Uncovered

Chapter 9

"Hey Mol" I said as she finally answered her phone.

"Hey Soph, what's up?" she replied in a groggy morning voice. I could hear deep breathing in the background, probably Liam still asleep.

"We're gonna stay in today to keep Emi company if you wanna join us"

"Sure, movie marathon?"

"Of course"

"Great, I'll bring the popcorn. I'll see you in about an hour"

The line went dead and I put my phone back on my bed. I looked over to Izzy's bed where she lay, still asleep. I saw no reason to wake her as we didn't really have anywhere to be yet. My phone began to ring, I guessed it would be Molly again, but saw that the caller ID read 'Mum' and picked up quickly.

"Hi Mum"

"Hello sweetie, have I caught you at a bad time?"

"No, I think I'm gonna have a quiet day"

"Great, your Dad is wondering when you're next coming up to see us. Or more importantly, when you're next coming to practice."

I sighed inaudibly. I'd completely forgotten about the trials, but the date was getting closer. "Right. How about next weekend?"

"Sure, I'll make sure the spare room is all set up for you. I won't keep you love, I know you have a busy schedule. Talk to you soon" she made some weird kissing noises and hung up.

I checked my calendar on my phone and saw that I had little over a month to go. I was surprisingly unnerved by this, but I knew I had to put more effort into practicing. I blew it last year and I couldn't let that happen again.

I climbed back into bed wearing grey joggers and my maroon University of Sussex hoodie. I pulled my Kindle out from one of my bedside drawers. As I had finished The Host whilst waiting up for Izzy, I decided to start a new book. I scrolled through my long list of great literature until I came across a favourite of mine; Megan Meade's Guide to the McGowan Boys. It's a book about a tenneaged girl who moves in with her parents' friends, and their 7 sons. I settled in to chapter 1 under the dim glow of my table top lamp.

*****

"I come baring gifts" Molly coos as she sticks her head around our door.

"Really?" Izzy asks, not long out of bed.

"Well, salted popcorn. Does that count as a gift?"

"Just get in here already, Mol. And close the door behind you!" I call from the corner of the room. I'm digging through the bottom drawer of the wardrobe where we keep our films. I thought that we could have a Nicholas Sparks kinda day, so pull out Dear John, A Walk to Remember, The Last Song, Safe Haven and The Lucky One.

Izzy grabs two large bottles of Fanta from our mini fridge and we walk across the hall. We don't bother knocking, just walk in and begin to set up. Emily looks a lot better today as she pulls cushions and duvets onto the floor. I turn on the TV and put the first disc into the DVD player. Molly opens the bags of popped salter popcorn and we settle down in front of the small television. Silence falls upon us as the opening scenes of Dear John roll onto the screen.

Of course, the silence doesn't last long as we all feel the need to commentate on what's going on and often mention how hot Channing Tatum looks.

*****

Two movies in and we're flat out of popcorn and Fanta. Izzy and Molly go back to our room to grab the last bottle of Coke from the fridge whilst Emi and I decide to run down to the on-site shop to see what snacks they had. As we'd missed lunch, we also grabbed some ready made sandwiches.

On our way back up, I heard my name being called from behind. I turned my head to see none other but Louis bounding up the stairs after us.

"You go on ahead Em, I won't be long" I sighed, handing over the various snacks.

"You sure?" eyebrows raised, she peered around me at the figure drawing nearer.

"Yeh, I'll be fine. Start the next film if you want"

She nodded and quickly scurried out of sight. I heard Louis clear his throat directly behind me. I turned around to face him.

"Can I help?" I asked curtly.

"Yes, actually. Uh, I was just wondering if you could, um, help me" he asked, strangely struggling to find his words.

"With....?" I pressed.

"Well, as you probably know, I've just transferred here from Cheltenham so I'm a little behind on the course" he seemed nervous as he lifted his arm to scratch the back of his head. He was different like this, less intimidating. His eyes seemed softer and not as dark as usual.

"Oh" was all I could think to say.

"So I was wondering if you could maybe help me catch up with the course?" he murmured, looking down at the ground.

Why was he so nervous? No, not nervous, scared.

"Yeh, I could do that" I smiled lightly, encouraging him to relax.

He exhaled deeply, seeming relieved that I'd agreed. "Great, thank you so much". His eyes met mine briefly.

His posture suddenly straightened and his eyes became vacant again as they broke contact with mine. He coughed and ran his fingers through his messy hair, pushing it further back from his face.

"I'll talk to you soon" he mumbled, then swiftly turned on his heels and practically ran down the corridor and down the stairs.