Crossed Worlds

Chapter 3: Secrets Shared

Hunter ran into his kick and cursed when he missed the goal, made of his rucksack and Luke's jacket.

"This is why I took all night to come around to the whole Wild One Awareness meeting," he sighed, running to retrieve the ball. "I just don't have the time."

Luke bent down to retie his laces.

"You don't have to come, dude."

"We're just too nice, this is the issue, Luke," Hunter let out a small laugh as he dribbled the ball back over to his closest friend. "I just don't get it. Why are her parents forcing her? It's a bit weird if you ask me."

The pair of them sat down on the grass, its damp blades soaking slightly into their shorts. In all honesty, Luke didn't understand it either. He leant his weight back onto his hands that were stretched back behind him and thought.

"I don't know. Lily must be as right as she always thinks she is. Serious stuff is going down between us and them. I guess they just want her to be cautious. They may know that she thinks a little differently than any other Being. I just want to help make it easier for her," Luke shrugged.

Hunter paused and smiled.

"You'd do anything for her, wouldn't you?"

It's true. He would. He thought back to when they first met, in a year seven science class. Luke had been so shy and found making friends extremely difficult. Most people sensed this from a mile off and avoided him, or just didn't try. But Jade wasn't like them. She asked him about his weekend on a Monday morning, held up conversation when he couldn't, and offered him a seat at lunch. He always felt like he owed so much to her for that, for saving him and bringing him out of his shell. This weekly meeting was the least he could do.

"Yeah, I guess I would."

"I'm sorry that I used to tease you both about being boyfriend and girlfriend in secret, or something. I know the love you have isn't like that. It's one much different but just as strong."

Luke thought that was probably the most mature thing he had ever heard Hunter say. He actually had to laugh out loud. "You're getting soft."

"I've always been soft," Hunter stood up and placed the ball a few steps ahead of him. "My hard shell of good looks just throws you, baby."

He ran in for the open goal and this time scored perfectly.

"He shoots, he scores! Your turn."

Luke completed the shot himself, scoring just as well, and ran around the park pretending to be famous.

"If only the goals were always open. I'll go in and we'll see how you do. Imagine I'm Sam from that team just outside of town, because, you know, he's an actual goalkeeper. And the best. But we want to be the best. Got it?"

"Yes, Captain, I will imagine," Luke shook his head and laughed.

Jade opened the park gate, and it whined on its hinges, alerting the boys to her presence. She awkwardly smiled and walked over.

"I'm sorry to interrupt! I just wanted to say thank you, Hunter, for agreeing to come. It means the world to me."

Hunter gave her a quick hug, his back wet with sweat against her palms.

"No worries. Tomorrow evening. I am just as thrilled as I'm sure you are," he teased, and ran off towards the goal.

"Is he still annoyed at me?" Jade asked, worry clear in her tone.

"It's a tough time for him, with the team and all. It's not you, J. I best get on, but it's so sweet of you to come and thank him! I could see you later?" Luke offered, wiping the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand.