Under The Stars

Chapter 11

KEITH’S POV

I tried to sleep that night but I couldn’t. Earlier, during the match coach told me to take care of what had been bothering me and I had promised to do that.

I had known for a while that I needed to do this but hadn’t had enough reason to do so. But for a few days now, ever since I met her, I knew I had to. I picked up my phone and dialed Nicole’s number.

“Hello, how are you today?” I greeted her.

“Hi baby. Iam doing just fine. ”

“You missed the game. I thought you would come to watch me play.” I pointed out blankly.

“Oh that was today. Iam so sorry it must have slipped my mind.” She said not sounding apologetic at all.

This is why I knew my relationship with Nicole had to end. She was never really there. Apart from being self-centered there was a lot about her that I didn’t like. That however never really bothered me, because she was hot until well, recently.

“Are you for real right now?” I asked, wondering how she took this so lightly.

“Relax Keith. It was only one game. I will come watch you play in the next.” She answered flatly.

“No Nicole it wasn’t just any game. This tournament was big. I told you about it severally. Everyone in school knew about it. You should have been there. You are my girlfriend for goodness sake.” I vented out.

“Okay now you are overreacting.” She said and I could picture her in my head rolling her eyes. I hated it when someone said I was overreacting.

“You know what; I don’t think I can do this anymore.” I finally decided to tell her.

“What do you mean you can’t do this anymore?” she asked, sounding startled.

“It’s over Nicole. Whatever we have going on, is over.” I said without the slightest bit of regret in my voice.

“What? No! You can’t breakup with me Keith.” She screeched. I could feel the anger in her voice.

“Actually I can and I just did.” I said before hanging up.

That actually felt nice, I was surprised.

I knew what I had to do next.

I dialed Jason’s number. Jason was the one person I knew who could find out anything about anyone in the school.

“Hey man.” He answered.

“Hey I need you to find out something for me.”

“Okay what is it?” he responded.

“I need to know where exactly a certain freshman resides. Her name is Zia Brown.”

“What for bro?” he asked clearly surprised.

“Just find that out and text me before morning.” I said, I did not need to explain anything to him. Did I?

“Okay. I got you.” He answered before hanging up.

***

I woke up the next morning feeling unusually excited. I checked my phone and true to his word, Jason had sent me Zia’s room number. I jumped out of bed and quickly got ready for the camp. I packed a few stuff and headed out to pick Zia.

As I walked to my car, I couldn’t help but hope that she would really keep her word. I really needed her to come to the camp with me.

**

Soft music was playing in my car’s stereo. Seated across me on the passenger seat was the girl I hadn’t stopped thinking about for the past week, Zia Brown.

We were on our way to the weekend camp which usually happened in the woods somewhere across town.

I stole glances at her as she hummed to the song looking out of the window. I admired her black shiny hair that was held up in a bun. Her face was perfectly structured, her skin looked so soft and flawless and I could tell she wasn’t wearing any makeup.

“Ummh, why are you staring?” she asked reviving me from my thoughts.

“No am not.” I answered shifting my focus to the road.

“Yes you were. And you better stop before you get us killed.” She spoke sternly.

I liked it.

“Iam a very good driver actually, you shouldn’t worry.” I said reassuringly.

“You better be.”

“Oh she is fierce.” I smiled.

I thought I saw a smile escape her lips before she turned to look out the window again. I stepped on the gas and accelerated down the road.

After about a two hour drive, we got to the cabin in the woods.

Every month or two, my teammates and I would come for a weekend camp here. Mostly it would be celebrate our wins and sometimes to get some alone time from all the hustle and bustle of school.

That particular weekend though was to celebrate our win. Most of the guys would bring their girlfriends along. There would be lots of drinks, games, music and insane debauchery for the two days and then we would head out back to town.

“Are you ready?” I asked her once I had found a perfect parking spot for my car; did I mention how much I loved this Porsche?

“Honestly, not really.” She said silently.

“Don’t worry. You will have fun. Plus, I will be with you the entire time” I said holding out my hand to her.

“You promise?”

“I promise.” I said.

She took my hand in hers and we walked into the cabin.