^^West Hills High soccer field.

I walked out of Ben's house with him and saw Chloe in her car, waving her hand furiously.

“Hurry, before I get caught!” Chloe yelled.

I asked her to come inside, but she refused, saying she doesn’t want to since Louis was inside. She’s still embarrassed about what happened last night at the party.

I turned towards Ben and smiled. “I’ll see you at school.”

He returned my smile and did the last thing I expected from him. He pulled me into a bear hug.

“Thank you for everything.” He whispered.

I patted his back. “Thank you, too.”

We let go of each other with huge grins on our faces, and I padded to Chloe’s car. I waved to Ben one last time and opened the door. Sitting in the passenger seat, I saw Chloe gawking at me.

“What the hell happened between you two last night?” Chloe inquired.

“We had a nice chat and now we’re friends.” I shrugged.

“Friends?” Chloe chuckled, driving towards the main road. “So you guys in the ‘We are just friends’ phase.”

“There’s no phase.” I sighed, wearing my seat belt.

“Time will tell.” She gave me a sly smirk. “When you two will elope to Vegas, I won’t sign the witness paper until you say that I was always right.”

“First that will not happen and second elope?” I raised my brows.

“Brittany will not let you two get married that easily.”

I rolled my eyes and changed the topic. “Are you over ‘your’ embarrassment phase?”

Chloe abruptly hit the brakes in the middle of the road, making us jerk forward. We didn’t hit our heads because of the seat belt but it clenched my chest. I winced and rubbed my chest.

“Oh my God!” she groaned. “It was so horrible. I couldn’t sleep all night because it kept replaying in my head!...” She started babbling and I looked around to see we were in the middle of the road but was glad that it was Sunday and too early for people to be coming out of their houses.

I observed Chloe as she furiously waved her hands. She looked tired and had dark circles under her eyes, and they looked puffy. Now I felt bad for reminding her.

“... I lost my only chance of spending time with Louis.” She glanced at me with glossy eyes and whimpered. “I lost my golden seven minutes!”

“Chloe...” I took the seat belt off and leaned to her. She hugged me tightly and sobbed. “It’s alright. You’ll get another chance.”

“B-but I embarrassed myself!” She howled.

“No, you didn't.” I rubbed her back. “Louis asked about you in the morning.”

Chloe’s cry creased and she jerked back, looking at me with her wide hazel eyes. “He did?”

I nodded and gave her an assuring smile. “I told him you puked because you drank too much.”

“And... What did he say?” She sniffed and shifted closer to me.

“He was worried that you might think his haircut was bad, and that’s why you puked but I assured him it’s not.”

“Oh my God!” She dramatically jolted back. “Why would he think it’s bad! It’s so damn hot! I want to lock him in my room and do...”

And she’s back.

I leaned back in my seat and Chloe drove towards my house, talking about the stuff she wants to do with him. I shook my head in amusement at my friend. One minute she’s freaking out and the other she’s back to being... Chloe.

As we were close to my house, I asked Chloe what she told my parents.

“I told them you’ll stay at my house and they were so delighted about it and didn’t ask any question because it was your first time staying at a friend’s house.” She smirked at me. “Your parents are worried that you might be left alone. Do you want me to tell them about Ben?”

“No!” I shrieked. “Please don’t do that.”

It was enough that Chloe was shipping me with him; I didn’t want my parents to get involved. I hated lying to them, it was better just to keep it to myself.

Chloe parked her car outside my house. Getting out of it, I asked Chloe to come inside, but she said she didn’t get any sleep last night, and now since I assured her she wanted to go home and sleep all day. I thanked her for driving me home, and she drove away.

I walked inside my house and heard my parents’ voices coming from the kitchen as they played their routine crosswords.

“Morning.” I greeted them entering the kitchen.

“Good morning!” They replied with cheerful grins on their faces.

“How was your night?” My mom asked, wiggling her brows.

I thought of a word the describe my night without the need to lie. “Eventful.”

“That’s it?” Her shoulders slumped. “No gossip about boys, drinking, or games?”

“Well...” I shifted in my position. “There were a lot of boys and drinking too.” My mind went to the game. “I played seven minutes in heaven.”

My parents choked on their coffee. “What?!”

“But nothing happened.” I shrugged. “The bottle stopped on a senior Jordan and we ended up talking.”

