LAST KISS

CHAPTER 6 : FOOTBALL ASSIGNMENT

It is already past 2 midnight when we finished the assignment Vasquez has asked me to do. I am so ashamed to all of them who were concerned about my possible exit in this University if I won't gonna make it with Vasquez tasks. They were all moved by my life's drama, this has been the beginning of college but it seems like I am already turning into ashes. Everyone was deprived of a good night's sleep except Abbie.

I don't know how to thank them enough for all the things they did to me especially Kris, and speaking of Kris- I don't know what to do to ease his ill feelings against me after the talk that we had last night.

"Good Luck Baby Girl! I will go to sleep now, I hope everything will be okay!" that is from Caitlyn. I saw their faces that are so sleepy, just like having insomnia or high on drugs.

I want to cry.

"Thank you guys so much! I couldn't thank you enough .. I don't know how to thank you."

"go ahead. For you, we are ready to help." That's from Lucas. I smiled too, I looked around, and Tyler noticed what I was looking for.

"Are you looking for Baby Boy? He has a practice at the stadium. He leaves the suite early. Actually, he just finished the last pages and left the suite after. He hasn't slept too." I felt guilty about Tyler's words., After all the help that he did to me, I can't imagine I was so harsh to my words against him last night. Tyler noticed the worry I had in my face.

"It's an okay baby girl. I think both of you just need a little space"

"I think so Tyler." After our conversation, I left and went to Professor Vasquez's office.

[Professor's Office]

As I opened the door before me stood the Face of our tiger professor sitting at his desk. He greeted me with one of his bold looks. I approached his table immediately and gave the printed outputs.

"So you have passed your test! No typo errors good!" He said. I can't believe all my efforts were just good to him. 

My ears are heating up. I want to explode in fury!

"Just good?"

"What do you want me to say? impressive? I'm not impressed! It's just a basic test! Now I am so excited to give you your next assignment"

"What? You let me and my friends work out all night typing those thousands of pages of your stupid assignment and now you're telling me its just a test? Are you serious?" I uttered in anger. I really wanted to twist this old man's hair and break his neck but I think that it is useless since this man is bald. I took a deep sigh. I just keep my composure.

"Past progressive- aggressive tense that's a worse combination... which is one of the reasons I liked that's why I hired you!" he has even commented on my grammar. She is very skeptic. No wonder why his assistants didn't last long because he was worse than Becca.

Speaking of the devil, good thing she hasn't sunk in my bad days these days. I wish she hadn't because if then, I would've had never known what kind of trial my college life was going to be. I would rather be eaten alive by the broken soil!

"Was there any drama? how did your friends react when you ensnared them in my little test?"

I can't believe it! He is a ruthless, heartless beast inside. I know having a scholarship has never been this easy but, for Pete's sake!!

I could never have imagined that in this way he would torture me.

"I can't believe you let me and my friends typed a thousand of pages of your novel thing as a test!"

"Of course it was! Now start writing up the details of that experience." answer this old man. I wasn't immediately impressed, had it not been for our scholarship I would have been asked someone who knows sorcery and cast it to him.

".....One of the characters in my book is a football player. I need you to go find out what that's like through some firsthand research." I was stone-stunned, I remember Kris and our short argument.

".. I - I have a friend who is a football player but I don't think it's a good time to talk to him," I answered to this old man.

"I think its none of my business, you better start asking and gather information. Remember, you are here because of your scholarship."

Here we are again, how many times do I have to force my brain that I suffer from this because of my scholarship? He didn't even have to display or s***k it right in my face because he knew that no matter how hard he ordered me to do it I would do it without hesitation just to stay in this school. I am willing to do everything, that is why he took advantage of it.

This is so frustrating! Why is fate so playful, just when in need, my family is helpless! We haven't experienced this kind of financial problem before.

I feel regretting!! I lost my reasons to strive! If I weren't this determined for my future I would not have suffered this way.

I'm not just determined because I want to finish my course, I want to finish and stay because of Kris. Kris means a lot to me, I know that despite what I have said to her, the day will come for both of us.

