Secret Existence

"After- The High"

The alarm on Jae's Lamborghini Aventador beeped as I made my way into the stadium with Angel and Chare. We soon found seats in the middle and sat. Angelle and Chare got in a whole argument about which player's DM's they'd like to slide in and all the likes. I smiled all the way just listening to their playful banter as the game proceeded. Like always, there was this intoxicating aura rising from the field, and for some reason, I found it highly familiar but I didn't put much thought to it. I tried my best to keep my focus on the game but I'm not really a fan of any kind of field sports. I do gymnastics, dance, and figure skating (on occasions), so yea, not interested. Most of my attention was on my brother or Tyler and the remainder on my phone.

A text from my cousin came in; telling me to meet her by the entrance and I gladly made my way down. As soon as I saw her, we hugged and she dragged me towards the school. In no time, we were in the bathroom talking and trying to catch up. She is a Blue Ridge cheerleader also, so she shouldn't be here.

"Paige *trying to stop laughing* why'd you really call me?"

"Jadie, there's this new girl at school. She's been hanging around Tyler. Like a lot."

"Okay, Paige. So what?"

"Don't you think that's weird? He's never this accepting of the girls who die over him, much less talk to them. Only you."

"Come on, you're reading into this too much, aren't ya? He talks to you a little, mhmm maybe your friends."

"Exactly! Why's that? Cause we're related, nothing else."

"Okay, maybe but that's generally how he is until he gets comfortable. I appreciate your concern though."

"Jaedae, just keep a watchful eye out for this girl. he even drove her to school this morning."

"Okay, okay, I'll be careful. Now go shake your poms and entertain me, it's half-time and this whole football thing bores me."

*slaps her arm and playfully glares at her* "What do you take me for?"

We laughed as we ran back to the stadium. As I was going back to my seat, I saw Paige's coach scolding her and gesturing for her to get in the formation quickly. I laughed even more and sat down at the edge. There were two boys, rather highly pale, flirting with my best friends. All the same, I tuned them out, tuning into Blue "Raptors" performance. "Animal" played throughout the stadium and I'm really impressed with their routine. I must say they've improved this year. Honestly, their performance boosted my energy and felt like I was on the clouds. That's how much I love artistic sports.

The crowd around me was filled with added exuberance and they were all enjoying the performance and it just might be the catalyst needed to heighten the anticipation of the next half of the game. I watched as both team players stood on both sides of the line glaring at each other like wolves and vampires. The level of intimidation was evaporating off their bodies.

This type of tension made the once breathable air contaminated in a mixture of hot and cold; making it the most unbearable thing for most. People were shifting about; almost on the edge of their seats. Sweat and some, tears, perspired and flowed from the bodies of die-hearted fans as the game continued. Contrarily, for someone whose brother and boyfriend were going head-to-head for the win, I sat with my feet crossed in calm nonchalance.

Honestly, after years of seeing these two teams fighting for the championship, family, boyfriend, or no, I've gotten used to the competitiveness and rivalry between them. They aren't called the top two teams in the country for nothing. Their games are always highly anticipated and draw in the likes of scouts, the press, and other high-class people. To me, it's just another high; it draws you in for a time, and then when all is said and done, the adrenaline dies down, there's no choice to withdraw until it's before you once again.

The signal that the game has come to end sounded and ongoing cheers and shouts echoed throughout the stadium. "Congratulations Blue Ridge, you are automatically one of the contenders for the semi-finals. One point sets them apart from Oceanview, the defending champions. What an upset!" The commentator reports. The Sharks respectfully shake hands with the raptors and the latter continues their celebration. I looked over to see my best friends sulking at the loss of our school and the boys who were with them nowhere to be seen. Strange, when did they pass me?

After all the high-spirits fiery spirits were washed away, I stepped down to congratulate Tyler and jeer my brother but... Everything seemed to go in slow motion and I heard the faded calls of my friends to stop but I was really excited to hug him. My eyes tried to spot him out among the bundle of people on the field. My boots touched the luscious greens of the field. I stood at a distance until I saw the number thirteen jersey by the touchdown area. A lot of people came to me: first my cousin, then it was two of Tyler's close friends, and then my brother who turned my sight from where my focus was on, Tyler. I was a bit agitated yet confused. 'Why are they trying to stop me from going over there?'

Shortly after Jae held me while attempting to carry me away, I managed to push him off me. I don't know where that strength nor determination came from to push a bulked-up muscle kid like Jae from, but it worked. I walked back happily towards Tyler. A slight shade of purple eyes glared smugly at me and in an instant, I saw it for myself. There was a blonde-haired girl gripping a tad bit too strongly on Tyler's jersey and melting her lips into his. He just stood there, unexpectedly. I was so close yet so far as I saw them and immediately my happiness turned into an expressionless look. An involuntary sob was released from my mouth and simultaneously, Tyler turned around looking like a deer caught in headlights. The girl had mixed expressions on her pale face, more so fearful fright and...jealousy?

I made a sharp spin realizing all eyes on me. My friends, brother, and cousin in front of me now. My anger seethed about me. My blood was boiling but my exterior remained calm and composed. I walked off briskly leaving my brother who was shouting at Tyler, I assume. My friends and cousin consoled me as we made our way out of the stadium.