Chances

It's been several months now since Lucretia moved back to Australia. She and her friends has been in a a close contact, checking on each other almost everyday but situations between Philip and herself were still where they left it but this time, worse.

She had cut off every communication line between them and also blocked him on all her social media handles. She was more than geared to forget him, their friendship and any other bond between them.

"Yes, I can do this." She sighed encouragingly to herself; more determined than ever to let go off his hand.

She had put up with him and her one sided love for so long which he didn't see it's worth. And giving up was just the best thing to do.

It was already a Saturday and there was not much to do nor places to go. Anita had called in earlier on at Linsey's house since Lucretia had been lodging there to inform them of her family's trip to her grandparents which crept up out of the blue. Anita had not wanted to go but then, what could she do. Getting nagged by her mother was not something she was ready to sign up for the weekend. She had already had enough from Linsey and now had to just play the good daughter role so she just obliged.

LINSEY'S HOUSE

Linsey was starting to get bored staying in her room. She took a quick glance at Lucretia who was also sitting up on her bed with her legs stretched and her back leaning against the wall, engulfed in her phone.

"Don't you think you're being too hard on Philip?" She required, her look was brooding.

Lucretia instinctively paused whatever she was doing on the phone at Linsey's words and glanced up at her with a quzzical look but said nothing, waiting expectantly to hear where she was heading to. "Think about it Luc, you guys have been best friends for like forever. You should have at least said good bye to each other. Not sure if this was really worth it though but come on girlfriend. Things could have take a turn." She sounded so positive which made Lucretia scoffed.

"Please, Lin." She mumbled returning back to what she was doing over the phone but deep down, she wished she had not been strong headed and at least let go of her ego. Linsey from her bed, studied Lucretia's face for some seconds. Feeling so much urge to persuade her, she deftly sprung up to her feet and sauntered over to Lucretia, wrapping her hand around her neck as she tossed herself beside her on the bed. "Just imagine." She lifted a hand mid air as she stared dreamingly into space. "Being all cozy with Philip. Just wrapped under his arms, passing the time." She simpered, sounding convincing enough as she highlighted out her thoughts but Lucretia was indifferent, her gaze still fixed in her phone unbothered.

Linsey noticed it and scoffed, shrugging herself up from the bed. "Suit yourself, I'm heading to the hall. It's so boring in here." She muffled loud enough to Lucretia's hearing and glided out of the room. Lucretia glanced at her back as she slowly closed the door behind her and sighed, looking heavenward. Someway somehow, she knew Linsey was right. She stared at the screen of her phone once again which was actually a picture of herself and Philip. She instinctively smiled, reminiscing their naive and fun moments together. "I have missed you Phil." she muffled.

WASHINGTON DC

The morning sun was up hitting it's rays hard on the earth as it was nearing afternoon. Saturdays were usually a soccer day for Philip and his friends. He sat on the bench with brooding gaze, watching as his friends ran to and fro on the pitch, following after the ball like bees. His legs felt so heavy to move with his mind running wild.

The coach noticed him from the pitch and was about to call out to him when Mike patted his shoulder. "Let me coach." He requested.

The coach stared at him for some few seconds and nodded. "Alright, get him on the pitch."

"Sure." He muttered and sped off. Not long, he got to where Philip sat. "Hey man," he sat beside him, slightly patting his shoulder.

"Hey..." he replied with a faint smile, taking a quick glance at Mike's face before staring down at his feet. "Coach sent you?" He queried.

"Mm," Mike muttered sharply. "He wants you up there." He added and Philip glanced up at the pitch with squirted eyes, slightly leaning forward as he rested his elbows on his thighs with his hands hanging in a cross like form. Mike scrutinized a look at him and sighed "Still not been able to reach her, right?"

Philip slightly glanced at him, the corners of his mouth quirked up but said nothing. Need not to be told, Mike instinctively knew what that meant. He let out a soft sigh and patted Philip's shoulder encouragingly.

"Giving up already?" A voice interrupted them from behind. They deftly turned to see Jayden standing over them with a lopsided grin. "Here," He stretched out his phone to Philip. "You can use my phone of you want." He sat beside them.

Philip just stared at the stretched out phone like it was going to explode. Jayden noticed and his mouth twitched, "Hey– you don't have to be stubborn you know? Don't forget prom is just at the corner and I heard it even comes with a talent show. Come on, you really need this." He took Philip's hand, holding up the phone in his palm.

Philip stared at the phone then his mouth curved into a smile. "No thanks." He slightly pushed the phone away. "I don't need your help." He stood up. "I don't know how I'm going to do this but I'm gonna do this by myself." He sprung up and sauntered off to the pitch. Mike also stood up and went after him.

Jayden had his gaze fixed at their back as they join the others on the pitch. "Hey," He shouted but Philip ignored him. He scoffed, slightly shaking his head as he dropped his back pack on the bench. He shoved his phone into it and hurried off to join his team on the pitch. The rest of the training continued and soon it was over. Philip, Mike and Eugene waved at their friends and went their way.

Getting off the pitch, they saw Crystal standing there in a sea blue mini skits, matching it with a white blouse and pink mini back pack hanging neatly behind her. "Hi guys." She smiled up at them with wave.

"Here for Jay?" Philip questioned as they neared her. At that moment, Jayden appeared from nowhere, draping his hand around Crystal's shoulders. "Of course, what else do you think?" He smirked.

Philip scoffed at his irritating attitude and consistent interference, without uttering a word, he stormed off with Mike and Eugene following after him.

"Phil wai.....t" Crystal exuded with a sigh, swallowing on the last later as she glanced back at Jayden with. a deadpan look. "Jay–" she acted up all jolly. "Did you really have to do that?"

Jayden stared at her acting up and smiled. "Come on, let's go." He held her hand and they glided off.