I glanced up the hallway. Why of course the soccer team would be on the prowl, it was the team's yearly tradition ever since I could remember. It had gone on since I’d been a freshman, since Clarissa had been a freshman, and probably since the team was organized years ago.
The bad boys of the school, the ones who thought they ruled, had placed themselves on exhibition so everyone could get a look at their pretty selves. They were all quite handsome, like in a way that made every girl fantasize at night, but so wrapped up in themselves that it was a total turn-off to me.
Not that I had a chance with any of them, since only the elite of the elite, the Hawkettes, ever got close enough to them. But with me being above average in size and an academic nerd, sort of left me out of the running as date material for any of the soccer guys…well, yeah, any guy in general except for another geek that might need a date for a dance or something.
“Why are they staring?” Tara whispered out of the side of her mouth.
I shrugged my shoulders and kept walking. I noticed the guys weren’t making their rude comments as we got closer and also there weren’t any girls hanging around them.
I kept my eyes focused on the stairwell at the end of the hall. I felt the heat of not only my anxiety but also that of Tara and Rynae who were walking beside me.
We almost made it safely past them when one of them, I thought it was Brandon, the co-captain of the team, spoke directly to me.
I heard a ‘hey, Morgan. What’s up?’, But nothing else followed.
No offensive or vulgar comments were directed towards me, Tara, or Rynae.
The gesture didn’t waver me from continuing on my way. I didn’t respond or even look back as to why they would be talking to me.
“What the hell was that all about?” Tara yelled a little bit too loud in the stairwell as we passed through the set of double doors. The level of her voice seemed to echo for miles.
“I don’t know.” Nor did I really care to.
“Well, they addressed you.” Rynae opened the door that led out to the second floor. She motioned for Tara and me to go ahead of her. The hallway was crowded with other students who seemed to be catching up with each other after not seeing each other during the summertime.
“Secretly, I am having an affair with the captain of the team. We’ve been meeting up all summer and lusting after each other’s bodies.” Like that would ever happen. I am so turned off by that whole group I don’t think I could even kiss one of them if someone offered me a million dollars to do so.
Tara and Rynae both rolled their eyes at me after my comment. They knew how I felt about that group. Since my sister was the lead bitch at one time, I had to endure the Hawkettes coming over to our house all the time. The guys rarely came over, and when they did, I would barricade myself in my room with my headphones on blocking out the whole world. I’m not antisocial, just never wanted to be bothered with their constant ridicule of everyone who wasn’t them.
Tara nudged me in the side. “I saw Ethan Lowry there. He looked like he was staring right at you.”
“Oh, please.” I gave her a look that signaled I doubt that occurred.
Ethan Lowry was the leading man this year. Team captain of the soccer team and leader of the douche bags…oops, I meant Hawks.
Actually, he was one of the quieter ones. But, he still walked around with is nose stuck up in the air like he was the king of all shit.
“I think Ethan Lowry was probably getting a hard-on from looking at all the trophies in the case along the side wall that had his name on them.”
Tara and Rynae nodded their heads that they agreed with me.
“Guess that’s my class.” I motioned with my hand to the lab room that was coming up on our left.
They both had some sort of history class together for their first course, which would be over in the next hall.
“I’ll see you guys at lunch.”
We had already checked our schedules to make sure we had lunch at the same time, that was one place we all had to stick together.
We said our goodbyes and I walked into the classroom.
I looked up at the doorway when the last warning bell rang. There was a stream of students flowing into the Honors Human Anatomy and Physiology class. Everyone sat down at the lab tables that permitted two per counter.
No surprise that I was left unpicked as a possible partner. It was like that all the time. I knew they weren't mean or rude, they just knew each other a little better than they knew me.
The sound of the teacher welcoming the last student made my eyes focus back to the door. It was Ethan Lowry, and he was headed directly to the only open space available, right beside me.
