Petals In The Wind - a Myles Parrish story

Switching Teams

"I can't believe you like Kalin!"

It was Saturday when I told Laura what I had practically been feeling since Monday night. I sighed and fell back on my bed. "I didn't say I liked him! I just think he's nice... and sweet... and gorgeous... and ..ughhh" I buried my face into my cheetah print pillow. That was definitely contradicting myself. Laura noticed and she laughed. "That's practically liking him baby girl."

I rolled my eyes under the pillow. I didn't want to like the best friend of my past crush. It felt weird. Like I was switching teams. But then again, Myles was old news and I had been spending a lot of time with Kalin lately. He texted me or called me everyday to talk about his little plan. The discussion about his plan almost always turned into a conversation about anything else. He was just that easy to talk to.

Laura thought it was a good thing. You know, for me to like Kalin. Since me and Myles had mutual feelings of hate, there shouldn't be a problem with us dating, according to her. If so, then Myles is just a bigger asshole than expected. She also suggested I tell Kalin how I feel.

That's where I drew the line. "HELL NO! Thats humiliating! And embarrassing! I rather sell my soul to hell hounds. Have you lost your damn mind?!" The thought literally scared me. Kalin wasn't just nice. Or good looking. He was PERFECT. Too perfect. He probably wants someone equally as perfect and trust me, that's not me.

In addition to that, I just started talking to the guy. I didn't even know if what I was feeling was serious. And if Myles was as much of a selfish asshole as I thought, it would ruin a friendship.

"Look Mira, in all honesty, I think he likes you! He's probably using this mediator thing as an excuse to talk to you and get to know you. You said it yourself, you guys talk a lot."

I bit my lip and blew out a puff of air which blew my straightened bangs off of my forehead momentarily before they landed again. I didn't even know what to say so I just sighed, "I guess", and changed the subject.

••••••••

Monday morning was unusually hot. It was one of those days were you can see the heat radiating off the pavement. I woke up that morning completely exhausted and was in an 'oversized sweater' mood. But the weather didn't agree. So instead I wore high waisted shorts and a crop top with 'You Can't Sit With Us' plastered on the front in black and white.

I didn't even bother to straighten my bangs because I knew the heat would undo all of my hard work. I put my light brown curls, that originally fall down my back, up into something that resembled a puffball. After slipping on my white converse, I took a step into the unmerciful heat and walked to school.

When I got there, I was sweating like I had just ran 6 miles. It was only 7am and the school was only a few minutes away but I could have sworn I had just hiked through the Sahara desert. I was grateful for the air conditioned school and leaned against the cold stone walls and closed my eyes, appreciating it all.

I could have stayed there forever but I deep, familiar voice made me open my eyes. "Hey, you look exhausted." Kalin leaned against the wall beside me and looked down. I let out a small chuckle. "It's so hot outside. To make it worse, I feel like my hair soaked up all of the heat and just stored it. Ugh, curly hair problems."

I could feel Kalin pat my puffy ball of hair that sat on top of my head. "Oh wow that is hot. Well I came over here to ask you if you.." he hesitated and looked at the ground, "uhm, wanted to go... I don't know... go do something tonight?"

My heart started pounding fast. Was I dreaming, I thought, or did that really just happen.

"Uhm, yeah.. yeah of course", I smiled and looked up at his eyes which sparkled brighter than the stars in the sky. He smiled back and kissed my forehead, "I'll call you okay?" I nodded and watched him walk away.

•••••

I rolled my eyes at the thought of 7th block. I had it with Myles, unfortunately. I hated that our last names were always next to other because whenever we had assigned seats, guess who I got stuck next to.

I walked in and tossed my bag on the ground. I pretended to text someone as Myles walked in the classroom to avoid eye contact. It was a routine, really. To avoid each other throughout the day. Except that day, Monday, some time in September on a hot, sunny day. Because that day, was the day that everyone in Mrs. Bright's 7th block class realized, I had switched teams.

I expected Myles to sit down next to me and immediately turn to face someone, anyone really, who wasn't me. But he didn't. He did sit down but this time he stared straight at me. He didn't say a word until I rolled my eyes and looked up at him. "Can I help you?"

A few people turned to look at us. "Why are trying to get to me so bad?" I cocked my head in confusion. "Excuse me?"

"You want to get to me so bad that you decide to go after my best friend? that's fucking low."

I let out a small laugh and leaned back in my chair. I was kinda amused that it bothered him so much. "And why do you care Mr. Parrish? Why are you mad because I like Kalin? Why can't you get over the fact that I punched your fucking girlfriend and grow up and let Kalin do what he wants?"

A few more people turned to look at us, as the conversation escalated. Myles was silent for a few moments before he got really quiet. Quiet enough so only I could hear him, but barely.

"Because you used to like me."

I could hear the class whisper, asking each other if they heard what was said. Nobody did but I heard. And it left me completely silent. I was confused. What the hell was that supposed to mean? shaking it off, I did my signature eye roll and turned my attention back to my phone. I ignored the stares and whispers the rest of class as I waited for the bell to ring. When it finally did, I quickly grabbed my things and rushed out of class. Before I could make it two steps out of the door, I felt a hand on my shoulder.

I slowly turned around and saw Myles towering over me.

"Ohmygod, whaaattt?" I asked, super annoyed at that point. "I don't want you dating Kalin."

I took a step back and laughed. "Why do you care?" He closed the gap in between us by taking a step forward. "Look, its obvious we don't like each other. It's obvious me and Kalin are best friends. It's fucking obvious that if you date him, you'll be around all the time. I know you like me, and I don't exactly like you going behind my back and trying to date my friends to get to me."

I felt the heat rising to my face from anger. Was he serious?

"You psychotic, narcissistic, freak. First of all, I fucking hate you. I don't just dislike you, I fucking despise you. Second, get over your self, I genuinely like Kalin. I like him a lot and it has nothing to do with you. Third, fuck you."

I clenched my jaw and left him in the hallway as I walked to my locker. I was noticeable angry. Everything I did looked violent. Putting things in my bag, walking, even breathing to be honest. I saw Kalin walking towards me and I tried to calm myself.

"Hey, what's wrong?" I walked over towards him and laid my head on his chest. I told him everything that happened with Myles and I heard him curse under his breath. I felt his arm wrap around my shoulder as he stayed silent.

"He's not gonna want us going out tonight." I wasn't sure if he was talking to himself or me but I stated quiet. He seemed really pensive. He looked down at me and suddenly smiled, a half smile only he could do. "I don't want him to think I'm betraying him.... but fuck it, I'll deal with him later. "

He grabbed me by my waist and pulled me close to him. I wrapped my hands around his waist and looked up at him.

I was really excited for our date, but for the record, I swear I didn't know. I didn't know it would break up a friendship. I didn't know it would end a relationship. Hand on the bible, I didn't know the price of dating your enemy's best friend. Or the outcome of switching teams.