The Stare Games (editing)

7

Who knew being two of the hottest guys in school's target would lead to being drugged and locked in the girls' locker room?

Definitely not this girl right here.

And yet, on a warm evening on a day that was supposed to be the blues, it happened.

As I clutched onto my purple backpack and focused on reading my flashcards on resistance in a wire, I heard the abnormally loud 'whispers' of the people around me.

"Oh my gosh, it's her."

"This IS the girl?"

"What do they even see in her?"

My head perked up, ready to spot the poor girl they were tormenting. When I was unable to find anyone quivering against a locker, I looked at the gossiper who was ideally staring right back at me.

Shoot.

That was when it all clicked.

They were talking about me.

This must have meant that what Karyn and Nyler said was true. But the only question was how could that be?

The blonde one spoke up first. "What do you think you're doing? Save yourself some dignity and go chase a guy that's actually on your level."

I blinked at her a couple of times, ready to defend myself. "I-I wasn't—"

"God. Sierra, she's trying to cover it up!" The one with black hair and a lip piercing added, not bothering to stifle her laugh. "There's no point. The whole schools knows of your little flirtatious acts to get both Seth and Nate, but trust me on this, it will never happen."

"You think I'm the one chasing them? Look, I don't have any time for that, unlike you two. Maybe they just decided to go for smart girls, instead." which was what I should've said out loud and not just in my head.

Instead, and mainly because I was a true coward, I did something I would always regret.

I ran.

And I ran,

And I ran some more,

Until I bumped headfirst into something hard. My hands flew to the obstacle I assumed was a brick wall with an uneven surface. My eyes were shut close. Like the idiot I was, I knocked it a few times just to be sure of its material. Suddenly, a sound I wasn't expecting filled my ears. A deep, hollow laugh.

There was only one face I could link up this unique laugh to.

Nate.

"Oh! I-I am so so sorry!" I flushed, placing my hands on my face so that my red cheeks were hidden of any signs of embarrassment. The floor below me suddenly looked attractive enough to stare at.

Through fits of laughter, I heard him manage to squeeze a sentence out, which was impressive actually since I wasn't able to speak properly even if I kept a straight face on. "That...made...my day, Aeryn. Thank...you!"

I replied with a nervous giggle, glad my existence made someone laugh instead of wishing I was dead.

The conversation suddenly took a sharp turn as his expression darkened and he tilted my face up so that our eyes met.

"I wanted to apologise about the other day. It was too soon and completely rude of me to try something like that. I can vouch that that was something I don't usually do."

His apology took me by surprise. A swarm of butterflies flew straight into my stomach as I watched as he rubbed the back of his head, stretching his cotton tee and exposing his biceps.

"Um, it's fine, Nate. Really."

His name sounded so nice on the tip of my tongue.

A warm smile crept onto his face, making me forget about the butterflies and incoming nausea.

"Would you like to come and watch the game then? It's at four, main field. The one behind—"

"I know where it is. I'll be there."

***

"Go, boys!" A very enthusiastic Nyler cheered as the seats around us started filling up.

Did I mention that the game hadn't started yet?

"You know, maybe you should try cheerleading." I teased, slurping from the straw.

Completely missing my sarcastic tone, he clasped his mouth and nodded his head. "That's such a great idea."

Knowing Nyler, if he wanted something, he'd get it. I guess that meant I'd have to attend every single game, not that I minded of course.

My thoughts of Nyler in a cheerleading outfit was rudely interrupted by the storms of overly large teenage boys as they ran out from the changing rooms and onto the grass before us. Shifting from guy to guy, my eyes landed on Nate for a brief second before making its way to the boy with the captain's band and perfect build that made the whole sporting look ten times better: Seth.

It had been four days since the party and I still hadn't received a single text message or call fromLil him. No matter how hard I tried to push down the nerves, I was starting to worry if what was forming between us was going back to what it was a year ago: nothing but constant gazing.

Then again, why would someone as perfect as him fall for someone like me?

His hair suddenly whipped to the side as his head turned to face the crowd. Instinctively, I ducked my head in an angle that allowed me to see him without the reciprocation. I watched as a smile formed on his lips.

Did he see me? I begged the heavens not.

Shaking my head, I decided to focus my attention on the guy that invited me and not the guy who completely dismissed me.

As soon as the whistle blew, the game was in full-speed. Quick, accurate passes were made by us as the opponents tried to tackle and make interceptions. Soon enough, it was three-nil and halftime. I watched as the players jogged back to their coaches before making my way towards the bathrooms.

The toilets here were connected to the locker rooms, which meant I had to go through all the disgusting smells and the humid air before relieving myself. Once I made it past, my vision started getting blurring and my head spun at the speed of light. A ringing noise rang through my ears, making me kneel on the padded floor for help.

Then, it all went black.

***