Every Story Matters

18

♚ Austin ♚

Before school on Monday, Carson and I met at our usual spot; it was the first time we've spoken since the time at my house. We saw Levy pass by but, he didn't spare us a single glance. We weren't surprised though; we didn't really end on good terms the last time we saw each other. So it was only Carson and I until our other teammates arrived.

"I haven't thanked you for what you did for Scarlett by the way," I say to Carson, "so thanks. Meant a lot."

He gives a wave of his hand, "don't mention it. I was kinda doing it for me too...decided it was time for a change of heart," he says. And then after a moment or two, he quickly says, "don't tell anyone I said that. Don't want them thinking I've become sappy."

"Got it," I let out chuckling.

He laughs along too before we fall into a comfortable silence watching as students enter the school. It was nice having Carson around again. I needed that little brother bond moment. In the corner of my eye, I spot a familiar black camera, causing me to do a double take in that direction. When my eyes land on who the camera is attached to, a smile immediately lights up my face. Scarlett walks through the entrance and when she meets my gaze, she smiles too and gives me a small wave. I do the same and watched as she enters one of the school's buildings.

"Ok, what was that?" Carson asks incredulously. "Bro, please do me and our readers out there a favor and ask her out already."

Way to bring down the fourth wall, Carson.

I stare at him blankly for a moment. "Ask her out?" I repeat, still shocked by Carson's outburst.

"As in on a date? Yes, Austin. Should I spell it out for you?"

I send him a glare. "Shut up, I know what it means." I say. I just don't know if I should go through with it. I mean, I want to, I really do; there's no denying it at this point. I don't really care what people will think once they find out. It'll be their problem, not mine. The thing is, there are so many things that could go wrong. And the biggest one that poses my hesitation is rejection. I have a fifty-fifty chance if I decide to ask her out.

The bell rings signaling the start of school and everyone - including Carson and I - start heading to our homeroom. Once we were seated, I completely tuned out what my teacher was talking about. With only Scarlett on my mind,  I thought of every moment I've spent with her. How we fought, laughed, and talked, it was all clear to me then.

I'll do it.

✫

Since Scarlett didn't show up at our practice today, the plan I created went down the drain. The plan was that if she came today, I would have her wait after I was done in the locker room and drive her to the Café myself, and on the way there, I would work taking her out into the conversation and see what she says.

Telling Carson that I'll see him later, I hopped into my car and started off toward the Café hoping that she'll be there.

Before walking into the Café, I peaked through the window and grinned when I saw Scarlett attending one of the tables. I walked through the doors catching her attention and smiled. I sat myself down at the counter waiting till Scarlett came.

"Wow, three times in less than two weeks. Should I be expecting you to be a regular?" She asks leaning against the other side of the counter.

I send her a grin and shook my head. "Nah, was just wondering why you weren't at my practice today." I try to play off.

She extends her bottom lip out in a pouty motion and presses her hand to her chest. "Aw, missed me?" She asks, sending me one of her award winning smiles.

I let out a low nervous laugh and shook my head once again. This was beginning to be harder than anticipated. I have no idea what I'm doing and I'm not sure how I'm going to do this but, it should be quick while I still have semi control over my words and movements. Before I could get a word out, a flash of light blinds me for a second and I look at Scarlett with furrowed eyebrows. She has her camera aimed at me, while she wears a small grin on her face.

"Flustered is new look on you," she says eyeing me amusedly. I purse my lips together and put my head down trying to hide the red that is threatening to show. When I don't answer she exhales a breath and starts to grab her notepad and pen. "As much as I enjoy these visits, if you don't order something, I have to get back to work or else Sheri is going to kill me. Literally." she playfully lets out.

Here goes nothing. "Are you busy Saturday night?" I ask.

Her smile slowly fades as her eyebrows slowly go up in surpirse. Her expression makes my heart race nervously rather than excitedly and it takes her a while before she answers. She slowly places the notepad and pen down on the counter. "I already know enough to write my paper," she answers lowly before continuing, "that's why I wasn't there at your practice today."

I let out an uneasy breath before looking her straight in the eyes before saying, "not for an interview. I meant as a date."

"A date?" She repeats as a question. Her eyes light up and a smile spreads across her face as she starts to nod her head. "Sure."

I let out a small breath I didn't realize I was holding and sent her a grin. "I'll pick you up at 7:00?"

"Don't be late," she says with a pointed look, but I didn't fail to miss the hint of playfulness in her voice. She sends me one last smile before leaving to attend the customers.

I get up from where I was seated and walked out the doors. This is by far the most accomplished I've felt in years.

✫✫✫