Trophy Child (On Hold)

Chapter 13

Generally speaking, I'm not the most social guy. I never have been. Crowds gave me the creeps. Or being in them did, at least. Being in front of them was, of course, a different story.

Being opposed to crowds meant that school events definitely weren't my thing, and I pretty much avoided them at all costs. Especially the events that revolved around our sports teams.

So what was I doing at a high school football game, crammed in between Eric and Benny while the mindless teenagers around us yelled obnoxiously at the top of their lungs, you might be asking. No self respecting individual could possibly choose to be present for something like this.

Unfortunately for me, neither Eric nor Benny were self respecting individuals.

"I want to go home," I said.

"Shut up, Casey, I'm busy," Eric replied.

"I don't think staring at the cheerleaders counts as 'busy'"

"Both of you shut up," Benny whined," I'm trying to watch the game."

"Staring at Danny Morgan's ass doesn't count as watching the game either. I can't believe we came here just for you guys to drool."

"Shut up, Casey," they said together.

I slumped back with my arms crossed and glared forward.

Our school's team was by far not the best. If you didn't count my cousin, that is. Josh was the only reason they ever won anything at all. He dreamed about going pro, and I guess that with all of the college scouts he'd caught the attention of, he was well on his way.

It all looked pretty stupid from where I was sitting but to each their own, I guess.

"Do we really need to stay for the whole game?" I asked.

"Why did you even agree to come if you were just going to complain?" Eric groaned.

"I didn't agree to come. I specifically asked for you both to screw off and go without me," I reminded them," instead you sent my dad after me."

My dad had been absolutely ecstatic about the idea of my friends taking me to a game. He'd always been desperate for me or Andy to get into sports. In the end, I guess all parents just wanted something to brag about. 

"You need to get out more anyway," Eric said dismissively.

A group of guys tried to start a wave and Eric joined in readily, but I let it die by refusing to budge. I figured that they could drag me to a football game, but they sure as hell could not make me participate.

When the torture finally came to an end, our school was victorious. Which was good, I guess, if you cared about that kind of thing. None of us did.

"Just go down there and talk to him, Benny," I said, while the bleachers started to clear out.

"Funny. I didn't know that you were completely insane," he said.

"Don't come crying to me about it then. Direct any crush whining toward Eric."

Benny shoved me and we all stood up to leave.

"Besides," Benny added while we walked," I can barely talk to you guys."

"It's true," Eric agreed," he's completely hopeless."

"I don't see you winning any girls over," Benny said.

"Hey, at least I try! When was the last time you asked a guy out?" Eric asked.

Benny didn't reply. He didn't need to. We all knew the answer.