A few days later

For a while, I thought about the moves I would make to talk to Kris. It had been a few days since we met in the suite and also at school because he seemed to be busy with his game.

Good thing Tyler and Lucas were my classmates in other subjects so life has not been a screwup and boring.

One day, We are just getting out of a lecture with Tyler and Lucas when we had a conversation.

"Okay, this problem should be emailed to me by tomorrow so we can start the discussion at the next meeting! You are dismissed!" Last words that Me, Lucas and Tyler repeatedly heard echoing in our ears as we prepared to leave the lecture hall.

"College is just getting started but I feel like I'm already f****d up!" That was from Tyler.

"That was exciting!" Says Lucas. We turned back at him. This man is really weird.

"Solving problems has never been so easy dude! Good for you both because you are nerdoo! What about me? Not blessed with intelligence! ” Tyler lamented.

"I- think we need to form a group and we can study at the same time so that the subjects will be a lot more easier. We will have these debates about some of the topics too and sort of quizzes, and at the same time together in solving problems! We are suitemates." I answered them positively.

"Study Buddies!" Lucas shouted. I didn't imagine he would yell like that.

"Oops! Did I just said it excitedly?" He questions us in a shameful manner, I laughed.

"Sort of! but that's okay! We will form our Study Buddies" my answer was when I suddenly remembered Kris, Lucas, and Tyler didn't immediately notice my sudden pause because they were more concerned about Caitlyn's way in front of us as if Lucas were being mistreated and ignored. I don't even know what's going on.

"Uhm, guys I think I have some very important matter to settle!"

Lucas immediately leaves before us and chases Caitlyn. Tyler left us walking.

"So! I think there will be so much of a love nest in a suite,"

"What do you mean?" I was a little bit confused.

"Caitlyn and Tyler. Since last summer Tyler and Caitlyn didn't have the chance to make it up with each other! That nerdo boy can't make a move to Caitlyn!"

I was shocked, all this time I didn't know that Tyler was liking Caitlyn.

"Oh, so I think that look was also related from last night?" I asked Tyler.

"Maybe because the whole time they are not saying a word until we saw you and kris arguing when we stepped in"

I didn't answer Tyler,

I also thought about Kris and my conversation that night and until now, we haven't talked about it.

"Hey? What happened to you and Kris that night?" I hesitated for a moment to answer him.

"Baby girl?"

"I think I hurt him that night.."

"Did you stopped it right away? - Did he courted you?" Tyler's confused question.

"No Tyler, that's not what I mean. I think it was just hard for me to rush into deeper feelings when I know in the first place he was not yet over with his pain. The worst part is, I have talked to Kris for Professor Vasquez's assignment. And it's going to be so awkward."

"Well, you need to talk to Kris as early as now! Those misunderstandings should not be delayed! It's going to be hard to handle, let's go! you have my back and I will go with you! This is operation getting back Kris!"

Tyler dragged me away. "Where are we going?"

"Let's go to the stadium where Kris has practice! Talk to him in his vacant time, Baby boy is so easy to get back into. If he feels bad, you're the only one who has the power to make it okay!" explained Tyler.

"what are you doing? Are you a Love expert? " I asked as I was dragged away.

"No! I just love someone too and so I know how it feels like to have it. I already smell it. and Do you know what? I believe in the saying that, The person who broke your heart was the only person who could mend it! So believe me." I thought of what Tyler had said and stopped walking.

"So it means I am not the cure to Kris brokenness" Tyler paused and thought.

".. whatever!! What you are thinking about is the past. How comes that the variable of x has always a value in mathematics? Why does ex value always look up for the problem? Always find the value of an x, That is supposed to be an Ex and that should be ignored! Imagine you are a Y variable. Y is what's important right now. You are Kris's present! so don't even think about it! " and he dragged me back to the stadium.

A few minutes later we arrived at the stadium, My sight was caught by the team in Green with the printed letters spelled to be "Knights". I also saw some familiar faces. All this time I didn't really want to see this person but guess what? unfortunately, I did! They are no other than Becca and Madison lurking towards an unfamiliar guy.

