Started as His Girlfriend (Sequel to "Started as His Tutor")

Happy Again

Vincent's POV

I snatch up my towel, wiping down the sweat dribbling down the side of my head. Maddy approaches me with a water bottle in hand. 

"Here, Vincent. It's iced tea," she extends her hand out. 

"I got water in my backpack," I decline. 

"Come on, try it. I woke up early to make it. Plus, it's infused with fruit," she pressed it against my chest. 

"Thanks," I finally accept it, taking a chug.

She just looks at me, continuing to smile without a break. 

"You seem in a good mood," I point out. 

"I guess... Something really good happened today."

I suddenly feel a pat on my shoulders. Turning, I noticed its one of the guys from the team. He clicks his tongue and slightly shakes his head. 

"Sorry about your girl, man," he sighs. 

"What? That's she's pregnant?" I ask. 

"She pregnant?" he asks back, shocked. 

"No, it's just what people have been saying all day. She's not though," I take back my words, hoping he wouldn't take it as a confirmation and tell it to other people. "Why then?"

"You haven't seen the post?"

"What post?"

I turn to Maddy, but she shakes her head as well. Other guys start to gather around as well, listening in and inputting their own information. 

"I saw it this afternoon," one guy says.

"Yeah, its crazy," another adds. 

He takes out his phone and clicks around for a bit. Soon, he pulls something up on his screen and hands his phone to me. 

California? Why didn't she mention that the amusement park was in another state? Forget that. Why is he carrying her around?  That asshole tried to pull something since I wasn't there.

"What a bitch," I hear someone chuckle nearby. His cracked and slightly squeaky voice gives him right away as the only freshman to have made the varsity team. 

"What did you say?" my jaw twitches, but my eyes stay fixed on the phone.

"What I mean is that she's messed up... for cheating on you like that," he rewords. 

"What did you call her?" I yell, grip tightening on the phone. 

"Nothing," he scoffs. 

"You-" I whip my head to the side and glare at him. His knees buckle slightly, but he attempts to keep eye contact with me. 

"Just forget it, Vincent," Maddy tugs on me by wrapping her arms around my arm. I shake it off and turn away. 

Near the bleachers, Wendy stares at me, tears dribbling down her face. Meeting my eyes, she doesn't blink and stands stone-still with arms hanging limp. I start to make my way to her. As I approach, she clamps her eyes shut and a flood of tears are released. Once she droops her head, I speed up, jogging up to her. 

"I'm sorry-" she begins to apologize. 

I pull her into my arms, letting her press her face into my shirt. Her small body trembles. This only urges me to hug her tighter- as tight as possible without crushing her. I kiss the top of her head as she keeps shivering, her fingers curling to grip the sides of my shirt. 

"Why are you sorry? I should be sorry," I sigh, rubbing her back. 

I should've noticed something was wrong. I should've defended her.