Waiting Game

Mr. Steal Your Girl

Noah

It's been a tough week, with tryouts and everything, adjusting to the new seating arrangement at our lunch table, and not having Ro by my side 24/7. It's all too new and too much at once.

She was glowing.

Ever since her date with Johnny, we all noticed that she was happier and more comfortable in some ways.

As much as I hate to admit it, Johnny is good to her. But I can't help the feeling I get in the pit of my stomach when I see him looking at her, talking with her, or just being around her. He doesn't just treat her like you'd treat any other girl, it's more than that.

And Rosalie isn't just any another girl.

I'm trying, for her. Trying not to fall into the monstrous hands of jealousy and trying to be nice.. his friend even.

If being nice to Johnny is what it takes to keep me on her good side, then that's what I'll do. I just want her by my side.

"Yo, Noah! Earth to Noah!" Drew's voice snapped me back into reality.

"Huh, what's up?"

"What's up with you? You've been out of it, we need you. Last day of tryouts and coach is gonna want to hear your input on these newbies. Is it about Ro and Johnny?"

I waved him off. "Nah dude, I'm good with that. I'll be chill with Johnny. I'm just crossing my fingers that.. we'll have good enough players that can carry on our legacy."

"Don't worry man, you and coach taught them well over the last two days. We narrowed it down to the top notch, select few. We can see what we're up against in a few, when we scrimmage. Yeah?"

"You're right."

Coach blew his whistle and motioned for a team huddle. He leaned in and gave us a stern look, "Boys. I'm proud of you all, new recruits and current team. Let's have newbies on one team, blue jerseys, and our oldies on the other, red jerseys. I want to see if you can apply what you've learned. Ready? Break!"

We broke off to grab our assigned jerseys and get into position. Just then Ro, Erica, and the rest of the student body members walked in with posters and other decorations in multiple boxes.

Before I could call Ro's name, Johnny had already ran over to her. I looked away until I saw him run back to his side of the court, then she looked towards me and waved. I mustered up my best smile and waved back.

They were preparing for the homecoming rally tonight and going all out for it, like worker bees gathering honey. Erica went outside with some people to decorate the front, while Ro sat in the bleachers to decorate the designated class areas.

"Noah, Johnny in the center for tip off."

We did as we were told, getting in a crouching position. Coach threw up the ball, I was able to bring it over to my side and Drew was now in charge of it. We passed it around a few times and used our footwork around the newbies.

The ball was passed to me, but right when I was about to take the shot I heard, "Good luck Johnny! You can do it." The sweet boost of encouragement came from Rosalie, I didn't have to turn my head because I knew her voice.