Before You Go

02

We walk into the football game with James and Hannah walking ahead and me conveniently trailing behind. I sigh. I regret it. I should've fought back.

Can't do much now, can we?

We slowly make our way through the crowd and I let James and Hannah sit together while I sit in some other place. As much as I love Hannah, I don't want to witness all the things they would do throughout the game. Ugh.

I just plug my airpods into my ears and let Folklore play to calm myself down. Crowds tend to do an anxiety inducing trick on me.

I let myself get lost in the dreamy and forest-y vibes and close my eyes.

That is, until I am very rudely interrupted by someone tapping my head. Why, oh, why did you have to interrupt my moment of bliss Ms Universe?

I open my eyes to see Alex Flynn standing in front of me.

Wait, Alex Flynn, the nerd himself? What is he doing at a football game?

I am brought back to my senses when a hand is waved in front of my eyes.

"Excuse me, why are you oogling me?"

Oops, caught in the act.

"Uh...I....Why are you here?"

Way to go Ema, way to go.

"I'll tell you that after you answer my question"

"And what exactly is your question?"

"Would it be okay if I sit here? There are not much places left." He says pointing at the place beside me.

I automatically look around if there are actually no places left. Yeah, none.

"Uh...sure"

He nods and plomps down beside me.

"And to answer your question, I am here to watch the game, is that a crime?"

"It's just...I've never seen you at games....You seem more of a studious type."

He grins. "Ema, that's because you never come to games. I on the other hand, always do, because my brother is on the team."

Oh yeah.

Wait how does he know I don't come to games?

"That's because I have never seen you here"

"I said that out loud?"

"Yeah you did."

I hiss internally. Why am I being so weird around him?

I just shut my eyes signalling the end of the conversation and try to relax.

Alex Flynn. Looks athletic. Doesn't play. Studies all the time. And is making me feel all girly and bothered right now.

Get it together Ema, someone talks nicely to you doesn't mean they like you or that you like them.

"Aren't you here to watch the game or something. I am sure you can't do that with your eyes closed."

Interrupted. Again.

I open my eyes.

"No, I am not here to watch the game, my friend dragged me here but I am not interested at all and have no idea how this game works. End of the story."

"Oh" is all he says.

But I don't shut my eyes this time fearing that I'll be interrupted again. Instead, contrary to what I just said, I try to focus on the game and figure out how it works.

Before I think I figure it out, we've apparently won. I shrug. Good for us.

From the corner of my eye, I notice Hannah making her way towards me.

Oh no the damn party. Hannah's brother is on the team too. So of course she has to go.

I sigh. I don't have the energy for this.

"Ema! Let's go! Party timmmeeee!" She screams like a 5 year old.

"Hannah, is it necessary for me to come?"

"It obviously isn't but don't you wanna have fun?" She pleads.

"I am not feeling well. Just tired. I think I need to get home"

"Okay...But how will you get home? James and I are going for the party."

"I'll just call an Uber"

"I could drop you."

Alex and I say at the same time.

"What?!" I look at Alex.

And Hannah looks at me like I have grown another head.

"Yeah I could drop you, it's too late for you to go alone." Alex repeats.

"Are you sure? You don't mind?" I ask, pondering over the fact if I should even believe him.

"Yeah, no I don't"

"Are you sure?" Hannah chimes in, her eyebrow going up in concern.

"Uh..Um....Yeah"

"Well then it's decided, Hannah you can go with James without any tension. I'll take care of your friend" He smiles at her.

What is he, my bodyguard?

Hannah looks at me with mischief in her eyes and I glare back. This is not good.

With that, Hannah turns back and goes to James.

I, on the other hand, look at Alex and sigh. What is this boy trying to do?