Party
1299 Words
"Eric, can I talk with you for a moment?" Troy says when the last class finishes.
"Sure, do you want to walk with me to the football field?" I offer.
He looks at Kevin, who is humming a song while listening to it on his headphones. Then, he nods in my direction and takes his stuff before following me.
As we walk outside the building, Troy apologizes. "I'm sorry for Kevin's attitude towards you."
"What?"
"Yeah, he's usually very nice but I don't know why he doesn't like you."
I frown. "It's ok dude. I can talk with him if you want me to."
"Would you really do that?"
"Yeah! No problem."
"Thank you."
He waves goodbye and I join the group at the middle of the field.
The training goes great until a couple of minutes before it finishes. I'm about to throw a ball when I see Noah from the corner of my eye. He approaches Felix, gives him something and then kisses his lips.
I bite my cheek and throw the ball with anger, making it fall many meters away from my partner.
"Good throw." The coach says, writing something down in a small notebook. I nod and catch the ball only to throw it again.
The training week has already finished, which means that Mr. Sullivan will announce the new members of the team in a couple of minutes.
Noah has stayed by the terraces.
I hate this. I hate how his only presence hurts. I hate more seeing him with that guy, honestly.
"Alright." The coach starts. "Let's begin with the defensive team."
More than the half of students leave with disappointment after not being selected. Soon, the offensive is chosen as well. Only one quarterback will join the team because there are already two players from other grades.
I am about to leave when I hear my name. "Me?" I ask.
"Yes." The coach confirms. "We will train with the complete team on Monday, you must buy the uniform and be ready. See you then." He concludes.
I experience a rollercoaster of emotions in only five seconds. I'm excited because I was chosen. I'm sad because Noah ran towards Felix to hug him and brighten his mood since he wasn’t chosen for the team. I'm joyful again because, while Hansen was embracing his boyfriend, he congratulated me.
I smile widely. "Thanks." His face shows no expression, but his voice did. He wasn't sorry for Felix; he was happy for me. "Noah!” I call him, stopping him from leaving.
"Yes?" He says, separating from Felix but keeping their fingers intertwined.
"Can we talk for a minute?"
He nods towards his boyfriend and he walks away from us. "Is there something wrong?"
"Why did you lie to me?"
He smirks. "Sorry, I didn't explain myself correctly."
"What do you mean?"
"My treatment isn't about consuming any kind of medicine. It's only hypnosis." I frown. "I can give you the address of the place I go if you want."
"No, no. It's ok." I say, not sure if he's playing with me again or not.
"Was that all?" He asks, looking away from me.
"Are you free today? There will be a party for the new ones of the football team."
"I-I'll think about it. Goodbye."
"Bye."
I watch him join his boyfriend in the distance and choose to go straight to my car in order to avoid damaging my heart too badly.
I go home and take a hot shower before calling Kevin while watching a random hockey match on the TV.
"Hello?"
"Hi. It's Eric."
"Oh, hi." He says with annoyance clear in his voice.
"Look, I know you don't like me and that's exactly what I want to talk about. Have I done something wrong?"
He takes his time to answer. "Well, I-I... y-you..." He stutters before asking another question. "Are you gay?"
I'm taken aback by his words. "Is there a problem with that?" I ask, fighting back the anger that’s building up.
He scoffs, however, making me feel calmer. "No. Of course not."
"I am gay, what with that?"
A heavy sigh escapes his lips as silence comes back for several seconds. "Do you like Troy?"
Now I realize why he acted like a douchebag with me.
"You like him, don't you?"
He coughs. "What?"
I laugh. "Don't worry man, I don't like him at all. I didn't even know you guys were gay to be honest."
He giggles. "I'm sorry for treating you badly."
"It's ok. You should tell Troy your feelings though."
"Yeah, I should."
"Do you want my help with something?"
"I'll think about it. Thanks."
"No problem. Oh, and guess what? You're talking with the new replacement of quarterback!"
"Replacement?" He asks mockingly, laughing right after. "Wait, are you in the team?"
"Of course, I am. I don't think I'll play a game in at least a year, but I'm there." I chuckle.
"Congratulations. Does that mean you'll go to the party?"
"Yeah. I was wondering if you and Troy wanted to come."
"Sure, why not?"
"Cool. I'll send you the information later."
"Alright. Bye. And, again, I'm sorry."
"I forgive you. See you."
I hang up and place my phone on the counter of the kitchen.
Excitement replaces my hunger and instead of eating something more than a chocolate bar I just go upstairs and stare at my clothes not knowing what to wear.
I bought leather pants recently, both those are hot as hell. I look at what I'm wearing right now, deciding to only change my shirt for a blue flannel.
Then, I return downstairs and check my phone. Three missed calls from an unknown number. I call back immediately but get no answer. It must have been a mistake.
I sigh and talk with Frank and Craig through texts, letting them know that I won't be able to Skype today.
Some minutes later, I take my keys and drive to the party.
It's in a house a little bit far from mine. The music can be heard from the outside. This might be fun.
I sit by the bar –that doesn't serve alcoholic drinks because we're athletes and stuff–, waiting for someone I know to arrive.
Suddenly, Noah walks in along with other two people. Surprisingly, none of them are Felix.
They approach me. "Eric, they're Alex and Mary. Mary, Alex, he's my stalker, I mean, Eric." Noah says loudly. His voice can be heard over the music with no effort.
"Nice to meet you." I greet, ignoring the last part of his introduction.
We shake hands.
The song changes. "Oh, would you dance with me?" Alex asks the girl, offering his hand in a polite manner. She nods and both of them walk towards the small dance floor.
Noah curses under his breath, making me laugh a little.
"I thought you were going to bring Felix."
"He had stuff to do." He answers, sitting next to me. "Why didn't you answer my calls? I had to invite Alex because I don't have a car."
"Don't blame on me, I called you back!"
"Whatever."
Kevin and Troy show up only to say hi and then leave again with an stupid excuse.
I ask Noah if he would like to go to the backyard and he agrees.
Outside there's a pool full of people kissing each other nonstop, which makes me regret my decision and causes nausea as well. It's been a year since the last time I had a panic attack. Now anxiety starts filling my brain.
However, a voice I had missed a lot helps me this time.
"Let's go to a more relaxing place. I know a park not very far from here."
- Writer
