Friday

The cafeteria atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation because of today's football match. The long awaited showdown between long-time rivals Felton and Garret would be finally happening and no-one could shut up about it.

"The team's been training harder than ever this year," Maya said, wiping her hands with a napkin. She looked at me, Teresa and Melissa with eager eyes. "I really believe they can win it this time."

Teresa made a face. "You don't think you're biased because your boyfriend is on the team?" Maya shrugged, grinning.

"Probably, they are decent players though. Garret just play dirty." She wrinkled her nose. I looked around, completely uninterested in the conversation. I'd only been going to the school for a few months so I didn't get the feud.

"So the game starts at 7, right?" Melissa asked, running a hand through her ponytail. I nodded.

"Yeah, that's what it says on the ticket. Do you guys want to go together? I don't know the way to Garret." I asked. Unfortunately the match was held at our rival school, as the last time they played against each other it was at Felton.

"Sure." Maya shrugged. "Make sure you dress up in the school colours, blue and white."

I looked around, amused. "Everyone already seems to be doing so." And they all chuckled in agreement. We were the only normally dressed ones, majority of the students and even teachers were clad in pale blue and white, proudly representing our school.

The conversation turned generic as we chatted about random things. All the football players were sat together and would stay that way until the match, something about building up team morale. John was at home because he claimed he was sick. Benjamin was sitting with them as well, I wasn't aware but he was the water boy.

I'd burst out laughing when I found out but he'd just puffed up his chest, looking proud of the position. "I'm a key part of the team Chloe, believe it or not." He'd told me. I'd taken a look at his serious expression and started giggling all over again. Then he'd walked off and refused to speak to me.

"Do you think Benji will still ignore me?" I mused, staring at him where he sat.

"I like how he styled his hair." I added thoughtfully, placing my head on my chin. The girls didn't respond so I turned to look at them staring at me with suggestive expressions.

My face warmed and I leaned back in my seat. "Why are you all looking at me like that?"

Teresa put on an exaggerated upset expression on her face. "Do you think Benji would still ignore me?" She said, mimicking me.

"Wow, I love how he styled his hair, he looks so handsome." Maya continued, twirling a braid around her finger. I rolled my eyes, ducking my head so my hair would cover my pink cheeks.

"Shut up, man." I groaned. Melissa watched me curiously, turning slightly in my direction.

"Do you like him or something?" She asked with a small smile. I narrowed my eyes at her.

"Why you asking? Do you like him?" I shot back, unserious and Melissa made a face.

"Nah, not my type. I go after the ones that I know will never go for me." She replied with a shrug.

"What do you mean?"

"The really attractive ones that I can peacefully admire for afar." Melissa explained.

Teresa raised an eyebrow. "What like Cory?"

Melissa just shook her head, and then turned to me with a surprised expression. "I just realised, nice evasion Chloe."

"Evasion?" I spluttered, not making matters better for myself.

"Yep. Do you like Benji then or not?" Melissa asked, and they all stared at me intently. I covered my face with my hands and composed myself.

Once I was calm I looked up. "Look, I'm not sure."

"Tell us the symptoms and we can help you." Maya encouraged and I frowned.

"Symptoms?"

"How do you feel when you're around him? How often is he on your mind?" She explained and I nodded, stretching out my arms in front of me.

"Okay," I started. "When I see him from a distance, I get super excited but also a very nervous. If he starts coming towards me I feel pretty self-conscious."

"How about when you interact?" Teresa asked, her face not giving anything away.

"If we make eye-contact my stomach starts to feel all weird, like fluttery. When we talk directly," I paused, trying to word it correctly. "It's like the world around me blurs and it's just him. Like, tunnel vision, I'm only focused on Benji. Is that weird?"

"What if you touch?" Maya enquired, ignoring my question. An involuntary smile appeared on my face.

"I react so strangely. My toes curl up, my stomach clenches, my hands get clammy yet I feel so exhilarated and comforted. He gives the best hugs, let me tell you that." I told them with a small smile.

"How often do you think about him?" Melissa asked. I hesitated, a sheepish smile forming on my face.

"Um... not that often, haha." I laughed awkwardly. They stared at me with deadpan expressions, and then Maya sighed.

