Saving Mira-Jean (Hiatus)

Chapter 7

After homecoming, the excitement cooled down along with the temperature. My life comprised of football, Rose, chilling with Chase, school and it was a loop on repeat. Autumn was definitely in the air with its hot mornings and afternoon showers but Bridgewater was beautiful as the trees around us were a mix of yellow and green.

"Vega, meet me in my office." I looked up as Coach clapped my shoulder.

Practice was over and today had been gruesome as both Coach and the captain were assessing us. I had a feeling that they would announce their choice for quarterback soon. I could feel the tension tighten in the room. I kept my head down and watched my back as I changed out of my gear and into my clothes. I shouldered my gym bag and headed to the office.

"Come in," Coach responded to my knock. I looked around the office as I walked in, the walls were lined with every article, good and bad, every picture and trophy that our team won over the years.

"So Mr Vega," Coach leaned back in his chair, "I contacted your old football coach, Coach Durham. He told me what a dedicated player and team leader you are. He praised your talent and performance as quarterback at your previous high school."

I wiped my palms on my jeans, "I honestly didn't think he thought that highly of me."

"You should, you have shown extreme dedication and willingness to work with us here," Coach looked up at me. "I am going to make the official announcement on Monday but welcome to the team."

I grinned and silently thanked the heavens above, "Thank you Coach. It's an honour."

Coach chuckled, "Don't expect a captaincy because it's not fair to the boys who've been from the start. I expect you at practice after school on Monday." His phone rang and I took that as a dismissal.

I exited the office quietly and waited until I was out of the vicinity of the locker rooms before laughing loudly in celebration. I text Rose telling her that I had great news to tell her at our date tonight. I would tell Chase and everyone else when I got home.

I was giddy as I walked through the empty corridor to my truck. I grinned as I pulled out of the school parking lot. I had the music turned up in celebration. I was singing and rapping along but stopped when I saw a figure in a distance.

Dressed in a plaid shirt that could only be Rex's and her black skinny jeans, the person walking with her head down could only be Mira.

I hadn't talked to Mira-Jean in a long while, too long in fact. She was so reclusive, either in detention or in the library all the time but she seemed okay. I looked up as the wind picked up and a mass of grey clouds headed our way. There was no shelter in sight and Mira would certainly be caught in the downpour.

I pulled alongside the sidewalk and kept my truck at a crawl as I sent down my window. "Can I offer you a ride?"

If Mira heard me, she didn't show it. Her eyes told me that she was here but just barely, her mind was far far away.

I kept driving alongside her. "Mira, you're going to get soaked to the bone if you get caught in this."

Still no reaction, I half contemplated driving off, leaving her until there was a loud crack of thunder that made Mira stop.

Her eyes were the same colour as the clouds as she looked up except hers held infinitely more sadness. I grinned and moved my bags to the backseat as she walked over to the passenger side.