THE QUARTERBACK BABY

Episode 5: CONCENTRATE SOPHIE

while trying to ignore the storm inside my head.

Noah forgot our study date.

Noah barely texts me anymore.

Noah feels different.

"Focus, Sophie!" Coach suddenly shouted.

I blinked.

Oops. I had completely missed a step. Several girls stumbled because of me. Coach Martinez looked ready to kill somebody.

"What is wrong with you today?"

"Sorry."

"Sorry doesn't win championships."

Heat rushed into my face from embarrassment.

"Again!"

We restarted immediately.

Smile. Spin. Jump. Land.

Perfect.

At least on the outside.

By the time practice finally ended, the sun had already started setting outside the gym windows.

I collapsed onto the bleachers beside Chloe while grabbing my water bottle.

"I think Coach secretly hates us," Chloe muttered dramatically.

I laughed softly. Then sighed.

Chloe looked at me carefully.

"You really okay?"

There it was again. That question. The one I didn't know how to answer anymore.

"I don't know," I admitted quietly.

Chloe stayed silent. Which meant she already understood.

The gym doors suddenly opened. Several football players walked inside laughing loudly.

Including Noah.

Girls instantly perked up around the room. Typical. Westbridge football players were basically royalty inside this school.

Noah looked amazing even after practice. Which honestly annoyed