XX. Game Watching
We went back to the quadrangle in such a daze. James was literally dragging me by the hand and I was letting him do so. I didn't have time to ask him about Seth calling him brother because he was too caught up in his own thoughts and it seemed like he's not even going to answer me when I ask him that. There's only one way to find out. I fished for my phone inside my bag when we reached our seats, dialling the number I just needed. She picked up on the first ring.
Hey biatch I saw you and James walking-
Shut up Li. This is not the right time to talk about that. I need you to do something for me.
Fine. Juicy details later. What do you want? I glanced at James then, making sure he wasn't listening to my convo with Lia. He still looked perplexed about what happened to even notice that I was itching away from him. Lia sounded impatient from the other line. It's Seth Saavedra. Princeton High's team captain. He called James, brother.
What?! Lia shrieked. That's not even possible-
I know right?! So just do your thing Li. I'm counting on you.
You really should be. She chuckled then hang up the phone. If Seth and James are really brothers, which I doubt, then I must take advantage of it this instant.
Two days after, I was sitting on my bed and reading the email that Lia sent me. It sure was a suprise to be reading such things. But knowing Li, I shouldn't be that surprised. That biatch has a knack for this kind of things.
Seth Saavedra. Princeton High's King. Isn't this title too self-proclaiming? I thought to myself.
I skipped past the parts where it would only boost Seth's ego if he reads it and went to the more vital parts of the email. Seth, who is related to James of Eastern High, has earned himself the-
I don't care about his awards. I want to know his real connection to James. I said, scrolling down the page.
..is said to be his closest cousin and more of a brother. They practically grew up together and shared the same passion - basketball. But the animosity between them started when James' father voiced out in front of him that he'd rather have Seth as his son, someone who's more matured and knows what he wanted to do in life. The two tried to put that aside but it only got bigger as the years passed. Their friendship and brotherhood abruptly ended when James' girlfriend allegedly showed interest for Seth and ended up with lips locking with each other.
Now this is news. I smiled to myself then, satisfied with what I've read. This is going to be great.
**
What are you doing here? Seth seems to be appearing anywhere he want. Just like now, he's standing right outside our classroom, nonchalant to the dreamy eyes that are directed to him. I said what are you doing here?! I snapped when he doesn't seem to be listening.
Relax. I heard you pretty clearly. You don't need to shout. He smiled then tried to touch me, but I jerked right away before his hand made contact with my arm.
What do you want? I hissed.
Are you sure you're asking me that? He smirked, and I felt stupid right there and then. Why the hell did I ask that? He didn't even mention anything about asking something from me! But since you already asked, I think I'm just gonna invite you to watch our team play later after your last class. He said, not asking but telling.
What if I don't want to?
Then you'd be sorry. I'm absolutely sure my brother's gonna watch later. He said all too knowingly.
Your brother? I bet not. He's just your cousin.
Confusion crossed his face for a second but it all melted away when he smiled a triumphant one. So I guess you did your research huh?
Oh hush now Jasmine. Why are all these things slipping out?! Whatever. I snorted then tried going back to the real topic. What makes you think James is gonna be there?
Hey cheerleader. Use your head. He then poked my temple. We both are captains of our own teams. We are only expected to watch out for those teams that we think will be our biggest opponent. I'm sure he won't miss the chance to see me play. He smirked again then checked his watch. So, later? I promise you won't be disappointed. He said then started backing away. His words actually made sense, but why would I be watching his team play? Oh please. You can't be serious.
Gym. Around 4pm
You're watching Princeton High? James asked, doubtful.
And so are you. I fired back, looking at the court again. He took the seat next to me.
But you don't watch basketball before, except if it's our team playing.
Precisely. Before. Besides, your cousin invited me to watch.
Cousin. So he told you? I huffed an "uh huh" - just so he wouldn't ask me anymore - then watched the game again. I saw Seth winked at me but he then fumbled with the ball when his teammate passed it to him suddenly. I chuckled with his reaction, and he too laughed at himself.
I don't know if it's just me or James really muttered something unintelligible when Seth did what he did.
