Settling The Score

Part 13

We were going around in circles. I didn't specifically know when Mason would strike again, but I knew it would be any day now. The suspense was agonizing, but I refused to make the first move, it would make my plan too obvious.

So, I went about my week as I would any other.

We had a very important soccer game coming up next week, so naturally, soccer practice was excruciating. Coach chased us up hills and made us do ridiculous courses, threatening our positions at any glimpse of slacking off.
She even brought her chihuahua with one time and let it chase Jenna, in the hopes that she would quit slacking. And I had to admit that thing was scary. I was pretty sure it broke every school rule out there, but seeing as it worked, none of us really complained. Except for Jenna, of course.

I was particularly cranky that afternoon as I trudged towards the gym. I spotted Nate sitting in front of the stage, watching bemusedly as a hell-bent Carlos shouted orders at anyone nearby.

I decided that I liked Nate, he was pretty funny and for a football player, refreshingly tolerable. And we got along fairly well.

"Hey," I smiled as I sank into the chair next to his. "Avoiding the volcano erupting up there, I see."

He looked me over intently and I gave him a small smile. I was pretty sure he had a little crush on me.

"Yeah, I'm staying on the down-low until he's not on the warpath anymore," he mused, "So how was soccer practice?"

"Oh you know, the usual. Endless drills, running until our feet bleed, getting yelled at for every tiny mistake, wishing for a swift death. Just normal stuff, really."

He chuckled, "Well, I'm really happy you survived. I would be especially devastated if you were to die on me," he disclosed, his cheeks burning bright red.

I quickly looked away from him, and added a bit uneasily, "Haha, yeah well, looks like you're stuck with me." 

Before things could get awkward, Mason passed by and stopped in front of Nate. "Hey bro," he said as Nate got up to greet him.

Mason frowned at Nate's red-stained cheeks, before turning his attention to me. 

"Hey Leslie," he chimed, smiling a little too brightly. 

"Hey..." I drawled, narrowing my eyes suspiciously.

"You look tired Leslie, want me to cover for you with Carlos?" he offered, the smile still glued firmly on his face. 

"You really don't have to..." 

"Oh no, but I insist," he interjected.

I narrowed my eyes further. What are you up to, Mason Hayes?

He kept his gaze unfaltering. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I just thought I'd be helpful. 

"Oh, but Nate and I were having such a delightful conversation before you interrupted. I wouldn't want to leave so soon," I said sweetly.

His smile wavered for a second, before he continued, "By all means, continue your delightful discussion. And consider your part of the daily duties done."
A flicker of something went through his eyes before he disappeared again. 

"What was that all about?" Nate frowned as he took his seat again. 

"I have no idea," I shrugged.

"So, nothing is going on between the two of you?" Nate asked questioningly. 

"Hell no. Not in a million years," I blurted.