Something Real (Andreil)

Chapter Three

Andrew felt robbed. Of what, he didn't know.

Every day since Andrew turned down whatever deal Neil wanted to make, Neil was everywhere. He was there in the morning, sitting next to Kevin while they drank coffee. He was there during the Fox practice, his eyes finding Andrew's whenever he made a goal. He was there after practice, when Andrew wanted to smash a couple Exy balls down the court.

He was everywhere and Andrew felt robbed. Of Exy? Of personal fucking space?

It all came down to Neil saying those idiotic words. Neil's voice would echo in Andrew's ears like a recorder left on repeat. You were amazing, he'd hear in his nine-a.m. class. You were amazing, he'd hear on the way to lunch. You were amazing, he'd hear when he climbed into bed.

More than anything, Andrew was annoyed with himself. Neil was just some kid in the way and Andrew hated that he caught himself thinking about him.

To avoid Neil, he considered making the trip to the recreation center off campus. It had a decent Exy court, but the hours never matched Andrew's schedule. He'd also have to drive the half hour to get there and he wasn't stupid enough to drive after exhausting himself at the court.

Andrew was so frustrated with feeling frustrated that he smoked through five cigarettes on the way to the court one evening. He knew his lungs would have a hard time keeping up while he played, but the cigarettes helped smoothed some edges that were poking his brain.

After he changed out and made it inside the court, he found Neil waiting for him in his gear.

"Hey." He said, sounding relieved. "I didn't think you would ever come back if I was here."

Andrew didn't bother with a response. He obviously wanted something, and Andrew did not care for small talk.

Neil fidgeted with his racquet like he was nervous. Was he nervous? "Did you want to practice together today? Makes sense if we're both here."

Andrew turned on his heel, fully intended to leave before Neil spoke up again. "You have it memorized, don't you? The patterns on the machine."

"So?" Andrew asked with his back still turned.

"So now you can finally play against something real and I can get some practice with shooting at the goal."

Andrew considered it. The idea was tempting, and Andrew hadn't played against another person for years. With that in mind, Andrew opened his mouth to agree.

You were amazing. Andrew's breath hitched, and for a moment he thought that Neil had said the words aloud. He was going crazy. Well, crazier than usual.

Andrew left the court without giving an answer.

He called Renee.

She answered on the second ring and they agreed to meet up at the usual place. Andrew was not going to practice in front of Neil and sparring with Renee was just as good of a release as Exy.

"Hello Andrew." She greeted him with a warm smile, dropping her bag by the door.

Andrew nodded as he adjusted his armbands.

"How are you?"

Andrew shrugged. "Alright. And you?"

"I'm well. Thanks for asking." Renee reached into her bag to retrieve a hairclip. She then used the clip to pull her freshly cut bangs back.

"You cut them again?"

Renee took off her cross necklace and tucked it neatly away before responding. "My bangs? Yes, I quite like them."