"whoa! Someone seems so familiar!" it came from Tyler. I saw her looking in the direction of Becca and Madison.

"You mean Becca and Madison?" I asked while looking at the direction of Becca and Madison on the edge of the field and having a sharp giggle. I looked around and looked at Kris.

"No.. I mean the guy in green with Becca and Madison. He is Darren Taylor! The school's first quarterback! He is the most famous athlete of Hartfeld!"

"Oh! all this time I thought Kris was the Quarterback."

"Kris was just a freshman. He can't be the quarterback. He was just admitted here," explains Tyler.

"Are you an alumnus here? You know too much.."

"I'm not but considered to be since both my brother and sister graduated here! I spent all my leisure watching a football game! My Brother Tyrone was the school's quarterback before Darren." So that is why Tyler knows a lot about football and our school. Of course, I'm not surprised because Tyler is so rich.

"Wait, where is our baby Boy? You should find him yourself!"

"Or maybe I should ask Darren about football life instead!" I smirk.

I saw the disappointment in Tyler's face after I turned away from him so he was left alone at the top of the stadium where we had been standing before and walked to Becca and Madison where Darren was.

"Look who's here!"

Becca immediately sighed when she saw me. They entertain Madison and Darren. Yes as always,

I was never surprised by her reaction when she saw me. I know she hated my guts and that hatred is as high as heaven. I just noticed that this girl is a b***h! She lurks around every man and didn't let any of them pass in her.

Whore-fame.

"Oh, a freshie!" Suddenly Darren smiled. Becca's eyebrows raised again to the highest level when Darren smiled at me, her aura was too bad for me. I didn't take her for granted and let her go. I confronted Darren smiling.

"I'm sorry to interrupt but I just want to ask you for my research subject about football life."

"Why are you always interrupt and snatch someone from me?" Becca was annoyed at me, I smile at her.

"Not always. Just sometimes I guess or just plain coincidence." I smiled as my reply, I acted so fakely liking her in front of Darren just for information from Darren.

"Of course, it might just happen! Right?" Darren smirk at me. 

" Yes sure by the way what's your name? Seems like you guys with Becca know each other already." I shake Darren's hands while smiling.

"My name is Margie. I've heard you from a friend, He says you're the school's quarterback so I think it's such an honor to have you for a short interview for my research!"

"Yes indeed, so what do you what to know about me or football you can ask."

I was happy with Darren's reply so I just flip my notebook and get a pen to write the info.

"Ahmm, okay first is, How were you able to balance studies and the game?" Actually, I didn't prepare the questionnaire really and I don't know what to ask so this could be in a random, impromptu question.

" Actually between football and studies are two different things to balance. Schedules don't always fit with the other. If you are an athlete you need to have a life balance and much of flexibility."

"Thanks, So when we say balancing, I think sometimes an athlete really has something so heavy to weigh right?" 

I ask, Darren's forehead grimaced a little, even Becca and Madison laugh at me.

"I mean, did you ever come to think about if there is a difference of priorities between football and studies?"

Ahh okay, I understand! Yes, sometimes you need to prioritize your game and give up some of the time for study time. Because as an athlete you brought the name of the school in every game, unlike at the lecture hall you bring only your name, so that happens most of the time. I rather choose the game than my studies."

"Do you think its right? Disregarding education over curricular?" I think I asked it directly without thinking, Madison and Becca also raised their eyebrows and Darren was taken aback.

"With all due respect, I think for me that's not a good idea after the trophies and popularity at the end of the day education are still important over games. Although I understand that you brought the name of the school in every game, just imagine how your parents will be so proud of you having your diploma at the end of the school year with good grades and with your family surname on it! That's more than anything I guess.."

Just as Darren stopped when he heard what I say, Becca and Madison nodded as Darren looked on, as though they were laughing at my statements when I turned around them while Darren was remained speechless.

"Good Luck!"Becca's sarcastic sigh. I don't have any care of Darren's reaction to my point of view. I just saw something wrong with his perspective.

