XIX. Meet the Captains
5 6 7 8 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1. Come on. Division meet is just a week away! Shake your fugly asses the right way. My voice broke off when I saw Ms. Dia, the over-all in-charge for this year's Sports Fest, walking towards our direction. I glanced at Lia, telling her to pick off where I stopped while I entertain our not-so-welcome guest.
Hija, there you are!
Oh, what a lovely suprise Ms. Dia! I said, clapping my hands with fake enthusiasm. Didn't expect to see you here ma'am. Are you going to watch us practice? I asked, hoping otherwise.
Oh no. As much as I'd like to, I just can't. I just have to tell you something important my dear. Oh goodness she's leaving right away after this.
In a scale of 1-10, 1 being "get out of my face" nonsense and 10 being "life changing", how important is that? What is it ma'am?
I know it's just a short notice and I'm terribly sorry for not informing you on time, She stopped then, looking really sorry and all. Oh please just spill it! You're wasting my time. but I hope
you'd agree to this. She sighed then held both of my hands. The board has just chosen you to be our school representative for this year's Sports Fest! She said, giving me the hopeful stare. I found my voice after a second or two.
Are you being serious? I asked stupidly, knowing that I'd get a positive answer. From the corner of my eye, I saw Kat and Lia inched closer to us. Me? Representative?? Ms. Dia nodded again, like I'm an uncomprehending kid. Sweet luck!
I didn't expect this!
Oh you sure didn't honey. Lia scoffed, and she got me there. Of course I expected this, but I just want to give Ms. Dia the reaction she was hoping for.
So it's a yes then? She asked excitedly. I nodded, giving her a reassuring smile. I knew you'd turn positive with this, hija.
Everyone in hearing range started talking about the latest news, even the squad and the basketball team. An idea suddenly flicked to my mind.
Ms. Dia, am I supposed to have an escort or something? I asked sweetly and innocently. Ms. Dia nodded a happy head at me. Now that's cool. I want James to escort me. I said decisively, turning to James who is just around the corner listening, unnoticed. Or so he thought.
He started to protest but stopped short when Ms. Dia agreed right on. The team captain? But of course! That's just terrific Jasmine. I smiled thankfully at Ms. Dia, then at James who just shook his head, turning away from us.
I told you you're not gonna get away from me.
***
The opening ceremonials for the Sports Fest turned out great. Despite being laid out it the morning sun, everyone was still positive and excited about this year's competition. Representative from different schools were hyped up, wearing their school colors with pride and great conviction on winning the crown.
James and I stayed together throughout the ceremonies, but not once he talked or even look at me. He's playing his cards well, giving me the cold shoulders and all. But I'm not gonna let him win this round. He won't.
You look dashing today. I just feel sorry that the guy you're with is not talking to you. I almost gasped when I heard him talk right after I went out of the restroom. He was leaning casually on the wall right next to the guy's cr, his arms folded on his chest.
You almost gave me a heart attack!
I did? He asked, amused.
Don't you dare come near me. I hissed when he started walking towards me. He smiled then raised both his hands idiotly.
I meant no harm.
Like I'm supposed to belive that. I said irritatedly. Now what exactly brings you here? I demanded, but he just eyed his clothes and only then did I realize that he was wearing his jersey.
Princeton High's team captain, your majesty. He bowed, smiling more stupidly at me.
I'm not buying it.
I said then started walking away, but he grabbed my arm then pushed me to the same wall he was leaning at moments ago. His face was directly at my own and I could smell the sweet scent of his perfume. His green eyes bore into mine that I felt almost dizzy just by looking at those gems, and the very thought of screaming for help sounded so ridiculous.
Why so cynical? His breath touched my cheek, making me gulp like an idiot.
What took you so..
JAMES! I shouted inside my head, but my eyes just gave away.
James was ready to punch the guy in front of me when he suddenly looked back at him, making James startled. Confusion crossed his face and I swear I saw him stepped back.
What the hell are you doing here?
He said through clenched teeth, regaining his control. Seth released me from his grip then greeted James.
Hello brother. He said almost in a singsong.
I felt my tongue tied its own upon hearing his words.
Brother your ass! In that instant, I thought he was gonna punch Seth but he didn't. He just walked towards me then grabbed my hand, spitting the words right in front of Seth's face.
Don't you ever touch her again. James dragged me away, leaving Seth with a smirk on his face. He mouthed something when I looked back, but I was beyond caring.
