Meet The Coach

Lesson 10: Let The Player Take You Home

Lesson 10: Let The Player Take You Home

"And that is the applications all packed Bea," I informed her and gestured to the two boxes in front of me. Originally there was 4 but I tactically managed to reduce the amount by half. Bea smiled gratefully.

"Thank you, Bree! It's been one helluva day hasn't it?"

"Indeed it has. Would you like to help you take a box to your car?"

"Oh no, dear. You must be knackered. I'll do it," she insisted. I shook my head, there wasn't a point of Bea taking two trips.

"I'm fine Bea. Honestly, all I did was collect and give out applications. Compliments too," I assured. She clicked her tongue, reluctant for me to help.

"Okay, only because I have somewhere important to go to. But when you come back here I want you to go straight home and take a soothing, hot bath. You deserve one." I smiled at her, she was an amazingly nice woman.

"I'll be sure to have that bath, it seems very inviting right now," I replied.

"Well, we better get going then!" She grabbed the box nearest to her and I did the same. The box wasn't particularly heavy, it was just filled with paper.

From my calculations at least 250 people entered the competition - surprisingly. That would be about $625, and that's just our competition. I hadn't received the chance to talk Hailey or Sandy about the cake sale neither did I get to speak to Carter or Hudson about the splat and I hadn't really asked Jack because he didn't know either.

I followed Bea to her car. It was a bit weird seeing the fundraiser without its crowd, there was just a lot of high schoolers clearing up after themselves. With teacher supervision - of course.

Much to my surprise, Bea's car was closer than I thought it would be, judging the time she came during the course of the day.

"So were you serious when you said that chick was Carter's girlfriend?" Bea asked suddenly.

I furrowed my eyebrows for a moment and remembered Clara and her stupid little moment. "Yep. She's been bugging me for ages, she keeps on saying that I'm into him and I'll steal him away from her and whatnot. In my defence, if Carter was dedicated to her then it shouldn't matter which other girls he associates himself with."

"I never knew he had such a horrible type... mind you I sympathize the girl, she must feel so plain while you're standing by. I think any girl would be."

"Uh. What are you talking about Bea?" I asked confused. She turned back, gave me a knowing look before she smiled and shook her head.

"Oh, Bree. I would explain but I rather have Carter do that. He keeps on looking at you, you know."

"That's because I suddenly came and threw 10 sponges violently at him. When I get back he'll demand an explanation," I said to her. We got to the car, Bea put her box onto the hood and slipped her hand into her pocket to fiddle for the key.

She unlocked the boot and opened it. "You made quite a statement. I bet he'll go to sleep thinking about you tonight."

Yup, she's definitely related to Sandy alright. "And if he doesn't?"

"I don't think we'll know... but if it counts I think you're a great girl. Too good for Carter."

I'm glad you think that Bea. I'm pretty sure Sandy and Lee are planning our wedding.

Of course, I didn't dare to say this aloud. "Thank you, Bea," I replied. I plopped the box beside the other in the boot and Bea closed it.

"Well, I better get going. I might drop a visit to my sister's whilst I'm in town. It was good spending a day with you Bree," Bea said. I didn't expect it, but she wrapped her long arms around me into a friendly embrace. I returned the gesture. The hug was tight reminding me of Lee's but nonetheless, she meant well.

After a moment she let go of me and waved goodbye before walking towards the driver's door. "Make sure to have that bath, Bree. I hope to see you again."

"I'm sure we will meet again." With that Bea entered her car and started the engine. She pulled out the spot, waved at me - I managed to wave back in time before she sped off. Smiling, I strolled towards the fundraiser grounds. The fatigue finally hit me and a nice warm bath, with candles, soothing music and a good book was exactly what I desired. It took me twice as long to stumble there then it did coming out with Bea. When I arrived I was greeted with a rather dramatic scene.

"I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU'D DO SUCH A THING CARTER!"

Ten guesses who?

I quickly diverted away, the unhappy couple certainly didn't need an interruption from me. I walked towards Sandy who was folding up the cake boxes which were ready to recycle. "Hey, Sandy."

