Dare to Fall

Chapter V

"Catch it!"

Noah's voice rang out across the football field, breaking through the cacophony of cheering teammates and the sharp thud of cleats against the grass. Anderson High's varsity football team was in full swing, preparing for the big game against Western Valley High next week.

"Can we go back inside now?" I asked Amelia, squinting against the bright sun. "It's like an oven out here. We'll still hear the bell ring."

Amelia, however, had other plans. She was glued to the sight of Noah, a wide grin plastered across her face as she cheered him on. "But I want to watch! Look at him!" she squealed, and I couldn't help but cringe at her enthusiasm. It was hard to comprehend why a simple smile from him could send her into a fit of giggles.

"Amelia, he's not smiling at you," I pointed out, rolling my eyes. "He might be smiling at both of us, sure, but it's not like he has eyes for you specifically."

She pouted, hands on her hips. "It counts! He's practically a football god!"

A brief moment passed as Noah glanced our way, and Amelia nearly jumped out of her skin, slapping my arm in excitement. I winced, rubbing the spot she hit. "Oh my gosh! Did you see that?"

"Yes, I did. It's not a big deal," I replied, trying to downplay the whole situation. But there was something about the way Noah had smiled that made me uneasy.

"What are you doing?" Amelia's voice broke through my thoughts as I began packing my things. She looked genuinely confused, tilting her head.

"I'm going back inside," I said firmly. "You can sit here and worship Noah all you want, but I'm not risking being late to class for a football practice."

"Oh, hey!" A familiar voice called out, interrupting our banter. Logan jogged over, slowing to a stop in front of us, breathless. "What are you two doing out here?"

"We came to watch Noah practice," Amelia chimed in, and I shot her a look, willing her not to mention my earlier reluctance.

"Oh. Well, if I were you, I'd head back inside," Logan advised, casting a glance at the sun overhead. "It's scorching, and the coach will have your heads if he sees you skipping class."

I nodded, thankful for the change in topic. "Yeah, we should probably get back."

"Right. Let's go!" Amelia said, grabbing my wrist and pulling me along. Just before we turned to leave, she tossed a casual, "Say hi to Noah for me!" over her shoulder, a giggle escaping her lips. I almost rolled my eyes again, but the urge to keep my sanity intact held me back.

"Are you insane?" I whispered to her as we walked away, barely containing my irritation.

"Crazy in love!" she replied cheekily, and I couldn't help but shake my head, trying to suppress a smile.

As we walked, the scene at the football field unfolded like a movie: players running, shouting, the smell of freshly cut grass wafting through the air. I glanced back just in time to catch Noah waving us goodbye. A smile crept onto my face without my permission.

"What?" Amelia nudged me.

"Nothing," I lied, quickly turning away. But the smile lingered.

"Cayden, catch!" Another player shouted, and the ball soared through the air. I felt my heart skip a beat as I turned to see Cayden, the notorious bad boy of our school, snatch it effortlessly. Our eyes locked for a fleeting moment, and it felt like the world faded away.

"Cold stare," Amelia commented, snapping me out of my thoughts as we walked into the school.

"Yeah, I noticed. No need to point it out," I replied, still lost in my own head.