We both nodded.
“Mr. West, you’re free to leave. However, Miss Hovey, as you’re only seventeen I need to contact your parent or guardian.”
A wave of dread whipped itself over me as I realized I’d have to tell my Dad. I nodded then said softly, “you’ll need to contact my father. My mother lives in Oklahoma and my stepmother is at home with her babies,” I explained. Mr. Hutcher nodded and called Dad. I could practically feel the disappointment, and he was only on the phone.
CHAPTER TWO
Andy’s POV
Coach’s phone rang during practice. It never did that, so I wasn’t surprised when he answered it.
When he hung up, his face was hard to read. “I’ve gotta go get Ashley. She’s got herself into trouble.” He announced, before explaining to the other coaches something about suspension and harassment. I couldn’t believe my ears. The sweet girl I met yesterday got suspended for harassment? I guess you really can’t judge a book by its cover. I thought, shaking my head in disappointment.
About half an hour later, our practice was disturbed by Coach and Ashley walking in. “Dad, just hear me out,” Ashley pleaded.
“Not now. I raised you better than to act like this,” he said.
She stopped in the middle of the field. Tears could be seen in her eyes and her voice cracked as she spoke. “You’re right. The weekends you chose to take me; you did teach me better than this. You taught me to face my issues head on; to never say ‘not now’. You taught me to give people a chance to explain. Most of all, you taught me never let a guy take advantage of me, or make me feel uncomfortable.” By the time she was done, tears were streaming down her face. I hated seeing her cry, but I was intrigued by what she said.
“What?” Coach asked quietly, with a confused face.
“If you would have given me a chance to explain,” she paused and looked at all of us. Her eyes stayed on me longer than they did on anybody else. Her voice was softer when she spoke the rest, but I was close enough to still hear her.
“The guy that I ‘sexually harassed’ only got kicked there because his hand kept moving higher and higher on my leg. I warned him, and counted to three. When he only moved it higher, I kicked him in the balls.” She wiped her tears away again.
I glanced at some of the other guys. They all had a mixture of uncomfortable and angry looks on their faces. No girl should be dealing with that, but it felt wrong to be listening in on their conversation.
“Honey, I... I just…,” Coach rubbed the back of his head.
“You just didn’t listen, and that’s fine. I just won’t be put down for this Dad. You can’t make me feel any worse about how I handled this than I already do. It was immature and I shouldn’t need to injure people to get my point across.” She ran a hand through her hair and closed her eyes, sighing.
“I’m just going to go out to the truck. See you in a bit.” Although I’d only known her for a day, I knew that the forlorn expression on her face was a seldom appearance.
Coach just watched her walk away. After all the times my sister and the few girlfriends I’d had, had walked away from me looking like that; I knew what I needed to do.
I started jogging towards her.
“Richmond, get back here,” Coach yelled.
“I’ll take the extra killers Coach, I gotta do this,” I yelled back to him as I got to the exit. Ashley heard the clicking of my cleats and turned around.
“What are you doing?” She asked in surprise.
“I need to know that you’re okay,” I said, falling into step beside her. She broke eye contact and looked away.
“I’m fine,” She murmured.
“No, you’re not,” I told her.
“You’re right, I’m not. But I will be.” She gave me a reassuring smile; as though I was the one who needed comforting.
“You don’t need to be strong right now,” I said softly.
“I always need to be strong. I just don’t know how well it’s going for me right now.” She said softly.
“What do you mean by that?” I asked.
She paused, thinking for a moment. “I guess that I mean I’ll always be strong for the people around me, either mentally or physically. I just don’t know if it’s working out in my favor anymore. I just got suspended for a day and my father didn’t even ask why. It’s as though he somehow expected this to happen someday.” She paused for a moment.
“Maybe the strength that I want to show mentally is being shadowed by physicality?” She shook her head and waved her hand. “Never mind, I’m just rambling now.” The smile on her face was fake I could’ve told you from a mile away.
“No, you’re not rambling. You’re processing and sometimes everybody needs somebody to talk to.” I told her softly.
“I have plenty of people to talk to,” She murmured.
“Yes, but can you actually tell them anything?” I asked quickly. She stayed silent. “I thought so. Listen Ashley, sometimes all we need in the world is for somebody to listen to us when we say things; to know that we’re not alone in a crowd even though it feels like it.” I told her, lightly rubbing her shoulder with my left hand.
She nodded, and then smirked playfully. “You’re pretty wise for a football player.”
I smiled. “Yeah well, you’re pretty girly for somebody who plays football as well as you do.”
She scoffed and looked down at herself. She was wearing a pair of basketball shorts, a ‘Cal Poly University Mustangs’ gray hoodie and black flip flops. Her hair was flowing freely and the only makeup she was wearing was some mascara. I’d never seen anybody more beautiful.
“Right, because I’m just the belle of the ball right now.” She said sarcastically.
“I like the way you look.” I told her, trying to be as nonchalant as possible.
The blush that grew on her face was adorable.
