Playing Games

The Bell

Maria walked to the school entrance, trying to forget what Chase had said to her. His words kept playing over and over in her head, why did you kiss me back? She hadn't. she would never. The problem was, she actually wasn't sure.

Everything had happened so fast and at first she had tried to push him away, but he continued kissing her and the next thing she knew she was leaning back, he was holding her then oh god. She had kissed him back, hardly at all. But it had been a split second. Why? Why would she do that? She loved Andrew.

Only, she and Andrew had been together for a while, and yes he wanted them to stay together through college Maria wondered how that could happen. The truth was talk of their future always made her feel a little….unready.

Even though she and Andrew had been together so long, over a year now, it all felt new. Okay they were passionate but he was obsessed with swimming and she wasn't sure what she wanted out of life. For years she thought a doctor or some medical professional, but then she knew that those carers they need people dedicated, passionate, and she just wasn't. 

The truth was, Maria loved spending her weekends with Mona. It wasn't just to spend time with her cousin, it was to get drunk, have fun, go dancing and be stupid. Every time she went to a party and had fun with Andrew he had openly disapproved. He's tried to take her home early, ruin her fun and scold her like some naughty child the next morning.

She loved Andrew. She loved all of him, the way he looked, the way he spoke, how much he cared, how he compromised for her. So why had she kissed Chase back? 

The bell broke her flow of thought and she headed to the gym, meeting the rest of the cheer team they changed and started to practice. The coach approached the girls, 'great job at the last match, especially you Maria, seems you are fitting in well! I'll make sure Mrs Austin is fully aware of how committed you are' he laughed and she tried not to look disgusted, 'now don't forget this weekend coming we are having an away game. It's a couple of towns over so we've arranged a hotel for the night'. 

Mona was meeting her lab partner after training, so she got changed and headed towards the science block. Maria stayed in her uniform, she was planning to walk home and finish up some homework then binge watch crap TV. 

As she left the locker room it started to rain, she sighed loudly, not only was it getting dark but now it was raining. "Do you have an answer for me?" Maria whipped around at the voice, Chase stood in the shadows watching her, god that's creepy.

She ignored him, she wasn't going to let him get into her head. She wasn't going to engage him in any conversation. "need a lift Maria?" she continued to ignore him and walked past him. She hated the way he said her name, like it was a secret they both shared.

He followed her towards the parking lot, 'you're cute when you're stubborn' she ignored him, in a few quick steps he was behind her, she turned and he lifted her over his shoulder. 'What the f**k, put me down' she tried to sound commanding but she was so shocked. 

'Chase, seriously' his hands were holding the back of her legs and she wished she wasn't wearing her short cheer skirt. But now he was ignoring her, Chase was acutely aware of just how soft her legs were, the even tan they had made them look inviting but touching them was something else. He headed towards his jeep and before he put her down he took the opportunity to feel her thighs, they were so soft. 

She was out of breath struggling but he hadn't broken a sweat carrying her across the car park. Making a move to walk away she stopped when he gave her a look. Without saying anything he leaned forwards, she was trapped against the car and him, he could practically taste her, his blue eyes were staring into hers and she shrank back against the car under the weight of his body. 

He leaned further forward, closing the small gap between their bodies and she swallowed hard, he could feel her petite body against his. He was huge compared to her, and all sorts of things were going through his mind. She broke the silence, 'Chase?' her voice was delicate, like a little whisper. 

'I'm driving you home, it's dark and wet' was all he said and he opened the door, she moved against him, his body hard as a rock, she put her tiny hand against his chest. He stepped back letting her move and step inside. Closing the door for her he walked around and got in the drivers side. 'Do you know where Mona's house is?' she asked quietly and he nodded. 

They drove for a few minutes in silence, 'why do you live with her?' he asked suddenly, 'my dad works abroad' 

'He didn't before?'

'No, he got offered the job just before school. It was his dream job and since I'll be off to college next year it seemed pointless for him not to take it, might not be there next year'

He nodded, 'and you're mum?'

'Dead' 

He didn't say anything, which she liked. Usually she got sympathy, which made it awkward, people didn't know what to say after that. 

'Where is Mona?'

'Sience lab' 

He smirked, 'that her nickname for Ryan?' 

Maria laughed, 'apparently'

He liked the sound of her laugh, she realised he was going the wrong way, 'this isn't the way Chase' 

'I'm hungry' was all he replied 

He pulled up outside a diner in town, Maria was glad it wasn't where Andrew had been working, 'you coming?' he asked her. She looked at him, 'I don't think it's a good idea' he didn't say anything, 'shall I carry you in?' he threatened.