ASTRID
The next few weeks fly by in a blur of activity. I’m at the Hunts’ house most every day, either dropping by in the morning so Callan can drive us to school together, going over to help Roni with some of the remodeling plans, doing homework with my boyfriend, or just hanging out in his room.
We’ve been making out like crazy and not always when other people are around. Callan is always careful to stop it before it goes too far, but I’m walking around in a perpetual state of longing, and I don’t really know what’s going on.
It doesn’t feel like pretending—at least not to me.
I want to bring it up, but I’m afraid of ruining things, so I have kept my mouth shut. Instead, I’ve decided to channel my innermormorand just go along for the ride, hoping I don’t get my heart broken in the process, because the more time I spend with Callan, the deeper I fall.
I’m at my locker on Friday after classes are over, getting ready to head to the game, when Callan appears with a bag slung over his shoulder. “What’re you doing here?” I rake my gaze over my boyfriend in his soccer uniform, barely resisting the urge to climb him like a tree. “Shouldn’t you be out on the field?”
“We’re leaving now, so I’ve got to be quick.” Taking my hand, he drags me into the nearest empty classroom and closes the door.
I lift a brow. “What’s going on?”
His Adam’s apple bobs as he rummages in his bag. “I wanted to give you this.” He hands me a shirt, and my heart pounds like crazy as I realize what it is. My throat is dry as I hold out the soccer jersey in the school colors with ‘9’ and ‘HUNT’ written on the back.
“You want me to wear this to the game?”
“Yeah.” He rubs the back of his head, looking uncharacteristically nervous. “I mean, that’s the done thing here, right? Renee wears Thor’s jersey, and I know it’s supposed to be a varsity jacket or shit, but?—”
“I’ll wear it, Callan. Proudly.” My heart mushrooms in my chest as I stretch up and kiss him.
Like always, he doesn’t let me down, wrapping his arms around me and kissing me fiercely. I melt against him, and it’s getting harder and harder to deny how much I want this to be real. Every time Callan kisses me, it’s possessive and passionate, like a claiming. Like I’mhis.
I’m so confused.
I’m trying to just go with the flow, but I don’t know how much longer I can continue without saying something, because I need to know. Does he feel the same things I do when we kiss? Like his heart is about to explode. Like he might die if he doesn’t touch me in all the ways I long to be touched by him?
I wish we could stay here like this, making out and getting lost in all the things he makes me feel, but I reluctantly tear my lips from his. He’s got a game to get to, and I don’t want the entire school whaling on my ass if their hero is late. The Raiders haven’t lost a match this season, and they’re at the top of the league for the first time in years. Everyone is going nuts andthrowing their support behind the team and the sport, and it's amazing to see. “Go. Don’t be late on my account.” I push at his chest when he doesn’t move.
“You still okay to go to Thor’s later?”
“Yeah.” I seriously hope Joe isn’t there tonight. Thor relented and let the football team come back to ease the tension between both teams. Joe spent the last two parties glowering at Callan and trying to get me alone to talk to me. Ana and Travis are still broken up, and there is no love lost between all of us either. It’s awkward, and I’m starting to loathe going to Thor’s.
“I’ll see you later, beautiful.” Callan kisses me quickly before sprinting away to avoid getting into trouble with his coach.
Thirty minutes later, I’m sitting in my usual seat on the bleachers with my friends while Callan’s family sits in the row behind us. They haven’t missed a game since that first one, and I love how they support him. I’m really glad Callan resolved his issues with his parents because I think they’re cool and he’s lucky to have them. My parents are here tonight too, sitting alongside Roni, Tony, and Erin, with my little sisters. The stadium is packed to capacity again, but that’s no longer a surprise.
“No freaking way,” Gwen says, nudging Lyn aside when she arrives with Scott in tow. Her eyes are out on stalks as she drinks me in. “Cal gave you his shirt?”
I can’t contain my smile as I nod. Which is ridiculous because he’s just playing the part of devoted boyfriend. It’s not real. I don’t know how many times I’m repeating that to myself these days, but it’s a lot, and yet the message still hasn’t sunk in.
“Wow. Things are getting serious.” She sinks into the seat beside me while Scott sits beside her with Lyn on his left.
“Nothing has changed,” I whisper in her ear.
“Everything has changed,” she whispers back.
The game starts, and I’m instantly riveted, like every time Callan is on the field.
The Raiders get off to a good start, taking possession of the ball and commanding it like pros. Callan is on fire, dribbling around players to cross a shot to Riley, who slams it into the back of the net, giving us our first goal. Callan follows it up ten minutes later with an impressive header into the top corner. Every time Callan goes up against their defenders, he makes it look like they’re moving in slow motion, deftly maneuvering the ball around them. He’s a magician on the field, and he’s magnetic to watch.
The opposing team ramps up their efforts, getting past our defense to make a run for the goal. Our goalkeeper lunges in the right direction, managing to deflect it at the last second. Our supporters are up on their feet, shouting encouragement and clapping, and the buzz is electric.
Just before halftime, we score a penalty kick. When Callan steps forward to take it, Roni leans her hands on my shoulders from behind. “My nerves are shot to pieces. I can’t watch.”
“I can relate,” I say as knots cinch in my belly. My heart is in my throat as I wait for the whistle to blow and Callan to take the shot. He’s cool and confident as he feints left, turning his foot at the last second to hit a powerful kick to the right. The keeper doesn’t have a chance to save it as it soars into the back of the net, and the whole stadium erupts.
