Winter's Faith | Ongoing

17 | Pain

A love not shown is more painful than a rejected love.
- greenwriter

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"Hey guys," I greeted, walking towards Declan and Astrid, who were standing in the hall that led to the bleachers.

"Hiya," Declan waved while Astrid had her eyes on my jersey. "Is that Jacob's number?" She asked when I got closer.

"Yeah. I've been wearing it since the day he got it. Best friend privileges," I bragged with a smile.

I looked between the way that led to the bleachers and the one that led to lockers. "So do you guys wanna go save us seats or come with me?"

When the two looked at me in confusion, I explained, "I'm going to see Jake. Miley is probably going to be there as well. It's sort of a thing."

Declan and Astrid looked at each other and then Astrid answered, "We'll come."

I smiled and led them to the locker room. Surely enough, Jake was waiting with Miley in the hall outside the locker room.

"Jay-jay," I smiled as I jumped into his arms and he laughed, catching me. Putting me down, he rested his arm around my shoulder.

He greeted the other two and Astrid offered, "Good luck."

Jake grinned at her. "Thanks. This your first game?" The two nodded and Jake inquired, "Do you know how the game works?" The two nodded once more.

"That's cool. Even if you didn't, these two would've happily given you a play-by-play," he mused.

Miley looked at her watch and said, "We should get going or we won't find any good place."

"Really Miles, you have no faith in me." Jake feigned hurt. Winking at Astrid, he continued, "Since we had guests today, I had someone save a good place for you."

"Man that's so cool," Declan exclaimed and Miley rolled her eyes. "Don't boast his ego," she chided. "Football's done enough of that."

This only made Jake look at her smugly. "That ain't the only thing football boasted. Tell them Faith." He turned to me, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. "I mean, you have seen it all."

Miley hit him on the head, before grabbing my hand. "You're a pig," She grunted before pulling me away. "C'mon," she said to the other two.

♡♡♡

"And with that the half time begins."

I sighed in relief because my stomach was grumbling with need. Standing up, I asked, "You guys want something?"

Miley started listing stuff and I rolled my eyes. "Dr Pepper and nachos it is."

Miley pouted at this, which I ignored and then turned to Declan. "Whatever's good," he said sheepishly.

Looking at Astrid, who had been in a mood since we had settled on the bleachers, I offered, "Wanna come with me?"

She looked at me for a moment before letting out a sigh and getting up. We walked in silence towards the food stall and ordered our food.

While waiting, I took a breath and started, "You know, I'm used to girls hating me for being my brothers' sister and then a friend to most of the football team."

Astrid didn't say anything, just looked at me in confusion with a hint of surprise.

"But there is nothing between me and Jake," I confessed. "He's my best friend since we were babies. Hell, I'm sure there are times when he forgets that I'm not his sister."

Astrid looked at me for a moment, before she sighed. "Why are you telling me all this?" She asked me.

"Because I need you to know, that this-" I pointed to the jersey. "-is because I'm his best friend. Not because I'm his girlfriend."

I sighed in defeat. "Jake," I breathed. "He's only ever been in love with one girl. A girl he could never have."

I remember staying with him late as he broke. Silently to not let anyone know what he was going through. To not feel weak. And I was with him when he put all the pieces back together and if Astrid could take the pain away completely, then I'm all for it.

Giving her a smile, I teased, "And I've seen the way you two look at each other."

And then the miracle happened. Astrid blushed. "It's not like-"

"That's how every story starts," I cut her off with a wink. Accepting our food, we made our way back to the bleachers.

"Give him a chance. Maybe it'll be good for both of you," I suggested and she gave me a tight smile.

We were both lost in our thoughts until Astrid called my name. Once she knew she had my attention, she awkwardly asked, "Who was that girl?"

I smiled sadly at her and then looked back to where we were headed. Specifically at the girl I called my best friend and the one who had broken Jake's heart without even knowing.

"Somethings are better left untold."

♡♡♡♡

Did you see that coming?
I never intended to have any other sort of relation between Jake and Faith. I love their friendship just the way it is but with Miley, it was always different.

Thoughts on Jake and Astrid?
Will they last?

Read on to see what happens.
Roman and Heath are both going to be in the next chapter, so hold on to your chairs. ^_<

Until next time.