"Ooh hello, Bree." How could she still sound chirpy?

"How was the sale?" I asked. I grabbed a box and I started to collapse it.

"It was fantastic! Everything sold. The macaroons were a big hit! All 200 of them vanished by 12:30! I wish I got to taste one..."

I smiled at the success of the sale. There were 1000 cakes to be sold each priced $2.

I think we've got this trip to Hawaii in the bag. "Don't worry Sandy next time I'll make some. I'll be sure to give you some."

"Good. Now how were your compliments?" She asked.

"Apart from Clara coming in it was good. Loads of people entered," I answered.

I knew Sandy was curious about the Clara incident but she looked as if she didn't want me to reminisce it. "You can ask you know," I said.

She beamed. "What did Clara do?" She asked.

"Well, she comes and blames me for putting Carter through the Carter Splat. To be fair he did agree to do it. Then she calls me a liar and claims that I'm a slut and I 'seduced' Carter into doing it. I asked her to leave because a family was approaching but she turns around and tells out straight out that I'm a paedophile, hence why I give compliments. Can you believe the nerve of her? And then she screams it out causing the attention of everyone participating! I mean, has she no shame? Calling me a paedophile? And how is that original - it's barely believable. And then I was pissed - oh I was so pissed. Luckily Bea was there, she saved me from killing Clara and told me to take a break. So I stormed off and I went to the Carter Splat, threw $10 at Hudson, took a bucket and threw all the sponges at Carter. And then I walked off."

"Wow," Sandy said simply. "Just wow. I'll excuse what Clara said for a second. You know, I wish I saw that: pissed off Bree. Not someone you wanna meet? Oh gosh, I wish I saw that. Imagine Carter's face!" Sandy mumbled. She froze for a moment, probably trying to picture it. She smiled at nothingness before she came down from Sandy-ville. "But back to Clara... what a b***h. Calling you a paedophile? Who does that? You are not some creepy 50 years old with binoculars! That girl needs a reality check. Big time."

"Agreed."

"Oh well imagine her face next fall when she's forgotten and you have Carter's heart! Oh, would that be sweet revenge? But never mind that now! Look how red her face is!" Sandy pointed at Clara. Even from a side view at least 100ft away you could see her tomato face. She had her hands on her hips and was shouting at Carter. Carter, on the other hand, was paint stained and looked more than ready to get rid of her for good.

"f**k YOU! WE'RE OVER!" She finally shouted. From the bucket beside her, she grabbed a sponge and threw it at his face and stormed off.

I wanted to congratulate her for doing that but then I realised how much I didn't like her and how - I don't think - Carter really deserve that.

Imagine a Clara Splat? Yeah, I'd pay big money for that.

"Poor Carter..." Sandy trailed.

"For once I agree," I commented.

"Oh by the way, before I forget - you don't have your car do you?"

"Nope. I walked here. Why?"

"You're going home with Carter. I'm going out with Hudson and Jack and Hailey are going to grab some dinner."

I scowled. Yeah, he was kinda my friend but did I really want to answer questions regarding his girlfriend? Well, ex. "Do I have to?" I whined.

"Unless you want to walk home," Sandy suggested. I considered it but I was too tired.

"Fine."

"Yay! You might as well tell him. He doesn't know, he might go without you."

"Alright. I'll tell him."

I walked towards him. He was just looking at the floor or maybe his reflection in the paint puddle. I approached him and stood by the paint bucket.

I decided to tease him.

"Ooh trouble in paradise, eh?" Carter looked up and glowered at me. I bit the inside of my cheek to ensure I didn't smile.

"What do you want?" He asked wearily. I tried not to laugh at the paint on his face. Up close he looks so entertaining...

"Hey, don't give me that look. I didn't break up with you and if you really want her back, give her a week. No, 3 days she'll be begging you to enter her bed again."

He threw me a very flat look. "Okay jeez... Sandy said you'll give me a ride home and I kind of do need one." Let me correct that: Sandy wants me to go home with you. But I rather not walk home.

Okay. I want a ride home.

