Beautiful Lessons

by Rebecca Brooke

  Without much confidence in what is going to happen over the next few days, I don’t want to argue too much. “Okay, Coach.”

  He nods his approval of my answer. “Now get out of here. Your dad’s waiting for you.”

  Getting up, I make my way to the door when Coach Bryde’s voice stops me in my tracks. “And Jayceon. Don’t forget what I said.”

  “I won’t.”

  I leave the office and grab my keys out of my locker. Since I still have to stop at my house, I know I’m going to be late for his practice. Without slowing down, I race towards my car and see a head of brown hair waiting by the passenger side. What the hell? She faces me over the hood of the car.

  “I said you’re taking me and that’s the end of it.”

  “How the hell did you know where to find my car?”

  She shrugs. “Brendan told me which one it was.”

  I want to argue with her, but I don’t want to be late, otherwise Dad might start asking questions. Unlocking both doors, I jump in the car and head straight to my house. It’s a short ride and I don’t bother talking to her. Leaving her in the car, I head into the house for clothes. It’s quiet, Mom must be out shopping. Quickly, I run up the stairs and change into track pants and a t-shirt. Just as quickly as I got there, I’m back out the door on my way to the college.

  Seona’s sitting in the passenger seat twirling her hair, watching me. This girl is something else. Reaching over, I turn on the radio to discourage any kind of conversation. The silence was a little too uncomfortable for my taste.

  The feel of her eyes on me is unnerving. But I can’t stop myself from peeking at her out of the corner of my eye. She’s sitting there, glaring at me with her arms crossed over her chest. Either way, the sooner we get to the school, the better.

  A few minutes into the drive, she reaches forward and turns down the radio.

  “So what’s your story, Jayceon? Why push people away?”

  “Look, I’m giving you a ride, which should be enough without the small talk.” Grabbing the volume control, I turn the radio back up, making it clear that I’m done talking. Seona returns to her position of shooting daggers at me with her eyes.

  When I get to the field, I see Dad standing with Travis Fisher, the quarterback for A & M. Probably one of the best in college football. My dad has high hopes he’ll be drafted into the NFL.

  Dad sees me as I walk up to his side. “Hey, Jayceon. How was school?”

  And just like I do every day, I lie to my dad. “It was great.” I reach my hand out to Travis. “Hey, man.” Seona walks up next to me.

  “Thanks for giving Seona a ride,” he says.

  “No problem,” I say, not wanting to tell him the shit she’s put me through today and for the first time all day, she says nothing.

  “Hey, Jayceon?” my dad calls. He moved farther down the field and I run over to meet him, leaving those two alone.

  “What’s up?”

  He gestures to the benches. “Our warm up wide receiver hurt his knee a few minutes ago. They’re taking him for x-rays.”

  “That sucks.”

  “Yeah it does, but it also means I have no one to help Travis warm up. Would you mind catching a few of his passes? I know you’re at least as fast, if not faster than the other guys on the team.”

  “Sure, Dad.”

  Travis smiles. “Thanks, man.” He turns and heads to the field.

  “Thanks Jayceon. I owe you.”

  Dad always finds a way to include me in his practice. I think he’s still trying to convince me to pick a college where I can play football. He knows what I want and will support me with any decision I make.

  Unfortunately, right now all I can think about is the irritating brunette about forty yards from me. She’s got me tied up in knots. One minute, she defends me to the assholes at school, and the next she’s accusing me of being the asshole. Whatever her deal, I think I’ll do my best to keep my distance and my sanity.

  Chapter 4

  Seona

  Jayceon rushes out of his truck before I get a chance to say anything. To say this has been the most annoying and frustrating car ride, is an understatement. He purposely ignored me.

  It’s not like I wanted him to give me his whole life story, but at least acknowledging my presence would have been nice.

  Seriously, what is wrong with him?

  Opening the truck door, I sling my messenger bag over my shoulders and take out my phone.

  Me: So I met someone and he’s being a complete dick.

  Kendall: Good lord! How many guys have you met?

