SEVEN
-2 months
16th February, 2015
LUCY'S POV
I'm lacing my sneakers up against the bleachers with the rest of the team, when Harlin slumps down beside me, dribbling her basketball, unmistakably ruffled.
"I can't wait for this season to get over. Coach is nuts, I'm telling you."
I bark out a laugh at her irritated look, complete with strands of hair sticking to her forehead in the most unflattering way possible.
"What, is there something on my face?" she grins, matting more hair onto her forehead, inviting snorts from the rest of the team. For as long as I can remember, she's been the jester of our group. Always able to get a laugh out of anyone, the one to cheer you up when you're feeling a bit low, the stereotypical carefree goofball prepared to take on any dare thrown her way.
"Over here!" someone bellows from the other end of the court, making me pinch the bridge of my nose. My brother likes going out of his way to embarrass me.
"I love my boyfriend," Harlin grins before thundering, "oh," back.
"I can and will gag," I warn her before muttering, "crazy lovebirds."
Admittedly, though, she's perfect for Luca.
"Look at this adorable angel," she coos at me, framing Luca's face with her hands and thrusting it at me. She loves teasing me about her relationship with my brother. What I did to deserve this, I don't know.
He winks at me, so I pull my unlaced shoe off and aim it at his head.
"Gasp!" she gasps.
"Don't be stupid, you don't actually say 'gasp!'" Luca rolls his eyes. Harlin smacks his head.
"What obsession do you women have with my head?" he cries out.
"Probably your lack of one," I retort, hunting for my lost shoe so I can chuck it at him again. I give myself a pat on the back for my excellent comeback.
"What're you guys still doing here?" Tejal sticks her head in.
"What are you doing here?" she shoots back.
"Actually, I—" Tejal begins, but is interrupted.
"Jelly beans, pig, sorting hat," she snickers, and I can't help but join in.
"Are you serious? No, don't answer that," Tejal closes her eyes. "Can't you ever be serious?"
"What, so I can be like you? No thank you. Shall I grovel at your feet instead?"
"Sure," she shrugs after a deep breath, and a moment passes before the two of them throw their heads back laughing.
"Girls," my brother murmurs creepily. "You've got to love 'em."
"Laying it on thick, are we?" I smirk.
"I wasn't talking about you, Lu."
"Don't call me a Loo, you loo."
"What is a loo?"
"Dude, it's a toilet."
"Oh, that one," Luca smiles in recognition.
"Lucy, I'm leaving!" Harlin calls out, standing beside Tejal.
"What about me?" Luca screeches, getting up in alarm.
"Hold on, I'm coming," I holler back, looking for my shoe.
*
Being an introvert in a part of a huge group of friends isn't my idea of fun. Yet, here I am, trailing along the corner, content with just listening to their conversations.
I cower from the spotlight on instinct, but being trapped backstage does get pretty monotonous, too. On the other hand, Harlin's rocking the stage up front, all eyes on her, like being the center of attention has always been her calling.
I know that my best friend is the last person I should envy, but the abrupt spasms of isolation egg me on.
It's my fault. I've built this wall of doubt, over the years.
But I can break it. The only way out is to speak up. It's easy, judging by their screams of mirth.
I open my mouth, only to close it shut.
We'll get em' another time.
*
A/N
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