Secret Crush

6

Kristie

I am sitting on the couch, watching Syd walking back and forth just in front of me. My parents aren't home, so I decided to tell her about what happened between us twice. I mean, I should've felt relieved that the kisses me back, because it clearly means she likes me back. But I just freaked out, because I know a popular girl can't be gay.

But Syd doesn't share my opinion. Even if she doesn't like Steph that much, she seems to think I'm a total idiot right now.

"Kratch, people love you" she sighs. "And that won't change, even if you're in love with McCaffrey."

"It's just that... I don't wanna hurt her. I don't know if I'm ready to come out to my parents, and everyone." I explain.

Syd throws a death glare at me.

We've been partners in crime for a few years now, and she probably is the person that understands me the best, because she acts and reacts just like I do. So it makes sense that she's trying to figure things out right now.

"Yah, but you obviously can't live without her, so why pretend like you can ?" she asks, slightly annoyed.

I think about how I can escape this conversation.

Today's the semi-final of the championship. We have to play against a team from Chicago, in order to go to the finals that is in two weeks. As the captain of the team, I am quite freaking out right now. We have to win this game, it's crucial. Not only for the team, but also for the whole college. And everyone is counting on me.

"We better go" I say.

***

The two teams are now walking on the field. I didn't dare looking in her direction, or in Sam's, because I knew it would've make me upset. So I am just leading my team on our position, my head up.

After the national anthem stops playing, we clap into each other's hands. When it comes to Steph's turn, I just don't look at her, and immediately greet Syd, who is right after her. My best friend throws a death glare at me. I am acting like a chicken, I know that. But I can't do anything else because I am too weak for Steph.

The whistle announces the beginning of the normal 90 minutes. Syd immediately steals the ball from the Chicago defense and runs right to the goal. She then fires a shot, but it just goes wide. It's actually what keeps happening during the game, and I am quite happy that we have a good defense, because Chicago's attacking three are pretty good. But Sonnett is here to block the shots, and pass the ball to the midfield. Lindsey and Sam, who have great chemistry, always find a way to get that ball through.

At halftime, we are down one goal. The team doesn't seem as motivated as they were before, so it's my duty as a captain to cheer them up.

"Come on girls, let's show those Chicago brats what we're capable of ! I believe in us, and I need you to believe in that too. We have a tremendous defense..." I wink at Sonnet, who just pretends she's a queen or something. "... and then a strong midfield, thanks to those two over here..." I continue, pointing at Sam and Lindsey. "And last but certainly not least, we have those two girls that are on fire forward" I conclude, looking at Syd.

My eyes then fall on her. She seems petty surprised by my compliment, and only gives me a shy smile before running back to her position.

Second half is going way better. The speed of play is faster, and we don't loose possession a lot. Syd scores a goal in the 64th minute, which sure cheer us on. As the Chicago defense is now struggling to retrain Syd from going though, they totally forget to mark Steph. The brunette makes an amazing run on the side, received the ball from Syd. It's the 90th minute, and the public is on its feet. She hasn't got a good angle. But she fires it anyway, and time seems to stop.

All I see is the ball finding the back of the net, and then all my teammates running towards her. But she finds her way through and jumps in Sam's arms. I watch them, teary eye : we are going in the finals. There is just twenty seconds remaining before the final whistle, and that's not enough time for Chicago to build their attack.

When that final whistle blows, I run straight at Steph. She is turning her back on me, so she doesn't see me coming. Sam must have said something, because she does this flip-flop thing she always does, and her face is lighten by a bright smile.

I wrap my arm around her, hugging her the tighter than I can. I see our teammates hugging each other, leaving us alone. I bury my head on her neck, and her scent - that I know so well now - invades my nasal cavity. I shiver, conscious that this is our reconciliation. She returns me my embrace, and kisses my cheek.

The words that come out of my mouth are coming from my deepest thoughts.

"I love you".

My voice, almost a whisper, makes her pull away from me. She just seems surprised, so I pull her into another hug. If it wasn't for the hundred people present here - including our families and friends - I'd have kissed her. But I don't, because I know it's not that good of an idea. Her mouth finds my ear.

"I love you too, Kratch" she murmurs.

We finally let go of each other, and Steph runs straight in Carli's arms. I look at them, until Sam's face invades my field of view. She seems ready to bury the hatchet. She hugs me, and immediately seems to relax.

When we break our embrace, she winks at me.

"Next time, let me know that you've got a crush on my bestie" she jokes.

I nod, and we laugh in union. We then walk towards our parents, that are patiently waiting for us to finally come near them.