“You realize my father’s going to make your life a living hell tomorrow for coming after me, right?” She asked.
“Yeah, but my sisters have always been dramatic and taught me at a young age to go after a distraught girl.” I chuckled, but the smile on her face all but disappeared. “Hey, what’s wrong?” I asked, immediately concerned.
She gave me another fake smile and said, “Oh, it’s nothing. You should probably get back in there.” She waved me back towards the field doors. “I’ll see you tomorrow or something.” She called out as she practically ran away.
The rejection I felt cut like a knife. The only thing I could do was make a lonely walk back to the field, preparing for any punishment Coach might deal out.
CHAPTER THREE
Ashley’s POV
‘No wonder he followed me, I remind him of his sister. He thinks I’m being dramatic.’ I thought bitterly to myself. I really should have known, though. I mean, he’s the captain of a college football team. Why would he waste his time with a senior in high school, one who just got suspended for the day for sexual harassment?
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a runner. Not in the physical motion way, but in the 'I prefer to leave all of my problems behind me by pretending that they’re not there' kind of way.
I was at home later that same evening putting the finishing touches on my apology letter. I thought that my letter was impressive. I just doubt that Mr. Hutcher or Paul will agree.
I heard my phone start singing Teenage Dream by Katy Perry; Lindsey’s tone.
Me: “Hello?”
Her: “I’m so sorry about my obnoxious twit.”
Me: “Calm down. I’m fine.”
Her: “I can’t ‘calm down. He crossed the line today. He’s gotta go down.”
Me: “He already went down, remember? I kicked him in the balls hard enough to bring him to his knees.”
Her: “Come on, even you know that doesn’t make you even. What’s wrong with you? You sound so down Hun. Usually, you’d be all over this with me.”
Me: “I’m just kind of bummed, but I can tell you about t
hat tomorrow. You wanna hear what I’m writing in my letter to your brother?”
Her: “Um, YEAH!”
Me: “Okay, here it is.”
Paul,
I apologize for kicking you and saying that I hope you never have children. However, I can’t say that I’m sorry for any part of it. I would gladly face expulsion again if it meant that you would stop being such a douche. Actually, now my well thought out letter is becoming trashy, and that wasn’t my intention. I hope that if anything, you get from this that I’m in no way sorry about what I did. I’m only embarrassed about how I conducted myself and for that, you deserve my apology.
Ashley
Me: “Okay, now be honest. How was that?”
Her: “Is perfect too much? You’re so good with words Ashley. Normal people would be all like ‘Hey, you suck, but the principal is making me say sorry; so sorry.’ Instead, you get all professional and say exactly what you mean. I wish I could see his face when he reads it.”
Me: “I don’t actually care how he takes it. He’s getting it anyways.”
Her: “Crap, Mom’s on the other line. I need to take this. I’ll talk to you tomorrow and you can tell me what’s wrong.”
Me: “Of course, love ya girl.”
Her: “You too!”
I hung up the phone and went over my letter. I decided it would just have to do and put it into my book bag.
The next day was relatively uneventful. I told Lindsey all about what Andy had said to me. She comforted me; knowing I never let myself feel this upset over a guy.
Paul’s face, when he read the letter, was priceless. It was a mixture of insult, amazement, and amusement.
Mr. Hutcher read it and held back a laugh. He chastised me simply because it’s what he has to do as an authority figure. I could see in his eyes that it was halfhearted.
I did everything in my power to avoid Andy at all costs. I avoided eye contact as well as looking in his general direction. That was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
I could feel his eyes on me almost constantly. He came up to talk to me a few times, but I either pretended my iPod was too loud or that I was too busy to talk. After practice, I was practically attached at the hip to my father.
Today was almost a full week since I’d last spoken to Andy. My dad had enough of my silent treatment towards Andy.
We were walking out of the stadium and saw Andy standing near the doors. I stepped closer to Dad and he stopped.
“Ashley, you need to talk to the boy, for me? He hasn’t played or participated in a good practice or game since he followed you that day. My team needs their captain, and it would appear as though he needs you.”
“But…” Dad cut me off.
“I’ve already talked to him and he’s your ride home. Now, go make nice.” He said as he shoved me towards Andy.
When I got closer, I cleared my throat and shoved my hands in my pockets. Basically, anything else in the area was distracting because I refused to look at him.
After a few minutes of just standing there, he sighed and said “Really?”
I forced myself to look at him. “What was that?” I asked, trying to sound like I didn’t know.
“Come on.” He said and led the way to his Jeep Cherokee.
“Do you know how to get there?” I asked, rubbing my sweaty palms on my jeans. He started driving.
“Yup.“ He said, his hands gripping the wheel.
After a few minutes of going the wrong way, I asked. “You do know that my house is the other way, right?”
“Yup.”
I rolled my eyes. “Then where are we going?” I asked.
He glanced at me and asked. “Oh, so you’re talking to me now?”
I looked out the window. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I lied.
He gave an exasperated huff and pulled into an abandoned parking lot. “Yes, you do.” He demanded.
