The Exception

Chapter 32: A Perfect Game

"So, football huh?"

Ellie rolled her eyes. "It's our principal's pride and joy team...I missed you at the café yesterday."

"Yeah," I smiled sheepishly. "I was a little offended that Evan bailed on my lunch..."

"So you bailed at the café..."

"Pretty much," I said and Ellie winked at me.

"Well, that teaches him," she smiled. 

"So, you cheering for Tyler?" I asked and she nodded vigorously.

"Team captain, and the best of them all, why wouldn't I?" she said. Our eyes turned to the stage set up in the centre of the field. It was on wheels, and could be pushed away, the moment the games would begin. For now, it had a wireless speaker system, and the principal was giving his speech.

"Tonight is a new beginning, and to the rival school, we wish you all the best," the principal finished. "Now I give this to our rising Rockstar student, Evan Fletcher!"

The audience cheered, and I couldn't help but smile with as Evan jumped flawlessly onto the stage.

"Good Evening, ladies and gentleman," he flashed his charming smile. "I am truly privileged to be standing here, in the centre, watching you all stare at me."

A laugh ruptured through the crowds.

"Now, tonight's game is really important, as it is a beginning, a fresh start and a first impression, and truth be told, I messed up, big time, with this amazing girl, and I figured one way to make it up to her, is to admit it to you all. I made a commitment, and I didn't stick to it...but now, I will be like superglue...."

I gaped at Evan and I looked at Ellie, who's eyes were wide. She was not used to such behaviour from her brother, which was speaking tons in itself.

Evan signalled to the DJ start the music.

Like you, be strong, to hold the powers of the sun...to dream, believe, in strength, now I'm the only one...

Evan started singing, and the beat was steady. We all watched and started clapping. He started taking off his jacket, and just as the interlude of the song came. He did a backflip, then another one. His dance moves were on point, and I couldn't stop smiling. He was incredible. Granted, he was not in the sport's team, but he didn't need to be. He kept singing, and when he finished, everyone was cheering and hyped for the game.

Evan jumped off the stage and headed straight towards us.

"You're such a lucky girl," one of the other girl's behind me spoke. "He's so cool."

"Yeah, he is," I responded. He came up.

"Now, it's game time," he said as he sat next to me, and casually placed his arm around my shoulders.

"You were amazing," I whispered. Evan winked at me.

"Only because you inspired me to be," he leaned over to kiss me.

"Guys, get a room," Ellie moaned. 

Two hours later, and one amazing victory, Ellie side by side with Tyler approached me and Evan.

"Guys, we're having a celebratory milkshakes at the mall tonight, and our victory party this Saturday, you coming?" Tyler asked. I frowned. Why on earth would he invite Evan? But as his eyes landed on me, the answer became clear. Ellie, however, was grinning from top to toe as he had his arm around her.

"Sure," Evan agreed. He looked at me and I nodded. 

"Sounds great," I said and smiled. 

We headed towards the mall. Ellie and I did some window shopping as the other boys and girls decided what restaurant we'd get our milkshakes. I was looking over at the cute dresses, and Ellie was at the jewellery section. My eyes widened as I caught  sight of someone walking out of the arcade and bowling shop. The last person I expected to see.

"Keith?"

Keith's eyes shot up and he smiled as he saw me.

"Agnus, what are you doing here?"

"Having some celebretory milkshakes with my boyfriend and some friends over our game tonight, and you?"

Keith stuck his hands in his pocket and nodded. "I'm also here with some friends, we're having a bowling match or three...or something like that, I was volunteered as tribute to get some snacks...considering we're hungry when we play games...."

"Wow, nice reference," I said and he grinned. 

"I do my best to impress,"

"I didn't know you liked bowling..."

"Yeah, I was gonna invite you, but I wasn't sure if you would be ok considering your new bf and all," Keith spoke.

"Look, if he has a problem with me hanging around with a bunch of my friends, then he doesn't know what's in store for him. I'd love to go bowling sometime, and get to meet your friends...considering you've had plenty experience with mine," I said. I glanced at Ellie who was waving at me to come. "I gotto go, but see you tomorrow?"

"Sure," Keith spoke and nodded. I walked off, and turned around to see him heading to a candy store. Irony abounded there. 

"So, Agnus, what'd you think of the game?" Tyler asked me as he sipped from his milkshake.

"I think it was epic...for once, I'm actually proud of this school," I said and stirred mine. It was vanilla, and plain, but I liked it that way. Evan ordered a straight out chocolate with some weird thing inside, and Ellie went for the classic strawberry. Everyone else, well, I couldn't keep track.

"You were a little sluggish in the beginning, " Evan remarked.

Ellie rolled her eyes and Tyler shook his head. "Find's fault in everything huh?"

"I find faults in faulty people, so it's safe to say it happens a lot," Evan spoke.

"Yeah, well, no one is perfect," I added, hoping to ease the tension. "The game was however, perfect. You guys thrashed the other school."

"That's because we're the best. Our vocals may not be so on point, but at least we can pack a punch," Tyler pointedly looked at Evan, who only smirked. I rolled my eyes. Evidently, Tyler did not know of Evan's other hobby. 

"Well guys, here's to a fantastic beginning," Ellie remarked and raised her cup.

"I'll drink to that," Tyler lifted his cup, and I followed. Soon all of us were clinking glasses together. As I put down my cup,  a small shiver ran down my spine as Evan was softly rubbing my back. He sure had a thing for timing, and I tried to hide my blush.

"Looking forward to our second date tomorrow," he said and winked.

"Me too," was all I could respond. I was very nervous, but excited to say the least. Things were going smoothly so far, and I wondered what he had in mind for tomorrow.