My mom sighed. “This game is not for talking Lillian. I have to teach you the basics now.”

Dad chuckled and patted my mom’s shoulder. “You can teach her that later. Let her take rest for now.”

I gave my dad a grateful smile as my mom grumbled. “She will not get a guy like that.”

“We have time for that.” Dad smiled, then turned to me. “Come have breakfast.”

“I already have it.” I smiled at my parents, backing away. “I’m tired so I’m going to sleep.”

They nodded and I dashed to my room. I changed into my PJs and plopped on my bed. After replaying the entire morning in my head, I drifted off to sleep.

~•~ • ~•~ • ~•~

On Monday everyone kept talking about the party and how I ended up unconscious. It what difficult for me to handle the unwanted attention, but Toby and Chloe help me through it. I knew after a few days they’ll all forget about it when and find something else.

The soccer match was coming this week, and Ben was practicing for it with the other players. Toby wanted to see Ben practicing, but he felt awkward sitting in the middle of girls ogling guys. When my mom texted me she had some emergency work at the hospital instead of being alone at home, I suggested Toby to see Ben practice. I was sure, him being with me wouldn’t feel uncomfortable.

So here I was sitting on the bleachers with Toby beside me and we watched the players practicing.

“God! They look so hot!” Some girls sitting in the front row gushed at them. “Especially Andrew!”

“No, Ben is hotter!”

I side glanced at Toby and saw him narrowing his eyes at the girl. I get now why he gets jealous because he couldn’t say out loud that Ben’s taken. I glanced towards the practice and saw Ben looking at us and smiling. I grabbed Toby’s hand and waved both of our hands.

Ben laughed and waved back. I smiled, and my eyes darted behind him to Andrew, who was scrutinizing me with his gaze. I didn’t know if I was imagining it, but I think Andrew was spying on me. I caught him a few times watching me, but he was better than Ben and was discreet.

“Hey, Lilly.” I turned my head to the right and saw Madeleine.

“Hey, Maddie.” I greeted her as she sat beside me.

“Sup Toby,” Madeleine said and in return, Toby gave her a nod. “You’re here to see Ben practice.” Madeleine teased me by waggling her brows.

“I uh I never watched him play before, so...” I gave her a shrug.

“Uh-huh.” She gave me a sly smirk and turned her head in front and scowled at the girls in front. “I hate these types of girls.” She pointed at them. “I bet they don’t even know how to spell soccer but here they are ogling boys.”

Toby tensed beside me and whispered. “Aren’t we doing the same?”

“I heard you play soccer too,” I said to Madeleine, changing the topic.

“Yeah.” She beamed, then cocked her head. “How do you know that?”

“I heard it from somewhere.” I coughed.

“I play it just for fun.” She shrugged and looked towards the game. “I taught Jordan how to play.”

“Really?” I acted surprised.

“Yup.” She proudly beamed. “He was terrible at it so I taught him and I’m glad I did. He’s incredible at it and he’s going to pursue it as his career.”

“Wow.” I glanced and saw Jordan. He was the left-wingback. Ben was the central midfielder, and Andrew was a striker. “Can I ask you something?”

“Go ahead.”

“Do you like Jordan?” I curiously asked.

“Of course.” She beamed, and I blinked my eyes at her. “Oh, you mean intimately?” I nodded. “Nah.” She chuckled. “Jordan is like a bro to me.”

Ouch! I’m glad Jordan isn’t here or else that would have hurt.

“I’m not into high school guys, they’re too... Immature for me.” She smirked.

“Oh...”

We talked for a while about Jordan, soccer, and how Madeleine taught him. When the match ended, Madeleine bid us bye and went to the team while Toby said he was going to meet Ben somewhere. I went to Chloe, who was also exercising on the other side of the field with the cheerleaders.

When I reached the group, they were all leaving. Brittany and Tiana eyed me but said nothing as we walked with the great of the girls. I heard Brittany kicked Gabrielle because she wanted to make up with Ben and they needed someone to fill the spot, so they took Chloe.

Chloe and I ambled behind the cheerleaders as we walked to the locker room.

“I still can’t believe I made it to the team.” Chloe squealed. “It’s like a dream coming true!”

“You are the perfect girl for the team.” I smiled.

“I should thank you. If Gabrielle was still on the team, then I would have never made it.”

“You don’t have to thank me-“ I was cut off by someone bumping into me.

