Our Love

by Sheena Binkley

  "What was that for?" I asked as I opened my locker.

  "For the great performance you gave at the dance. Why haven't you returned any of my calls? I was wondering what happened at Range Saturday."

  "Nothing that needs to be talked about," I said as I closed my locker and started to walk down the crowded hallway.

  "Something must have happened if you don't want to talk about it," Chris said as he started to walk behind me.

  "A lot of stuff happened Saturday. Right now, I don't want to get into it."

  "Okay, but whatever it is, don't bring it to practice. Coach is already on the edge with this playoff game coming up."

  "Who are we playing against anyway? I know it was between Parker and Marshall."

  "I think it is Parker. I believe they won their game last week," Chris said.

  I looked at the hallway and groaned. This is just great. Now I have to look at Derrick Marberry again. I knew he was the quarterback at Parker.

  "Great. Just great," I said silently.

  After three long periods went by, it was finally lunchtime. I really wasn't hungry, but I knew I had to keep my strength up since we're going to have a long practice after school. As I was putting my tray down on the table near the stage, Charlie came by carrying a tray with a slice of pizza and a Sprite. She sat down at the table facing me and beamed.

  "Hey. I haven't seen you all day. What's wrong?"

  I sighed and put down my burger. I didn't want to tell Charlie what my dilemma was. Maybe she would drop the subject if I changed it.

  "Nothing; how was the rest of your day yesterday?"

  Charlie gave an uneasy glance as she looked at her tray.

  "Unusual. I still can't believe Eva and I are not friends anymore."

  I observed the cafeteria with a relaxed look on my face. Now that the two were not friends anymore, Charlie would never know about me and Eva.

  "Maybe it's for the best that you two are not friends anymore. I mean, it seemed like Eva was never your friend to begin with if she was always judging you."

  "Maybe so, but we've always been like that to each other. I think it was more of a sisterly bond than anything. Since we were so close, it was just natural for us to look out for each other."

  "Things will work out, trust me," I said as I put a hand on Charlie's hand.

  Charlie smiled and squeezed my hand.

  I could tell people were staring at us while we were holding hands at the table. The sudden stares were starting to get on my nerves. I just looked at Charlie and tried not to get out of my seat and ask people what they were staring at.

  "I hope so. You ready for the big playoff game this weekend?"

  "I guess so. We'll find out today who we're playing against."

  "Will it be uncomfortable for you if you have to play Parker? I know there was tension between you and Derrick at Range."

  "It might be, but I'm not worried about it. How about you? You will be facing your old school."

  "I know, but for some reason, I'm cool with it. Just another game," Charlie said smiling.

  I smiled at the beautiful girl in front of me. I knew I couldn't lose her. We just starting to get to know each other, and I was hoping that no one would tell her anything about my past.

  "There's that look again. What are you thinking about?" Charlie asked.

  I looked at her and smiled.

  "Just thinking about this weekend," I lied.

  I couldn't tell her the truth. It would destroy everything if I did.

  ~

  After a long, extremely exhausting day, I had to face football practice. I really didn't want to go. In fact, I didn't even care anymore if the team advanced in the playoffs. At first, football was my life. I lived and breathed it to the fullest. But now, it's not my priority anymore. Charlie may have something to do with my life changing attitude, but she was not entirely the reason. I've been thinking about this for a long time and lately, it has been a constant thought in my brain. My life goal was to play professional football; now, my life was leading in a different direction. I didn't know what I wanted to do, but whatever it was, it would definitely kill my parents. They expected me to apply to either Texas A&M or Florida State. As I got to the locker room, I noticed Chris already in his practice gear. He looked over at me and shook his head.

  "Why you shaking your head at me?" I asked as I opened my locker.

  "I don't know what your deal is lately, but it sure is affecting your attitude."

  I looked at Chris wondering what the hell he was talking about. It wasn't like I was showing my lack of enthusiasm for the playoffs. I was confident just like everyone else.

