Remember

Chapter 14

 It was game day and I was beyond pumped for this moment. We had practiced long and hard. Our bod was sore from the conditioning, drills, and endless scrimmages with the new plays. We had a reputation of being pretty good even though we were a jv team. The legacy lived on that jv move up to varsity and become even better. I loved lacrosse, but softball was my sport. I had hoped to get a scholarship to college even if it was just a community one. It would be a ticket to a higher education. 

My mom had wanted to come to my first game, but she was down a migraine and Jake was busy working his second job. I knew they both felt bad, but it was fine. I was use to them not being able to be a part of my extra curricular activities. It had been that way since I could remember and was playing soccer or doing community basketball. I was always involved in something. Casey was too-she was a great dancer and always had competitions, but once she hit middle school she just stopped and put her focus on being popular and having a boyfriend. The guys in my grade and even the grade above or below were not appealing at all in anyway. I tried to have crushes, but nothing that sparked a fire inside me the way Ares does. 

He had picked me up to take me to the game this morning while my mom recovered from her migraine and Casey was grounded for something that was irrelevant to me per usual. 

We didn't say much on the way there as I was mentally getting prepared so we just listened to my favorite music as motivation. When we got out he grabbed my hand like he had on the first day of school and lead me to the field where some of my team mates were gathered. 

"Good luck." He told me 

How frustrating it was that I wanted him to kiss me, but knew it would be inappropriate considering that people be watching and I had a feeling someone was going to send my parents a message about Ares and I holding hands. 

It didn't matter anymore. I knew what we were and what we were to each other. 

I was starting and the game began. I had scored the first two points and I could hear the crowd cheer on. The coach sat me out for the 1st start of the second quarter and I went for the rest. Half time came and went. We were ahead by 2, but they were still holding strong and had a great defense team. We needed stay strong-Finally the last quarter and I had cut my way against the opponents and was passed the ball. I shot it into the goal for the winning point as they had some how gained on us in third period making us tide with them. I can feel my lungs burning as I ran toward the goalie. I shot it in and scored. My teammates came running and we all jumped for joy as we had won the game. I couldn't believe it. I was so excited. 

After we did our team chant and said good game to our rivals. The coach had promised us dinner if we won so we all agreed to meet up straight afterwards to celebrate. I saw Ares standing with such pride in his face. I ran up to him and he caught me in his arms and held me. 

"You kicked ass." He said 

"Thanks." 

"You are extremely fast." 

I heard my name be called behind me, "Hey love bird you coming or what?" Asked one of my teammates. 

I turned to Ares. 

"We will meet you there." He called out back to her. 

Ares grabbed my sports bag and we walked to his truck and made our way to the restaurant that had a giant buffet of food. I was starving so it was good. We all sat down and did our chants that we did and cheer for the victory. 

My couch made a speech. 

"I think we can all agree that the MVP this week will go to Emma." 

I got up and did a little bow and everyone clapped. How different it was being on the field and with a team. We all had common ground. We all worked hard and played hard. How much changes when we are inside a building pressured by influences that either make us or break us. 

After the feast I was stuffed full and I could feel my legs burning and the stench from my sweat. 

"Can we go to your place?" I asked him, "I have a change of clothes in my bag." 

"What does your mom say?" 

I smiled, "She says-Congrats on the big win. Migraine still a 10. Jake is home yelling at Casey which isn't helping. Curfew is at 10. Have fun." 

"Ok. Yeah we can go to my place." 

We parked his truck at Jenna's house and he warped us to his condo in the woods. He had a full functioning bathroom so I was able to take a shower and slip on a pair of sweats and sweatshirt that smelled like fresh laundry. I walked out and he was sitting on the couch watching tv. 

"Feel better?" He asked 

"Yes." 

I took my spot on the other side of the couch and like last time the giant blanket appeared. 

We didn't talk much which was fine. I was already beginning to get sleepy. He turned to me. 

"Do you want me to take you home?" He asked 

"No." I looked over at his bed and with the last of my strength I got up and walked over. He watched me as I made my way to his bed and laid down. I closed my eyes and listened for the sound of his footsteps, but there were none. Instead warm arms came across my waste and pulled me toward him and I could feel parts of me that have never been explored tingle wishing for his touch. The blanket from the couch appeared over top of us. 

"I wish you would kiss me Ares." I whispered. 

He changed positions to where he was bracing himself half on top of me to look down and I to look up at him. 

"I want to kiss you Emma, but I am worried that I won't be able to stop and I'll want more." 

I shivered at the response. 

"I want that also." I whispered to him and I couldn't help but look at him in a way that made him look at me with an expression of acceptance and desire. He leaned down and kissed my cheek. 

"Get some rest Emma." 

I rolled back over to my side and he held me close to him. It didn't take long for deep sleep to hit me. When I woke up he was sitting on the couch again watching tv. He turned to me. 

"Its getting late. I probably should take you home." 

"I'm sorry." I said 

"For what?" 

"Pressuring you." 

"No pressure. Trust me I'd have you naked and under me in minutes if I could, but they say good things are worth the wait and I'll wait for as long as I need to." 

I closed my eyes and imagined him. He got off the couch and moved to me as I could feel him close by, He lifted my chin to look at him. His eyes were green and enchanting. I didn't want to leave. I wanted to stay. I wanted him in all the ways someone could want someone. 

"Come I need to be that responsible platonic friend that gets you home on time." He smiled 

I came home and my mom was sitting in the living room with a cup of coffee in her hand and a book. 

Ares didn't come in. I told him it was ok in case Jake and Casey were going round 2 of bickering. 

"Hi honey how was the game?" 

"It was great. I scored the winning point." 

"That is great! Sorry I missed it." 

I sat down next to her. I didn't want her to see my disappointment. 

"It's ok. There will be more games it's only the beginning of the season." 

My mom looked at me up and down for any signs of lost innocence, but there was none. 

"You spend a lot of time with Ares." 

"Uh-huh." I said 

"Are you guys official?" 

I did my best not to blush. 

"We like each other." 

"Clearly, but are you guys...you know." 

I wasn't sure what she was getting at? My mom let out a heavy sigh and removed her classes. 

"Are you guys having s*x? Because if you are just say the word and we can get you on some birth control." 

"Oh mom! No...I told you. We haven't even kissed yet." 

"You'd tell me right. I want you to trust me enough to be able to come to me." 

I turned to her. 

"I know mom." 

I yawned, "I am tired so I am going to bed. I love you. Good night." I gave her a peck on the cheek. 

"Good night." 

I did my night time routine of washing my face, braiding my hair, and brushing my teeth. I crawled into my bed and imagined Are's arms wrapped around me. 

Another dream came to me

There was a cadence knock on the door and a hooded figure came in. 

"We must leave immediately. He knows she is here. I shall take her to the end of the Forrest and you'll follow behind. "

I saw my mom gathering up a small sack of supplies and turning to her friend who she gave a hug to and a little girl with intense blue eyes next to her. 

"Come Emma we must go." 

I too was dressed and concealed in the shadows. The mystery man took my hand and lead me out into the dark. I turned and waved to the girl. He lifted me up and placed me on top of his horse and he mounted behind me and off we went into the night.