Letting Go

Chapter 9

As the double doors to the gym flung open, Elson came bursting in announcing that their co king has arrived. Smiling wide with his arms out, he bowed as if he gave them the greatest performance they have ever seen. However, the statement alone resulted in him getting pelted with black and white colored volleyballs. Laughing it off, Elson caught a few of the volleyballs and threw them back at his teammates. They all chased each other around throwing volleyballs at one another and laughing. Is this what all sport practices are like?

Rubbing my arms, I made my way towards the bleachers and took a seat in the far left corner in the front row. After a couple of minutes, the boys started to get into the mood of practice and I watched how each one used there arms and hands to pass the ball to one another. Some would use their heads or feet to hit the balls back, but when they did that, it only resulted in them getting the death stare from Emerson.

I have never been to school sports event nor have I been invited to one. Watching them practice was a new experience for me and luckily I don't think anyone saw me walk in. Aside from Elson who would occasionally look in my direction and smile, no one saw me. I don't know why I'm here watching the boy's volleyball practice. It would only take one look in my direction or a ball coming towards my way for them to realize that I'm here. Once that happens I'm sure one of them, if not all of them, would say or do something to me. Maybe I should leave. Clutching the sides of my arms, I looked down at lap and concentrated on my breathing. Breath in, and breath out. Don't start freaking out. In. Out. I could feel myself start breaking out in sweat and everything was becoming to loud. Suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder and heard a voice that felt distant,

"Cartier?"

Looking up, I saw Emerson looking down at me with an expression I haven't seen anyone give me before. He kneeled before me and placed his hands over where mine were clutching my arms.  He's touching me..

Looking into my eyes, Emerson whispered, "Cartier are you okay?"

Elson is the only other person who has looked concerned for me. Who are you? All I did was stare at Emerson, not giving him an answer. Out of the loudness of the volleyballs, I could hear Elson calling out my name. Suddenly the sounds of volleyballs hitting against the floor stopped and Elson was running towards me from the other side of the gym. When he got to me, he sat next to me and put his arm around my shoulder. What are you doing?
Snapping my head towards Elson, I glared at him but he only gave me a cheesy smile back. Emerson pulled his hands away from on top mine and stood up.

Clearing his throat he spoke up, "I was just checking if she was okay, and stop being so loud Elson. You could scare a robber away into hiding."

Smiling and laughing a bit at Emerson's statement I silently agreed with him in my head. Shaking my head I look up to see Emerson and Elson looking at me. Tilting my head to side I give them a questioning look, the smile slowly fading away from my face.

Questioning their stare, I asked "Why are you guys looking at me like that?"

Elson oddly stayed silent and looked away from me, his cheeks turning a faint shade of red. He removed his arm from my shoulder and scratched the back of his head continuing to avoide my face. Emerson continued to stare at me, his cheeks turning the same color as Elson's. Did I do something?

Out of no where, Elson stammered, "Y-you should smile more often."

Elson tagged on, stammering as well, "I-I agree."

With that, him and Elson got up and and left me with my cheeks feeling warm and my heart skipping beats. Reaching my hands over my cheeks I covered them, not wanting anyone to see me blush. Emerson's comment may have not seemed much, but I could feel the butterflies in my stomach fluttering and my heart beating in my chest. Maybe he isn't as bad as I thought..