“Oh, sorry.” I glanced up and saw David. “Oh, it’s the mystery girl.”

“Her name is Lillian,” Chloe growled.

“I’m aware of that.” He smirked and darted his eyes on Chloe from head to toe. “Since when did you become a cheer girl?”

“Since none of you concern.” She crossed her arms, glaring at him.

“Well...” He let out a whistle, eyeing her hips. “You look hot in that mini skirt.”

“F**k off, David.” Chloe snapped.

“Sure...” He said, backing away. “I’m waiting for the day when you’ll be begging me for it.” He smirked, and I scrunched my face in disgust.

“A**hole!” Chloe screamed and he laughed, walking towards the locker room. “I have no idea how Tiana digest that jerk. He’s so disgusting.” She visibly shivered.

David was a known flirt, and I also wondered how Tiana could date him for four years, even after his reputation.

The next few days went in a blur. After school, Toby and I would watch the soccer and cheer practice.

On Friday the rain pelted all day. Toby said we should skip watching the practice. Chloe was practicing in the gym while the soccer team was playing in the rain.

After school, I sat in the library doing my homework and waited for the rain to slow down. I was glad that the library remained open till evening.

It was around five when the rain slowed, and it was safe enough to ride the bike. I stood outside the school and was wearing my raincoat when I heard a familiar voice.

I turned around and saw Nate coming toward me. “What are you doing here this late?”

“I was going some work.” I gestured towards my bag. “What about you?”

“Fundraiser.” He shrugged.

“It’s next week right?” Nate was the student council president this year, and he handled all the events.

“Yup.” He bobbed his head. “You want a ride?”

“No, I’m okay.”

“I can drop you-“

“It’s fine Nate.” I smiled. I was happy that he asked but I didn’t want him to go through the trouble.

“Alright then...” He walked backward and waved to me. “See ya around.”

I waved him back and watched as he left, then I strode towards my bicycle.

~•~ • ~•~ • ~•~

“Alright, that’s enough for the day!” The coach shouted, and I sighed in relief.

Even though it was raining cats and dogs, the coach didn’t let us go early because he wanted to win the game, and no compromise in our training to lose.

West high is known to be the best high school in our town and to keep the record we have to be the best at everything.

The guys jogged towards the school and I glanced at the sky; it was still pouring. I went to the locker room and took a quick, warm shower. Wrapping a towel around my waist, I stepped out of the shower to the changing room and I dried my hair with another towel.

I slowed my step when I saw Ben on the bench, wearing his shoes. We haven’t talked since the party and I have no idea how long he’s going to ignore me.

I put the towel on my shoulder and stood in front of him. He paused and glimpsed up, then got back to tie the knot.

“How long are you going to ignore me?” I asked.

“I’m not ignoring you.” He mumbled, getting up, and walked in the other direction. I put my hand on his shoulder, stopping him.

“Dude seriously? I don’t know why you’re acting like that with me I didn’t even do anything.”

He turned around, looking bored at me. “You could have stopped Brittany.” He said, referring to the party.

“I would have stopped her if I knew what she was doing-“

“You were defending her-“

“Because you were mad at her for a girl you barely knew!”

“Not this again.” He groaned, dropping his head back.

“You are avoiding us, your friends since we were kids. For what? A girl you met a week ago-“

“You guys may be my friends for a long time but she understands me more than you all.” I frowned in confusion. “Just let it go.”

“Okay, fine! She’s your friend too and we are not going to mess with her.” He stopped and raised his brow at me. “Just forgive Brittany. She has done nothing since the party and she won’t do anything. I’ll make sure of it.”

“Just make-up already.” We turned to see Jordan rolling his eyes at us. “You’re fighting like five-year-old girls.”

I rolled my eyes at him, then turned to Ben and extended my hand. “Come on, dude. We need to work together like before. We have a match to win tomorrow.”

Ben eyed my hand, then his lips stretched into a grin. “Fine.” He grabbed my hand, and we did a bro hug.

“Finally.” Jordan sighed.

“I’ll see you guys tomorrow,” Ben said, backing away. “I have to go somewhere.”

“I’m going to go too,” Jordan said, following him.

I nodded and went to my locker. After changing into my grey hoodie and sweat pants. I strolled towards the gate and that’s when I saw Lillian and Nate. I narrowed my eyes at them.