"You say that after you throw 10 sponges at me. I thought were going to kill me."

"Were you scared?" I gushed. I got the flat look again.

"Why did you throw 10 sponges at me, then kick the bucket and storm off?" He asked.

"Your girlf - ex-girlfriend is a b***h that's why," I explained. Carter looked at me curiously, intrigued of course about what happened but like Sandy, he didn't seem to want to ask. I answered anyway. "She comes, accuses me of putting you through the Carter Splat, calls me a liar then says I 'seduced' you into it. I ask her to leave and then she goes around saying I'm a paedophile."

"Oh," was his genius response.

"Yes oh. So do I get that ride home? Or do I have to walk home?" I asked.

"I'll, I'll take you," he said, first unsurely then with confidence.

"Thank you. Here let me help you," I said. I moved the buckets out of the way and then grabbed a hose that was behind the Carter Splat sign. Luckily the switch was close so I turned it on and I stood in front of Carter. It considerately wasn't on full and I gave Carter the look that I was going to spray him down.

I sprayed his face first. I laughed at Carter's yelp, he hadn't expected me to spray his face. I then walked around him and made sure that majority of the paint had run out. When I was positive that he was washed, I switched the hose off and fetched Carter's bag which was just on the side.

"Here. Get changed. I'll take care of the buckets and everything," I informed him. I held his bag in front of him. He took it but didn't move. He looked straight into my eyes, almost as if he was searching for something. For an unknown reason, I gave him a small yet wholehearted smile.

"Thanks, Bree," he said, his voice was lower than usual and seemed to hold back a lot. He turned around and strode away. Unashamedly, I looked at his back profile as I did in the morning.

Yep. That compliment was right.

I got to work. I took the buckets to the switch of the hose. I rinsed each sponge out before spilling the icky, yucky substance down the drain. I gave the buckets a rinse and returned. I started to fold up the signs and tried to carry the signs and buckets back to Jack. He'd take care of them.

But of course, I failed.

"Here let me help you," a voice said. I turned and see Carter with his fresh clothes on, his bag slung on his back. Without a peep out of me, he took the buckets from my grasp. Our fingers touched momentarily and it felt exactly how it did on my first day. I froze and told myself I wasn't affected.

"Thanks," I said. I juggled the signs in my arms so they were more comfortable and walked beside Carter.

Jack was with Hailey, Sandy and Hudson were out of sight, they were organizing the other signs. When Hailey saw us, she gave me a smile. I smile back and pointedly looked at Jack. She blushed. I placed the signs on the table and Carter gently put the buckets on the ground.

"Well we're going to head off," Carter informed them. Immediately Hailey wiggled her eyebrows at me, I don't know if Carter saw, I just rolled my eyes at her.

"I'll see you guys later," I said to the two.

They both said goodbye and Carter and I headed off. I followed Carter to his car. We didn't really engage in conversation, mainly because Carter looked like he was trying to solve a really hard math problem.

We got to his car, without any questions I got in shotgun and I put my belt on. Carter got in too - surprisingly he put his belt on too - and he started the engine. Without hesitance, he pulled out of the parking space and drove out of the car park.

"So how was it giving compliments?" Carter asked randomly.

"Interesting. It was alright when there was a little girl, you could like her dress or pigtails... it became harder when it's a 20-year-old guy. I really didn't want to be called a pervert," I answered. In my peripheral, I saw Carter smirking.

"Oh, you didn't want to sound like a pervert? Then why did you give me this?" He slipped the post stick I had given him earlier out and showed me.

Nice ass. It said.

I froze, not at all knowing how to retaliate. I decided to play it cool. I shrugged.

"Well you did want a compliment and you can't really say that I'm a pervert. You're the one with the wandering eyes."

"Touché," he replied. Carter steered right and as arrived on our road. There was a loud rumble.

Was that thunder or my stomach?

"Someone's hungry," Carter commented. I ignored him. I was nearly home anyway. "Haven't you eaten?"

"Uh no. I used the $10 I had to throw sponges at you," I replied.

