Worldwide

Chapter 3

  James woke up the next day with a feeling he's never had before. He felt... nervous. 

  I know what it is, though James. Graduation!

    Graduation was in a few days. James had forgotten about the ceremony while caught up in Football. He knew exactly what he was going to be, a professional football player. He already received a scholarship. He was set.

  He went to weights, as normal. Everywhere we went people were congratulating him on being the football team's star player. But, something felt different.

  While James was at weights he couldn't help but think of what had happened to him last night.

 ~ ~ ~

  "Are you kidding me? He picked you? After everything I've done this season! This isn't fair, James!"

  Will jumped at James, but Landon held him back.

  "Chill out Will! Let's not kill each other!" ordered Landon.

  "Ya man," said James. "Let's not hurt the star player. After all, he is the most important on the team!" James smirked.

  Will screamed and broke free of Landon, tackling James to the ground. Now, there was nothing Landon could do.

  After a few punches, James pinned Will to the ground, winning the fight. 

  "Come on man," said James. "You know you can't beat La Jolla Vikings' star player!" And with that, he left.

 ~ ~ ~

  Will had completely overreacted. It wasn't his fault that the coach thought he was better. At least now he could focus on graduation without Will whining every 3 seconds.

 * * *

 Bailey ran into her car and cranked up the AC. It was so hot in California! As she drove, memories from last night entered her mind. 

  As she was playing, 3 football players she barely recognized came to look at some paper on the bulletin board. One stared at her, and she had to admit, he was kinda cute. And he smiled at her. What did that mean? No boy had ever smiled at Bailey like that before. She'd seen Spencer smile, and it was different than his. Did he like her? No, that was impossible. 

  No one like him could ever like someone like me, Bailey told herself.

  But then there was shouting. And fighting. And Bailey wanted no part of that. She parked her car and walked towards the school.

  They're graduating in a few days, and they can't even solve a simple conflict, thought Bailey. No way they will survive the real world.

  Lost in her thoughts, Bailey pushed open the door and walked in, and felt a huge force hit her. She had ran into someone. 

  Good job, Bailey. Now people will think you're weirder than they already think you are.

  "I'm so sorr-," Bailey couldn't finish her sentence. She found herself staring into the same boys eyes. Bailey froze, than took a step back.

  "My bad," she said, and pushed up her glasses.

   * * *

  Woah.

  That was all James could think. But he needed to respond. If it was anything else he would have given them a snotty remark and made a dramatic exit. But not to her.

  "No worries," he said, trying to act cool. He noticed her relax a little, and decided to try a conversation.

  "So, what is your name anyway?"

  Was that to straightforward? Too casual? James had never had any problems talking to a girl before.

  "My name is Bailey."

  Bailey. A beautiful name. 

  "Nice to meet you Bailey. I'm James."

  Bailey nodded, and James waved and walked away, feeling the same butterflies in his stomach.

  The first bell rang, and James sat down in Social, taught by his favorite teacher, Mr. Z. He took a moment to gather his thoughts. After thinking the whole hour, he made a decision.

  Bailey has made me feel better in 1 day than football has ever made me feel. I've already lost all my friends, and being a popular Jock won't get me anywhere in a few days, and it's not what really matters. I've never been rejected before, surely Bailey will say yes. I'll talk to her after school.