Shortcomings | Alejandro Rosario

Chapter 11: A moments chance

I woke the feeling of warmth contrasting the cool air whipping around me at the soccer field. I was comfortable, it felt like was floating through the sky. A soft minty, musky smell came across me, as I inhaled it, smiling at the familiar scent. It was none other than-

Hold on.

My eyes shot open as I looked up, realizing what was happening. I was face to face with Ale's jaw, moving as he happily chewed gum. The floaty feeling had come because I was in his arms, one under my knees and the other under my back.

The bleachers were getting further and further away as he walked along, humming a tune.

I watched his bag bounce on his shoulder, wincing at each step he took.

Grabbing his shirt, I felt my heart lurch as he halted to a stop.

"Good morning." He smiled, looking down at me. Bending, he set me on the ground, watching me dust off my wobbly legs.

"You fell asleep on the grass and I didn't want to wake you up, sorry." He murmured sheepishly. Sticking his hands in his pockets, he kicked a rock, watching it clatter across the cement.

"No it's okay dork," I laughed, taking my bag from him. Looking up, he shot me a smile, falling into step with me as we walked to his car.

"You still want to go right? Or are you tired? It's only 6 o clock. We don't have to go, I mean-"

I cut him off, putting my arm through his. "We can go. Stop overthinking it so much."

He gave me a full smile, dimples popping through his cheeks as I snuggled in closer to him.

This behavior between Ale and I was normal, but somehow, today, it felt different.

A good different.

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Mattia leaned against the counter, crossing his arms over his chest. Letting out a heavy sigh, he stared at the brown haired girl sitting on the stool, her head buried in her homework.

Pausing for a moment, he was about to say something, when he simply shook his head instead, taking out his phone.

Scrolling, he clicked on a chat, hesitating, before quickly typing in a few letters and slipping the phone back in his pocket.

"What are you up to?" Lexa spoke, catching him off guard. She finished the equation she was writing, lifting her head. "You okay?"

He blinked, her green eyes piercing through his. "Yeah yeah of course babe. I'm just tired from practice."

That was a lie. Mattia was actually very awake right now. His mind kept racing back to the field, where he watched Alejandro carry Izzy of the field.

He wanted nothing more but to punch Ale in the face right now.

But why? He had a girlfriend. She was beautiful, funny, and she loved him. Why the hell was he even remotely thinking of another girl?

Shaking his hair out, he clenched his jaw, sitting on the stool next to Lexa. He put his arm around her shoulder, leaning in to see. "You understood that?" He exclaimed, pointing to the calculus.

Lexa let out a laugh, leaning into his chest, resting her head on his shoulder. "Yeah, I can explain it to you amor. But you need to focus."

"Yeah yeah." Mattia drawled, rolling his eyes. He kissed her cheek, before leaning into the home work, forgetting all about the girl from before.

~~~~~~~~

"That was- you cheated!" I exclaimed, pointing to him. Ale put his hands up in defense, the lights of the bowling alley shining in his face.

"Nuh uh, you're just jealous of my expert skills. Admit it." He retorted, smiling.

That smile. It melted my heart in an instant.

I rolled my eyes, tossing my sweater at his head, which he caught easily.

"What? Am I wrong?"

"You are, how do you even cheat in bowlimg?" He grinned, rolling his eyes playfully. Grabbing our bags, he joined me by my side, putting his arm around my shoulders.

I gave him a smile, leaning into the crook of his neck. "This should've happened a long time ago Ale." I murmured.

I felt him nod, and take a deep breath. "I'm sorry, I thought you would reject me honestly."

I tore away in surprise, my eyes wide. "What? Why would I ever do that? I- What? We're best friends Ale, I love everything about you-"

I was cut off as he grabbed my wrist, pulling me into him. He hesitated for a moment, his lips brushing mine.

His hand on my waist sent goosebumps rising on my arms, my heart wrenching and my stomach turning.

With a smile, he tilted my chin up, leaning in. His lips pressed mine and I felt my stomach drop through my body, as I grabbed his shirt, closing my eyes.

A vibration in my back pocket interrupted the sweet moment, as I pulled out my phone, taking a step back from Ale, my heart clenching.

Mattia Polibio : We need to talk.