Good at Games, Bad at Love (18+)

Chapter 29- New Beginnings

A month and a half goes by.

Coming to the Netherlands, for me, was a new beginning. I have a new life now and became an improved version of myself. And finally I know what happiness really is. I've never felt this happy and complete in my whole life.

I had to live twenty-one years to realize what it's like to love and be loved; to understand that there really was someone out there for me.  So I'm going to Los Angeles with Peter at the end of this semester. Now that I've found love, it's going to be my number one priority. I have nothing in Portugal except for Júlia, and she can come and visit me several times a year. Even if I have to pay for her tickets.

For now, the best about Portugal and about the Netherlands have come together. Júlia's here now and I'll be completely happy this semester. All that's missing are Martina and Marcus. 

Martina and Marcus went back home, and I cried my eyes out. How is it possible that in such a short amount of time we bonded like this? I must visit them. I don't want to drift away from them and I never thought this would be so hard. I can't remember ever having been able to form such meaningful friendships since Júlia.

Today Peter was challenged by a former classmate to a game of basketball. So the boys are playing in the field at the park next to my student house. We're making the best of the last few days before classes start again.

"We should also get a basketball game going just for the girls, I miss playing," I say to Becky and Júlia. We are sitting watching the game.

Becky and I are doing fine. I didn't even think we could ever be as close as we are right now again. She's seeing a new guy. His name's Arto, he's Finnish and is at Hardin's dorm. She introduced him to the group. But she doesn't bring him around very often. Maybe she wants to keep a certain distance this time, and I get it and think it's a good idea. Actually, I didn't really get along that great with Arto. He seems a little cold, but I guess it's just part of the Finnish culture.

"I don't know. Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea," says Júlia.

"I can't play basketball, sports aren't really my thing! I prefer to watch, but if I really have to play, it has to be volleyball," says Becky.

I watch the boys play. It is Dylan, Peter, Hardin, Arto, and David, against Peter's former classmate and his friends.

Peter's new roommate is David. He's actually from Edinburgh, my dad's hometown, and so far I like him. He's a good fit for our group, but I need more time to have a better opinion of him.

I realize Peter's the best player on the field, and my heart fills with pride. That handsome boy who's beating the opposite team is mine, all mine. Peter's sweaty, and I want to taste him. I hope to have some time alone with him before dinner.

As these thoughts invade my mind, a guy from the other team hurts his foot and they stop the game. This is my cue. I'm tired of sitting here watching, so I remove my jacket and stand up.

"Hey! Can I replace him?" I say as I get closer.

"You know how to play?" Dylan asks, and I take the ball from his hand.

"Yeah, let's go."

We start playing and I notice Peter's letting me beat him on purpose. How sweet. I manage to get some space on the field and get a two pointer. Cool! The guys from my team are impressed and one approaches.

"Wow, that was hot!"

"Thanks!" I smile at him and we high five.

"What did you say?" Peter says, as he heads towards the guy I high fived. "You don't talk to my girlfriend like that."