Offside Love

Chapter3

Chapter 3

I froze when I turned to see who it was. Who was this guy, and what was he doing with the basketball team?

Samantha stood with her arms crossed, her eyes sharp before she finally stormed out. All eyes were on me as the girls whispered among themselves, giving curious glances."Don’t let anyone walk over you. Especially her!”

He lifted his chin, a confident pose that aroused my pulse.

My gaze widened at his strong build. He seemed calm, yet there was just something about him. The way he carried authority.

“ Thank you, " I muttered ,still caught off guard.

By this time, the players had filled the gym. Some jogged around, tossing the ball in ups and downs, their voices.

“ I’m Lucas,” he said, gesturing with his hand.

“Amy.”I nodded with a faint smile, shaking his hands. My fingers tingle at his touch, though I quickly brush it off.

One of the players waved at Lucas.

“Hey, we’re about to start.”

Lucas sighed softly, then turned to me.

“ Hope to see you in school on Monday”, his eyes locked on mine longer than necessary.

He jogged to the center circle, bouncing the ball. It was the exact way my heart bounced until I looked away, trying to focus on packing my bag.

If he’s on the basketball team, then he must be new here.

I couldn't help but wonder why he stood up for me even when we had never met. Daniel’s sharp stare pinned me to the spot, his face pale, as if he had seen a ghost.

I gripped my towel tighter, droplets of sweat dripping down to the floor.

Maybe Samantha had told him what happened and he got annoyed.

My stomach churned thinking about it.

Taking a deep breath, I strode quickly out of the gym.

Whatever his problem was, I wasn’t going to let him humiliate me there.

Olivia had left school already because she wasn't part of the sports club.

My mood darkened when I reached home. The clinking of forks on the plate greeted me harshly and Father and Mother sat by the table, eating without a word.

Father's face was dull, and I clutched my bag tight hoping to leave their sight.

“ Honey, come sit, dinner’s ready.” Mother patted her hands on the seat next to her.

I forced a weak smile. I did not want to be here. The food smelled good, but my anxiety overpowered it.

“ father good evening.” I sat down, my legs trembling.

Father didn’t look at me, but he nodded as he ate.

My throat went dry, and I grabbed the glass of water, gulping it fast.

He seemed completely unbothered.

Did… did he forget what happened yesterday?

Mother leaned back in her chair trying to break the silence.

“ The food is good, don’t you agree?

She relaxed on the chair, waiting for a response from him.

For once, he did not answer. He kept his gaze on the plate, cold and deliberate.

Mother’s face fell, blank and disappointed.

I took a careful bite. “ Yes… It’s good,” I said quietly, hoping to calm the tension.

Anything to stop this uneasiness.

Father slammed his fork on the plate. The metallic clang echoed across the silent diner, making me flinch.

“ What’s this you’re trying to do? He barked, his voice sharp as broken glass.

“Father, I have done nothing wrong.”I shrugged my shoulders in disbelief.

I really can not understand him right now. Can't we have a peaceful day for once?

Mother touched his arm gently, but he shook it off, glaring at me.

“Go to your room now!” his nostrils flared as anger boiled over him.

“ But I haven’t finished eating.” my voice cracked.

What was the point of even coming to eat here?

Mother shook her head at me, helpless.

“ Have you lost it James! “ She spat.

Father didn't flinch, he only adjusted his collar as her words didn't get to him.

“ Ugh!" I pushed the chair back and it almost fell. I was about to lose it entirely.

Mother sighed and buried her face in her hands.

“ I hate you!” I stormed out, my breath trembling.

Restless, I rolled on my bed screaming into the pillow. My bedroom was a reflection of my frustration.

A pile of clothes was scattered on the chair, and books lay haphazardly on the floor. Why did Father treat us this way? Why would he despise his own family so much?

I could still hear them arguing, the noise grew louder with every second. I groaned, covering my ears with the pillow and wishing sleep would come.

“ You call yourself a man? Mother’s voice rang sharp in my ear.

I exhaled deeply as I squeezed the pillow tighter. Plates were flung in the air, and they crashed to the floor. It was devastating, I could not sleep.

I reached for my phone and called Olivia, my hands trembling. She was excited that I was coming over to spend the night. I didn’t care to check if the dresses looked good or not, I just threw them in the backpack.

I was breathing hard as I ran down the stairs.

“ And where do you think you’re going?" Father's voice was sharp. He stood in the kitchen doorway, his legs planted wide.

I sighed, still visibly tense.

“ It's the weekend, I’m going to my friend's,” I said reluctantly.

“Your boyfriend, you mean?” he scoffed.

I didn’t answer, my eyes swung across the room searching for an escape. Mother remained silent, her arms crossed. I wonder what was going on in her mind.

“ Get back to your room this instant before I—.

Father yelled but I was fed up. Before he could finish, I hissed and stormed out.

My mind raced, did I just walk away?

Father paused with his mouth open. He yanked his belt from his waist and chased me.

“ I see you’ve grown wings, huh?” He snarled, stomping towards me.

My heart dropped, he kept glaring as he gripped the belt tight in the air.

Mother peeped through the window, her eyes wide with fear.

“Don’t you touch her.”

“ You're as good as nothing!” she scowled.

Father didn’t stop to look, his brows narrowed and sweat dripped down his face. I can't tell if the words hurt him, or if he had just gotten used to them.

My legs pumped, my bag bouncing against my sides as I ran without turning.

“ Get back here Amy!” he snapped.