Downfall [h.s]

↞ Chapter 28 ↠

The football stadium was a lot bigger than ours. Thousands of people would later be seated in the bowl shaped stands, one half cheering for one side and the other half cheering for the other. I could only imagine how much louder the screaming would sound like in here compared to our games.

"Isn't this place incredible?" Mack whispered, careful to not talk too loudly since our words echoed.

The boys, along with a few other invited players from our school, were up ahead with the coach. They were enthralled with every word that came out of his mouth as he described the culture of the school's football program and what their lives would look like if they decided to join the team. Mack and I stood a little ways behind, not so interested in hearing about a sport we didn't play. The few other girlfriends that were invited had decided to only come for the game later, so it was just the two of us for now.

"It's a lot bigger than ours, I'll give it that," I murmured, my eyes wandering the expanse of the field. We were standing on the sidelines where the players hung out until it was time for them to enter the game. I couldn't imagine how much bigger this place looked like from the dead center.

"Better get used to it. You'll be coming here a lot if Toby decides to apply here."

I tried to hide my grimace behind a tight lipped smile. Toby and I weren't going to be a thing much longer so I doubted he would want me coming to his games. I just had to find the right time to break it to him... even though it never seemed like the right moment to tell him things were over. For now, I would play the supportive girlfriend and do what he asked. It was the least I could do since I cheated on him.

Suddenly, a loud rumble that almost sounded like thunder drew all of our attention towards the tunnel. The coach smiled wide as a hoard of players came rushing out, all geared up and clearly ready to practice.

Mack and I exchanged confused glances. From what we knew, we were just here for the tour. Nobody said anything about sitting in on a practice.

"I hope you fella's are ready to get your hands dirty because I've arranged for you to practice a while with the team," The coach announced as the aforementioned team gathered around him. The coach's smile was wide enough across his weathered face to look uncomfortable. "There's extra gear in the locker room for you to change into. We'll do proper introductions when you get back."

The guys cheered, excitedly slapping each other in the backs as they all rushed towards the tunnel. Now it was just Mack and I, staring dumbfounded at the spots that our friends and boyfriend had just occupied. What the hell were we supposed to do now?

The coach turned to us, offering an apologetic grin that softened his brown eyes, "Now ladies, I know this wasn't what you were expecting to happen today but you can stay here and watch practice if you'd like. If not, you can both grab something upstairs from the concessions to keep yourselves occupied. My treat."

Before Mack and I could reply, a familiar voice piped up and made the choice for us.

"I think I'd prefer the pretty ladies stay here and watch us practice. Might make us work harder, in my opinion." The team snickered, nodding their heads as they sized us up. As I tried placing where exactly I had heard that voice before, a familiar brown haired boy stepped out from behind the coach, grinning like he had just won the lottery.

"Louis!" It was Toby's stepbrother who I had met at the club. I had run into him once or twice in passing when I was over at Toby's house, he was always kind whenever he saw me.

He stepped around the coach, smirking as he threw an arm around my shoulder, "Surprised to see you here love. I thought my dim witted step brother would have driven you off by now."