A Unique Crossover

Chapter99: Dark confession

"Oh my word," I said, covering my face with embarrassment. Rewatching the video that Haylie and Cameron had taken. Having it shared and played on every social media site that they had.  "Ugh, I'm such an ugly cryer."

It was seven fifty, and the team was sitting in this restaurant that Josiah found online. We've received special permission from Coach Richard to celebrate for the win. But we had a limit. Everyone had to drink only two drinks and must be back at the hotel before eleven.

We were watching the video on Cameron's Instagram story, which he sent to Ryan. Who posted it on the group chat, the team's page. And somehow, from there, the KAU's page also posted it on theirs.

Josiah, Ryan, Chris, Logan, and Tim wouldn't stop teasing me about it, "Awe, look at you, Hawkins. You look so cute,"

Ignoring their teasing, silently planning to get my cousin and best friend. For making a video of me crying and then posting it for everyone to see.

When they got tired of teasing me, the boys were talking about the game. How they should play exactly the same way as they had for the next match. Taking in bits and pieces from their conversations before my nose caught the scent of black pepper and lavender.

"Walk with me, Anela," David said softly, letting me stand up. Not causing too much attention as we walked away from the table.

Walking to the balcony that overlooks the street and buildings. There were some chairs set up with a small fireplace that was lit. For a moment, we stood by the rally, staring at the scenery in silence.

Usually, we could spend hours in silence. Not needing to say anything, but after how I've left things between us. This silence was intense. 

"Why didn't you tell me about Ivan?" David finally asked, breaking the quietness. Turning towards him with my eyes out of their socks, "How did you know -"

"I was watching that Arion match against Thunderdogs two rows above you. I saw how Ivan and Android were making those celebrations that got under your skin." David answered, not afraid of telling the truth. He may have been speaking in a gentle tone. There was firmness in it, "Also Logan and Chris overhead the conversation you two had the morning before. And we all saw how him watching over practice was making you uneasy."

In that moment, I felt like a puzzle that David had solved under seconds. But I wasn't too surprised. He would always find out about things. Even when I try to hide it from him.

His expression became more open, as if inviting me to do the same, "You know that you could have talked to me if he was bothering you?"

The amount of sadness and disappointment hung heavily in his voice, as the words that I threw into his face flash across my mind. I became ashamed as the words echoed in my head, not knowing what to say. Knowing how deep my words cut and caused so much damage.

I have always gone to him whenever something bothered me. But after that morning, when Ivan wormed his way into my mind, I couldn't.

Turning my face away from him, not being able to look at him. Even when his lukewarm hand gently held my hand, "Why did you not tell me, Anela?"

Breathing shakily as the lump formed at the back of my throat again, speaking in a tone full of shame, "Because I... I thought - "

"Anela," He said gently, reaching to hold my face. Softly asking me to look at him again, "I'm sorry."

My voice broke in a sob, holding my face away from him. His hand still held my right cheek as the tears fell, "I doubted, I - when Ivan talked about things that had happened. How the team didn't stand up for me when he posted that edited picture of me. Or how I'm not seen as part of the team."