Meet The Coach

Lesson 17: Jealousy Is Not A Virtue

Lesson 17: Jealousy Is Not A Virtue

We were at the airport early on Friday morning. I had tried and tried again to rub the sleep away from my eyes but of course, it didn't make me feel anything except fatigue.

I should've gone to sleep earlier - why oh why did I have to watch that movie with Sandy? It wasn't even that great!

My eyes drooped, it was safe to say that we had gone through all security checks and we had to wait for the plane to be ready for boarding - meaning everyone woke up earlier than they needed to.

My eyelids drooped once again. I tried so hard to keep them open but I wasn't winning. I allowed myself to have a little shut-eye. I let my mind wander further into the deeper depths on my mind.

I had recovered from the Mona incident and at the same time, I had gotten closure. I had other feelings I had to avoid now.

My eyes flickered open abruptly and they seemed to be drawn to the sun. Carter in other words. He casually leaned his lean physique against a vacant counter. His eyes were fixated on a book he had brought with him. It surprised me - I never really acknowledged his academic ability. He was clever and he enjoyed school as much as he didn't want to admit it. Even if he wasted time snogging the face off of girls like Clara.

Shamelessly, I continued to stare at him. I monitored every move he made - he'd habitually lick his index finger before turning the page. He only held the book with one hand and the other would dangle aimlessly at the side. A stray strand of hair rested on his forehead - I wanted to sprint over to him and flick it out if the way whilst my eyes locked with his.

I surely was getting more than a little absurd wasn't I?

He resumed his position. After every minute or so he'd turn a page but his eyes will remain fixated on that book of his. I decided to look away; a blonde haired, female employee walked up to him. My eyes knitted momentarily but I realised that she seemed to be inquiring his journey.

Or so I thought. It was easier than I thought it would be to pick up that she was flirting with Carter. He looked up from his book and gave the woman a weird look.

Carter gave an easy smile and attempted to refocus on his book but the woman had other plans.

"I would say glaring doesn't look good on you but you rock it. No wonder Carter loves you," Sandy said abruptly. I got pulled out of my reverie and I relaxed my gaze.

Why was I glaring?

"He doesn't love me," I countered and then turned to Sandy. She sat herself down next to me. She had an enormous smile plastered to her face.

How could she be so cheerful at this time in the morning?

"He might. But never mind him. Why are you glaring at that lady who is flirting with Carter? Is there something you want to tell me?"

I looked at Sandy confused trying to decipher what she was insinuating. My eyes widened alarmingly and my cheeks bones graced red.

Sandy squealed very loudly causing all attention to divert to us. She apologized and then practically squeezed the life out of me. "I knew it. I knew it. I knew it. I knew it!" She chanted continuously before she let me go and clapped her hands excitedly.

"I told you. Damn, I told you. It took you five weeks and five days but I told you. Oh, they grow up so fast!" Sandy gushed. She pinched my cheeks, she actually pinched my cheeks. She wiped away a mock tear.

I didn't say anything. I knew there wasn't a point in denying it. And I didn't want to say it aloud.

"That's so cute! And we're going to Hawaii! Oh my gosh, that's going to be so romantic! I can see it now. Awwww. You two make such of an adorable couple!" Sandy started off into space with a rather euphoric look settled on her face.

"Are you finished?" I asked.

"Nope. And you know you're taking this rather well. I could you'll be screaming at me..." Sandy trailed and then looked at her brother thoughtfully before turning back to me. She smiles widely. "Oh, Bree. You were jealous. Well, I've been waiting for this lesson for a while. Lesson 17: jealousy is not a virtue. And I don't mean you can't be jealous because being jealous over a guy can be really sweet at times because it shows that you care. Which is so adorable!"

"Okay."

"Okay? Is that all you going to say? This is a moment that should be written down in history! It should have its own remembrance day! And all you say is okay?"

I scrunched up my lips. Maybe I did like Carter but I wasn't sure what to do with the feelings. I had led him on already, so now what?

"What do you want me to say?"

"Aren't you happy?"

"Well think about it, Sandy. In those books or movies, the girl is more likely to freak out after some kind of realization that they like someone. Not 'oh yay! I like someone! I'm so happy!'"

"Oh yeah, I didn't think of it like that. It reminds me when I realised that I liked Hudson. I avoided him for a very long time," Sandy mused. I smiled at her. I could empathize with her although she wasn't a pupil and a friend wasn't a coach.

"And then?"

"One day he confronted me. I gave lies and tried to leave but he didn't let me. He told me he was crazy and then he kissed me. I knew at that point I was more or less in love with him," she told. A lovestruck expression graced her face. I smiled at her.

"Awwww," I couldn't help but coo.

"And now it's your turn." My smile faltered.

"I have to avoid him for a very long time?"

"Nope. Do whatever your heart desires. Love has no limitations."

That doesn't really help. "Alright. Whatever my 'heart' desires.'

"Well, well, well, I never thought I'll catch you talking about me for the second time," a smooth voice intervened. I internally groaned.

Not him. Please, not him.

"Ah, Luke. You do know it's rude to eavesdrop into other people's conversation right?" Sandy pointed out. She arched a challenging eyebrow his way. He smirked and perched himself beside me - far too close for comfort.

"Didn't you know it's rude to talk about people behind their back? Though I think I'll except fangirling."

I wanted to do nothing more than slap that stupid little smirk off of his face.

"Too bad we weren't talking about you," Sandy snapped. Did I tell her what happened during last week's party?

"Bree doesn't seem to want to confirm that," he said cockily. I looked him in the eye and gave a big but fake smile.

