Go Long

Sean

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"Class dismissed."

Sitting upright, I take my back off my chair, and rest my elbows onto my desk, slightly but not obviously looking over at Destiny, waiting for her to get up before me.

I've had enough of her this morning. Although, I do appreciate her aid in letting out a little ahem earlier. Didn't do much for me, but it's the thought that counts.

"Alders. Davis. Please remain seated, you two are not dismissed."

Fucking amazing.

I do not want to be another reason why Destiny is late to another class. Not that I care, but as if I need more on my plate right now.

Destiny, on the other hand, doesn't even seem like she's trying to hide how nervous she is. Although, Ms. English teacher over here, seems to be completely oblivious by it. Weirdly enough, so does everybody else.

I glance over in her direction and give her my best "would you calm your heart down" look anyway, but all I get is a "what the fuck are you doing" look in return.

Guess I'm good at reading you too, Alders.

"Okay then, once you two are done communicating in your heads, I need your attention up here please."

What the fuck?

Not with that attitude.

"Destiny you— " she begins.

"I was only late because I was helping new guy over here get to your class," Destiny interrupts, defending her side.

I do have a name.

"Ms. Alders since freshman year, your attendance has been perfect. One late won't hurt. You are not a robot. Mistakes come with life, even little mistakes like this one and only you can decide to either learn from it and fix it. Or simply not."

Well, shit.

"I understand," she gives in, her eyes downcast.

That's it?

She's not going to beg or fight for this one?

I guess this doesn't matter to her as much as I thought it did.

"But that wasn't what I was going to say." She places a piece of paper in between Destiny and I. "This is the seating arrangement for the semester. Who you sit with will also be your partner for any upcoming presentations or projects."

And if one wasn't enough already, she places another in between us.

"First project. This is the easiest you'll get. And because it's so easy, we're not going to spend one class going through it all. We'll have one partner, per month. Happy first day," she winks. "You're dismissed."

"Actually, Miss?" Destiny voiced out, taking her eyes off her fiddling fingers and onto our teacher.

Great, what is it now?

"I'll see you tomorrow, Destiny. At the right time," she concludes before heading out of the classroom.

First day of school and I already have a project. Well, what was I expecting from senior year, am I right?

"Ugh," Destiny whines shoving her head in what seems to be a diary.

Dramatic much?

"Alright, little miss perfect attendance. You have exactly three minutes to get out of this class and to your next, if you don't want to be late again," I taunted.

Avoiding eye contact she sets down her diary and writes.

"Two minutes and counting," I remind her. "You have time for your diary later at lunch."

She then rips the paper and hands it over to me.

Are we not on speaking terms or something?

"Here," she reaches out. "And it's a journal," she corrects.

"Same shi—," she gives me a concerned look.

Yeesh, I should probably hold back on my profanity around this one. I grab the folded paper from her hand and unfold it only to see a number.

Well, damn.

"Moving quickly are we?" I tease.

"Just text me later," she says, rolling her eyes. "We have a project to get done, don't we? I got to go. I can't be late two times in a row."

"But it's not due until months from no— nevermind." I only bet she doesn't care. "Better hurry before you get expelled," I laugh.

"Ha, ha, very funny," she smiles a genuine smile.

Wasn't expecting that one from her either.

She quickly packs the rest of her belongings and is out the door, just in time for second period.

Alright, what was my second class again?

"Sean!" I turn towards the voices and see Seth and Jason, standing by the door frame. "Let's go, we've got second period together."

Thank God. I was so done looking for classes in this maze of a building.

"You're the only one here dude. You planning to move, or what?" Seth mocks.

"In a year or two," I mock back.

"Guess we'll see you then," teases Seth.

Fucking Seth, man.

I didn't mean it.

Jason turns towards Seth, mentally face-palming himself. "You're sending him straight down sensitive avenue and I really can't deal with the both of you right now." He turns towards me. "Sean, get your ass up, let's get going."

Seth laughs. "He can't. He's going to cry."

That does it.

I push my chair back and stand straight on my feet ready to pounce on him. Seth seems to realize my actions because he's already made his way out of the classroom, and into the hallway.

Stepping aside, Jason holds his hands up in surrender and allows me to pass.

Good choice.

"Alive." He says before walking in the direction of where I'm assuming my second class was.

