The football match against Eagles' Claw of Benton High School was around the corner and Mr. Greenberg has declared compulsory practice for us all.
As classes ended for the day, I couldn't shake off the thoughts of my conversation with Mia during lunch.
My mind was drifting back to the way she looked at me, the way her voice sounded, the way she smile, her lips on mine, it was all-consuming.
I felt like I had let my emotions get the best outta me, what was I thinking? Did I think love was that easy? I started asking myself if I was falling for her or just using her as an excuse to satisfy my needs. This is what I get for going all I'm.
As I changed into my uniform in the locker room, getting ready for practice, all these thoughts played on my mind.
The room was quiet, except for the sound of my footsteps echoing against the metal lockers. I was the only one left in the locker room I looked around, taking in the familiar smell of sweat and dirt.
When I finished, I held my helmet in my hand and left. As I opened the door, I was pushed back in by Lily. She slammed the door behind us and pulled me in for a kiss.
The sudden shock of her actions made my heart race, it took me time to react but when I did, I pushed her back. "What do think you're doing?" I asked her.
I looked at what she was wearing. She looked stunning as always in her cream V-neckline top and a leather skirt that stops just above her knees, her hair falling in loose curls over her shoulders.
"No questions, Ray just kiss me." She said and came back at me. I moved back a bit.
She looked at me and said, "seriously? Come on, I overheard you and Mia during lunch. Just forget about her for now." I looked at her contemplating, my mind a jumbled mess of thoughts and feelings.
Part of me wanted to push her away, to tell her that I couldn't forget about Mia, but another part of me wanted to give in, to forget about everything else.
Eventually, I said "fuck it," dropped my helmet, and slammed my lips against hers. She tasted different from Mia, her lips were soft and juicy. Our lips danced against each other and soon, we were slamming against the locker, kissing and grabbing at each other.
As we broke apart, both of us were gasping for breath. Lily smiled at me and said, "You won't regret this, Ray."
I didn't know what to say, I was still trying to process what had just happened. I knew one thing for sure, I had a game to focus on and it was time to put everything else aside, at least for now.
I picked up my helmet and left the locker room, ready to face the Eagles' Claw with a newfound determination, but also with a sense of guilt and confusion in my heart.
I went for practice after the encounter with Lily, but my mind was still preoccupied with thoughts of her, Mia, and the confusing emotions I was feeling.
I tried to push them aside and focus on practice, but I couldn't seem to shake them off. My thoughts were jumbled and my emotions were all over the place.
I played well physically, but I could sense that something was off, my mind wasn't in the game as it should be. I knew that I wasn't playing at my best, My throws lacked the usual precision and my tackles were hesitant.
Lily was on the sidelines watching me. I tried to avoid looking at her, but I couldn't help glancing in her direction every now and then. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt every time I saw her, knowing that I had kissed her in the locker room.
I looked around to see if Mia was around but she wasn't. I couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. It seemed like she was actually taking her decision seriously, and not being here to support the team like she usually does.
I thought about it while playing, trying to make sense of it all, but it was hard to focus on the game with all these distractions.
As the practice went on, I found myself missing a pass and getting tackled down. Mr. Greenberg had to blow his whistle and gathered us around. "What's wrong with you guys? You're playing like a bunch of amateurs!" he shouted, his voice filled with disappointment and frustration.
"C'mon, my grandmother in the grave can play better than what you're doing now!" He shouted.
He then gave instructions and encouragement, "I had promised my dog that you will win this upcoming match and you must !" his words stung, and I knew I needed to step up.
I took a deep breath, trying to clear my head, and then joined my teammates as we headed back onto the field. The game was just around the corner, and I couldn't afford to let my personal issues get in the way of our performance.
I could feel the weight of expectations on my shoulders, and I knew that I had to put everything aside and focus on the game if we were going to have any chance of winning.
With a newfound determination, I took the field for the rest of the practice. I pushed aside my thoughts of Lily, Mia, and my own personal issues, and concentrated on the game.
I could feel my focus sharpening, and my movements becoming more precise. I could see my teammates responding to my renewed energy, and we started to work together as a cohesive unit.
The practice ended on a high note, with Mr. Greenberg praising our efforts and reminding us of the importance of staying focused for the upcoming match.
After practice, I walked off the field, feeling a sense of accomplishment. I knew that I had done my best to put my personal issues aside and focus on the game.
I felt a renewed sense of confidence in my abilities, and I knew that I would be able to give it my all during the match against the Eagles' Claw.
As I was walking to the locker room, I caught sight of Mia. She was talking to some of her friends, and she looked up and saw me.
Our eyes met for a moment, and I felt a jolt of uncertainty and confusion run through me. I didn't know what to say or do, so I just gave her a small wave and kept walking.
In the locker room, I started to get changed back into my clothes. I removed my uniform and pads, feeling the familiar weight and comfort of the equipment coming off.
I could still feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins. Practice today was intense and that's how it's gonna be till a day before the match. I knew that it would be a tough game, but I felt ready to face the challenge.
As I was leaving the locker room, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to see Lily. She looked at me with a mix of hope and uncertainty.
I didn't know what to say or do, so I just gave her a small smile and kept walking. I knew that I had to put everything asides.
My phone rang, and the loud blaring of the reminder jolted me out of my focus. I glanced at the screen and felt a knot form in my stomach. 'Oh no, I completely forgot.'
I'm supposed to be having dinner with my mom in about 1 hour. I quickly gathered my things and made my way out of the school grounds, my mind racing with thoughts of how to make it up to her.
As I rode my bike home, the wind whipping through my hair, I couldn't help but feel guilty. My mom had always been there for me, and always supported me, and I had almost let her down.
I knew how much this dinner meant to her, it was rare for us to have any alone time with just the two of us. I had to make it up to her somehow.
When I finally got home, I rushed to the kitchen, the smell of cooking food greeted me as I opened the door. My mom was busy preparing dinner, and the sound of sizzling meats and bubbling pots filled the room. I could see the strain on her face, and I knew I had put it there.
"I'm sorry, mom. I completely forgot," I said, feeling ashamed.
She turned to me, her face softened, "It's okay, dear. I'm just glad you're here now."
We worked side by side, preparing dinner, I could feel the tension in my shoulders slowly dissipating as we chatted and laughed like old times. I was happy to see her smile, the sound of her laughter was music to my ears.
We sat down at the dinner table, the warm glow of the candlelight creating a cozy ambiance. My mom served up our plates, steaming hot food filled with the aroma of herbs and spices.
I could feel my stomach grumbling with hunger, but before we could start eating, my mom looked at me with a serious expression on her face. "Is everything okay, honey? You seem a little preoccupied," she said.
I hesitated for a moment, the guilt of my earlier forgetfulness was heavy on my chest, but then decided to open up to her. I explained everything, the school projects, my struggles with staying focused, and how I had almost forgotten about our dinner. My mom listened patiently, nodding along as I spoke, her gaze never leaving mine.
When I finished, she reached across the table and took my hand, her touch was warm and comforting. "You know, I went through the same thing when I was your age," she said. "It's hard to balance everything and stay on top of everything. But you'll figure it out. You're a smart and capable young man, and I'm proud of you."
Her words meant a lot to me, they were a reminder that I'm not alone in this. I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders and a warmth spread through my chest.
We finished our dinner, talking and laughing some more, and I knew that this was exactly what I needed to help me through the next few days. Thanks, mom.
I blocked all other thoughts away and concentrated on what I had here. My mom and I.