  Me: Kendall it’s not like that! God! I promise!

  Kendall: Okay...What happened?

  Me: I had to ride to the college with this guy Jayceon. He’s on the football team and also practices at A&M. His dad’s the coach so Travis thought it would be okay for Jayceon to bring me. Well it wasn’t! He was being picked on by Chaz, the qb on the team, and I got annoyed so I stood up for Jayceon

  Kendall: LOL you cannot stand up for guys! That emasculates them!

  Me: Oh wtf ever! So we have History together and got into it then he told me to find another ride. But you know me lol so bottom line I just rode in the most uncomfortable car ride ever. God he annoys me!

  Kendall: Oh you totally like him!

  Is my best friend on drugs? Sure Jayceon’s so unbelievably sexy and I’m thinking about him, but he’s a douche.

  Me: Stop! I do not like him. He’s a complete doucheasshat and so not worth my time

  Kendall: Whatever you say =) but you tots like him

  Me: I’m ignoring you now

  Kendall: <3

  Making my way to Travis, he’s thanking Jayceon for bringing me with him. I roll my eyes and hope he can feel my annoyance. I tune out their conversation and play Candy Crush on my phone. Before I know it, Jayceon’s with his dad.

  I lean up and give Travis a kiss on the cheek. “I’m gonna be up on the bleachers doing homework.”

  “Shit,” I mumble to myself. “Stop looking, Seona.” Making my way to the bleachers, I take out my iPod and listen to music, still watching Travis and Jayceon. I smile, thinking about Jayceon. I feel my cheeks getting red from my anger. But watching him play and interact with my brother tells me something different. Maybe he’s not an asshole and Chaz really fucked with his head.

  I take out my phone again and text Brendan.

  Me: Hey it’s Seona. Jayceon gave me a ride, but he was a complete ass. Please tell me he’s not usually like this? I know you said he’s not, but I don’t know, he hates me

  Brendan: He doesn’t hate you. Jayceon has a hard time trusting people who associate themselves with Chaz. Give him time and you’ll see that he’s a pretty cool dude

  Me: I guess. He doesn’t seem like it. He didn’t talk to me either so whatever. I’m not gonna stress about it

  Brendan: Sure lol you’ll be fine

  “Hey.” A hand touches my shoulder and I look up.

  “Hiya, big brother. How’s practice?”

  “Good. Coach is giving us a five minute breather. How was school?”

  I shrug. “Good. I’m on the cheerleading team! Oh! I met some of your admirers today.”

  Travis shakes his head. “The high school loves me. Lemme guess, Gina and Chaz.” I laugh, holding my chest and nodding. “Thought so.”

  “I think Chaz is an asshole. He wants to take me out tonight and I thought about it until I saw how he treated Jayceon. They’re on the same freaking team and he treats him like shit. What the fuck is his problem?”

  “He’s a dick.”

  “Agree. But like I said, I’m not going out with him.”

  “Good. I’m glad. Plus, Mark is gonna Skype us tonight and I want you there.”

  Instantly, my mood changes. It’s been so long since I’ve seen or talked to Mark. I owe him so much. “Yes! Of course.”

  Travis smiles and heads back down to the field. I put my earbuds back in and feel my phone vibrate.


  Chaz: Still on for tonight?

  Me: I can’t. Busy. Sorry.

  Chaz: I wanna see you =)

  Me: I don’t think so. You were an asshole today and that’s not cool what you did to Jayceon

  Chaz: Ashworth’s a freak

  Me: The only freak I see is you...I gotta go...See ya later

  Chaz: Yeah fine whatever.

  I don’t text him back. Seriously, the guy just met me and thinks he can smooth talk me into a date. Not worth it.

  “Seona! Come down and meet my coach.”

  “Okay,” I smile, putting away my phone and iPod and heading down to the field.

  “Hey Coach Ashworth. This is my sister, Seona.”

  “It’s nice to meet you.” I smile, shaking his hand.

  “I’ve heard a lot about you little lady.” His eyes level with mine. “Can I trust that you’ll make sure my boy here eats and sleeps well?”

