How Do I Love?

Chapter 2: The Football Game

"Okay so I'll see you at 6 then? You better be ready by the time I knock on your door," Lili yelled.

I waved an unexcited goodbye and started back to my house. She had been coaxing me all day to really commit to tonight's game. How is she so convincing? I really need to learn how to do that.

Wait what's that? Just then I heard a loud and obnoxious noise behind me. Ugh. It was Silas' car. He owned a 1975 Stutz Blackhawk. I only knew because everyone did. I guess it was a gift from his grandfather or something like that. Anyway, everyone treated him like gold because of it -even more so than usual. It was a nice car, sure, but why does it matter? He pulled into his driveway across the street and got out of the car. He turned around and said something, but I didn't hear.

"What?"

"I said, 'Hello' Richards. Damn, you really must be deaf." He yelled over the street.

"Whatever. You know what? You need to st-" I tripped over a crack in the sidewalk and fell face first. As I lift my head, I see Silas bending over me. How did he get here so quick? He stretches out his hand but I move it out of my way and get up myself.

"I was just trying to help. Stop being so rude. You know, you really should watch where you're going." Is he trying to lecture me? I lift my scraped hand up to my stinging forehead. It's bleeding.

"Don't try to reprimand me. You're the one who distracted me." I blow on my thumping hand. I really need to clean out these cuts; I can feel tiny rocks scratching at the wound and it's uncomfortable. "Thanks for the gashes Russell." I start limping up to my porch. My ankle really hurts, how did I fall so badly?

"My pleasure Richards." The way he says things with such an attitude is upsetting. Why does he insist on being mean?

I opened my front door and head for the bathroom. The cool water both stung, and refreshed my burning hand. I made sure to get all of the pebbles out and put neosporin all over my wounds. Why am I such a klutz? I walked to my room and all I wanted to do was sleep. But I knew Lili would be here in a bit and she'd carry in a storm if I weren't ready, so I looked for things in my closet. What can I wear? It's a bit warm today so maybe something casual? I'm not sure if it'll rain or not. The PNW weather can be so indecisive. I decided on some ripped jeans, a white tee, grey cardigan and burgundy scarf -in case the weather decided to take a turn. I looked at myself in the mirror. What should I do with my hair? I know Lili will want to take pictures, so I'd better be photo ready. My short brown hair is wavy and voluminous -I've always appreciated it. It'll be a long night, so maybe I should take out my contacts and just use my glasses? That would be a smart idea. In the bathroom I put on some light makeup. A little mascara goes a long way on my curly lashes. I notice my hazel eyes look really vibrant today and I smile a little. I have my mom's eyes. I miss her a lot on days like today; she'd be so excited for me to go out. She loved football games because it reminded her of when she fell in love with my dad. He was a new kid from out of town, and by no means was he ever on the team, but he'd always go to games. He would constantly tell stories of how he'd go to watch my mom cheer and she'd keep eyeing him. They were always such a lively couple. I know my dad misses her because he never talks about it anymore.They were soulmates. You can see his eyes get painfully glassy whenever we mention her.

"Gemma, it's almost 6, can you take me?" I'm snapped out of nostalgia when I hear Junior's voice across the house.

I walked around to find him in the kitchen, shoving snacks into his pockets.

"Really?" I cross my arms at him.

"Hey don't judge! The concession stands are expensive!" We chuckle a bit and he snatch a snack from him. I just realized I haven't eaten since this morning.