“Why didn’t you say anything?” Jason questioned me about my lack of communication with the girl that was my next conquest. “You know your six months started from yesterday.”We really didn’t know too much about this Morgan girl. She wasn’t like the rest of the female population at the school who regularly hung on us, she was kind of always off doing her own thing. It might take me a little longer than the usual two days to get into her panties.“There’s time.” I glanced up at the clock and saw that we had ten minutes before the warning bell. “We better get going.” I pushed myself off the wall and began walking in the same direction that Morgan had just gone. I didn’t have to tell the other guys where or why I was leaving, I knew that they would naturally follow.“Dude.” Jason caught up with me on my way to my first class. “You know Matt is gonna be all over your ass i
I couldn’t believe that I was the one that had Ethan Lowry as a lab partner, and this wasn’t in good way that most girls would be getting their panties all wet over. Ever since I saw all the shit that the Hawks and Hawkettes liked to do that made everyone else’s life miserable, through my sister’s association and leadership role, I stayed far away as possible from this group. Not that it was friendly invites, but ones that my sister probably had ordered, but I’d been invited to several of their parties over the years and had gracefully declined with a ‘hell no.’Our science teacher went on to discuss what we’d be learning over the course of the next nine months. As I assumed, the seats that we’d picked today would remain our permanent seats along with the person seated next to them as our yearlong partner.Everyone high-fived each other because they would be partnered with the one that they wanted, except f
My day was going…like really slow. The rest of my classes were with a majority of my group, and they kept the classroom entertaining, but I couldn’t focus on anything except Morgan. She had totally ignored me the entire first period, that was shit I just wasn’t used to.No lie, but I had girls trying to get somewhere in class when I sat beside them. At those two seats at some station desks, I had one girl who kept trying to get me off with her hand underneath the desk. I solved that problem quickly…I did her in the bathroom.Thankfully, she wasn’t one that demanded more attention or promises of forever, which no one ever got. I know that makes me sound as bad as the girls that give out to everyone, but I’ve never initiated any of the sexual moments that I’ve been involved in. I won’t say no to one of those moments, but I won’t be the one out looking for it either.I walked down to the lunchroom wit
‘What the fuck.’ I just couldn’t believe the chances of this happening again, but holy shit Ethan Lowry just had to take the seat right beside me, again. We had classes together before, but there were always other Hawks or Hawkettes in the room for him to sit beside.It would be okay if these seats weren’t connected together, but these particulars had two chairs joined together at every desk station.I felt the body heat radiating off of Ethan, and smelled the sweetness of his cologne. I would have to give him the credit of being the pretty boy, smelling really good, and…well that was about all. His attitude and whole demeanor made the rest of him unattractive.I tried to keep my focus on what the teacher was saying, but the presence of having Ethan sitting this close once again was proving to be too much of a distraction.I’d seen the little show that was put on at lunchtime today. It seemed
“Dude, you should’ve been all over that by now.” Brandon kicked the ball over to the side so that I would be able to run it in. We were practicing one of the new play designs for our next soccer game while talking about how I was going to wine, dine, and make Morgan feel fine challenge.“It’s only been twenty-four hours since dickhead told me. There’s lots of time.” I ran to one side of the goal and then quickly changed directions once the goalie followed. I kicked the ball hard and drove it deep into the net. I held up my arms indicating another success on my part.“I don’t know.” Jason followed behind us on the field. “She seems like a hard one to crack. If this were anyone else, it would have been a slam, bam, thank you, ma’am, already. I think she’s going to be a challenge.”“I’m good with challenges.” I grabbed the soccer ball and started to do leg dribbles
“How was the first day?” Mom greeted me as I came into the family room. I’d just gotten back from my first day of senior year, and she looked eager to hear all about my day…not.“It was alright. Just like every other year. You sit, listen, and then go on to the next.” I grabbed a handful of M&M’s that were in a bowl on the coffee table.“Dinner will be in an hour. I think Clarissa is coming by.”I noticed mom eyeing the candy in my hand. I tossed it back into the bowl. “I think I have work to do. I’ll grab something later.” I turned and walked back to my room.The automatic light came on as soon as I walked into my bedroom. I dropped my heavy book bag onto the floor then collapsed onto the bed.Mother never made a verbal comment about me eating junk food, but I could always tell by the look in her eye and the reference of how close the next meal was that I shouldn’t
