The Turmoil of Time

Chapter 8 - Damien

"Did you see them flirting?" Penny whispers from the seat next to me, a massive Cheshire grin glued on her lips.

Ever since lunch ended with Steve and Addison walking to their next classes, side by side, Penelope keeps going on about how good the two would look together. I, on the other hand, can't see them ever working out. I keep that thought to myself.

"Not really, seemed to me like they were just talking."

I try to focus on the biology questions in front of me. I read about three words before she says, "Steve's never really had a serious relationship before. Neither has Melanie. And don't even get me started on Trip." Then after a moment, she comes up with the strangest idea, "If Steve and Addison get together, we can finally plan a double date!"

Mrs Weathers looks up from her desk, squinting through her cat-like reading glasses, "Miss Forester, do your work."

For the few minutes that follow, Penny does just that. I'm surprised it takes her this long to speak again, "We can all go to that movie you've been wanting to watch. The one with the clown."

"They need to be dating first."

"I give it a week, tops."

"Maybe," I finally agree, knowing that I've only got ten minutes left to answer thirteen questions.

When the final bell rings, I look at all the students, happily packing their backpacks to get home quickly. Penny blows me a kiss as she leaves the classroom with a parting, "Have fun at practice!"

I sigh. Usually, I love football. It's just that I hate it when I have to play even when I don't want to. Because that's when it becomes a chore. And contrary to what I thought the night before, I'm just not feeling it today.

As expected, I'm not playing to my best standard. It's still far better than the horror show that was yesterday, but anyone can tell it's not my usual either. After a lecture from Coach, we're all changing in the locker rooms because he 'can't stand the sight of us anymore'.

Steve is just wearing a polo over his head when I figure it's the perfect moment to feed Penny's curiosity, "You and Addison were awfully chatty today."

He looks up from buttoning his shirt, slightly perplexed, "What are you trying to say?"

"Penny has this crazy idea that you like Addison."

I get ready to laugh it off with him. But he never does. Instead, he leans on the door of his locker, gazing at the ground, looking oddly content.

"What's so crazy about it?"

My mouth drops open a little, "Nothing," I recover, "So you do like her then?"

He gives me a sidelong glance, studying me a little before answering, "It's only been a day." I breathe out a sigh, not knowing why I was holding a breath to begin with. But then he continues, "Addison's nice," He slings his backpack over his shoulder, getting ready to leave, "And nice is hard to find around here."

I'm left deliberating slowly over his words. Although he didn't say it directly, he might as well have.

Steve likes Addison.

I'm happy for him. He's a nice guy and it's about time he found someone who would treat him right.

I truly am happy for him.

I wait by the car for Penny. She's on the school's dance team and they meet up every Tuesday to practice. It just so happens that her practice ends at the same time as mine. When she finally comes, I pull her in for a kiss.