The football player and his teacher

Chapter nineteen - Talking with his friend

Ashley's POV:

Avery will go to New York. I wanted to ask which university this is, but it's better if I don't know. The chances of us being in the same one are not high. Honestly, if we hadn't argued so much, I wouldn't mind being in the same place as him. The problem is that we can't spend one hour without arguing or bickering. It's so annoying, but I can't do anything. Well, I can choose another town, but I wanted to go there for so long. I won't let him ruin my dream. After all, New York is big enough for both of us. It's not a lie that I would love it if we could spend a day without arguing. That started when Avery got into the football team. He was happy to be there but also changed. In eighth grade, everything was fine. I don't know what happened. He started making jokes and thinking he was the best. Honestly, every person has an ego. There is nothing wrong with that. The problem is that he never stopped. Sometimes his jokes were offensive. I never told him the story, but it hurts when a boy makes fun of people's pain. Somehow, he managed to stop. Avery deserves someone to do the same thing to him. The thing is that I don't want it to happen. I know what it feels like to be on the other side. He doesn't need to experience it. Also, he has more important things in his head. I know how hard it is for him to leave his friends. I don't have good ones, and it will be easier for me. I wish that I could help him. That is something he has to face alone. The good thing is that we have phones. It's not the same as talking in person, but it's the only option. I will miss my parents. I can tell them to come, but I know they won't do it. Well, when I graduate, I can go back home. I hope that when I go to university, things will be different.

Two weeks of vacation. I never thought I would enjoy it so much. Honestly, I don't have any plans. On the first day, I was with Avery. I don't plan to spend my whole vacation with him. Also, I don't want us to try the friendship thing. Two months have left us until we graduate from high school. Somehow, I will deal with him. Later I can be free. Maybe I can do the same and go to New York early. I have no idea what I will do there, but at least I can go around the town.

Currently, I am in my room. My parents went to work. Since I have nothing to do, I can walk around. That was the plan until I got a message. It was from Jason. He has never texted me before. It looks like he wants to talk with me. I wonder for what. Jason asked for my address. Without a doubt, I gave it to him. After thirty minutes, there was a knock on the door. I went to open it and let him in.

- Hey, Ashley. Thank you for answering me.

- No problem. Can I know why you are here?

- Will you mind if we walk around? I don't want to stay inside.

- You could've told me where we should meet.

- I know, but I wanted to walk for a while.

- Let's say that I believe you.

- Hey, I know that is Avery's place. - Jason said, chuckling

- No, it's not.

- Are you sure?

- Yes, I am. Hundred percent.

- If you say so.

- Let me take my things and we can go.

I quickly went back into my room. After ten minutes, I was ready. I had to change my clothes. These weren't suitable for going outside. Let's say that I had a small ice cream stain on my t-shirt. I put my shoes on, and both with Jason walked out. I have no idea where we are going. It's not like I care. I like walking around the town. What I wonder is why he wanted us to go out. From the football team, Avery is the only one with who I have talked. I have nothing to tell the other boys. Also, I don't think that we have something in common.

- Can I know why you wanted to talk with me? You have never done it before.

- I wanted to know how Avery is doing.

- You can ask him, not me.

- I mean with his studies. I heard that he is getting better.

- Yes, he is.

- What you did with mister Fitz was a brave move. I would like to know why you did it.

- What do you mean?

- Did you do it for Avery?

- Yes. It's obvious. I didn't waste two months for him to be called a cheater.

- Ashley, you know what I mean.

- No, I don't. What are you trying to say?

- Do you like Avery?

- What? You are kidding, aren't you?

- No, I'm not.

- Jason, we can't spend one hour without arguing. Why would I like him?

- Because lately, both of you got close.

- So?

- He helped you in PE.

- That's because I asked him.

- Ashley, Avery never helps anyone.

- I don't understand why you are telling me all of this.

- You are the only one who made him do the impossible. I mean studying.

- So? All I did was, tell Avery what he would lose if he didn't do it.

- But he listened to you. The boys and I have told him the same without result.

- Look, I don't want to talk about this.

- Let's go to the park over there.

- Fine.

Both with Jason went to the park. We found a bench and sat on it. I don't know why he is asking all these questions. Also, I don't like to feel under interrogation. I know he cares for Avery, but it has nothing to do with me. I don't like him. Avery and I aren't friends, and we won't be. That's it.

- Is this why you want to talk with me? You want to understand if I like your friend.

- Kind of, yes. I think he likes you. That's why I asked all these questions. I wanted to know if it's mutual.

- I'm sorry to break it to you. Your friend doesn't like me. It's impossible.

- Why are you so sure?

- Because I know him. Avery doesn't like me.

- If you say so. - Jason said and moved closer

- Um, what are you doing?

- Proving a point.

- I don't understand.

- Look up, and you will see my mad friend.

Jason was right. Avery was looking at me as if he would kill me soon. How did he know that Avery would be here? Is this a plan or something? I don't understand.

- How did you know he would be here?

- Oh, I didn't. I saw him when we came here. I decided to use the chance.

- You are horrible.

I looked up and saw Avery walking away. Why did Jason do that? I got up and walked after him. I called him, but he didn't turn around. Great. Now he is mad at me. I hate Jason so much. Finally, I ran up to him and grabbed his hand. He tried to walk away, but I didn't let him. I wonder why he got so mad.

