Hated, Dated, Fated

Chapter 18 - Dated

Caleb POV

 

“Good job boys! That’s it for today!” Coach hollered and everyone breathed a huge sigh of relief, myself included.

Nationals were coming up and if we didn’t train harder we would lose our championship, and no way in hell was Sierra going to lose, not while I was around at least.

“Evans, you stay. I want a word,” Coach said sternly, and I internally cringed.

I wasn’t on top form today, missing basic shots and making rookie mistakes. All I could really focus on was the damned anniversary celebrations and of course, Alexa.

“Something on your mind kiddo? You’re not as sharp as you usually are,” he said, seating us down on the bleachers.

“Just busy coach, with practice and schoolwork and the anniversary coming up. It’s kind of piling up,” I admitted, not even trying to lie.

You couldn’t lie to Coach. He would see right through you and rip you a new one if you ever lied. He sighed, looking at me expectantly. I knew he wanted me to drop the anniversary planning so I could focus on school and basketball, but if I did not only would I be disappointing the principal and the committee, Alexa would murder me and I would never see her around.

“I can’t drop the celebrations coach, I’m already in too deep,” I sighed, running a hand through my hair.

“Can’t or won’t Evans? I heard that Duke and Kentucky scouters are gonna be coming to the game next week. If you’re not in top form they won’t pick you,” he said firmly but almost in a fatherly way, like he genuinely cared, which was undoubtedly true.

“I’ll think about it coach. I’ll try and see what I can do but I’m not dropping the celebrations and my team over there,” I told him, holding my head high.

He sighed but nodded, and I knew he was secretly pleased that I wasn’t willing to abandon my committee like that.

Stepping into the shower, coach’s words were swimming in my head. I’ve wanted to play for Duke since I was started playing basketball in second grade. I quickly washed up and changed, the dilemma still running circles in my head when a ring from my locker jolted me back to reality and I saw that Lexa was calling me.

“Sup girl?” I said, picking up my bag and slamming the locker shut.

“Where are you Caleb? The meeting started an hour ago and I need the information that’s stored on your laptop,” she said, sounding irritated.

“Chill Lexa, I’m coming. I told you I had basketball remember? I have training everyday from three to six. Basketball season starts next week,” I explained myself, slight annoyance growing within me.

I heard her sigh loudly and I could just imagine her rubbing her temples. “Yeah, okay. Just hurry? And for god’s sake put on deodorant, I can smell you through the phone,” she said jokingly, before hanging up.

I chuckled before breaking into a quick jog to our meeting room. It took less than five minutes to get there and I walked in, almost knocking Alexa off her feet.

“Whoa sorry baby girl,” I said, catching her just in time before she fell to the floor.

“It’s okay. You got here quick,” she said, smiling at me happily as I righted her.

“Sorry I’m late,” I said, giving her a quick peck on her forehead before chucking my stuff, and myself, onto the sofa.

“Caleb, so far we’ve gotten confirmation on Lindsay Stirling and DJ Quad has agreed to play. Josh has spoken to Alexander and confirmed the course servings. We just need to go through the menu and count how many vegetarians there are, if any. Also, the down payment’s been made to The Lancaster and the principal emailed me earlier telling me he would personally prepare fireworks for the night, so we don’t have to worry about that. Lastly, all of us are going to visit Contagious tonight, ” Alexa brought me up to speed quickly before addressing the whole group.

“Okay Amber I want you to round up a group of people, mix of guys and girls please, to help you with your decorations. Same goes for you Ashley. Try and get the flyers and ticket designs done ASAP so we can start selling them and getting everyone hyped up about the celebrations,” Alexa rattled off instructions to everyone else and I tuned out, too absorbed in my thoughts.

I really wanted to go to Duke, but was it worth dropping this, and possibly Alexa? I couldn’t let my grades drop, and I couldn’t disappoint my team. Unknowingly, I let out a frustrated groan that silenced the whole room.

“Uh… Sorry, carry on,” I said sheepishly, feeling my cheeks warm slightly.

Damn.

“Everyone go take a break. You’ve been working hard,” Alexa said, glancing worriedly at me.

“You alright?” She asked, leaning her head on my shoulder.

I automatically wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer to me.

“I…” I wanted to lie to her but she’d only get madder if she found out from someone else.

“Coach wants me to drop out of the committee to focus on basketball,” I muttered, unable to look her in the eyes.

I could feel her stiffen and tightened my grip on her before she could react any further.

“Lexa, wait, let me explain first. My game was pretty off today and if I want to get into Duke on scholarship I need to do well in school and basketball. I’m sorry Lexa, but I have to step back. Not drop out completely but I need more time to focus on basketball,” I said guiltily, my head hanging because I really wanted to help her but I needed the scholarship. It was all I had ever dreamed of.

“Hey, hey, Caleb, look at me. I understand. Yeah I’m upset that you wanna step back but college is more important. I’ll just take up whatever you choose not to do,” she said, smiling at me even though I could see the sadness and disappointment swirling in her eyes.

“Baby girl, I’m not choosing basketball over you. Just these few weeks okay? I give you free reign to do whatever you want. I’m sure you’ll make the right decisions. I’ll help you with whatever admin stuff you need to do but I don’t want to have to stress about what colour the drapes and the tablecloths are going to be or if the performers are good enough. I trust your instinct. If you don’t think they’re good enough then they’re not. Okay Alexa Ryans?” I said, kissing her lightly.

“Okay,” she breathed, smiling a little. “You just kind of quoted one of my favourite books.”

“It was a sure fire way to get you back,” I said, nuzzling her gently before pretending to pout in pain when she hit me on the shoulder.

I was happy that she was happy but a part of me felt guilty for lying to her. I was going to drop the celebrations, but I would pick it back up after basketball season was over.

“I would,” I told myself mentally, but my words sounded empty even to my own ears.

I'm sorry it's so short I've been really busy! 

On a side note I watched TFIOS (The Fault in Our Stars) and cried like a baby. Oh well. It's so sad, especially "I lit up like a christmas tree," oh how my heart broke. 

Oh well I will try to get back into the swin of things soon okay bye :p