I stayed quiet and refused to look at him. He threw his hands in the air. “Jesus, what did I do?!” He asked, on the verge of yelling.
“Nothing.” I told him.
“Bull shit. One minute we’re talking and enjoying ourselves; and the next you’re running and playing the silent game.”
“I didn’t run. I’ve been busy.” I still hadn’t looked at him.
“Don’t lie to me,” he said softly, almost so quiet that I couldn’t hear him.
“What do you want me to say?” I asked.
“The truth.”
“What’s the point? What will the truth prove at this point? Will it change everything?” I asked.
“Just tell me what everything is!” He cried out.
“Will you please take me home?” I asked.
“No, not until I know what’s wrong. I honestly have no idea what I did.”
I closed my eyes and sighed. When I opened them, I said. “You didn’t do anything. I’m just stupid.“ It was the closest thing to the truth I’d said yet.
He wrinkled his nose. “You’re not stupid. But even if you were, why does that mean you have to avoid me?”
“I wasn’t avoiding you. I just didn’t want to talk.“ I crossed my arms.
He turned towards me. “Ashley, knock it off. I care about you. It’s only been a week but I want you to be happy. I can see that you aren’t, so just tell me what’s wrong.” He sounded agitated.
So I lied. “I’ve just been embarrassed about the other day. I hate crying in front of other people.” I said which was true, but not the reason I couldn’t look at him.
He sat there and stared at me for a moment. “You’re lying.” He finally said.
I threw my hands up. “No, I’m not.” I said.
He got out of the car and slammed the door. He ran his hands through his hair and started pacing.
I slipped out and quietly closed the door behind me. “Why are you so upset?” I asked him, my voice breaking halfway through.
“Because I know that you’re lying. I can tell that I did something wrong, but I honestly don’t know what it is. I mean, one second we’re talking and enjoying each other's company. The next moment you’re running away, avoiding me, and lying. I can’t make anything better until I know what’s wrong. I won’t know what’s wrong until you tell me.” He was practically begging now.
I closed my eyes and sighed. I decided to just be honest. ‘I mean, what’s he going to say that I haven’t already heard?’ I thought bitterly to myself.
“I thought you followed me because you liked me, not because I’m like a dramatic sister to you.” There, I finally said it.
CHAPTER THREE
Andy’s POV
“Not because I’m like a dramatic sister to you.” She said, staring down at the ground while her cheeks turned a dark pink.
My mind reeled. “Wait, what?” I asked, thoroughly confused.
“I told you it was stupid.” She whispered.
I had no idea how to even process what she’d said. Let alone respond to it with an intelligent answer. Apparently, the only thing I could say was “Wait, what,” because I said it again.
She wouldn’t even look in my direction. “Can we go now? I should be getting home.” She said before she climbed into the car.
I got in too, but made no move to start the car. “Why do you think I don’t like you?” I asked my voice heavy with confusion.
“You told me yourself.” She paused for a moment and then cut me off when I tried to talk. “Look, you don’t have to explain. I understand.”
“What do you think you understand?” I asked exasperatedly. “Please, stop telling me how I feel. I don’t know what you heard the other day, but I never said that you were a dramatic sister to me. Not only were you not being dramatic, but believe me; I could never look at you as a sister.”
Her cheeks burned brighter and she whispered “Okay.” Suddenly she was grabbing her backpack and opening the door. “I’ll take a bus home,” and then she was gone.
‘What the fuck?’ Was
the only thought going through my mind as I ran after her. My body was working on its own accord. There were no other thoughts that preceded the action.
I cut her off by abruptly stopping in front of her. She had a couple tears rolling down her cheeks and more were flooding her eyes. I gently wiped them off with my thumbs. “Hey, why are you crying? Is it so awful that I like you?” I asked softly.
“But you don’t.” She cried. “You just said that you could never even think of me as a sister.”
I understood exactly what I needed to do then. “Ashley, if I thought of you as my sister, I could never do this.” I said as I leaned down and lightly captured her lips with mine.
CHAPTER FOUR
Ashley’s POV
I pulled away after a moment. It was incredibly hard; his lips tasted so good and felt amazing on mine.
“Wait,” I said. Shaking my head and squeezing my eyes shut while trying to clear my mind. “What does this mean?” I asked confused.
He chuckled lightly and tucked a piece of hair behind my ear. “It means that you should stop reading so much into what I say.” He paused, looking me in the eyes. “I don’t think of you as a sister, but that doesn’t mean I don’t think of you at all. It also means that I want you to quit running from me.” I blushed.
“It’s easier to run than face the embarrassment when I stay.” I admitted.
“But you have no reason to be embarrassed about anything.” He tried soothing me.
I scoffed. “Okay, not only did an entire football team hear about how I sexually harassed a guy. Then the guy I’m crushing on comes after me just to end up comparing me to his dramatic sister. Afterwards, I’m forced into going home with him and end up confession my feelings for him. On top of that, when he kissed me, I asked what it meant.” I said, blushing like a tomato.
Kickoff for Love Page 2