I offer a slight nod, gradually understanding her explanation. I guess there are times when we can’t just fix issues without understanding how we get the answer.
“Okay, so what’s first?”
Serena rips out a sheet of paper from her notebook, the one she’s been writing on since we got here. “We’ll start off simple. You do the homework, we meet here during our sessions and you’ll walk me through everything.”
I take the paper from her hands and read through her curly handwriting. Cute handwriting for a cute girl.
Info:
Meet every Monday and Wednesday during 4th block.
Tyler to bring homework every session and we’ll go over working out the problem.
Serena’s number: 704-321-4567
I set the paper into my blinder for safekeeping. I sneak glances at her, she’s putting her things away. “Thanks for sharing your number. Makes it easier for me.”
“What do you mean?” Her eyes dart back to mine.
“Thought you were going to make me beg for it.”
Serena’s eyes double in size, the faint pink on her cheeks now turning crimson red. She rises up, fidgeting to get one strap over her shoulder. “I, um, n-need to go.” She hurriedly walks away, but I’m fast and also taller, so I match her pace.
“Where are you heading off to?” I ask as I stand right in front of her, continuing to walk backwards and looking at her eyes.
Serena keeps her face straight ahead, avoiding eye contact. “Practice.” She answers quietly, slightly turning her head to mine, “I’m on the cheer team.”
“Oh, that’s dope.” We reach the main doors and I hold the doors open for her. We step out of the library and are met with the empty halls with a few students lingering before the final bellrings. Student athletes get the benefits to leave twenty minutes early from fourth block to get ready for practice. “You must be badass if you’re joining this late in the year. They don’t usually accept latecomers.”
“Yeah,” she breathes out quietly, “the captain is my friend, she asked me as a favor to join.” She says, shrugging her shoulders like it’s not a big deal.
I don’t say anything in return as we walk in silence for a couple of minutes. I should buzz off and go to my locker before heading to the athletic center, but I’m not ready to part ways yet.
“What about you?” Serena asks, tilting her head slightly in my direction.
Our pace slows slightly as we turn a corner, and I take the opportunity to study her. “Lacrosse, I’ve been playing since freshman year.”
Serena chuckles softly and shakes her head. “Wow, that’s not what I was expecting. I assumed you were into football,” she says with a playful smile, eyes twinkling with amusement.
I respond with a sheepish grin, running a hand through my hair. “Well, football isn’t for everyone,” I say, laughing alongside her.
“What made you choose lacrosse?”
“You ask a lot of questions.”
“Hey,” Serena shoves my shoulder lightly with her hand, another smile breaking through. “You’re the one who wants to be my friend for a movie night invitation.”
“Right.”
“So?” she raises her brows. “Why lacrosse? What’s the love story there?”
“Love story?” I repeat. “I didn’t know sports could have a love story?”
“Most of them do and I want to know yours,” she smiles, “so don’t hold back on me.”
I scratch my forehead, thinking of the best way to explain. “I’ve always wanted to play a sport. Baseball was my thing growing up and every sport has its own charm, but lacrosse won me over in the end.”
“So, baseball was your first love?”
