What's Your Name?

Chapter 9: After School Extra Credit ;)

We did our last breakdown before the season was to start and Coach Rudy yelled at us to "Get out of here!".

"No, no, I'm just kidding. Can you two come here for a second, though?"

Aracelia and I looked at each other and mumbled a small uh oh.

"So, you two are officially leaving me, huh? I'm not gonna lie, I will sincerely miss you both." He paused and shook his head, looking at both of us with what seemed to be tears in his eyes. "But I know you have to move on and grow, and you can't stay here with me. I think...I think I'm just a small bit selfish, girls."

"I mean, that's okay. I wouldn't want to lose anyone either. Especially not Aracelia." I hugged her tightly and kissed the top of her hair. She pulled away from me and pushed me off of her. "Wow, okay. Just trying to appreciate you."

"I don't know, that was a little awkward."

"But girls, there's something that you have to realize: you aren't going to be around forever. Branch out and do new things, get a boyfriend, travel, explore...do whatever your heart desires. I can't wait to see what you two become."

"Homeless." I mused.

"You can come stay with me if that happens, smartass."

I looked at Coach Rudy hard. I really looked at him. I feel as if I was having deja vu, but I couldn't place it. I shrugged it off and smiled a soft 'thanks' towards him.

"No, I'm serious. If you ever have any problems, just come to me. Here's my number. Please don't hesitate to call." His eyes lingered on me for a bit as his face turned to Aracelia.

"Thanks, Coach. Uh, can I talk to you alone right quick?" Aracelia pulled him off to the side and began talking to him.

I watched, and with a curious glance, I studied him. I had never seen this man in my life but he knew me. Over the last month or so, he looked at me with a look you don't just accrue over a few days.

I studied the way he got closer to Aracelia, and the way she pulled back naturally, almost like some weird tug of war. By the time they'd finished talking, they were about a foot or two off from their starting place. She gave him a tight hug, her chin barely reaching his shoulder. I took a swig of water and smiled at them when they looked back at me. Coach Rudy pointed at me and smirked, and for some reason, Aracelia nodded back.

What has she done now?

"Yo, Victoria, come here."

I obediently walked to the pair and watched Aracelia walk off. I silently screamed for her to come back.

"Hi?"

"Hi, Victoria." His voice was soft, and I didn't know what to make of it. His sunglasses were off and his hands laid lazily on his hips. "I will definitely miss you. Maybe even a little bit more than Aracelia."

"I doubt that. You've known her for four years."

"It's honestly not about the time you know someone, and I'm sure you know that."

I moved my lips from side to side as if I had mouthwash in my mouth. He looked down at me and placed a hand on my shoulder.

"How about I take you out to brunch? You and Aracelia. My treat."

I looked back at Aracelia and she was on her phone, looking a little upset.

"She already said yes, she's just asking her mom. It'll be fine, I promise." I could see his eyes shift to a playful manner, and I took that as a cue to lighten the conversation.