The next two weeks of school were spent on note-taking and preparation exams. There wasn’t any time for me to even think about Ethan, which was a good thing. In class, we barely got out a hello let alone a full conversation before our instructors started on our test material.Tara and Rynae were really starting to get on my last nerve about what was going on with Ethan.Did he say anything to me?What’s he like?You know questions that someone would ask if they were interested in a certain person.I questioned them if maybe they had a crush on him, but they would always deny that factor and just insist they wanted to know if he was as big of a douchebag on his own as he was when he was around the Hawks.Somehow, I just never believed them.I could see why they would have a crush on him if they did, not that I did or anything, but he was quite the male specimen.&
I tried to keep my concentration on what we were supposed to be doing, but this whole thing with working on the reproductive system and sitting this close to Morgan sort of challenged my ability to focus.She was stunning, but not in an overdramatic way. She wasn’t painted up with makeup like a lot of girls, seemed she had the bare minimum on her face. Her hair was full and shiny, unlike the Hawkettes who always seemed to be highly flammable with a ton of spray, gel, or mousse.Morgan was a little larger than the girls I usually went out with, but not in a repulsive way. She looked like she’d be able to handle herself in a fight and then turn around and be a big turn-on in the bedroom with the large breasts and nice round ass that I could spank all night.I focused back on the hand-out and tried to control the hard-on I was getting from all the images that had just flashed through my mind.There were tons of lines to be filled out on each of t
There was a straight line in the carpeting from me pacing back and forth between the window and the door. The photographer got pulled away by Hope over an hour ago, which meant I would be front and center in less than thirty minutes. I wasn’t worried or even nervous about getting married, I knew Morgan was the one and only, but I was terrified of making a fool out of myself in front of all those in attendance. Sure, I was a cocky, confident ass in high school, but picturing myself becoming a mumbling idiot in front of five hundred people, some of whom I’ve never met, well, that’s got me anxious as fuck.So far over the past year of all of us living in The Keys, life has been more than great, it’s been the best time of my life. College was going well, my mom finally became the woman I knew that was hiding away from us for so long, Ms. Christine was more than I ever expected in a grandmother and kept all of us in line, Hope had friends, was high honors i
My hand clenched at my stomach. “I don’t know if I can do this.” I was used to being in crowds, like when I was in debate back in high school and with all the reports and public speaking, I had to do with several of my courses, but this, this was totally different.Clarissa smoothed out my veil and gave me a hug. “You’re going to be fine. Just focus on Ethan and don’t worry about the other five hundred people in the church.” And with that comment, she gave me her best non-convincing smile.Five. Hundred. People. And that was the attendance at the marriage ceremony, that wasn’t including all the others who would show up for the reception. It seemed Ethan’s grandmother knew half the population here in the Keys, and according to her, as we made out our guest list, you can’t leave so-and-so out of the invitations, that would be a recipe for disaster.So, since she was footing most of the expenses,
“Ethan, it’s almost dinner time,” I called out from the balcony that looked over our own private section of the beach. I was staying at Christine’s house, Ethan’s grandmother. Like she’d said back in Pennsylvania, she had a big house with a bedroom just for me if I wanted anywhere to stay. What I didn’t know at that time was that Ms. Christine was quite wealthy. It seemed she and her late husband had bought up a lot of oceanfront property way back in the day before Key West became a tourist site. Then, as the years progressed she sold off several plots of land to developers but kept some of it for her own personal oasis. Now, she has a six-bedroom house on five acres that looks out into the deep, dark blue ocean. I’d been in Key West with all of them for over six months now. Clarissa came to help me pack the night before my flight left. We’d put almost all of my summer clothes, laptop, and the basic necessities that I would need into two suitcases. I said goodbye to
