Love is a Strong Word

Chapter One

The hot afternoon sun glared down on the scattered crowd below. From the stands loud roars erupted from the crowd of blue dressed fans, most grinning ear to ear and cheering on the exhausted players on the soccer field.  All but two solitary figures, sitting as far away from the crowd as one can get at a soccer match. They were quietly mumbling to each other and frowning down at the players. 

"Do you reckon they'll win?" The taller of the two looked at his friend, obviusly hoping to read from his friends expression his opinion on the game.

"Matt, you know I hate school sports, they're a waste of time. Finals are in six weeks, I should be studying right now instead of wasting time at a soccer game."  The boy lifted his gaze to the field and looked away to instead glare at Matt. 

"Alright, alright..You don't like sport, I get it. I just thought you'd enjoy a break, besides, there's only a minute to go of the match and we're up, two nil." Matt mimicked cheering widly and his dark haired friend cracked a smile at him.

"There we go Luke, smile a bit." He paused before adding with a grin, "The ladies love it."

Shaking his head at his small minded friend Luke pushed his sweaty hair away from his face as loud cheers burst from the crowd. The game was over and the crazed crowd swarmed towards the players who were tiredly but joyfully hugging and shouting. Soon the whole crowd was packed onto the field and the stands were empty except for Matt and Luke. 

"Come-on then, games over. Are we going to your place to study?" Matt pushed his skinny frame off his seat and offered a hand to Luke. They quickly walked out of the stands, both keen to leave.

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The soccer pitch was quiet except for the distant voices of stray students. However the changing rooms was fully ablaze with talk of the match and the star players. As the ladies waited in line for their showers some picked the game to pieces, pondering what could have been done better. Others exchanged jokes and favourite parts of the game. Others still cheered loudly, still full of adreneline from the game. One girl jumped up to one of the benches that lined the change-rooms and cleared her throat. As the room went silent and the gaze fell upon her she began to speak.

"Right, ladies. I'm really proud of all of you, you all played amazing and we had a great win. Keep this up and we'll win the finals for sure." Pausing to push her blond hair behind her ears she continued with a grin. "Anways there's a celeration party at Harry's and I'll see you all there." The blond easily jumped down and smiled as she made her way out of the humid room with two girls following close behind.

"So are you and Harry official yet?" The brunnette who had spoken turned to the blond and waited keenly for the reply.

The blond laughed before replying, "No not yet but I think tonights the night my friend!" 

The girl who had up till now been quietly walking beside them spoke up, "Rose, Harry would be totally missing out if he didn't ask you out." Although the words were kind the tone was forced it wasn't hard to tell she did not actually think this. 

"Thanks Linda..." Rose rolled her eyes at the brunette then continued to walk in an awkward silence till the brunette spoke up.

"Linda just because you can't even get a guys attention since you gained all that weight over the summer there's no need to be such a bitch. Back off Rose." She flicked her hair and continued walking and Rose laughed. Linda silently fell back and slowly walked away. Rose looked back and laughed again. 

"Nice, Jade. I didn't want her hanging with us tonight. She's such a bore." Jade laughed her agreement and lead the way to to stadium carpark. 

"Your car or mine?" Rose looked up and raised an eyebrow, "Mine obviously. Get in." She opened the door to a fancy looking red convertable. They both jumped into the car and speed off.

As the car pulled into the driveway the party was in full swing. As the two ladies, both wearing dresses too short, walked in the door the stench of alcohol reached them. Rose grabbed a drink from a nearby stand as Jade wandered off into the crowd.

"Rose! I didn't think you'd make it." A deep voice came from behind her and she turned with a smile.

"Harry!" She hugged him tightly and and they began to chat, drinking drink after drink. 

As late night turned to early morning, Rose drunkenly stared at the clock behind Harry's head.

"Urh Harry, I've gotta go. It's late and I'm not feeling to good." She stumbled towards the door but a strong hand pulled her back.  

"You can't drive like that. Stay at my place for the night." Harry's muscular arms wrapped arounf her and pulled her close to his chest. 

"I'm sorry, Harry. My parents..they'll be expecting me home soon." She giggled and hiccuped as she spoke, still pulled to Harry's chest.

"Fine but I'm driving you home. I've only had a beer or two." Harry's piercing blue eyes stared into Rose's hazel one's. He let go of his grip on her arm and she stumbled a few paces before falling unconcious back into Harry's arms. Sighing he easily picked her up and carried her out to his scruffed green truck. 

"Let's get you home before you really hurt yourself." Harry put the car into drive and pulled out of his driveway. Leaving the party still raging behind him he drove off, escorting Rose to safety like a knight in shining armour.