CASSIE
Amonth later, it’s the last day of school.
I’ve seen Patrick around and heard more rumours about him splitting with Vicki. But with the year winding up and final exams over, school’s a lot more casual and I haven’t noticed much of either of them.
But today, even though it’s out of season, the other local high school have sent over their rugby team for a fun match.
It feels like there are hundreds of people here to watch—I think the whole school turned out. And I wouldn’t normally bother but, even though he lives right across the road from me, this might be my best chance to see Patrick for the last time.
I don’t know where he’s going to university, but I know he’ll be going. A part of me hopes it’s Auckland like me, but then again, does that mean I’d still be pulled by these unrequited feelings I have for him?
It’d probably be for the best if we went our separate ways—for my sake.
That doesn’t stop my heart from soaring as he leads his team out onto the field. I’m up in the bleachers at one side of the field. It’s about as far as you can get from the play but still see what’s happening.
It’s not school pride—it’s the deep love that I’ve always had for him that breaks to the surface.
A cheer goes up, and to the left of me someone wolf whistles.
I turn my head in the direction of the sound and meet Vicki’s angry gaze.
Great. That’s all I need.
Thankfully, there’s half a row of people between us and she can’t get at me until the end of the game—no one’s giving up their seat at half-time.
It’s late December, so the sun is warm and the ground is hard. It’s supposed to be a fun game, but when the players hit the ground, it’s hard not to recoil when the sound echoes over the field.
Music booms from the school sound system, making it a party atmosphere.
For the first time in a long time while on the school grounds, I relax.
And when our team wins, I smile wide because no matter how much I dislike high school, I’m proud.
The crowd thins as the teams switch shirts.
I can’t take my eyes from Patrick as he lifts his over his head. Even from a distance, his chest is amazing, the hills and valleys of his abs prominent as my breath quickens. The guyis perfect—over six foot, dark haired and blue eyed. It’s impossible not to be impressed by him.
A loud laugh comes from my left.
Ugh.
I’d almost forgotten about them.
Vicki snorts. “There’s no way you think he’s interested in you.”
I close my eyes and take a deep breath.
When I open them again, Patrick’s walking toward the bleachers. He’s still shirtless, carrying the opposition’s number 7 shirt in his hand.
I can’t watch this.
I can’t see him make up with Vicki right in front of me.
“He’s coming for you, Vicki,” one of her toxic friends crow.
Oh, great.
I pick up my bag, sling it over my shoulder, and step down two rows before Patrick calls out.