Nate asked Lillian for a ride but she refused. I watched as they walked in opposite directions, and my brows knitted in confusion when I saw Lillian taking out her bicycle.

Why would she ride a bicycle in the rain when she could have gone with Nate?

I’ve been watching her since Monday but couldn’t find anything. Either she’s with Toby and Chloe, or she’s in her classes. She was a real mystery girl.

It was around six when I reached my home. I opened the door and AJ came running toward me. “Hello, buddy!” I crouched and rubbed his ears. “How was your day?”

“Woof!” He grunted.

“Mine was tiring too.” I sighed and got up. “Where’s everyone?” He barked and ran to the living room.

I followed him and saw my mom talking on the phone, and Abigail was watching cartoons. I went to my room and took a nap.

Mom knocked on my door, waking me up for dinner. I freshen up in my bathroom and strode downstairs when I heard Abigail.

“Daddy!” I stepped into the living room and saw my dad picking Abigail in his arms. “I missed you so much!”

Dad chuckled, kissing her head. “I missed you too, Darling.” I watched as he scratched AJ who was wagging his tail behind him. Mom went to dad and greet him. They kissed, making Abigail giggle and me gag.

My dad was on a business trip and he finally came home today.

“Andrew.” Dad looked at me.

“Hi, Dad.” I gave him a nod and went to the dining room.

I didn’t have a good relationship with my dad. It wasn’t like he was a bad guy, but he kept forcing me to pursue law school like him and my big brother. But I wasn’t interested in it and that was the brick in our relation.

I sat at the dining table, and soon my family joined. Dad sat on the head opposite to me my mom to his right and Abigail left. Abigail kept babbling about her school and I was glad that she was here to pass the time.

I was almost done with the meal when my dad asked me. “How’s school going?” I tensed.

“Good.”

“What about your classes?”

“Great.”

“Soccer?”

“Amazing.”

“Principal Morgan called me yesterday.”

“Outstanding...” I answered, then paused and squeezed my eyes.

I already knew why she called him. I was failing history. I glanced at my dad and saw him narrowing his eyes at me.

“What did she say?” I acted obviously.

“You’re failing history.” Mom gasped while Abigail looked at me with wide eyes.

“I’m not failing...” I lied. “I’m just behind.”

Dad sighed, rubbing his forehead. “Andrew, do you want to graduate?”

“Of course.” I scoffed. “And I’m going to work for the extra credit.”

“Extra credit will not get you into Harvard.” I rolled my eyes.

Not this again.

“Guess what, Dad,” I smirked. “I’m not aiming for it.”

“Are we going to have this conversation again?”

“No matter how many times we’re going to my answer will be the same.”

“Abigail, go to your room,” Dad said to my sister, who was watching us. She quietly got up and left the dining room.

“I’m done eating.” I got up from my seat.

“Sit down Andrew. I’m not done with you.” Dad mumbled.

“But I am.” I snapped.

“Why don’t you listen to me? I’m saying this for your good-“

“My good?!” I scoffed. “How come me being a lawyer good for me when I’m not interested in it!”

“Andrew!” my mom screamed. “Don’t talk to your father like that.”

“Let him say.” Dad stopped her and darted his burning gaze to mine. “You’re being rebellious and not thinking about your future.”

“Exactly, Dad my future. So I’m going to do the hell I want. You can’t force me to follow in your footsteps as you did with Austin.”

“I didn’t force Austin.” I watched his jaw clench. “He was smart enough to know what was good for him.”

“And I’m old enough to know what’s good for me!”

“Then tell me, what are you going to do after graduation?” I opened my mouth, but nothing came. “You’re graduating in a few months and you don’t even know what you want. That’s not how life is going to work. You need to plan everything. Tell me what you’re going to do!” He slammed his hands on the table.

“I don’t know! Okay! I don’t know what I’m going to do after graduation, but let me make this clear to you. I will not be a f**king lawyer!” I said and dashed out of the room.

My parents called from behind, but I ignored them. On my way, I saw Abigail sitting on the stairs, hugging AJ as she listened to our conversation. Ignoring her, I stepped into my room and slammed the door closed then plopped on my bed and groaned.

Why can’t he just stop bugging me?!

I have nothing planned for the future because I can’t think of anything and I need more time to think about it!

Why is it so hard for him to get in his head?!