  "What's that supposed to mean?"

  "You've changed, Mike. You're not the same since you met Charlie."

  "Don't go there, Chris."

  "You left me no choice. It seems like you don't care about anything anymore. Don't get me wrong, I think Charlie is a nice girl and it's great that you two are together, but it seems like you're not focused on anything."

  "Is this about the game, or is it because I wouldn't tell you about this weekend?"

  Chris sat down on the wooden bench beside me and looked at the ceiling.

  "I could tell something was bothering you. If it something important, you need to talk it out so it won't be getting to you when Friday comes. Is it about Charlie's friend, or something else?"

  I looked at Chris and sighed. Maybe he was right. I do need to talk to someone about what happened this weekend.

  "It has something to do with it, but it not the real reason. So much happened this weekend, with the dance and then going to Range, Eva telling me we slept together, and then seeing Charlie talking to her ex."

  "Whoa, Charlie's ex was at the club?"

  "Yeah, Derrick Marberry. The guy is a jerk, on and off the field. I wanted to punch him at the club, but I know it would have only hurt Charlie."

  "You really had a bad night man. How would you feel if we have to play Parker Friday?"

  "To be honest, I don't know how I feel. All I know is that I can't have my feelings out on the field. Even if I don't like Derrick," I said as I threw my shirt in my locker.

  "Well, as far as Derrick goes, don't worry about it. Things will improve in time. As for the game, you have to be focused. Coach is already on everyone's back about the plays we did at the last game."

  I looked at my locker and closed my eyes. Right now, football was the least of my concerns. All I wanted to do was get practice over with so I could see Charlie.

  Two hours later, I was glad practice was over. I really didn't want to go over plays and be pumped for the game Friday. My heart sunk when Coach Phillips told us Parker was the school we were going against to advance to the playoffs. As I went outside, I noticed Charlie standing by my car. She smiled when she saw me approaching her.

  "Hey. I'm glad to see you," I said as I wrapped my arms around her.

  "I knew you had a hard day today so I thought I would cheer you up. Is it working?"

  "Definitely," I said smiling.

  "I wish I could stay longer and talk, but I have a lot of homework to do. I just wanted to see you before I left."

  "I glad you did, Char. I'll call you tonight."

  Charlie smiled and went over to her car. I watched as she started up the engine and drove away from the parking lot. As I was getting into my car, someone quickly approached the vehicle. I looked over and saw Danielle standing beside me with a huge grin on her face.

  "This makes my day complete. What you want Danielle?"

  "Nothing Michael. I just wanted to tell you that seeing you and Charlie together made me realize that you can find love again. So how are things going between you and her?"

  "It none of your business. Now can I go please?"

  "Not until I say my piece."

  "And what's that? I think you said enough at the dance."

  "Not exactly. If I remember correctly, there's a huge secret that I have about you that could destroy you
r relationship with little Miss Charlie. What were her parents thinking when they named her that?" Danielle said.

  "I don't even care about what you have on me. I have enough to deal with right now."

  "Ah, what's wrong Mikey? Did something happen between you and Charlie? Or is it something else that troubling you these days. Like another girl?"

  I turned around and looked at Danielle with a cold stare in my eyes. I had it with Danielle Peterson. She was starting to be a pain in my ass. Big time.

  "Get out of my face. In fact, just stay the hell away from me. You don't have anything else to do with your life, so you're constantly in mine. Now go away." I said.

  "I could tell Charlie about you and Brandy. I know all about you two."

  I looked at Danielle and sighed.

  That was the big secret. She knew about Brandy and me. We dated after Danielle and I broke up for the hundredth time during our junior year. We had this connection that I never had with Danielle at the time. We used to talk about everything. I even helped her out of a situation she needed help with. We were sort of friends now, but we don't really show it. I guess since Charlie and Brandy became friends, we just never really showed that we were friends too. That's something I wanted to keep private. It not like I wanted it private, I just thought it was for the best.

  "We're friends, so what Danielle. That's not big news."