Carter slowed down the car."You haven't eaten all day?" He asked incredulously.

"Nope. Well apart from breakfast. We're nearly home anyway."

"That's stupid of you," Carter remarked.

"Hey! May I remind you - wait where are we going?" Carter stopped outside our houses, then did a 3 point turn and drove back the way we came.

"To go eat," he said as if it's the most obvious thing in the world.

"I can eat at home," I informed him.

"I need to eat too."

"You could eat at home."

"I don't want to."

"Well, I don't have any money."

"Well, I do."

"Why don't you drop me at home and you go out to eat?" I suggested.

He didn’t say anything and continued to drive. I think for a moment and a cheeky thought comes to mind.

"Aww did you want to spend more time with me?" I cooed. Carter didn't say anything but I looked at him expectedly.

"No..." he trailed pathetically. I began to laugh. When did this happen?

"Ha! I knew it. Look at that Carter Cohen wants to spend time with a girl he's having trouble bedding!" I exclaimed. Carter pursed his lips and looked like he was having a lot of trouble finding something to say back.

"I - no - what - I didn't - " he stuttered. I laughed again. Ah, I sure like winning.

"Whatever helps you sleep at night Carter. " I was smiling brightly, I had caught him out and it... felt awesome. Carter was silent, probably contemplating whether or not he should kick me out of the car and make me walk home.

"You're impossible Bree," he said finally.

*

"Oh, I won't judge you for being a player and all. Some people have experiences that make them the way they are... unless you're a player because girls are meant to be played with. If your head was that stuck up your ass, I will make sure you are slapped by more than 3 women in the next five minutes." Even though I knew Carter had a reason... Carter didn't know that. Well to be fair, I didn't know what the reason was.

We were talking whilst we had our menus, the topic of Clara managed to creep up resulting for me to assure him with this. "Well I could assure you, I don't need to be slapped," he claimed.

Carter had taken us to a cosy diner not too far from where we live. It was nice enough, I just wish Carter could've requested a bigger table. He was sitting opposite me, his eyes fixated on the menu but they flickered up to me every 10 seconds almost to assure him that I wasn't going anywhere. "Well then, I'm sure something will work out for you. I'm sure you'll find your princess. Just do her a favour and keep her only yours forever."

Imagine if Sandy heard me say that... Carter caught my gaze and then mumbled something underneath his breath.

"What about you?" He said.

"What about me?" I repeated.

"I don't know. You're different," he stated.

"Like everyone else is different?"

"Uh," he started, trying to find a way to speak his thoughts. "You're really different." I arched my eyebrow, signalling that I wasn't following him. He purses his lips and continued. "You don't give a fake smile, you're not afraid to tell someone they're wrong. You don't judge. You just go with the flow and you fit in so easily. You don't make people like you. You're not scared. You're fearless. You're real."

I let his words sink in. I did feel like I belonged in this town. Even though Sandy and I bonded because of Carter, I still feel like we were going to bond anyway. Maybe I was supposed to become a friend of Carter's too.

"It's life. You have to go with the flow. If you're too caught up with the past you'll miss your future. That's it."

We stared at each other for a couple of seconds. Carter smiled at me and I smiled back but I did suddenly feel self-conscious.

*

We spent at least an hour at the cosy diner. After the waitress took our order things became light and fluffy. It was a good evening. I just hope Sandy won't read too much into it.

I trudged into my room and started to strip. I put on my nighties and entered my ensuite. I did about my business, I was slower than I was in the morning. I suppose the morning drunk on sleep state is better than my night sleep deprived state.

I exited and looked around my room. It was set just how I wanted it. I changed the lilac curtains to a deep red so in the morning the sun cast its rays through the curtains causing a sunrise setting. The carpet was white and the walls were vanilla. Picture frames of childhood memories were randomly placed on the walls. I had a desk, wardrobe and dresser matching one another and my bed in the far corner on a slightly raised platform. It was simple - but I liked it that way.

My eyes stopped on my memory jar. I made my way towards it, took out a pencil and paper and wrote about the day remembering to write the date on it too.

And then I remembered that bath...