Battle of Hearts

Chapter 20- New Friends.

Chapter 20- New Friends

Ally’s car had been gone for servicing since Rebecca pulled out that overly used trick on her which wasn’t suffice to just flat tires but broken tail lights too. Her mom was really angry at her for being ‘careless’ and ‘misusing her freedom’. She would have to ride with Cameron for a week to school since he was the only friend near her neighborhood.

“Can I come with you to your house too?” She asked hesitantly at the end of the school when they were standing in the hallway.

“And why is that?”

“I have to tutor Callum. It would be alternate days only.” There was no answer; he looked deep in his thought staring at the floor. “I’m really sorry to bother you with this... but I had no choice... I’m sure it would just be for this week.” She added explaining her helplessness.

“Oh no, no. It’s absolutely okay with me. But you’ll have to wait here for like an hour because I’ve practice.” She evaluated her options. Waiting an hour or school bus? The former outweighed the chance of riding an overly crowded bus.

“It’s fine. I have an idea can I come to watch your practice?”

“No. That’s not allowed.” He simply stated, chuckling. She leaned on her locker thinking while he gave her a suspicious look.

“You are not coming, Parker.” He said putting pressure on each word. She nodded innocently. It always felt good to do the forbidden. She knew exactly what she would do in her one hour leisure time.

He went away towards the gym while she looked around if anyone was looking. After five minutes of waiting she went inside from the back door and sneaked up onto the top floor bleachers unnoticed. She was behind one of the last row seats from where she could clearly see a few boys scattered on the court. They were all in their blue Vikings jersey and shorts sweating it out. He entered after some time with the coach engaged in an intense conversation.

The coach was making hand gestures probably telling him about placement of his teammates. She shifted her attention to Luke and Ryan who were shooting free throws. For about half an hour she slumped lowly on the seat watching them practice. They were surely practicing really hard. The coach had gone out and it was just Cameron who was guiding them through their routine. They practiced passing, dunking and throwing; the energy and enthusiasm was something she never saw in them.

It was amazing how she managed to be unnoticed for so long. Just as she was thinking of her great stunt a few boys gathered in a group were pointing towards her seat. “Hey Cam! Come here!” One of them shouted. Upon hearing this she ducked behind the seat in front of her, closed her eyes and prayed of not getting caught.

Her prayers were not heard because Cameron had already crouched behind her while she buried her head in her hands. “I can see you.” He whispered and she could hear his smile. She uncomfortably turned around. “I’m sorry I just wanted to-“

She saw him crouching very close to her face. Sweat was dripping from his forehead and his hair was perfectly messed up. She realized he looked damn fine at that moment. “To come because I was bored.” She added finally finishing her sentence. He was smiling for an unknown reason and it was reaching his eyes making her stare unusually long. He didn’t say a word and neither did she, they were too focused on each other’s face.

“Ahem.” Some boy cleared his throat. She looked up to see the whole team towering over them while they were in an uncomfortable position and situation. They both got up and Ally came up with the perfect answer, “I was just doing a dare. I swear I didn’t mean to interrupt your practice” she said. They looked amused at her answer.