It’s been over a month since Ethan and his family made the big move to Florida. We talk every day and video chat at least three times a week. He sent me pictures of him and Hope at the beach. His hair had gotten longer, and the constant sun exposure brought out all kinds of highlights. With his dark tan, good looks, and perfect body he could be a model for some vacation guide or something. I mean really, once someone would see Ethan on the front cover, they would want to go the Keys that minute.He told me Hope has already made some friends, and that he found a new love. But once he saw my hurt expression, he had to backtrack on what he just told me. He loves trying to surf and is even taking lessons from one of their new neighbors.I told him I’m doing well, but that’s a lie, and he probably knew it. I’m sure he could see and hear the pain every time he talked to me.I couldn’t help it, I just wanted him to come back home, but I kn
An hour later, me and Hope packed up two more boxes in her room. I think we spent more time playing around, dancing to her favorite songs than we did any actual work.I heard a soft knock on the door, and Ethan poked his head in. “I have to get Morgan back home.”Really? I didn’t know I had a curfew. Maybe this was his way of getting rid of me?“Aw, c’mon. We were having fun. I won’t get to see Morgan much longer.” Hope flopped down across her bed. She put on her best pouty face, hoping to get her own way.“You’ll see her tomorrow. Maybe.” Ethan would say anything to put a smile on his sister’s face.“Okay.” Hope bounced back up, put her arm around my waist, and led me back down to the living room.I gave her a quick hug and kiss, a promise to come back tomorrow, then followed Ethan out.The ride back home was…quiet. Like Ethan didn’t even turn
I couldn’t believe it had been ten days since we graduated.Ten days since we left it all behind and never looked back. We rode off into the sunset and lived like a king and queen.Okay, not really. We didn’t go anywhere except for a few parties and the special getaway that Ethan had planned for our graduation night. One in which I fell in love with him ten times over.After stopping in at a few get-togethers graduation night, Ethan took me a bed and breakfast a short distance out of town. Without me knowing, he had Clarissa gather up a bag for me so that I would have what I needed for the night and the following day. My sister decided to pack Victoria's Secret negligee, stockings, and stilettos, instead of my usual shorts and t-shirt for nighttime wear.Did I wear them?Hmm, let’s just say they didn’t stay on too long.Anyhow, Ethan had been acting kind of weird the past week. He hasn’t told me anything that wa
After the state final, mine and Morgan’s official we are back together celebration, our graduation rolled around quick.I couldn’t believe that in less than one hour we would all be high school graduates.Morgan bounced out of her house with her graduation robe flowing out behind her. If she didn’t hurry, we were going to be late commencement.I guess that would have to be partly my fault since I kept her a bit longer in my bed than I should’ve.What could I say? This part of the make-up was good…like really, really good. It felt great to have Morgan at my side day and night.The sound of my horn giving a short honk startled her. She jumped and jogged faster to the car.“I’m coming.” Morgan plopped down in the passenger seat and slammed the door closed.I smiled and looked at the clock. “You said those exact words about an hour ago.” My hand skimmed across her arm and gooseb
Two weeks later, I still hadn’t received a full on the mouth kiss from Ethan yet. I could understand wanting to take it slow, but now this was getting kind of ridiculous.Every evening ended with a soft, lingering touch, then just a peck on the cheek.I wasn’t complaining though, it felt great to have him by my side again. There were no more worries about whether he was hiding anything, like another secret bet or something. I had to trust him in order for us to move forward.My family, along with Hope, Ethan’s mom, and grandmother went to the state finals with him for soccer. Even though we were broken up for that time, like for three whole months, I still secretly sneaked to his games and practices. I watched from afar and marveled at his abilities, but I couldn’t let him know that I still cared.That I still wanted him.That I still loved him.But now, I could scream my head off for the man that was running down the
Ethan and I sat in the parking lot for almost an hour. We talked about everything and anything. Even though I really didn’t want to, I just didn’t want to relieve what had happened and wanted to try and move on, but I got to hear Ethan’s side of the story.He started at the beginning of the year before he got to know me and how his past captains of the soccer team had made him the designated person for ‘the challenge.’ I happened to be Clarissa’s little sister, Matt had wanted to take one last jab at her, and I had to suffer the consequences of his desire to torture.It seemed Matt and Ethan never got along, even when they played on the same team. He was as big of a bully as he still was now.Ethan revealed that he was never a fan of the shit that they did to girls, but never gave it a second thought because it never affected him directly.No matter the circumstance, it was still so wrong to do to any girl.Fortu