  "Not to you it's not, but I know for Miss Perry, it could be."

  "What's that supposed to mean?"

  "Nothing; I'm just saying that Charlie might have a problem with you and Brandy being so buddy-buddy. In fact, she definitely wouldn't like your friendship after I tell her the big scandal that went down. I wouldn't be surprised if she dumps you after she hears it."

  I started to roll my eyes. Right then, I didn't even care what Danielle was saying. All I want to do was go home, take a long hot shower, and take a nap before doing my homework. She was cutting into my relaxation time.

  "Listen, I know what you're talking about and it not a big scandal. She will understand when I tell her. Now I'm leaving. You should too," I said as I got into my car. Before Danielle could say another word, I slammed the door in her face.

  I really didn't have time for Danielle and her childish behavior. The secret Danielle has is not a big deal. I was helping Brandy out of a jam. When I tell Charlie the secret, she will understand. I know she will.

  As soon as I got home, I noticed the door to my room was open slightly. Usually my door is closed, so I knew something was going on because no one came upstairs. I opened the door slowly to reveal my parents sitting on my bed with a bunch of papers in their hands. From the looks of it, they were college applications.

  "When were you going to tell us you were applying to Northwestern? We thought you were going to Texas A&M or Florida State?" my dad asked while looking at me angrily.

  "What are you doing in my room? Why are you two invading my privacy?"

  "Michael, we just want what's best for you. We thought going to Texas A&M would get you a better chance of getting a deal with the NFL," my mom said.

  "That's what you think. It doesn't matter what school you go to. Besides, who said I wanted to go pro?" I said as I walked into my room. I went over to my parents and snatched the Northwestern application from my father's hand.

  "You're going pro Michael. That was your dream and you should stick to it. Why change it now before you go off to college?" my dad said.

  "Are you listening to yourself? I haven't even gone to college yet. It's my decision if I don't want to play professional football. There are other things in life other than throwing a ball around."

  "We understand that, but we just want you to have a great life, that's all," my mom said.

  I looked at my parents with an irritated scowl. Like they cared what was best for me. They only wanted me to play football so they could brag to their socialite friends that their son was in the NFL.

  As they got up from my bed, my dad looked at me.

  "We want you to apply for Florida State and Texas A&M. I will get the applications for you to fill out," he said as he walked out of the room. My mom gave me a kiss on the cheek and walked out as well.

  I watched as my parents were leaving the room and I slammed my door. For people who are never home, the only time they are concerned about me is when I don't make the decision they want me to make. I fell down on my bed and sighed.

  What a way to end a day that was already downhill.

  17. Charlie

  When I went to my house, I went straight to my room and closed the door. I pulled out the Imagine Dragons tickets I bought after school and smiled. I found out from Brandy today that Michael's birthday is a week away, so after hearing him talk about them the night we kissed, I knew they would be the perfect gift. Even though I practically emptied my savings for them, it was well worth it. As I put the tickets into my dresser drawer, my phone started to ring. I quickly dived for it before it went to my voicemail.

  "Hello," I said out of breath.

  "Hey girl. Did I catch you at a bad time?" Ashley asked.

  "No. What's up?"

  "Just checking to see how you were doing after yesterday's fiasco. I still can't believe E acted like that towards you. I never saw her like that."

  I flopped down on my bed. I really didn't want to talk about Eva and her attitude. As far as I was concerned, I was glad Eva was out of my life.

  "Don't worry about it Ash. You know Eva has always been overdramatic. This time is no different."

  "I can tell she is hurting though. She's upset about you two not being friends anymore."

  "How you know Ashley? Did she tell you?"

  "No. I can tell in her eyes though. You two are like sisters, so of course she would feel upset."

  I looked around my room and a tear started to roll down my cheek. Eva and I have always been close. It's hard to imagine that we're not friends anymore, but if she can't accept Michael in my life, then I have to move on. So should everyone else.

