The Spy Who Dumped Me

Chapter 9: We're Not Friends

The game ended and Max’s team won by two points. He lived up to what he said earlier that they would win the game. Max ran towards me and hugged me. Yes, he hugged me! It was a bit awkward and embarrassing considering that a lot of eyes were on us.

“You really are a lucky charm,” He said when he let go of me.

I wasn’t sure what to say so I just smiled and nodded.

“You were good,” I said.

“Thanks,” He said.

“Hey Max,” Tiffany said.

“Tiff,” Max said.

“Good game,” She said. She was talking to Max as if I wasn’t there.

“Thanks,” Max said.

“So, where will the celebration be?” She said.

“It’s up to the guys,” Max said. “Wherever they want, I’m in,”

“I’ll go and ask them then.” She said and left us but not before giving me a disgusting look.

I cleared my throat to get Max attention. “I should go,” I said.

“Already?” He said.

“Yeah,” I said. “Congratulations on your win,”

“Thanks,” He said. “But there’s a victory party later, don’t you want to join us?”

“Oh no, I don’t think I should,” I said. “It’s yours and I don’t want to butt in to your occasion.”

“It would be fine if you come,” He said. “Please?”

“I am not really much of a party girl so—“ I said but Tiffany cut me off.

“Just let her go, Max,” She said. “I don’t think she’d fit in there anyway. I mean, look at her.”

“Tiff!” Max said.

“It’s okay; I can’t really go. I already have other things to do today.” I said. “Have fun and congratulations again, Max.”

“Thank you,” He said. “Let me walk you out of the gym,”

“There’s really no need for that,” I said. “You should be with your teammates and celebrate. I can manage,”

“Are you sure?” He said. “Vel, uhm, I can call you that, right?”

“Of course,” I smiled.

“Alright, can I have your number? You know, so we can hang out some other time.” He said.

I nodded. I don’t think there’s something wrong with giving him my number. Plus, if it makes me leaving this place faster then, I am up for it. He gave me his phone and I typed in my number.

“That’s it,” I said and handed it back to him.

“Thanks, I’ll keep in touch,” He said and I nodded.

“I’ll go ahead,” I said and waved at him. I turned around and started walking to the exit. I sighed. I noticed that some girls were looking at me like I just did something terrible to them. What is their problem? Is this about Max again? Jeez, I am not interested in being in a romantic relationship with him or with anybody else in that matter.

I was at the door of the gymnasium when I felt the urge to turn around and I did. I saw Sanders looking at me as if he was mad or annoyed. I raised a brow at him. What is his deal? I shrugged it off and continued walking out.

I continued walking with my head down and as fast as I could. I didn’t want to get into trouble with anyone. My apartment is just a five-minute walk from the campus and instead of paying for a cab; I would just walk home so I can save money too. Besides, it isn’t that far and I also get to see the city lights. It was just early evening and the streets were busy. I thought of eating something for dinner as I didn’t have much for lunch. I can still remember how expensive the food at the cafeteria was. I passed by a fast food resto and decided to something for dinner. It’s much cheaper here than at the school.

I went inside and ordered a cheeseburger, spicy fried chicken and mocha float. I know it was a lot but I was hungry and the fact that the basketball game kept me there for hours made me more and more hungry. But I must say, it was fun; Max and Dale Sanders were exchanging points for their team. It was fun until Sanders decided to sit out and Max continued scoring for his team. People at the gym wondered why he stopped playing too and so was I. I thought he got injured but he looked fine. I shrugged it off. Maybe he was just tired and decided to rest since it was only just an exhibition game. I could even hear people coming out of the gym saying that Sanders’s team would have won if he was on the court during those last three minutes of the game. I cleared those thoughts off my mind.

I went out of the fast food since I decided to just eat at home. It would be at least three minutes of walking before I get there so I walked as fast as I could. I was about to cross the street and into my apartment building when I saw someone beside me; someone I didn’t expect to see at this place. Sanders was about to cross too. I looked at him and he was looking at me too. What the hell? Why do I feel nervous whenever he’s around? I ignored him since there was nothing else to do. We’re not friends so there’s nothing we need to talk about. But, why is he in my neighborhood? Is he… living around here somewhere? No, of course not, that's impossible since I know where he lives and it's definitely not here.