"Two minutes," I say without making eye contact.

And I'm off.

• • • • • •

Second period couldn't get anymore better than first.

The only good thing about it was Seth and Jason, even if they do annoy the fuck out of me. On the bright side, the only project I have is for first period and if I'm lucky, that's the worst I'm going to receive today. Third was okay. I had fitness with Carter and it's always nice to get a good workout in, especially with someone I can partially stand.

Right now, it's lunch.

I can do lunch.

Carter and I have been out here for no longer than ten minutes, waiting on the football field. Apparently, this is where they've been spending their lunch since freshman year. Can't blame them. It's a nice spot and only specific people can hang on the field. Something about respecting the priority of cheer and game.

"You planning to join football? It's your last year and tryouts are today after school, " Carter makes known.

I've always loved football. Dad and I used to play on this exact field every time we came down here. Kordell would join us every so often and Julianna would always hang around mom and Nonna. They were so close.

"Of course he will," Kordell chimes in, as the rest of the guys make it to where we are seated. "I will too," he adds.

"Still captain?" I greet Royal and the others with a fist pump.

As far as I remember, I've always been captain. But that was back in Moonsdale. This is Royal's city and our friendship matters more to me than a title. He's a great player and a great team leader. He makes a great captain. Again? Something I'd never say out loud.

"Wouldn't count on it, now that you're here," he smiles, pounding my fist. "I'll be right back you guys. Save me some of that," he points to River who was opening a bag of chips.

"Hurry back," he shrugs in a light manner.

"I bought them," Royal accuses, throwing a football at him before making his way to the other side of the field where the girls were.

"Are they always there?" I question out of curiosity.

"Yup. They're probably preparing for tryouts. Saf is captain of the cheer team and Des is co-captain. That's how it's always been," Jason says, filling me in.

Alders' in cheer?

Now that's something I wasn't expecting.

"What about Royal? Seems like he's always with them," I observe, a weird feeling in the pit of my stomach.

"They've been friends since freshman year. Their trio has some kind of bond, but don't worry. We got him for longer," River reassures before heading to the middle of the field.

No lie in that.

For as long as I can remember, the guys have always had my back. It started with our moms. They were the best of friends just like all of us. They still are, even without my mom. They'd hang out every minute we were in Luna City which was just another plus for us. Them hanging out meant the guys were always over. We bonded over video games, inside jokes, and football. Because of the guys, I've always considered this place more of a home than Moonsdale.

"Kordell! Go long!" River yells throwing the football in the opposite direction of Kordell making him run for it.

Completely going against River's plans, Kordell picks up his speed and smoothly slides underneath the football mid-air, catching it perfectly.

"Sean! I bet you can't catch this one!" Kordell claims, getting up and challenging me from across the field.

Facing sideways, Kordell grips onto the football with two hands, bringing it up chest level. He then raises the ball neck level and maintains his firm grip before turning his shoulders towards his desired target. Raising the ball even higher, he bends his knees, hunches his back, and takes approximately two steps backwards, maintaining his stance. Releasing his left hand from the ball he then takes a step forward and throws, adding a nice spin to the ball for a finishing touch.

Show off.

Watch me, bro.

I get up from the bleachers, running towards the football that Kordell has perfectly thrown into the air, never taking my eyes off it. One perfect throw equals one perfect catch.

As the football rapidly heads towards the ground, I notice Carter and Seth through my peripheral vision closing in quick. These idiots want to tackle me. Well, three can play at that game.

I maintain my speed, acting completely oblivious to the two idiots, desperately trying to close the space between us. They don't know what's coming for them. Just a few seconds before catching the football I unexpectedly pick up my speed and catch, leaving just enough time for—

I turn to the eruption of laughter blowing up from behind me.

The guys are in the middle of the field, laughing their heads off watching Carter and Seth who is now, sprawled out on the floor holding their chests and stomachs, coughing in defeat.

Amateurs, I think to myself as I make my way over, helping their asses up.

"Just like when we were little," I reminisced.

And if the guys couldn't experience any more pain, we turn our heads to an awfully loud whistle.

"Welcome to the team boys. Looks like we've got potentially new candidates to run for captain."

We turn, giving our complete and undivided attention to the man with a booming voice, coming from the bleachers where Royal, Saffron, and Destiny stood.

• • • • • •

Thanks for reading!