caller • mattia polibio

044.

Mattia dragged himself to first period, Italian.
This time, Claudia hadn't shown her face at school, she had only been there a week or so and she had done nothing but have a terrible time, all thanks to the people she loved. The day had dragged aimlessly, Mattia hoping to see her in Italian, deep down he hoped she was just running late, but come fourth period he wouldn't be seeing her in leggings and having all rights to get protective.

Mattia was alone. Alejandro had fallen out with him majorly, what he did had ruined everything, he had made a move of his best friend's girl; who was his girl's best friend. How stupid could he be? Kairi hadn't fallen out with him but wasn't going to leave Alejandro in this time, that would be betrayal from both friends.

Instead of taking part in training for his gym lesson, the boy went for a long run around the track, to let off steam, to take his anger out with his pace and just to let all his feelings. Of course he could've done this in soccer, but Mattia knew too well that he would end up taking it out on the wrong person.

After the lesson, he was greatly out of breath and panted all the way back to the changing room, dripping with sweat. He sat there as others changed, specifically in his corner was quite quiet, with his team and friends all around him, they were slightly aware of the situation but didn't dare joke or bring it up. He wasn't in a rush to change, once they had left he was going to take a needed shower during the lunch break.

——————

The changing room was now empty, Mattia just left.
The showers were calmer when testosterone crazy boys weren't running through them, exposing others opening curtains and stealing clothes. With having Gym before lunch, Mattia could take his time, not to worry about boyish antics. That was until the peace was broken.

"Thought I'd find you in here." A dreaded voice rang.

"Get out of here, Now!" He shouted, covering his body with a towel.

How the hell Laura got past the captain and into the boys changing rooms without being noticed was quite shocking, there had been so many stories of couples getting caught in the changing rooms. He knew he was not about to get caught with this girl, it would only cause more issues for himself.

"Oh, it's only us, you don't need to cover up.." She cooed, walking closer.

"That's the point, get out!" He pulled his towel tighter. "Laura, I don't want you, I never have wanted you. You and I both know that."

"Then why kiss me?" She asked, thinking she had caught him out.

"It was a mistake, my heart belongs with Claudia, we both know that. Unlike you, I also will not snake my friends out like what you're willing to do."

Mattia grabbed his shower essentials and pushed past the girl, heading for his clothes and belongings, gathering them up to go and change in a cubicle, Laura's shoes tapping not far behind.

"I hope you know you won't get her back." She laughed on the other side of the door.

He didn't want to rise up to her, she was just trying to get under his skin, she wasn't getting what she wanted and now she was just being selfish. Despite everything, he still had hope, he still hoped Claudia would eventually be his again, she loved him, right?

The boy had been changed for a while now, but refused to leave the changing room, he hadn't heard Laura's footsteps walk away yet and he was almost certain that she hadn't gone anywhere. Mattia's instinct was correct when he heard the changing room door open and keys jangle.

"Young lady, I hope you're aware you're not supposed to be in here." The janitor said in his distinct gruffly voice.

"Yes sir, just waiting for Mattia." The pair both knew that this would get them in trouble, but of course that would be Laura's intentions: the whole school would hear about this.

"Mr. Polibio, I suggest you come out of the changing room, and the pair of you can come with me to issue you a detention."

The worst part was, as the pair followed the janitor out of the changing room, there stood Claudia talking to Alejandro and Kairi, their heads turning at the creak of the door. She had actually shown up! Their faces changed with an instant and so did Laura's. A smug look hung on her expression as they walked past the trio. Mattia tried to assure them it wasn't what they thought but the old man was hurrying him along.

"Still have hope Polibio?" Laura smirked.