"Okay, I can tell you don't really want to say, so I'll say how much I think about Elijah." She told us. "He's the first thing on my mind when I wake up and the last thing when I go to bed. He's on my mind pretty much all day, and I'm not afraid to say so." Teresa cooed while Melissa fake gagged.

"Okay," I started shyly. "I don't know how many hours or anything, but whenever Benji's not around I think of him, when he's with me I think of him. It's as if has his own occupied space in my mind solely dedicated to him. I visit there whenever I want to feel calm and happy."

They stared at me in silence with matching expressions of amazement. Then out of nowhere.

"Chloe, I'm afraid to say it sounds like you've got a bad case of lovesickness." Maya sang the last word. Out of nowhere Teresa practically shouted.

"Chloe has a crush!"

I practically lunged at her over the table, covering her mouth with my hand. "Are you crazy?" I hissed, my heart beating fast. She just winked.

I leaned back, adjusting my clothes and looking back stealthily to where Benji was seated.

He was staring directly at me.

My cheeks warmed and I immediately whipped my head around, causing my ex-friends to start cackling.

"I hate you guys." I mumbled, covering my face in mortification.

"Yeah of course, because we're not Benjamin." Maya teased and I looked up to glare at her. Her gaze shifted to something behind me and a scarily wide smile spread across her face.

"Guess who's coming over..." She sang and my heart dropped. There was no way I was speaking to Benji after that.

"Nope," I said simply, grabbing my bag, shoving my sandwich inside and standing up, getting ready to hightail it out of there.

"Wimp!" Teresa called out after me as I practically sprinted out of the cafeteria. I made it to the doors when I bumped into someone. I stumbled back, an apology on the tip of my tongue when I saw who it was.

"Oh. Taylor." I said, righting my position. She looked at me with a tired expression.

"Woods." She sighed.

I rolled my eyes and tried to walk past her when she blocked my way. I looked up to the sky, internally praying for patience.

"Can I talk to you, please?" Taylor asked, crossing her arms. I gave her a wide smile.

"No." Then I shoved past her, walking speedily. I heard footsteps behind me and turned to see Taylor with an exasperated expression.

"Woods, just two minutes."

I crossed my arms, looking at her evenly. She stared back unblinking.

"Fine, talk."

Taylor looked around, then moved towards the lockers and I followed her.

"I know you don't like me and I don't like you either," She started and I snorted. What a way to begin.

"And you probably won't think this apology is genuine," I perked up at that. Taylor was apologising?

"But after reflecting on what Brock told me and how I treated you, I've realised that I'm in the wrong, as much as I hate to admit it. So, I am sorry and will try to be civil to you from now on."

"Pretty speech, but it doesn't add up with what you and Alyssa was scheming in the girl's toilet." I told her curtly. Taylor's lip twitched.

"I was waiting for you to say that." She said. "Okay, yes you caught us making a 'plan' on how to deal with you or whatever. But it was a heat in the moment type of thing. Brock had just told me we couldn't be together because of my actions towards you guys, but I saw it as because of you guys. So I was mad." Taylor shrugged.

I sighed. "Look, for whatever reason Brock seems to like you. So I'll agree to be civil with you, but only because of him, because I don't trust you as far as I can throw you."

Taylor smiled slightly. "Fair enough."

I stepped forward so we were toe to toe. "But if you do end up hurting Brock Taylor, you will regret it. I'll make sure of that." I told her in a low, serious tone.

Taylor raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "Is that a threat?"

I smiled at her sweetly. "Nope, it's a promise. See you at the game." I waved goodbye, walking in the direction I was heading. I felt her burning gaze follow me as I did so.

*****

Later on, Teresa, Maya, Melissa and I were getting ready at Melissa's house. The girls had picked out what they claimed was the perfect outfit for me to cheer on our school.

"I'm not wearing this." I told them bluntly, glaring at the outfit. Teresa pouted.

"Why not? You don't want to represent our school?"

"No, I don't want to freeze to death." I retorted, holding up the pretty white sundress. "It's not summer any more Teresa."

"You can wear this over it, it matches the headband." Maya dismissed, tossing me a short blue denim jacket. I looked at them, unconvinced.