"I'm sorry if you don't like my opinion over your last answers but that's not important."

I pulled back and started folding my notebook.

"I appreciate your answers so far." I still feel sorry about what I just did. Am I just so frank?

"No!"

I was also surprised, Becca and Madison also did about Darren's reaction which seemed to stop me from saying.

"You have good points!"

I blinked my eyes. Is it real? Darren smiled at me despite my bad opinions.

" I mean you're right! At the end of the day, it is still your family that you wanted to be proud of you! Now I understand why my parents reacted on me that way in every game that I had.. ----" He paused, Darren shows an expression of worry and it concerns me little, sadness filled my heart, but before I could ask a question again he smiled back to me.

"I didn't bring my phone Margie but, can I leave you my digits instead for any of your follow up questions? I think the practice will resume any time and I still need to have a good break" he smirks.

"Yes sure!----"

Before I could answer, he took out my pen and notebook and wrote something, Maybe his number. He smiled at me throwing that looks. Thinking to his face, I had taken the notebook when he handed it to me.

I did not expect what he wrote.

LET ME CALL YOU INSTEAD.. PLEASE?

It seems like I blush at what Darren wrote, Becca and Madison seem so curious. I looked at Darren and saw him smiling.

I read his whisper in his lips without a voice coming out, I could do nothing but thank him for taking the time to answer my interview. So far he's kind and looks harmless, so I wrote my number on the same page.

After I wrote it before I even handed him the notebook, I was shocked at how easily the page was torn down. He crumpled it and put inside his pocket in a blink of an eye. An athlete who moves at a pace while saying:

"I don't let anyone got my digits so I changed my mind!" She smiled and ran to the field. I smiled as Becca laughed out loud.

"Assuming Darren will give you his number no? How Pathetic! He doesn't like you, Margie. You are just an easy fella to get in his bait!"

I laughed at her looking she was so upset by me. I left her with a confusing laugh.

"Oh! FYI, I don't care about Darren if that's what you think Becca. I am not into him so please erase me out. All I want is a thing for my research and I don't care any about him."

"Really? so why are you excited to get his number?"

She said in sarcastic pronunciation with a wicked grin.

"Look her expression when Darren Crumpled the paper, Becca!"

Madison replied that we had been talking for a while now. All this time I thought he was dumb.

"Oh! You can talk?"

I asked sarcastic questions to Madison and they stopped laughing. I laughed again, I knew they were annoyed at my reaction to them.

"Oh by the way. I'm not excited and it's not Darren's number on that page he gets back, He asked mine instead!." Becca looked like a bomb about to explode, and when Becca is about to attack me Madison meddles in between.

"You're a b***h!"

Becca's angry expression on me.

"Becca stop! What is wrong with her? "Madison asked Becca in a frantic expression. I saw Kris sitting in a corner of a field where he was in uniform. I shouldn't waste my time and I need to talk to him the sooner.

"Nope! I just know how to behave right Becca, By the way, excuse me. I have to go to Kris!"

"well good luck! He is so moody! He has a bad day ever and he doesn't even want to talk to me!"

I turned and left Becca and Madison, and I walked slowly towards Kris.

Kris noticed my arrival. He just looked me in the eye, he didn't snub but I could see the sadness in his eyes. He was awkward without knowing if I really was the reason. I was hesitant to speak because he might push me back just like what I did to him last night.

"Can I talk to you?"

I asked him in a poor sigh, he was silent and he could not look at me so I sat beside him, handing him my bottled water. I bought it in Canteen a while ago but I have never drunk it beforehand, Kris accepted it.

(About last-last night... I'm so sorry about it Kris, I didn't intend to say those things.)

That's what I wanted to tell her but I'm ashamed to start our convo about it because he probably won't talk about it.

Sometimes paraphrasing also applies to real life. I meant to phrase it out to him because Kris might be, he didn't want me to talk about that and if I asked about last night, he might ignore me.

So I fold my hands and bowed my head, trying to fix my words so I can talk to him.