Before We Fell

Tradition

I started getting ready for the game. I re curled my hair but wore it half up. I changed into a black long sleeve shirt and slipped the maroon jersey over it. I slipped on some shiny fishnet tights on and pulled some black mildly ripped jeans on over. I decided to wear my matching maroon Doc Martens that don't get a lot of wear. 

I was nervous to wear Thomas' jersey to the game. First of all, it's my first week and no one knows me, and I just show up in a jersey? Weird. Second, people will know it's his by the number. I'm sure I'll be nervous all night. But it can't be as big of a deal as I'm making it. 

The Varsity game wasn't until 7 so I decided to watch some of The Office while I cooked dinner. I made some Lemon Pepper Chicken, and chopped up a potato to make some homemade fries. I ate dinner and then headed to the game around 6:30 so I could get there early to find a good seat. 

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

I parked the jeep in the parking lot and headed over to the field. I got a seat at the top, hoping to avoid any eyes on me. I was a ball of nerves and felt like everyones eyes were on me. I pulled out my phone and texted my mom to remind her where I was. Then I texted Eve and we talked about how this the first lacrosse game I've been to since I was a kid. Eve thinks Thomas likes me, or I like him. She can't decide. I just think she's overthinking. He's just a nice guy. As I'm texting her, a shadow appears over my phone. I look up and there's Thomas, out of breath. He'd run out to the field, unlike the rest of the team who is still walking over. 

"Hi." He says, bent over, panting. 

"You good?" I ask, laughing a little bit.

"Yeah, I just wanted to come say hi before the game."

"That's sweet. But your coach is looking this way Thomas."

"Oops. I better go. See you after the game!"

The game went by pretty fast and it was so much fun to watch Thomas play, and it looked like he really enjoyed the sport. They won by a couple points, and it was only the first game of the season. When the game was over, everyone flooded the field. They were all cheering and taking pictures. I walked slowly down the stands and to the field. I spotted a smiling Thomas walking my direction.

"Thanks for coming to the game Amara."

"Ofcourse! It was so much fun!" I responded, leaving out that watching him was the best part.

"Why don't we take a picture?" and he calls his dad over.

I hand his dad my phone and we take a regular picture together and then Thomas shouts at his dad "One more!" and as he does he pulls into a tight, sweat soaked hug. I made a face after but then laughed. 

"Sorry. Had to Mars. I'll be out in about 20 minutes okay?"

"Okay."

He heads to the locker room, and his dad tells me bye. I walk to the jeep and get in the passenger seat and start listening to music. I'm texting Eve about the win, and singing along to the music subconsciously. The time swims by, and Thomas scares the crap out of me by opening the door and saying ,

"Sounds good. I didn't know you sing."

"I don't. I mean, uh, I mostly just sing in the shower."

"Well you should step outta the shower sometime cuz you're really good Amara."

I blushed, and couldn't help but smile at him. He started driving and I assumed that we were heading home, but instead we pulled up at Sac's. There were a lot of cars here. I was slightly confused. 

"It's an after game tradition. Tradition? I don't know if that's the right word- basically what I'm saying is they stay open on Friday nights after the games."

"Sounds cool!"

We went inside and sat down. It was packed. Our booth from before was taken. I was kinda bummed but it's not like it's exclusively ours. We found a booth that typically sat four people, but sat anyway because it's all that was open. Thomas ordered a burger while I just ordered a drink because I'd already eaten. I was kinda hungry but I didn't want him to spend money on me when I'd already eaten. He refused and ordered fries so I'd at least eat something, even if it wasn't a meal. When we were finally done eating, Thomas went to the restroom and I waited at the booth. I couldn't help but feel so alone when he left, and as if people were looking at me. Suddenly I couldn't breathe. I was having a panic attack. I got up and walked outside, away from the crowd of people that filled the diner. I still couldn't breathe. I got in the Jeep and was continuously struggling to breathe. In started freaking out and tears started streaming down my face. Suddenly I feel two hands on my shoulders. Thomas had gotten in the jeep and I hadn't even noticed. I looked at his face through my tears, he looked so scared yet worried at the same time. He pulled me towards him and locked me into a hug. He was calming me down. He was whispering to me and rubbing my back. Eventually I was calm again and thanked him. Thomas was very confused. I explained to him that I don't like crowds and I had also started overthinking and brought it upon myself. He was very understanding and gave me a hug again. 

We drove home and I felt kind of embarrassed. But he noticed and reassured me that it was okay. When we got to my house, he got out of the jeep. I was confused but thought maybe he just needed to get something out of the trunk. Instead he walked around to me and hugged me once more. He was so warm and wrapped me up like he was a glove. I smiled, pressed against his chest. It felt like the hug might've been longer than a regular hug. But tonight wasn't a regular night I guess. 

"Amara?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm really glad we met."

"Me too Thomas."

"I'm sorry about tonight."

"It's not your fault. I really did have a great time."

"Thank you so much for coming. It means a lot."

We said bye and I walked in my house. I didn't want to be alone. My parents were gone for the weekend to clear out our storage unit. I hated staying at home alone at night. I went to lock the door when I noticed Thomas still outside. He was on the phone. I walked outside and kept my distance to not hear his conversation. He saw me and gave a slight smile while still talking. When he put the phone down, I walked closer and he opened his door. We both didn't talk for a second, and then he spoke.

"Sorry I haven't left. My dad called and said he wouldn't be home. After the game one of his paintings was bought and he's delivering it tonight."

"It's okay. I was gonna ask if you'd stay here tonight actually. I know it sounds weird. But my parents left for the weekend to go back to LA to get the rest of our things and I hate being alone at night."

"Another thing you're afraid of. But yeah, I'll stay. I'll go get a bag of clothes and movies from my house!" He said, maybe a bit too excited.

"Movies?" I chuckled.

He drove home and I went back inside. I let Jax in and put more food in his bowl. I walked upstairs and let down my hair and took off my mascara and lip gloss. I changed into a tank top and sweatpants and walked back downstairs. I turned on the TV in our living room and scrolled through Netflix aimlessly when I got a text from Thomas saying he was on his way back. I got up and by the time I unlocked the door he was in the driveway. I let him in and locked the door behind him. We walked over to the couch and he asked,

"So, what movie you wanna watch first?"