Accidentally Yours

CHAPTER NINE

I stand from the foam mat and make my way over to the metal bleachers. I have to dodge and step over some of the girls who are stretching. While dodging one of the girls, I notice that quite a few of them seem to be glaring my way. I have seen robotics nerds with less jealousy than these girls seem to have. They are glaring at me as if I personally went out of my way to be singled out. It’s not my fault that my name was called instead of yours. Honestly, I’m surprised that so much jealousy can fit into such a tiny body. “Hey!” I smile as I calmly approach the two women.

“Amelia,” Coach Kelly smiles back, “Emma has told me nothing, but great things about you.”

‘Holy s**t, did she actually just smile at me or did I just hallucinate that?!’

A few of the girls on the team begin to whisper, rather loudly might I add. I mean, I'm more than six feet away from them and I can hear them. Ignoring my gossiping teammates, I decided to play along, “Has she?”

Coach Kelly nods her head, “I'll tell you what—I love your look as well as the energy that you bring to the team.” Coach compliments. “You’re trendy yet preppy—You give me the perfect girl next door vibes.”

Oh my god, I can’t believe that Coach Kelly just complimented me! I have no doubts that I am definitely dreaming right now.

My smile widens, “Thank you so much!”

“Based on your looks alone, I feel like you could even be a part of the Miami Allstars Cheerleaders.” it takes every nerve in my being not to squeal with happiness. “However,” she adds, “I do think that you showed up way too late today.” I nod my head agreeing with her. “If you want to make co-captain then you will need to be punctual.”

My head bobs up and down, “Got it! It won't happen again, Coach.” I promise.

Coach Kelly seems amused, briefly turning to face Emma. “That's all.” she tells me. I start to walk away only to be stopped by her speaking quietly, “Amelia, I would appreciate it if you refrained from telling the other girls what we talked about.” I voice my understanding before turning to face the opposite direction.

The moment that I am facing the opposite direction my smile becomes even bigger. Oh my god! Oh my god! Oh my god! I can’t believe that I may actually make co-captain! This may just be the best day of my life. As I descend the metal staircase attached to the bleachers, many of my teammates run up to me with excited screams.

“Oh my god, I can’t believe that Coach Kelly actually smiled at you!” one of the girls freak out.

I cannot help but jump up and down with excitement, “I know right!”

“Yeah, I totally thought that she was going to, like, chew your head off or something.” another girl adds. This causes the girls to laugh, me included.

“What did you two talk about anyways?” Bianca asks.

Before I can answer, I am cut off by the woman in question yelling, “Okay girls, let’s start from the top! I want to see what I'm working with.”

6:48pm

Although the upbeat music ends, we stay frozen in our poses. Our heavy breaths are heard as we await Coach Kelly's verdict.

“That was fine.” Coach eventually says, not looking too happy. “There are a few things that still need to be sharpened, but Emma can help you with that before the game.” Coach Kelly whispers something to Emma before walking off.

The two girls who are holding me up midair lower their arms a bit to build momentum before launching me up into the air. I lean back and push my legs out so that they are in front of me, squeezing my body as tight as I am physically able. This helps ensure that I am easier to catch in a basket versus if I were spread out like a starfish. The two girls who were previously holding my feet catch me in their arms, placing me down onto the ground immediately afterwards.

“You guys are free to go.” Emma says. “Remember, if you’re not back here by 7:30pm then you’ll be sitting on the bench for the rest of the fall season.”

Another twenty minutes pass by before we are released from practice. I swing my blue duffle bag over my shoulder and make my way towards the west exit of the gymnasium. Just as I push the heavy door open I come face to face with an overly cheerful Emma. I smile back at the blonde as I exit the locker room, allowing the door to be swung shut behind me.

“Oh!” I do not hide my surprise.

“Sorry, did I surprise you?” she questions, now walking alongside me.

“A little, yeah.”

“Sorry,” she apologizes. “I just wanted to tell you that Coach Kelly said that she loves your technique and really liked that you looked like you were having fun while performing.”

My eyes widened, “No way! Do you think that I could become co-captain? Be honest.” The two of us stroll down the long hall that leads towards the metal exit doors.

“Sorry, babe. My lips are sealed.” I laugh at the nickname.

“Please!”

“Nope.”

“Ugh, fine.” It doesn't take much time for us to reach the exit doors. Our conversation passes the time. I go to push open one of the doors only for Emma to stop me by wrapping one of her manicured hands around my wrist. Getting the feeling that she may want to say something to me, I turn to face her. Her blue eyes stare so deep into my brown ones that I swear that she can see the inside of my soul. “Is everything okay, Em?”

“Yeah, um—Are you, like, busy right now?”

“Depends.” I tease her with a small grin. The blonde giggles at my joke, her eyes lighting up.

“I was planning to go to this small restaurant to get a quick bite to eat. It’s, like, super underground—not many people know about it.” she explains. “If you’re not busy, you should totally join me.”

I smile, “Yeah, totally! I'd love to join you.”

“Oh my god, you’re going to love it!” she brags, hooking her arm with mine as we exit the school. I really hope that this restaurant that Emma takes us to has decent servings. I swear that it feels like my stomach is eating itself.

7:28pm

This restaurant that Emma has brought us to is amazing with a capital ‘A’! When we arrived, they seated us almost immediately. Since all the outdoor seating was taken, we had to sit inside, which I didn't really mind too much. While the outside patio had all black coated metal furniture and golden fairy lights, the inside had all wooden furniture as well as an overall rustic look to it. The tables outside are circular with an umbrella sticking out the middle of it. A potted plant rests in not only every corner, but every windowsill as well. Meanwhile, the tables inside are squares, condiment bottles sitting in the middle of them. The white tiling contrasts the wooden tabletops and countertops. As far as scents go, the inside smells no different from your average steakhouse.

“Excuse me, can we get our check?” Emma questions the waiter. He nods before venturing off inside the building.

I glance at the time on my cell phone and my eyes widen, “Oh my gosh, I’m going to be so late!” I stress.

Emma rests her hand on my forearm, “Relax, babe. You can just get ready at my house.” she says with a shrug of nonchalance.

“You wouldn’t mind?”

“Duh,” she scoffs, “otherwise I wouldn’t have asked.”

She does make a good point.

“Okay.” I agree. “Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it. We’re, like, friends now—That’s what friends do.”