Unexpected [DISCONTINUED]

Chapter Three

Calling Dibs

   My hands wrapped around the steaming mug, absorbing the warmth emanating from it.

   "Seriously?" Lauren asked in disbelief. "Nike clothes, again?"

   "I told you!" I cried out indignantly. "They sponsored me and sent out a bunch of clothes." Although, to be honest, it wasn't just because I had been sponsored by Nike; I just really liked Nike wear. I found them both comfortable and acceptable to wear in public. Plus, their shorts were loose enough to go over my cast, which was a huge benefit for me. "Besides, this Harry Potter jumper isn't Nike!"

   Lauren sniffed. "Anyway, your clothes don't matter. What matters is that I saw you getting friendly with Joe last night."

   I rolled my eyes. Of course Lauren would notice that. "Well, I didn't have much choice as the two people I knew ditched me at the door!" I glared at her. ("Sorry!") "But it was nothing like what you're thinking. We were just chatting."

   "Are you sure? He's a great guy, super nice and funny. He's one of my best friends."

   Of course Lauren was wing woman-ing him. "Does Joe know you're trying to set him up with me?"

   "Not you specifically. Just people in general. He's not particularly picky with girls."

   I laughed. "Good to know. Well, I didn't come to America to get a boyfriend. In fact, getting a boyfriend is the furthest thing from my mind right now. I'm here to focus on soccer."

   "Which reminds me," Lauren said. She got sidetracked so easily. "I've been looking around. A few universities are looking for second-stringers. Although, with your leg it might be a bit difficult to show them your ability."

   "I've got game footage from last season. Plus, it's only like three more months with the cast."

   "How did you really break your leg? And don't give me some stupid excuse."

   "Ah, where's the fun in telling the truth? I'd much rather say that I was a member in the Cirque du Soleil and during my balancing act, I slipped and broke my leg."

   Lauren rolled her eyes. "You're so annoying."

   "But you love me." I poked my tongue out at her.

   "True," she shrugged.

   Lauren was my best friend, and was more like a sister to me. We had met in Hawaii during Christmas; both of our families had gone on holiday to a resort there and, being the only two girls of similar ages, we became friends quickly. We had exchanged emails and Skype usernames and messaged each other constantly. When she turned eighteen she came to Taranaki to visit me and the rest of the Nga Ruanui tribe. I took her for a tour around the meeting places, and the small shopping centre.

   When I turned eighteen, a few years later, I received my first ceremonial tattoo on my shoulder blade, as a passage into adulthood. I was then allowed to leave to travel by myself for the first time, and I was incredibly nervous. However, my excitement to see Lauren again overshadowed that. I only spent two weeks with her but they were the best two weeks of my life. It was as if our friendship was strengthened even more.

   And now, at age twenty-five, I had moved to America to live and start my (hopefully) professional soccer career.

   Lauren and I had helped each other through the good times and the bad times, always being there, via the internet, for each other. If I trusted anyone more than my family, it was Lauren.

   "Just to backtrack a little, it's good that nothing is happening between you and Joe. Because from here on out, I'm calling dibs!"

   "Seriously?! Huh. So you've gotten over Brent, I'm assuming?"

   "Brent is a thing of the past. I don't care about him anymore. He was jerk and I deserve better."

   "Too true. I'll try and wing woman you with Joe, I promise."

   Lauren and I continued to talk, sipping our drinks and eating pastries. It was a good catch up session, one that I had looked forward to for a while.

[short chapter, I know. sorry]