Falling

Closer

On Monday, lunch is full of conversation.

"Sports tryouts are picking up again this week," Uriah says with a cocky grin.

"Yeah, man." Zeke grins. As he high-fives his brother.

"I'm going for cheer again this year," Christina says as a fact. Marlene and Shauna smile and nod their heads in agreement. Lynn doesn't, of course.

They all look at me expectantly.

"What?" I say. I take in another spoonful of my chocolate cake.

"You're trying out too,right?" Marlene asks hopefully.

I almost choke. "No." I say as if it's the most obvious thing in the world. Everyone looks shocked, expect for Four. He's grinning. It's times like these that i feel like no one understands me but him.

"Really, guys? Do i look like I'm a cheerleader?"

"I guess not," says Shauna.

"But you're still coming to the football games,right?" Christina pushes.

"Why do i have to?"

"Because I'm gonna be on the team," says Uriah.

I mock a smile. "Okay!!!!" I say sarcastically.

"Really?" He says, almost feeling nice.

My face goes serious. "No. You don't understand when someone is being sarcastic, do you."

"Apparently not," he shrugs.

"Come on Tris," says Zeke. "All of us guys are gonna make the team again, and all the girls will be at the games."

"Fine." I say. I guess it's not that big if a deal.

"So are you trying out for anything?" Will questions. I almost forgot he was here: oops.

"Yes."

"What?"

"Volleyball for sure. Maybe basketball."

"So we have a real female athlete here now, don't we." Will grins. Christina slaps his arm playfully, but forcefully. I let out a small laugh.

"You're so short, though. I mean, basketball? Come on. You gotta be tall like me." Zeke tries to crack a joke but it didn't quite come out right. My smile fades and i glare at him.

"Who says you have to be tall to be athletic?" Four questions.

Everyone laughs at Zeke and he looks down at his food with an i-just-got-burned look.

"Sorry Tris, i didn't mean it that way." He says sheepishly and rubs the back of his neck. I loosen up and give him a smile.

"Whatever. But if i make both teams I'll be the first person to rub it in your face."

"Not 'if.' When you make both teams." Christina says to me and nudges me with her shoulder.

"Fair enough..." Zeke mumbles.

I grin all the way to my next class. He has no idea.

+++++

I'm at home sitting on my bed trying to finish my math homework when my phone buzzes with a text message. It's Four.

Hey. What are you doing?

Homework. You?

Same. I'm almost done tho

Yeah me too.

Wanna go somewhere after we're both finished?

Where?