Everything Blue

L

"Harry pass it! Please!" A boy from the street shouted. I watched as the wobbly legged boy they call Harry struggled to keep the ball between his feet.
If I could just show him how to...
As the other boys shoved him over with a laugh, I felt my insides boiling. This was an everyday occurrence, the boys went out for a game of footie. I started watching out of boredom but the longer the watched the more I pretended I was that age again.
They're 15, I'm only ten years off.
My heart always went out to the tall lad, not just because he was easy on the eyes.

He was different from the other boys, he always had his hair pulled back and he always worked harder than all the other boys. It always ended with him sweating and panting just to be half as good as the rest, and I admired the drive he had.
He always has that blue towel with him.
Once their game dies down and most of the boys leave, he sits on the curb with his head in his hands. I would go out and ask if he's okay, but everyone would think I'm a freak for watching them all this time.
"I just want to make the team!" Harry shouts at his friend that was nearby.
"Get a personal coach then. You know the boys don't want to teach you."
"Who will coach me?"
"Ask Coach at school tomorrow. He will set it up with someone."
Instantly I stood and ran to my door, I had to tell him I could. I froze with my hand on the knob, what would I say? Not to be a freak but I was spying on you and overheard...
I opened the door and both their big eyes turned to me. I couldn't look away from Harry, his green eyes were captivating and made me forget everything. Literally. I couldn't find any words to say, so I pretended to get the mail.
"Hey do you play footie?" The friend asked in my direction.
"Used to be a star player. Why?" I pretend to not know anything, afraid to turn from my mail.
"My friend Harry here-"
"Don't embarrass-"
"He needs help. He sucks. Charity case?"
"Sure!" I say a bit too eagerly, "Tomorrow morning, meet me here."
Harry stood, meeting my height. He smelled of cheap cologne and sweat, a scent that worked on him. "See you then."
I nodded and walked back into my house, a smirk apparent on my face. I couldn't tell if I was happy that I got to play football again or that I was teaching Harry.
-
I was awoken in the morning by a knock on my door. I had fallen asleep on the couch watching tv again, last nights dinner on the table half finished. I groaned and stood up, ignoring the obvious bulge that visits me every morning.
Who's here?
Throwing on yesterday's shirt and deciding pants aren't necessary, I open the front door.
"Is this a bad time?" Harry asked softly. I take a second to take in his look, blue shorts and a white tee shirt; a bag hung around his shoulders. I look down at my own shirt and notice stains.
"Nah come in, I just have to change really quick. Then we'll start."
Harry shyly came into my house and sat at my couch. Once he was situated I ran up my steps to put on some clothes and cologne.
7:48 am
I haven't woken up this early since I got out of retail. I always woke up around 9 and then worked until 7 pm. But this is worth it.
Harry was in the same spot when I came back downstairs, his legs awkwardly crossed.
His legs are so delicious...
I shook the thoughts from my head and motioned him over.
"I don't even know your name."
"Louis. Let's go out back."
I led the way to the back where a football sat lonely in the yard as well as goals that have been neglected for years.
"Go kick it around, I want to see what I'm working with."
Harry placed his bag down and jogged over to the ball. He tapped it around and kicked it into the goal a couple times.
"Alright kid, here's the problem. You're too soft." I say and kick the ball into the goal with force.
"Well maybe you're too rough." His voice fills with attitude and embarrassment.
"I can be soft too."
Harry's cheeks turned pink as I retrieved the ball. I had a lot of work to do.