Offside Hearts

After the Applause

The last beat of the music faded out at Crestmont Stadium. For a heartbeat, the crowd was silent. Then the applause came. It rolled across the stadium like thunder, accompanied by whistles, cheers, and chants from every section of the stands. Blue Blaze held their final formation as cameras flashed from every direction. The girls remained perfectly still until the announcer’s voice boomed through the speakers.

“Ladies and gentlemen, one more round of applause for your very own Blue Blaze!”

The cheers grew even louder. One by one, the cheerleaders relaxed their poses. Some squealed with excitement and rushed into each other’s arms. Others laughed as they replayed their favorite stunts from the routine. Olivia Reyes simply stepped down from the pyramid without a word. She removed the blue ribbon tied around her ponytail and slipped it into the side pocket of her duffel bag. Her breathing was steady. Not because the routine had been easy. Because she’d learned long ago never to let people see when she was tired.

“Liv!”

Louisa hurried over, almost tripping over her own pom-poms.

“There you are!” “I’ve been here the whole time.” Louisa rolled her eyes. “You know what I mean.” She nudged Olivia’s shoulder with a grin.

“That last stunt?” Olivia raised an eyebrow. “What about it?” “It was insane.”

“It was rehearsed.” “You spun twice before landing.” “I was supposed to.” “The crowd went crazy.” Olivia zipped up her bag. “They clap every match.” Louisa let out a dramatic sigh.

“One day, I’m going to hear you accept a compliment.” “I wouldn’t count on it.”

A smile tugged at Louisa’s lips. “There it is.” Olivia frowned. “What?” “You almost smiled.” “I didn’t.” “You absolutely did.” Olivia’s lips twitched. “It was probably exhaustion.” Louisa laughed. “No, that was definitely a smile.” For the briefest second, the corner of Olivia’s mouth lifted.

Then… The roar from the football players celebrating on the pitch reached her ears. The tiny smile disappeared as quickly as it had come. Her eyes drifted toward the field. The Titans were celebrating with students and photographers. A football bounced lazily across the grass. Someone blew a whistle. Another player lifted the trophy into the air. The celebration blurred before her eyes. For one painful moment… It wasn’t the Titans she saw. It was another team. Another field. Another afternoon. A boy laughing as he ran toward the stands. A hand reaching out to ruffle her hair.

“You were amazing today, Liv.” The memory vanished before she could hold onto it.

“Liv?” Louisa’s voice brought her back. “You okay?” Olivia blinked once. “I’m fine.” Louisa looked at her for another second. She knew that answer rarely meant fine. Still… She didn’t press. Instead, she slung her own bag over her shoulder. “Come on.” Olivia nodded.

Together, they started toward the stadium tunnel. Behind them, several members of Blue Blaze ran onto the field to celebrate with the football team. One girl shouted, “Picture time!” Another laughed as one of the Titans spun her around. Louisa glanced over her shoulder before looking back at Olivia. “You don’t ever miss that?” Olivia didn’t answer immediately. By the time she spoke, her voice was quiet. “I came here to perform.” “Not to celebrate.” Louisa simply nodded. She’d heard that answer before. The two friends continued walking side by side, their footsteps echoing through the tunnel. Outside, students were already spilling across campus, still buzzing from the home victory. Whispers followed them almost immediately.

“That’s Olivia Reyes.” “The Ice Queen.” “I swear she never smiles.”

“I heard one of the Titans tried talking to her last month.” “And?” “She walked away.” Louisa leaned closer. “If campus gossip was a sport, you’d be an Olympian.” Olivia looked down at her bag, but not before Louisa saw the flash of hurt in her eyes. “I don’t care what they say.” “I know.” Louisa paused. “But they’re wrong. Most of them.” Olivia looked up. “What do you mean?” “I don’t always smile. It’s true.” Louisa’s voice was gentle. “I don’t know anyone who smiles as much as you do.” Olivia didn’t respond right away

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The black SUV was waiting outside the east gate of Crestmont Stadium. Its polished exterior gleamed in the sun, drawing a few curious looks from students as they passed. The moment Olivia and Louisa approached, the driver stepped out and opened the rear door.

“Good afternoon, Miss Reyes, Miss Brooks,” he said. Olivia gave him a small nod.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Harris,” Louisa said, smiling warmly. He nodded, then closed the door behind them. The cool air conditioning wrapped around them as the SUV pulled smoothly away from the stadium. For a while, neither girl spoke. Students in Titans jerseys walked on the sidewalks, laughing and talking about the match. Louisa leaned her head against the seat. “You know…” “Hmm?” “I still can’t believe we survived our first home performance.” “It wasn’t that bad,” Olivia said. “It wasn’t that bad?” Louisa asked, shocked.

“Liv, I thought I was going to faint before we went on.” “You always think you’re going to faint,” Olivia said. “And every single time, I don’t,” Louisa said, smiling. “I hate that you’re always right.” The silence was short-lived. “I meant what I said earlier,” Louisa said softly. “You really were amazing today.” Olivia sighed. “We all were.” “No,” Louisa said. “I mean you. The crowd couldn’t stop cheering.” “They were cheering for Blue Blaze,” Olivia said. “They were cheering because you nearly gave everyone a heart attack with that stunt.”

“I landed it,” Olivia said. “Barely.” Olivia gave a small huff. Louisa grinned.

“There it is.” “What?” “That little attitude.” “I don’t have an attitude,” Olivia said. “You absolutely do,” Louisa said. The SUV turned onto the residential road leading toward the student dormitories. The sounds from the stadium faded behind them. The silence outside made Louisa’s next question almost hesitant.

“Are you going home this weekend?” Olivia’s gaze remained fixed on the window. “I don’t know.” “You’ve said ‘I don’t know’ for the last four weekends.” “I’ve been busy.”

Louisa didn’t answer right away. She knew Olivia wasn’t telling the truth. “You don’t have to tell me why.” “I know.” “But… he misses you,” Louisa said. Olivia’s fingers tightened on the strap of her duffel bag. “I know.” Her answer was quiet. Almost too quiet. The driver slowed before one of Crestmont University’s residence halls. “I’ll drop you ladies, here,” he said.

“Thank you,” Louisa said brightly. Olivia nodded. “Thank you.” The driver hesitated. Then, almost reluctantly, he spoke. “Your father asked me to remind you…” Olivia looked at him. “…that he’d like to see you whenever you’re ready.” For the first time since leaving the stadium… Something flickered across Olivia’s face. Not anger. Not sadness. Just exhaustion. “I’ll think about it.” Mr. Harris gave a respectful nod. “I’ll let him know.”

The girls watched as the black SUV drove away. Louisa slipped her arm through Olivia’s. “Come on.” “Our assignment isn’t going to finish itself.” A tiny smile tugged at Olivia’s lips. “I was hoping you’d forgotten.” “I never forget deadlines,” Louisa said. Together, they walked toward the dormitory entrance.