The Coach's Daughter

Chapter 31

A/N: I feel mean updating and not publishing any new chapters so here's a short early update!

I can tell that Zack is on his best behavior at school. He does the most: bringing me lunch, holding my bag, even bringing snacks for my friends. I'm not sure how it happens exactly but our groups start to merge and our friends start to eat together. It's like a big family.

If I don't have a family at home, at least I have one at school.

---

When I enter the cafeteria, I nearly run into Jaden. Neither of us moves so I say, "hey." He hasn't spoken to me since I told him Zack and I are together. I don't know much about how well they're getting along. All Zack told me is that they're taking some space. The thought that their friendship might be ruined because of me is haunting.

"Hey," he replies. His eyes flicker to where my friends are sitting where he used to sit. Before I can say anything else, he leaves."

"Last game tonight! Let's gooo!" Xavier Smith roars and the cafeteria erupts in cheers as he sprints around the entire lunchroom, fist-bumping and clapping hands on the way. Our table shouts and cheers for him as he rockets over. Taty and I exchange smiles.

"Sit your ass down, boy," she demands and he pulls up a seat next to her with a refreshed grin.

"You coming to support me tonight or what?" he asks her. She pretends to think it over but we all know she's going.

"We're gonna kick Sutter's ass tonight. Right, Melly?" Damien asks me with a nudge.

"If you do, I'm bringing brownies for everyone on Monday," I reply with a smile. Xavier hoots in approval and reaches out his long arm to lift mine up, urging on cheers.

"Hands to yourself, Smith." Zack smacks Xavier's hand away as he slips into the seat next to mine and plants a kiss on my cheek. I thank him as he gives me a sandwich. My parents cut off my lunch funds after our argument.

"Ooh, so manly and protective," Damien coos, batting his eyelashes. "Isn't he dreamy, Melly?"

Zack shoots him a "fuck off" look but I just laugh, toying with Zack's bracelet that I bought him. He always wears it on game day.

"Are you excited for tonight?" I ask and he nods.

"You gonna be able to make it?" he asks, slightly nervous.

My hands pause on his bracelet. "I don't know," I admit apologetically. "I'm gonna try my best."

"Okay," he agrees softly, but I can tell he's disappointed. So am I.

"I'm gonna try my best," I repeat, brushing a piece of hair away from his face. That's the least that I can do for him.

---

After the bell rings in Stats, I hurry to pack up and get out of there.

"Can we talk after school?" Jaden asks, startling me. There's no malice in his face at all, just worry. I nod in agreement.

After school, I meet him by his locker and we walk in the quad for privacy. "I heard your parents are being kind of... strict," he starts carefully.

I shrug.

"Amelia, I just want to be honest," he says sincerely. "I should have never gone after you knowing Zack liked you. And I'm still getting over my breakup... I'm sorry."

I'm honestly surprised by his apology. He didn't really do anything wrong. Not to me, at least.

"But your dad kind of gave me the idea that you were into me and, I mean, I do kind of like you. I think. I don't know, I'm so confused." His voice trails off.

Wow. My dad was so desperate to get Zack away from me that he sicced Jaden on me?

"And then I told him that you weren't actually into me," he continues. "That you liked Zack and... I didn't think you'd get in trouble."

Even more realization hits me. I don't know what kind of weird espionage my dad and Jaden have been planning but it all makes sense now.

"I'm really sorry, Amelia. For everything. I apologized to Zack, too."

"It's okay," I say, "I'm sorry my dad got you involved in this. That's really fucked up."

He shakes his head. "You guys are my friends. I should've known better."

"You guys will work it out," I tell him and he nods unconvincingly. "You're his best friend."

"When someone does something wrong to Zack, it's hard for him to forgive them... so I don't think it's a good idea for us to hang out by ourselves anymore. It's not because I'm avoiding you or anything."

"I know," I say. "Thank you, Jaden." For what, I'm not sure. I'm just always thankful for him.

"And look, I'll talk to Coach and try to get him to let you come to the game," he adds.

"You will?" I ask gratefully and he nods.

"Your dad kind of likes me, you know." I laugh lightly and nod. "I'll see you around, Amelia."

"Bye, Jaden."

His eyes crinkle in a smile and he waves before running off.

A/N: I'm sorry if this whole drama w Jaden was ended too quickly butttttt this story is getting too long so yea. Vote and comment if u like :)