"Just try it on." Teresa encouraged, staring at me eagerly. I sighed, grabbing the clothes and changing in Melissa's bathroom. I examined myself in the bathroom.

The sundress has a sweetheart neckline, hugging my upper body and cinched in at the waist then flowed outwards. It reached just above my knees a good enough length. The denim jacket complimented it nicely, and was surprisingly thick.

I came out with another sigh, and they all squealed at the sight of me. "So, what do you think?" Melissa asked her hazel eyes wide with expectation.

I shrugged. "It's cute, I like it."

"Told you!" Teresa said smugly, approaching me. "Come; let me help you with your hair and makeup. You're going to look like a doll, Chloe."

"I'm going to a football match, not on a date, is there a need for all this effort?" I asked incredulously as I sat opposite Melissa's large mirror. Teresa and Maya exchanged a look I couldn't decipher.

"It's your first ever match." Maya replied, coating her lips with lip-gloss. "We all made as much effort for ours."

I accepted the answer, relaxing in my seat and watching as Teresa meticulously straightened my hair. Then Melissa approached me with makeup products, claiming she wanted to enhance my features. I forced myself to relax further and trust them.

It was a good choice.

As I looked in the mirror I thought I really did look like a doll. My blonde hair was pin straight and flowed like water down my back, pulled back at the front by a plain blue headband. My skin looked flawless and glowy. My bright blue eyes were brightened by the mascara-lengthened lashes. For once, I truly did feel confident.

"Thanks, guys." I smiled at them gratefully.

"No problem, girl. Spray some of this perfume." Teresa instructed, handing me a bottle and I did so.

"Hey, how come I can't match with you guys?" I frowned, examining their outfits. They were wearing the same shade of blue jeans that had different designs, but all the same white shirt that had 'GO FELTON' printed boldly in blue.

"Um, we didn't have another shirt. Sorry." Maya said, not sounding or looking apologetic. I frowned, why were they acting so weird?

"Anyway, you won't believe what happened after you ran out of the cafeteria, Chloe." Melissa started and I turned to her with interest.

"Taylor approached me to speak to me privately. When we were alone she apologised," Melissa paused for dramatic effect. "Saying she went too far in the cafeteria the other day and regrets it, especially as we're family."

"Wow." Was all I could say. Two apologies in one day? Did someone hold a gun to her head?

"Well, do you forgive her?" I asked and Melissa shrugged.

"We're cousins." She simply said and left it at that.

"I personally would have beaten her ass, but that's just me." Teresa shrugged and I burst out laughing while Maya shook had.

"I'm not a violent person." Melissa responded, amused. "And I'd never hear the end of it from my parents if we fought."

"Melissa!" A voice yelled from downstairs. Melissa rolled her eyes, standing up.

"Speaking of," She mused, walking towards her door. "Be right back."

"Oh, Chloe your ride is here." Maya suddenly squealed, standing up. I turned to her in confusion.

"What do you mean; I'm riding with you guys?"

"Come on, grab your things. Don't forget lip gloss!" Teresa ushered me up and downstairs. I went along, confused as anything.

"Bye, Mrs Marisetta!" I called out as they practically pushed me out the front door. It was when I was standing on the front porch I saw a sleek, blue car that I recognised.

Benji.

"Nope." I said, turning around and prepared to shove past my betrayers. Unfortunately they were stronger that they looked.

It all made sense, why they'd dolled me up and were acting so suspicious. Last time I was telling them anything.

"I hate you guys." I glared at then with my back to Benji's car. Maya grinned at me.

"It's your chance to shoot your shot! You guys will be sitting alone for the whole match as well." She replied suggestively. I frowned.

"Isn't he the water boy?"

"Not for this match." Teresa shrugged. "Don't ask me how it works, I don't know."

I sighed, butterflies erupting in my stomach. "Guys, now you've made me nervous!"

"Look," Teresa put her hands on my shoulders. "It's just Benjamin, the guy you realised you helplessly have a crush on. Nothing to be nervous about."

I glared at her. "Delete my number, both of you." With that I stalked off towards his car. I took a deep breath before I opened the car door and hopped inside, not meeting his gaze.