  “Sure will, sir.”

  “That’s Coach Ashworth to you.” He winks, turning to call out directions to the team. Before seeing Jayceon next to his dad, I feel him. The hairs on my arm stick up and my hands get clammy. Holding my breath and feeling the clench deep in my belly, I give him a smile and a wave. He stares at me but he doesn’t respond. Eventually he’s going to break down and be nice to me.

  Coach yells for the guys to get back to the field, but Jayceon stands next to Coach with his back to me. I walk to the other side of Coach and listen to him yell to the team.

  “Seona, I’m glad you got to know Jayceon. Do the both of you have classes together?”

  “Just lunch and history, Coach. Jayceon’s so sweet and he’s been so helpful.” I look at him and see him rolling his eyes. Oh, I’m definitely am going to break him down.

  “That’s what I want to hear,” Coach exclaims.

  Coach and Travis head back on the field with the rest of the team. I’m about to turn around and talk to him when I trip over my own foot. I let out a small scream and instantly feel arms catching me. When I’m standing on my own feet, Jayceon quickly pulls away and I move back a little. “Thanks. I’m sorry about that.”

  “Be careful next time,” he says, before looking back to the field.

  Wanting to pry into his life a little more, I ask him about his girlfriend, even though I know she wasn’t. “You and your girlfriend…”

  “Alyssa’s not my girlfriend,” he interrupts me. “She’s my best friend, that’s it.” My eyes go wide and I swear I see a hint of a smile forming on his face. “Why’d you think she was my girlfriend?”

  “The way she was looking at you,” I answer, studying his expression. He looks like he’s thinking, but now that I know he’s single, it’s game on.

  I look at him and see a small smile on his face. Why is he trying so hard to keep me away?

  “Travis’ practice is gonna last a little longer. Do you wanna get something to eat with me?”

  “I should stay here with my dad and help him out.” Jayceon walks away and back onto the field. I’m standing on the sidelines watching the team play. Jayceon’s throwing me for a loop and I can’t think straight. Do all guys in Texas play hard to get or did I stumble on the stubborn one?

  Feeling brave, I walk onto the field to Jayceon, Travis and Coach. “So, about getting food?” I smile.

  Before Jayceon answers, his dad answers for him, with a grin on his face. “Go Jayceon. I’m good for now. I’ll see you at home tonight,” he winks at me and turns back to the team, yelling out a play. Travis gives me a slight nod and runs to Coach.

  “See, now you can go and there’s no excuse you can give me. Unless you absolutely don’t want to.”

  “No I…ah…I…um do,” he stutters and I find it so freaking cute.

  “Are you nervous, Jayceon?” I ask, inching closer to him. He doesn’t move. His eyes stay on mine.

  “No, why would I be? Come on, if you’re hungry let’s get something to eat.” He walks away before I can answer. Quickly moving next to him, I loop my arm through his. The muscles in his arms tighten and he pulls away.

  Oh, Jayceon Ashworth, I’ll break you down.

  Chapter 5

  Jayceon

  What the hell just happened? One minute I’m running routes with Travis and watching my dad do what he does best. Now I’m being pulled away from the field by a beautiful girl. The type that usually avoids me. Or at least now they do. She was sitting with them at lunch today. I can only imagine what they told her, yet it doesn’t seem to faze her.

  After everything that happened today and she still wants to hang out. Reasons, none of them good, run through my head. But thanks to my dad for throwing me under the bus, I’m stuck going. Practice is only about another hour. Whatever this is all about, I tell myself I can put up with it for that long.

  “Where should we go?” She asks, glancing in my direction.

  “There’s not much close, but there are a couple of pretty good places on campus.”

  She smiles. “I’ll trust your judgment.”

  Not sure what she likes to eat, I decide on one of the cafes. It’s quick and they have a variety of choices. The whole thing is kind of surreal to me. Besides Alyssa and Brendan, I don’t trust easily. Hell, why would I? For all I know, this is some elaborate scheme set up by Chaz to torture me some more.