"We really weren't talking about you Luke," I said sweetly.

"Whatever you say Milady. So I was wondering when we get to Hawaii. How does a friendly walk on the beach sound?" He empathized the word 'friendly' so ultimately he didn't mean friendly at all.

"Sorry. I'm going to hit the hay as soon as I can," I answered honestly.

"But baby, it's Hawaii."

"Hawaii or not. It's going to be 05:30 am when we get there. I don't do early mornings."

"Or late mornings. Oh, Bree remember we decided that we wanted to try out surfing later on? And then shopping, hula dancing, shell collecting, tanning, making sand castles... we can try to find Lilo and Stitch! Damn girl our schedule is booked," Sandy added. I smiled at her semi lies. We were planning to do all the things she had said but of course, not on the first day.

In my peripheral vision, I saw Makayla glaring at me. I contemplated for a second and bit my lip. I inwardly groaned when the realization struck me. Oh God no.

*

I don't know how I did it but as soon as I clipped my belt on I had already lapsed into a peaceful slumber. I knew I sat in between Hailey and Jack - Hailey had asked if Jack and I could swap places. Carter sat on the other side of Jack.

The journey was only about 2½ hours long so my sleep went as quick as it came. I was tapped on my shoulder. My eyes remained closed as my brows knitted together. There was another tap.

Okay, this is getting annoying.

"Go away," I grumbled softly and turned to the other side awkwardly. Damn this belt.

"I'm kind of on an aeroplane. I can't 'go away'," a voice replied. They were evidently amused. Hmph. I didn't say anything. I thought of the bug analogy I had once thought of.

Patience Bree.

"Wake up Bree. We're practically in Hawaii." I could hear the excitement in Carter's voice. It made me want to let my eyes flutter open. I forbade myself from moving a muscle. "Wow, you're stubborn."

Gee thanks.

I felt a poke on my cheek. I desperately tried to stay unfazed but Carter started to poke down my jawline to my neck.

I jerked suddenly - the movement scared me out of my skin. I heaved and then glared at Carter. I slapped his hand which was randomly hovering in the air. He gave me a weird look. "You're not allowed to touch the neck!"

He smirked. "Does someone have a ticklish neck?" He teased lightheartedly.

"I swear to God, if you touch my neck I will ignore you for the entire journey," I warned. I gave him a hard look to show that I was being serious. He gave me a boyish smile which made my expression soften.

"How could you not talk to Carter for two whole weeks?"

Easy. If Sandy could ignore Hudson for a long time I could ignore Carter. "It's really easy. Honestly, I can't think of anything easier."

"Not even counting to 10?"

"Not even counting to 10," I assured. I then remembered. "Why did you wake me up?"

"We have like two minutes until we're landing. I think it's a good time to wake up."

*

I could feel the hot air of Hawaii embrace my body just as I walked off the plane. I slipped off my cardigan and tied it around my waist like a little kid before turning to Sandy and giving a smile. We are in Hawaii. How great is that?

We quickly retrieved our luggage. Luckily I managed to pack everything into a single case. Sandy had two cases and at least half of Hudson's.

"We haven't even left the airport and I'm already in high spirits! Maybe I won't go to sleep as soon as we reach our hotel." I hoped Luke wasn't around as I said this to Hailey. Fortunately, he was at least 50 ft away talking to Makayla and Blake.

"Yeah! I'm so excited to stroll on the sun, tan and practically do nothing. It feels like it’s been a long time since I haven't done anything," Hailey replied. My smile widened. I felt happy now: she was smiling. Maybe Hawaii can boost the fixture of her cracked heart.

"Exactly," I agreed. "We shall do nothing for as long as our heart desires!"

"And what does your heart desire? Me?" First I thought this was Luke but it was Carter. My heart dangerously skipped a beat.

"Pfft. You wish," I bluffed. I turned to Hailey and bit my lip. Why is it so hard to control these surging emotions?

Hailey gave me a knowing look.

"Yup," Carter agreed. In confusion, my eyebrows knitted together.

"Huh?" I questioned intelligently.

"I wish." With that, he walked ahead. I froze and stared into space with a rather baffled look on my face.

*

I looked up at the clear blue sky through my tinted shades. I outstretched my leg and exhaled softly. The merciless sun beat down onto the sand to the extent I needed a towel to prevent getting sunburnt.

Hailey was right. Doing nothing is great.

I smiled at nothing in particular as I closed my eyes and tried to think of something better than the content feeling that invaded my body.

Someone poked me on the arm. "I swear if that's Carter come to bother me I have a good few choices of words for you."

And to think I'm developing feelings. "Not Carter but his sister. I was just wondering if you wanted to get some ice cream?"

"Oh. Sure." I got up from my much too comfortable position. I looked down at my towel. I speculated it. No one was going to take it were they?

"Oh and Bree. Look over there," Sandy said hesitantly. I turned to where she gestured.

Carter was by the sea in standard swim shorts. He semi leaned on a tall blue surfboard and was talking to two teen bikini-clad girls.

When did Carter get muscles in his back?

Slowly one of the girls raised her hand and trailed it down Carter's bicep.

I didn't like that. I don't know what part of me it was or how big it is but I didn't like it. I had a good mind to march over to the trio and kick the girls into next week but I forced myself to remain rooted in the sand.

Oh, Bree.

"I think I need some ice cream. I think this sun is getting to my head," I whispered and tore my eyes away.

"Remember, jealousy is not a virtue."

"I know."

I looked at the sand and wondered if my feelings grew as fast as I could fall asleep I was in trouble.