Its Always You (Book Two)

Part 8

Violet was pure evil. Anna wasn’t a saint either for agreeing to her best friends plan. It was simple but effective so she couldn’t say no. Besides, it felt like ages since they pranked anyone together.

Long story short, Violet found Anna after Tylor stormed out of the yard in anger. At first, Anna thought of holding it in, but the moment she saw her friend, the tears flowed down her cheeks. Those words were hurtful, but the real reason she started crying was that Anna didn’t say anything to him! He let him walk all over her.

When Violet heard about it, she decided it was time for little payback. Something to make Tylor angry as well. He hurt Anna twice, and Violet wasn’t having any of it. Even though she knew that Tylor was the kind of person to hold grudges, she didn’t care. There was no way she was letting him do that to her friend.

“Vi I’m scared” Anna quietly whispered, her eyes shifting back at the hallway.

They managed to sneak in the frat laundry room through the yard. All thanks to Violet's ninja-like skills. She did open the gate without making a sound, so Anna had to hand it to her. They planned to put pink socks in Tylor's white jersey load. They had a football match with the other team of the same university. Kind of practice thing or whatever, but Tylor will have to wear the jersey for that.

Anna still couldn’t understand why anyone in their right mind would design a white jersey for the university team. The colour is so fragile and easily stained.

“I’ll be quick. Just keep an eye out” Violet whispered back, her movements hurried as she tried to navigate her way towards the basket. There were so many of them which made Anna wonder if the frat boys wash their clothes monthly instead of per week like ordinary people.

“Why do these boys sweat so much?” The violet haired girl made a gagging sound, throwing the wet jersey away from her way. There were a lot of white clothes lying around, and Anna chewed on her lips, waiting for Violet to be quick.

“I think I found it.”

“Hurry up!” Anna motioned with her hand, her body leaning against the wall.

“Just a minute.”

Anna looked around, stomach tight with nerves. If any of the frat boys saw them lurking in their area, they would be so embarrassed. Not only they can be reported for forceful entry but also nuisance if they saw Violet messing in their laundry room. That’s what scared Anna the most. She managed to remain good for almost a year, score above average marks and top the class. The usual. They all admired her for being so effortless with her assignments while also being a member of the editorial staff. But this one mistake can ruin her entire image in front of several students and professors. Why didn’t she think this through?

“And I’m done” Violet heavied a sigh after shoving the pink socks in between the jersey.

Anna didn’t even bother to peek in, hurriedly grabbing at her hand so that they can run away.

***

The next day, Anna decided to sleep in. By the time the clock struck ten, she had blinked her eyes open, still in a sleepy haze. The loud bang on her door startled her, almost making her sit up. She rubbed her eyes groggily, a yawn slipping out of her mouth as she stared at her closed door. Her large sweater slipped off her shoulder as she tried to push at the covers. Another bang and it made her jump.

“Jesus! Violet the door is open” She yelled, wincing at her tone.

She heard the sound of door thudding against the wall before the pattering of footsteps echoed in. Sometimes she forgot how loud Violet could get without any loudspeaker.

“May I help you?” Anna squinted through her blurry vision, leaning against the headboard. Her friend was dressed up. A little too much actually, which made her narrow her eyes. Was she going somewhere?

“It’s Saturday today,” Violet said in a duh voice.

Anna slumped, “And what do you want me to do about it?”

“Good god! Wake up please” Violet patted at her legs, trying to pull the covers away from her. Anna made a face.

“Why?”

“Aren’t you the least bit interested to see if our prank worked? I have no classes today, so we can go see the match at your college ground.”

Anna could hear the excitement in her voice. But she did have no intention of leaving her soft, warm bed. She fell lax against the sheets before staring at her friend lazily.

“When is the game?”

“It starts in half an hour. Let’s go!” Violet gently budged her, finally pulling the sheets away. She was slick like that. With a sigh, Anna stood up, glaring at her friend who was sweetly smiling at her in return. See so evil!

“Fine! But you owe me one” Anna huffed, taking out her clothes from the wardrobe.

“Yeah yeah,” Violet rolled her eyes, jumping on the bed with an excited grin.

***

They decided to sit in the middle row just for the fun of it. Violet insisted on having a good view of the game so that she can see the result of her prank. As if that was the only reason. She was mainly there for Michael. Anna knew that. The stadium was relatively full then again it always is. The students were crazy about matches, be it inter-level or inter-college. Most of them hung out even after matches just to gawk at the frat boys doing their drills.

“Gather round boys!“ The coach yelled across the pitch, and Anna squinted her eyes towards the door, her breath caught in her throat.

With all of the cheering, it doesn’t take long for her eyes to track the movement as Tylor jogged back out onto the field. He had a beaming smirks-smile on his face, clad in the crisp, clean white jersey. Which what? Anna parted her mouth as she saw how squeaky clean the cloth looked. Violet nudged at her, having the same horrified expression on her face. Did it not work? But that was such a classic and comfortable thing to do.

“How?” Violet wondered out loud.

As soon as Tylor was close enough, he stopped and leaned forward, as if he felt eyes on him. She ducked her head down in hopes of avoiding looking at his face. She peeled at him through both of the girls sitting in front of her.

He pressed his hands to his sides, desperate to catch his breath for a minute. His hair was sweat-damp, his jersey clinging to his back, and Anna scrunched her nose at that.

Despite that sweat, Tylor looked just like he always does but, even after all these months she seems to lose her breath. Once Tylor moved at the farther corner, she saw the rest of his team filter out, rounding the corner. They all had sweaty jerseys too.

“Is he the new forward?” The girl in front of Anna whispered, nudging her friend.

“Yes! That’s why I was begging you to tag along with me today.”

Anna rolled her eyes at that. What was so special about Tylor anyway?

As soon as Anna sat up, Violet hid an amused smile behind her palm. Was she finding Anna’s situation amusing?

Tylor gave everyone around a crooked grin, before jogging after the Coach, a dark band secured around his upper arm. She tried not to stare as his locks curled up in the end, clinging on to his skin and somehow he managed to stand out in the crowd. It was too late to hide as Tylor glanced right at her.

Anna felt like dying. Why did the universe hate her? He raised his brow in her direction.

“Oh my god, he is looking at us! No way!” The girl in front of Anna squealed.

Before Anna could say anything, the whistle blew, and the match started. Everyone was in their position. Few minutes past the game, her eyes followed Tylor as he managed to snatch the ball right away.

Tylor clenched his jaw in determination, his foot flying out to kick the ball with a strength of a beast.

Her eyes tracked the ball and watched as it safely hit the net, bouncing against it. The loud cheer of the audience was almost deafening. Anna stared at her best friend, who was too engrossed in the game. The players gathered around Tylor and thumped on his back, mumbling something before they jogged back to their rightful positions. He had a massive grin on his face, obviously proud of his goal.

Anna tried to look away, but then their eyes met, he held her stare smirking at her as he forcefully took the ball.

“He’s staring at you” Violet cleared her throat.

Anna breathed, “I know.”

***