Guilty Pleasure

3

The grass crunches beneath my shoes and the light dew drops hit against my ankle, above my socks. I look ahead and Alastair is waiting. But standing before him is Roland and his legs don't have much distance between them.

I try to keep my focus on the guy I have to pass the ball to as I also zigzag it between my feet. I feel Stuart coming behind me and with one side kick, I pass the ball to Alastair.

He easily takes it between his feet and I watch as he sprints towards the goal, easily navigating the ball along with him. I run side by side to him and keep a watch on Stuart and Roland who are now running behind Alastair.

When Roland is about to take the ball in his control, Alastair chooses the perfect moment to kick it towards me. I get it and run towards the goal, which is still a few metres away. My heart thumps and my feet have a sort of happy pleasure as they glide along with the football.

Roland suddenly appears in front of me and tries to snatch the ball away by dodging me. I play along for a while before kicking the ball from under his legs and quickly running to the other side to retrieve control of it.

"Damn it." He groans under his breathe and I laugh. I sprint towards the goal, the ball with me when I feel a presence behind. Stuart's heavy scent hits me.

He comes close. Very close. My back and his chest are almost touching as he runs along with me. All of a sudden, he changes directions and comes in front of me. I make the mistake of looking up in his eyes. The ones that are so blue, they look like a piece of the sky.

He gives me a little smile, so charming and warm, I almost lose it. The ball is still with me and I can't give it up. Somewhere, I can hear Alastair's voice shouting, "Ivy, here!"

But as Stuart effortlessly tries to pry away the ball from me with his legs and smooth tactics, I try my best to keep running towards the goal. But then his hand cups the curve of my waist and I go breathless all of a sudden. My skin burns and before I know it, he has effortlessly taken the ball away from me.

In one swift motion, he kicks it towards Roland who gives it another strong kick, directing it to the goal. Both of them holler and jump in the air. Like they've won the world cup, I roll my eyes as I think.

Stuart York will be the end of me.

"The fuck are you doing Ivy Marie?" Alastair yells, an eyebrow raised as he walks towards me.
I run my hands through my unkempt hair. "Sorry bro, I just kinda lost focus. And stop calling me Ivy Marie."

Roland grins as he walks towards Stuart and hugs him tight.
"Come on now Alastair, don't cry. And if she doesn't like being called Ivy Marie, call her H-IV. Do you get it? H- Ivy?" Stuart gestures with his hands and I roll my eyes again.

Alastair just gives a middle finger salute to him and starts walking ahead. Roland joins us and the four of us head back to school. Every Monday, we meet two hours before the school timing and play football. The guys are a part of the school team but I left the girls' team after Jason's accident because of my tight schedule. But I love the game so much and that is why they come, so that I can still fulfill my passion for the sport.

The girls in the school premises look at the boys adoringly as they walk inside. Some of them even throw jealous looks at me, but I don't care. They can very well take my place, these idiots stink.

Alastair usually just flashes a smile and waves at some of them. He has the whole mysterious, brooding guy thing going on. Tall, lean and deep set eyes; he is a complete charmer. He is just kind of damaged. No one knows what's the deal, but they are careful enough to not get on his wrong side.

Roland hardly cares. He gives none of the attention back. He is a bit reserved. But only those who know him are aware of what an amazing person he is. An excellent friend and someone you can always lean on; that is one of his most endearing qualities.

Stuart is a whole different story though. He flashes flying kisses at the girls and even hugs them sometimes. He is the hottest, undoubtedly. His popularity among girls used to bother me a lot at first, but then I got used to it. I don't mind it now because I know he doesn't really love any of them. Is it harsh to say that I am glad that he is never serious with any of the chicks?

"Call him Stuart little if you call me HIV." I retort back to his earlier comment.
"Oh honey, Stuart little isn't little at all." He drawls.

"Yikes." I laugh. He grins back too and casually keeps an arm around me.

Gosh, I think my heart just stopped.

Roland, Alastair and Stuart walk with me till the end of the corridor. Stuart is all sticky with sweat, but it doesn't bother me. I'd do anything to not have his arm off my shoulder.

"Next time, you should pair up with Stuart only. You guys never lose when ya'll are together." Alastair says. My cheeks go red. I always prefer to be paired up with Stuart, for the simple reason that he won't act as a distraction to steal the ball.

"I agree man. HIV and I are a team." Stuart fist pumps me and I smile. Yes, we sure as hell are a team. An amazing one.

"So, are you guys ready for senior year?" Roland asks as they start to head inside the washroom to change.

"Fuck yes." Stuart says and disappears behind the door.
"As ready as I can be." Alastair softly says and waves to me before following Stuart.

"I wish." I whisper to myself as Roland smiles at me and leaves too.

I hope this school year is good to me.