  "Let's not talk about Eva anymore. Are you ready for the big game Friday?"

  "Oh please. I'm tired of hearing about that. That's all everyone been talking about today."

  "Tell me about it. Everybody's talking about how we're going to kick Parker's butt. It's pretty exciting."

  "Well I'll be glad when Friday comes so everyone can shut up about it. It going to be strange to see you cheering for Belmont though."

  "I know. Freaky, huh."

  "I don't know if Eva told you before the falling out, but Theresa is captain now."

  I rolled my eyes to the ceiling. How could they let Theresa be captain?

  "I guess the Bank of Sherman is at it again. Whatever Theresa wants, she gets."

  "Everyone wishes you were still at Parker. No one can deal with Theresa's dictating."

  "Do what I did. Beat the crap out of her. That should help."

  We started to laugh at that comment. It felt good to laugh for a change. Ever since last weekend, I'd been feeling down. Hopefully the rest of the week wouldn't be like the beginning.

  After I told Ashley about Michael's birthday and the Imagine Dragon tickets, Ashley had to get off the phone. Before she did, she told me no matter what was going on between Eva and me, she and I will always be friends. That was comforting to hear. As I ended the call, I realized it was 7:00. Instead of eating dinner, I decided to start on my homework, which I didn't want to do.

  Three hours later I was sitting on my bed watching Pretty Little Liars on DVR and eating pepperoni and sausage pizza my mom ordered earlier that night. As I was heading for my third slice, I heard something fall against my window. I put the pizza back on its plate and went to my window. I pulled back my curtains and raised the window. I looked down and realized it was Michael standing outside with a grim expression on his face.

  "What are you doing here?" I asked.

  "I had to see you. I need to talk to you," he said.

  I looked at him and smiled.


  "Come on up," I said.

  Michael gave me a small smile and grabbed the ladder that was nearby. He put it close to the window and started to come up a step at a time. I waited patiently while he made his way up. As he did, I pulled him inside and closed the window.

  "Hey. What's wrong?" I asked him.

  "Is it okay if I'm up here? I don't want you getting into trouble."

  "It's fine. My parents are downstairs. They hardly come up. Besides, I think they're asleep, or doing other things," I said with a disgusted look.

  "Hey, if they weren't doing 'other things,' you wouldn't be here," Michael said smiling.

  I smiled as I sat down on my bed.

  "You want some pizza? I can go downstairs and get you some."

  "Sure. I am kind of hungry," Michael said as he sat down on my bed. He looked around the room as he took off his jacket.

  "You have a nice room."

  "Thanks. I'll be right back," I said as I quickly left the room. A few minutes later, I was back upstairs and Michael and I were eating pizza and watching TV. My parents had their door closed, which meant they were having sex. Even though I don't want to, I can't picture my parents having sex. So of course, they wouldn't notice if Michael was here.

  After a few minutes of silence, I looked over at Michael, who looked at me. I could tell something was bothering him.

  "What did you want to talk about? Did something happen today?"

  "What didn't happen today? It seemed like everything that could go wrong; went wrong. I was already feeling frustrated over what happened this weekend with the dance and then the club, but finding out that we have to play Parker this weekend, and then Danielle bothering me, not to mention my parents nagging me about college applications, I feel like my head is going to explode."

  "It's that bad, huh?"

  "It's worse. I don't know what to do, Char. I feel like so much weight is on my shoulders and if one more pound is added on, I'll fall."

  I looked at him and put a hand on his shoulder.

  "Start from the beginning."

  Michael looked at me and smiled.

  "First, it's my parents. I found them in my room looking through my Northwestern application. They're upset because I'm applying there and not A&M or Florida State. After I told them that I might want to do something else in college, they went ballistic on me. They act like football is my only ticket to the good life. I know I can do more than just play football. I might want to be a doctor, or a lawyer, or even start my own business. But all my parents see is their star athlete. Their celebrity. I'm tired of that. I'm tired of being labeled as that. There's so much more to me than that."