More Than A Game

Chapter 9

Sitting down, I anxiously watched as flocks of costumers rushed past me from all directions of the shopping complex. Still thinking about last nights events and that kiss with Chad, I nervously tugged my necklace, wondering what the right way to be feeling at the moment.

"I honestly can't imagine what you're going through but please you should get your mind off it. I don't like seeing you this way." Jessica let out a whisper like tone.

"You just don't understand. To think I finally might have found someone I deeply care for only to then be wrongly criticised is like having a knife stabbed in your back and it was by my own brother. I don't even know why Brayden would even dare think that Chad would have the intention to treat me like nothing." I mumbled to myself, forcing myself to face the opposite direction.

Jessica sighed. I felt awful that I was dragging her into this but I couldn't ignore the words Brayden spoke. Is that what his true intentions were, to blame all athletes for such a petty act?

"I... I don't know what I can do to help. But, I just need to ask you this. Do you really love him Carmen?"

I shifted my head towards her, wide eyed, wondering why she asked the question in the first place. Hoping I wouldn't misunderstand her words, I took a moment to think deeply think about her question.

"I mean I do like him but it's just complicated Jessica, you know that."

"Put aside what Brayden said about athletes using their fame for wrong doings, how do you really feel about Chad?"

I paused. I did what Jessica asked and somehow felt calmer than what I already was. Trying to think clearly, I tried to come up with a somewhat logical answer. Whatever I thought of all sounded the same.

"I never actually thought of myself falling for him until that night, after the appointment with Mr Grasswood I mean. After he dropped me home, I remember when I first looked him in the eyes and felt this nervous tension within my stomach. Ever since then, I realised that Chad might just be the one." I watched Jessica as she stared back me, raising her eyebrows before breaking out into an innocent smile.

"From what you told me, you shouldn't worry about Brayden and his obnoxious ways. I mean you sound like you're falling head over heels for him and it seems like Chad might be seeing it the same way as you. But honestly, you should talk with him, you'll never know whether you're both on the same page if you don't speak up."

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After saying my goodbyes to Jessica, I exited the shopping complex, thinking about what Jessica had said. Maybe I was overreacting about what Brayden said, Jess was right; I should be worrying about myself instead of other people.

I soon realised that I was silly for putting my fears before what was really important. I'm not afraid to admit it now, I was definitely falling hard for Chad.

Smiling to myself, I made my way towards the car park to the journey home. I glanced above to witness the array of trees gracefully shedding their vibrant autumn pallets of leaves onto the ground. I turned the corner, before finding my smile disappear from my face as I froze nervously in my step.

I watched in silence as Chad busily snapped away with his camera. His once scruffy hair was now transformed into something more tamed and his usual athletic like uniforms was replaced with a maroon long sleeved jumper and black skinny jeans. My heart raced upon seeing this different side of him. I must say, he actually looked attractive with this kind of attire. But I didn't know if I was ready to talk to him yet.

Pushing my nerves and butterflies aside, I began slowly making my way towards Chad and stopped before calling out his name. With one final photo being taken, he turned around and began lowering his camera away from his face.

"Carmen? I wasn't expecting you here... I mean how are you?" he asked in a low tone.

I stood still, watching Chad walk closer towards me. Beads of sweat began forming against my hands as a rush of butterflies filled my stomach. Our bodies were close together as we both stood still. This was it, I needed to ask where we both stood.

"Listen." We both spoke in harmony. Shyly, I looked downwards. I couldn't believe this was already becoming more awkward than I imagined it to be. He gestured me to go first as I was still recovering from our harmonising moment. I looked up before beginning to speak.

"I just wanted to say that our kiss, at Adelaide Oval. Well, there was no excuse for me to throw myself onto you. It was a mistake and..."

"Carmen, you might think it was a mistake but I... I don't. I know the kiss was unexpected and you might not feel the same way but I can't deny that I'm falling for you."

I took a small step backwards, shocked in hearing his words. I didn't hate those words, I was just surprised for a whole heap of reasons. I could feel myself blushing as I turned to face the ground before looking right back into Chad's eyes.

"I guess that makes our talk a little easier then because I think I might be falling for you aswell." I said smiling at him, as he returned the favour by smiling back at me.

Instantly, Chad wrapped himself around me. I could feel the smooth fabric of his jumper against my skin. Releasing from the hug, I took a quick glance at the trees above me once again. There was something about this autumn like environment I couldn't quite put my finger on. I was suddenly distracted by a loud camera shuttle noise before looking over at Chad.

"Hey, what was that for?" I asked curiously after realising that I suddenly was having my picture taken.

"I thought my collection was missing a photo of a beautiful view." he added with a half smile before receiving a polaroid of me from the camera. "I hope you don't mind." I blushed once again, carefully examining the photograph.

We spent most of the afternoon walking around the city. I moved aside and watched the couple of times Chad stopped to take photos with fans. My heart melted watching him greet others, especially with the younger kids. His smile beamed brightly, as he posed for the photo. I giggled to myself, wanting to cherish this moment for as long as I possible could.

"I just want to thank you Chad. I know this is going to sound cliche but I haven't felt the same way for anyone before. I just thought I should let you know."

We both stopped in our steps and stood still. The loud screams of the traffic rang in my ears but nothing could ruin me from this moment. Chad moved closer towards me as he placed his lips onto mine. My heart beat rapidly as we both slowly released from the kiss, still as magical as our first one, before continuing our walk together. Suddenly my phone began to ring, I picked up realising it was Jessica.

"Carmen, how are you feeling after our chat at the shopping complex this morning?" she sounded worried as she asked me in a small tone.

"Actually, better than I expected which is strange considering how I usually am." I squealed halfway as I felt Chad's fingers tickle me from behind. Gesturing for him to stop, he wore a cheeky smile before wrapping his arm around me once again.

"Is everything alright? What's happening at home, is that Brayden in the background?"

"Brayden's nowhere in sight, I'm still at the shopping complex with someone special." I said looking up at Chad, who smiled. I could feel a warm feeling inside.

"I didn't mean to interrupt your date Carmen..."

"So you're Jessica? I've heard so many wonderful things about you beautiful. Carmen and myself are doing fine, don't worry. I'm keeping an eye on her." It me a while to realise Chad joined in the conversation. For a while, the conversation stayed silent before I heard a high pitched squeal.

"Whose that charming young man in the background who knows me? I'll let you get back to what you both were up to, I'll catch up with you whenever Carmen. Please tell whoever you're with that I said hello."

"Oh he knows. Alright, byee Jessica. I'll see you soon." I exclaimed before shoving my phone in my pocket. I glanced at Chad one last time before we both made our way back to where we found each other that sunny afternoon. I never expected to fall in love so quickly with someone I've only known for several weeks but I know, in my heart that Chad was the only person who gave me a reason to work even harder towards my goals just to see a glimpse of brighter days.