I took my time keeping purse on my lap and buckling my seatbelt before turning to look at him. I practically melted when my eyes met his warm brown ones.

"Hey." I greeted shyly. A smile spread across his face and I felt my body tense up. Why was he so good-looking?!

"Hey," Benji echoed, his voice causing the butterflies to make a reappearance. Suddenly, it was like I was hyper-aware of his presence. Of him.

The way his dark curls fell into face. The way his eyes warmed me from head to toe. The way his pink lips were stretched into a smile, showcasing perfect pearly whites. The dimple that popped out on his left cheek. How his fitted white shirt brought out his bronzy skin tone. The short sleeves emphasising his muscled arms...

I turned away, letting out a deep breath. I really did like him.

How dare I?

I was barely emotionally stable and was in no position for someone to be emotionally dependent on me. The last person I'd had a crush on was admittedly John, before I left for Australia, but I was a completely different person back then. Carefree, happy and confident.

I may have exhibited all those values outwardly but on the inside I'd changed. I'd been tainted. And I knew no one would want that.

"Chloe?" Benji's voice stopped me silently freaking out.

"Yeah?" I answered, staring at my shaky hands.

"You ready to go?"

I nodded in response, not daring to look at him. After a pause he started driving. I couldn't help sneak another look at him and internally groan.

Who was I kidding? With a side-profile like that Benji could get any girl he wanted. There was no way he'd settle for me:

Little old Chloe who had a big load of issues.

I sighed, biting my lip in an attempt to stop the tears forming in my eyes. I avoided thinking about my experiences and myself, as whenever I did I only had something negative to say.

I looked up when I felt the car slow down and saw we'd moved only a bit down the street but was still in the neighbourhood. I turned to Benji in confusion.

"What's going on?" I asked, watching his face. His jaw was tight and eyebrows furrowed. He didn't answer me immediately, only when he parked he turned to face me.

I immediately looked away. I knew with the mood I was in if we held eye-contact any longer I'd either kiss him, burst out crying or proclaim my undying love for him.

"Chloe, what's going on? You seem upset." Benji said quietly. I took a second to compose myself as good as I can before turning to him with a bright, forced smile.

"What do you mean? I'm fine." I answered in a steady voice. He shot me an unimpressed look.

"You don't need to lie to me Chloe," At that my smile dropped and I looked away in shame. That's all I'd been doing ever since Dave, lying and putting on a brave face.

"It's okay if you don't want to tell me what's bothering you. At least acknowledge it, yeah?" He carried on softly. I nodded, staring straight ahead and willing myself to not cry. I couldn't ruin the makeup.

Benji sighed and took my hand gently. "Hey, talk to me please. I'm really worried, Chloe." He said. I took a deep breath. Then another.

It was a miracle I wasn't crying like a baby yet, although I was close to. "Um, I just realised something and it's made me a bit upset." I told him shakily. "Sorry for being-"

"Chloe." Benji interrupted sharply. "Don't ever apologise for how you feel. To anyone and especially me, okay?"

I looked at him with slightly wide eyes but nodded. He relaxed, his thumb drawing patterns on my hand and leaving tingles where it touched.

"Do you want to tell me what you realised?"

As if, I'd rather break my legs and be forced to walk than confess my feelings to you.

"Um, nothing too important." I replied and Benji frowned.

"Surely it must be important if it's made you this upset?" He pushed. "Is it about Australia?"

I swallowed nervously. "Partly."

Benji stayed silent, watching me patiently. I decided to elaborate. "It's that and... I'm just really thankful for the people I have in my life right now. Like you." I said.

Benji ducked his head, a shy smile forming on his face. "Really?"

"Yeah," I answered, smiling as well. "I haven't known you for that long yet I trust you so much and you make me feel so at ease. Like, I don't have to pretend around you, you know? You can see right through me. I hate it but like it as well, it gets exhausting to maintain a façade all the time." I said then wanted to bang my head on the car window. Had I just told him all of that?

Instead of looking horrified like I anticipated, Benji's smile grew. "I feel the same way about you. You brighten up everywhere you go, it's like the sun follows you when you enter a room. I, um, really like being around you." He said the last part quieter, staring at our joined hands.