- Hey, I'm sorry.

- You have to be. Can I know why you are with my friend outside?

- Jason wanted us to go out. He came home and said that he wanted us to talk. Is it a crime to have a conversation with somebody?

- They are my friends, and you will stay away from them. Understood?

- Why?

- They are already on your side. I don't want my friends to leave me because of you.

- What? They won't leave you.

- Honestly, I'm happy I have to go early to New York.

- Wait, are you mad at me?

- You are lucky that I didn't do anything to you.

- How is that my fault? Also, I don't see anything wrong with talking to Jason. Unlike you, he is not arguing with me every second.

- Then go with him instead of staying here with me.

- But I don't want to do it. I want to know why you keep getting mad about unnecessary things.

- Because you always mess up.

- What do you mean?

- Since we started studying together, you kept messing with my life.

- I wanted to help you. Is it that bad?

- All I needed was help with my studies.

- That's what I did.

- Stay away from my life.

- I am away.

- No, you're not. The fact that you are messing with my friends is enough.

- Why are you acting like a jealous crybaby?

- I'm not.

- Yes, you are. If you hate me, say it.

- I have said it many times. I hate you a lot.

- Ok, then. The tests passed, so you don't need me anymore.

- What do you mean?

- I quit.

- Just like you did it the first time.

- I want to fix things, but you are making it impossible.

- So now it's my fault.

- I didn't say that. Why don't you forget about this?

- I will forget about you. - Avery said and left

That is the only thing I didn't want to happen. Why talking with Avery is so hard? All I want for us is to have good relations. It looks like this will never happen. Thanks to Jason, things got worse. I will kill him.

- How was it? He told you, didn't he?

- No, he didn't. Thanks to you, things got worse. Now he is mad at me and doesn't want to see me anymore. Are you happy?

- What? He was supposed to get jealous.

- I told you that Avery didn't like me. That's why I thank you for ruining everything.

- Look, I'm sorry.

- If you are, you were never going to do it.

- Ashley, I didn't mean it.

- Whatever. You already did enough.

- Let me fix it.

- No, you won't do anything.

- Please, don't be mad.

- That's why I don't talk with boys. You always mess up.

- I said I was sorry.

- I don't care. Your apology won't help me.

- W-where are you going?

- I'm going home, where else?

- Don't be mad.

- I'm not mad. I'm disappointed. I expected this from Avery but not from you. - I said and left

On the way home, I was thinking about what had happened. All of this was unnecessary. I know Jason wanted to help me, but he did the opposite. Now Avery will never talk with me. Honestly, I don't know why I care so much. I was close to my house when I saw Avery in front of it with a bottle. Please don't tell me that wasn't alcohol. I won't let him in if he smells bad.

- Avery? What are you doing here?

- What are you doing here? I came to see a friend.

- Um, this is my house.

- No, it's not.

- Yes, it is. I live here. You have come many times.

- No, I haven't.

- Wait, are you drunk?

- Ok, ok. I wanted to talk with you.

- For what?

- I'm sorry that I got mad at you. I know you didn't do anything wrong.

- Then why did you get mad?

- Because I don't like when you are around my friends. Too many things happened, and I need more time to get used to them.

- Ok, but how was that my fault?

- It's not. I'm sorry. Can you forgive me?

- I can, but I don't know if I want to do it.

- Why?

- We always argue about something. Even if I forgive you now, tomorrow, one of us will get mad about something else. That is like an endless loop. We'll never be able to understand each other.

- You are right. I don't even know why I came here.

- No, I appreciate it. You can come in if you want. All I'm saying is if we keep arguing, nothing good will happen.

- I deserve you to hate me.

- I don't hate you. I don't understand you. Talking with you is a challenge. You are in a good mood, but this changes quickly. I can't deal with all of this.

- I know, and I'm sorry. I'm trying to be better, but it's not easy.

- It doesn't mean you can't try. If you give up, you will never make it.

- I will think about that. Can we go inside now?

- Have you drunk alcohol?

- What? No. That is a cider.

- Ok, come in.

- Why are you asking?

- I don't want someone smelling like alcohol in my house.

- Don't worry. I haven't drunk anything.

- Thank you.

- I will never do this in front of you. - Avery said as we walked in

- Why?

- Because you are a good girl. Don't change.

- If you say so. Can I know why you care?

- I never said that.

- Not directly. Anyway. Do you want food or a drink?

- No, thanks.

- Is everything ok?

- I was thinking about what you said. We argue a lot.

- It's true.

- Maybe it's better if we don't talk with each other.

- You know this is impossible.

- I do.

- Only two months left until we graduate. Later, everyone will be on their way.

- I will try not to bother you.

- Thanks. It will be good.

The rest of the day, I was with Avery again. We spend too much time together, but I can't help it. He is a good company. Well, when we are not arguing. Avery can be a good boy if he wants to, but he has a lot on his mind. Maybe I have to give him some space. I have the feeling this won't help. If I don't talk with him, he will do it. I know why Jason asked all these questions. The thing is that I don't want to be with someone with who we always argue. That is not a healthy relationship. Also, I don't like Avery. Not that way. It's better if we keep our distance. We have to do it, at least, in front of people's eyes. I hope that when I move out of town, I won't have to deal with this again.