SCRATCHED

Chapter 10

2016, Primworth High, Woodland.

The bevy of soccer players groaned as it flew above their heads and into the forest, Mona being the loudest. She was about to score a tie-breaker.

They looked at their captain who was flaring her nose at the guys who stood not far from the pitch. She clutched her fist, walking up to them. "Excuse me," she tried to sound calm.

They turned around, the 'notorious' new boy smiling at her like he was Lucifer unleashed from hell. For a second she found herself wanting to stare deeper into his eyes, but her fit of rage had other opinions.

"You just kicked our ball into the woods," she said.

"Then go get it," Micheal said, and they broke into a laugh, except the new guy who was still looking at her with a small smile.

"Go into the woods and get that ball for us or I'm telling Mr. Roger that you idiots lost his favorite ball," she threatened. The boys ooed. But she was talking to the new boy, whatever his name was.

He removed his backpack and handed it to one of his friends to hold. They gave him a look of disbelief.

"What the hell man, you're really going there? What, are you scared of good old Roger now?" They laughed, but he ignored them, walking towards the woods.

"You don't have to follow me. I'll get your ball for you," he said.

"I have to make sure you do. Who knows? You might just kick it to Jupiter this time."

He chuckled. "Maybe the aliens will kick it back then."

She rolled her eyes, regretting her decision to follow him. Her head was getting dizzy from the powerful smell of his perfume. He left the trails as he walked and she was clashing with their heavenly waves.

"Obviously you don't play football. That was one big flop. If Mr. Roger was around you would have to do push-ups," she made an attempt to annoy him as revenge.

"The boy's soccer team are playing with The Ravens on Friday," he stated.

"Yeah, and so?"

He picked up the ball and handed it to her. She reached to collect it, but he withheld. "I'm scoring a hat-trick."

She looked into his confident eyes. "And if you don't?" she asked, snatching the ball.

"I'll do push-ups at your feet. Whatever number you decide."

"At the cafeteria, in front of everyone," she added.

His smiled grew wider. "Deal. And if I do..."

She waited patiently for his condition.

"...you'll let me buy you dinner," he said, extending his hand.

She rolled her eyes. Well, I have nothing to lose, do I? Like my reputation. Besides, there's no way he's scoring a hat-trick.

"Deal, but I'm not shaking that hand," she said, walking away.

He looked at his hand. There was forest mud on it.

"Hey," he called. She turned around. "I'm Brandon."

She searched for those eyes, finding them immediately. Deep and grey.

"Alex.

***

2020, Off course, Fifteen miles to Lampton.

With her eyes Amy traced the wet strand of hair that ran down her face, sitting graciously on her full light pink lips. Her eyes were closed, and she could only imagine what was imaging behind them.