How (Not) To Fall in Love

Chapter 3

“Hey, Tucker!” I hear from behind me. I grin, instantly knowing who exactly has the nerve to call me by my last name. I feel an arm go around my broad shoulders, a result of swimming everyday, and instantly I feel more secure and relaxed. Hunter Davis and I have been swimming together since the beginning of seventh grade and now, after five years, we’re pretty close if I may say so myself.  

“Mind telling Coach I won’t be able to make it tonight? I have an extra shift at the café.” Hunter asks, in that deep voice of his. I look up, since he’s six feet and I’m a measly five four, and see the face that I’m more used to than my own, with the same brown eyes and wavy brown hair as always.

“I never see you anymore!” I complain, conscious of my voice slowly becoming whiny, and hating myself for it. It’s true though, Hunter has barely been coming to practice these days and I’ve missed racing him as well as unloading my problems.

“I know, I’m sorry, but things at home are getting rough. I’ll try to explain later, just give me a couple of days until everything settles down again.” Hunter’s brow is furrowed now and I frown, hating to get him in this mood. His family life is… not the greatest, at least that's what I’ve heard. Hunter’s always promising to let me into his private life, but never does. I, of course, try not to pry, but it’s hard, especially during times like this.

“Okay, I’ll try, but let me warn you, when you get back Coach will not be happy with you.” I tease, my brown eyes twinkling, trying to cheer him up, before I reach my long arms, thanks to swimming, around his slim body, pulling him into a hug. Hunter’s body tenses a little before relaxing and wrapping his arms around me as well. This position is not unfamiliar, but we haven’t hugged in a while, ever since we entered our junior year about three months ago. For some reason, I’m feeling some kind of distance between the two of us, and I hate it.

As we pull away, I smile at him and we say our good byes before I walk away, towards my next class which happens to be my only class with Taylor. I grin, happy to finally see my crush for the first time since his bitch of a girlfriend dragged him away this morning. It’s weird to think that this has all been one day, what with that, and my two tests earlier in the day.

“Hey, loser!” I groan, speak of the devil and she shall appear. It’s weird how one can be so different from another, or is that just me? I feel a sharp tug on my high ponytail.

“Talk to my boyfriend again and much worse will befall you, trust me.” Charlotte sneers, as she walks, no struts, past me. She is obviously conscious of all the stares she’s receiving because her head continues to be held high.

“Oh, wow. Didn’t know the soccer girl knew big words.” I mutter, talking mostly to myself. One thing about me though, if I try to talk low, I end up talking loud, really loud. Yeah, I know, it sucks.

“What was that, bitch?” Charlotte turns and snaps at me. I cringe, wishing that her hearing was a little worse, but if one is a gossip queen, one’s hearing has to be fantastic. I’m aware that some people in the hallway are watching us, betting if there is going to be a catfight, or if I’m just going to back down. I’m about to apologize, to give in, until I see Taylor standing in the back round. No way am I letting him see me back down without a fight.

“I’m pretty sure you heard what I said, you incorrigible person.” I shoot back, knowing that Charlotte won’t know what incorrigible means, along with almost everyone in the hallway. The hallway is completely silent now, waiting to see Charlotte’s reaction.

“You’re lucky some of us have a life and can’t afford to get a detention,” Charlotte finally retorts after a moment of silence. I smile sweetly at her before pushing past to get to the safety of the English room.