  It’s not that I know her or have given her much of a chance today. Maybe she is a nice person, but spending time with Chaz doesn’t give her a lot of points. Either way, this is probably a bad idea. Seona is new here and if she is being nice, she’s setting herself up for a whole world of trouble by spending time with me. Something she definitely wouldn’t deserve. The sooner I get through with this, the better.

  My dad and I are going to have a nice conversation about throwing me to the wolves. I had the perfect excuse not to go until he took it away. Her voice shakes me out of my thoughts.

  “So your dad is Travis’ coach?”

  I nod. “Yeah. I met Travis when he started two years ago.”

  “I remember he was so excited when he was offered the scholarship.”

  Not sure what to say, I continue to walk, letting the silence hang between us. Seona, on the other hand, doesn’t let the silence stop her from asking whatever is on her mind.

  “How long have you played football?”

  Why does she want to know that? Can’t hurt to answer. “Since I was old enough to hold the ball. My dad played in the NFL until he got hurt and had to retire.”

  “That’s what Travis told me. I’m glad he decided to coach. It would have been sad to waste his talent.”

  Reaching the cafe door, I pull it open and gesture for her to go in first.

  “You Texas boys and your Southern charm.” She smirks and walks past me inside.

  With some effort, I remind myself, this can be painless if I don’t act like an ass and stop myself from rolling my eyes before following her inside.

  The sign says to seat yourself and we take a booth near the back. Out of habit, I take the seat facing the door, concerned with putting my back to the room. Too much shit has happened when I couldn’t see it coming. There was one time when I ended up with a bottle of water dumped on my head and another when they pulled the chair out from under me.

  Menus are on the end of the table, stored with the salt and pepper shakers. Without a word, we each pull one out and look it over. I have no idea what to talk to her about and it seems easier to wait for her to say something.

  “You’re quiet,” she says.

  “I guess I really don’t know what to say.”

  “Why don’t we start with something easy then, what else do you do besides football?”

  “Art. Music.”

  I know I’m not really forthcoming with my answers, but this whole thing still had me feeling a bit uncomfortable. The small voices in the back of my head were chanting that she was here because someone convinced her to find a new way to torture me and that didn’t help. I definitely had developed
some trust issues over the last year.

  “Why—”

  I interrupt what she’s saying by standing up. “We have to order at the counter. Tell me what you want and I’ll go place the order.” The sooner we order and eat, the sooner I can get away from the whole ordeal.

  Her eyes dart around the room, confused, but I just wait. When I don’t say anything else, she finally speaks up. “Um…I’ll have a cheeseburger with Swiss and onion rings.”

  I dart to the counter to place our order. It doesn’t take long and once again, I’m stuck sitting across from the beautiful girl with the bewitching hazel eyes, wondering what she’s going to ask next.

  “Why do you have such a hard time being nice to me?”

  “You do know you made my life a little harder today, right?”

  She rolls her eyes. “Really? This shit again. You boys and your pissing contest.”

  Did they really not tell her anything? I can’t imagine spending the day with Chaz and Vanessa and them not saying anything. Then again, maybe they are going through the ‘I’m on drugs’ phase again.

  “Pissing contest? Chaz has been a pain in my ass for the last year. I’m guessing they didn’t tell you anything.”

  She watches me for a moment, and I don’t mean a brief glance, it’s like she’s trying figure me out. “They did, but the one thing I can guarantee is that I make up my own mind about people. Which is what I’m trying to decide about you.”

  “And what have you decided so far?”

  “I’m trying to decide whether you really are an asshole or if Brendan is right and you take a while to trust people.”

  I sigh. “I’m not an asshole. I just don’t trust anyone that hangs out with Chaz.”

  “But you trust Brendan?”

  “He’s proven that he’ll always have my back.”

  She looks away, obviously uncomfortable. Might as well get this over with now.

  “What’s the story this time?”

  “Just that you’re using drugs, that’s why you’re so big.” She looks back at me, her eyes traveling across my shoulder and down my chest.