Accidentally Yours

Chapter 4

I head back to the dorm and throw my backpack down as I climb into bed. I lay down for a few minutes, staring at the ceiling, thinking about Ava. I'm not sure why, but I just don't feel that strong of a connection between us and I don't want to hurt her. And I'm getting the feeling that she knows and possibly feels the same way. So, I'll ask to meet up with her the next time we talk and clear the tension in the air.

Colton walks in after some time passes and runs his fingers through his hair, as normal. He breathes out and says, "I'm still screwed."

"For?" I ask and sit up in my bed.

"The freakin' quiz tomorrow."

"Did Dustin not just help us? Or did I somehow imagine that you were there?" I ask and grin at him.

"He did and I was there. I just couldn't concentrate, I guess."

"I mean, Dustin did go to each of us to make sure we understood what he was saying. He was pretty good with the one on one aspect of the tutoring," I say completely confused.

"That was the problem," Colton mutters.

"Problem?"

"Forget it. I've gotta get some rest before the game tomorrow."

And with that, Colton pulls off his shirt, revealing toned abs, and switches into a different one. I get up and rustle through my drawers, as I too, change my clothes. Colton collapses into his bed and I switch off the light as I find my way back to my own bed.

---

The sun shines into the room through the blinds and I squint as I slowly sit up in bed. Morning came too fast. I stretch my arms above my head and glance across the room to see Colton has already left. I remember that the "big game" is tonight and groan. I was never into social events and I am not too eager to start.

I hear knocking at my door and curse under my breath as I groggily pull myself out of bed. My footsteps are heavy as I walk to open it and as I do, I catch the sight of long, brown hair. My eyes widen as I look straight at Sydney.

"Jeez, what're you doing here so early?" I say as I yawn.

"Just making sure you're definitely coming tonight," Sydney says and grins widely.

"This again. Didn't I already say I was?" I say and notice Sydney's face drop. "I, uh. I didn't mean for it to come out li-"

"No, it's fine. I guess I am being a little too pushy," she says and quickly turns away. I instinctively reach out my arm and grab her hand. She whirls around and crashes into my chest.

"s**t, sorry. Hey, I didn't mean to sound so rude. Aren't we going to the game together tonight?" I say and try to recover from my mistake.

Her face lights up and she tucks the stray strands of hair behind her ear, as she always does. "Of course."

"Alright, I'll see you tonight," I say and give her a small wave before closing my door. I let out a sigh and realize I'm really no good with girls.

The day passes slowly, as I have no classes, and I become relieved when the clock finally reaches five. I throw on a random outfit and run my fingers through my hair before stepping out of my room just as Sydney and Faye do.

"Great timing," Faye chimes and smiles. "I can't wait to watch Colt- I mean, the game!"

I smirk. "Is that so?"

Faye blushes and we turn to walk down the hall. The field is not too far from our dorm, so we do not have to walk much. We were also pretty damn early and got to sit anywhere we wanted on the bleachers.

When we arrive, both of the soccer teams are warming up and doing exercises in order to prepare for the game. I sit down next to Sydney, as Faye sits on her other side. I catch Colton volley the ball off of a corner kick but the goalie dives and rolls as he catches the ball. Dustin then runs over and pats Colton on the back, probably muttering some praise as I glance at the other team. Music blares through the speakers, pumping up every player on the field and they all look just as hungry as each other. I can tell that it is going to be a very close game.

"I'm so nervous already," Sydney whispers as she leans into me.

I shift a little and reply, "Mhm. The other team looks very skilled."

"That's because they get all the training they need. They've got the money for it, too."

"Ah, then it's going to be hard to beat them, huh?"

"Yeah, but they did it last year so I know they can pull it off again."

Our conversation is cut short as a man begins to announce the names of the players as his voice booms through the speakers. The crowd fills up and everyone anxiously awaits the start of the game.

Eleven players from each team jog onto the field on opposite sides and take their positions. I recognize Colton as the sweeper in the back line and Dustin as the striker in the front. A whistle blares and the game starts.

Dustin sprints up the field as the rest of the team moves up with him. He receives a pass from one of the guys in the mid field and dribbles through two players before sending it further up the field, close to the opposing team's box. One guy takes a shot by the eighteen, and it soars through the air before a defender on the opposite team jumps up and hits the ball with his head. The crowd cheers and I breathe, not realizing I had been holding it in.

The other team is now in possession of the ball and quickly makes a counterattack. They are gaining speed as most of the players on our team fall behind. We only have our defensive line on our side of the field and I become nervous. One of the defensive players challenges the ball, but fails and the guy gets around him. My palms start to sweat until I see Colton sprint up and skillfully attack the other player. He successfully takes the ball and sends it flying up the field. Again, the mid field passes the ball to Dustin who immediately shoots the ball to the corner of the net. The goalie dives to the side and stretches his long arms in the air as his fingers just barely scrape the ball. But it wasn't enough.

The crowd roars and everyone around us stands.

"Goal made by number nine, Dustin Richards."