matter is settled. I am almost to the student Union building and my lunch.

The next thing I know, I am wrapped in his large arms. He pulls me close like he has done it a thousand times. Boy, you can really feel all his muscles in here. His muscles surround me in his embrace. I feel his biceps around my back and my face is squished into his pecs. I am standing here awkwardly not returning the embrace, in shock of his hug attack. I reach around him and squeeze, enjoying our bear hug.

You know those guys that have the broad shoulders and small waist? Well that's the body he has. I can smell him so well from here, seeing as my face is pressed into his body. Behind all the sweat, I can smell a wonderfully spicy scent that was purely masculine. But honestly, he just stinks of sweat.

"Eww!" I push him away, "You stink!" I emphasize my statement by crinkling my nose and waving my hand in front of my face.

He just laughs and says "I know," unabashedly, my disgust not phasing him at all. "Really, you won't regret it, I promise! I owe you one! I'll text you with the details." He smiles his affable smile before turning and walking away.

I think about what I have gotten myself into as I make my way through the Union towards the cafeteria. Wanting a burger and some tater-tots, I get in the line for the grill that is ten people deep. I pull out my phone as I wait for the line to get shorter.

First things first; Mr. Tony needs a name change. The name is just too boring and I need revenge for making me go to this party tonight. I go into my contacts and delete the name Tony and put in Princess Tony. I smile to myself as I click save.

Me: Hey, is it all right if I bring a friend tonight?

PT: Sure. Both of y'all can stop by around 8.

Me: 8? Isn't that a bit early for a party?

PT: We have practice in the morning at 6

Me: yuck! That is way too early :/

PT: It's not that bad once you get used to it. ;D

I smile down at my phone. There is no way in hell someone could get me up that early to run around and exercise. He must really love that sport or else he is a morning person.

Me: Yeah, and pigs can fly

A/N: So how do you guys feel about the story so far? What do you think is going to happen at the party? Please comment, vote and enjoy!

~K