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When I graduated from Brooks, my departure didn’t make one mark of an impact. Unlike the professors and students handing out heartfelt goodbyes left and right; I had no one. My only friends were the petals attached to my own stem.
When I left, there was no break in the chain. It was just me.
I want Taber to be different.Iwant to be different. I’m tired of being the girl who gets nervous about social outings, the girl who is terrified of leaving her protective bubble. The last few weeks have been better than my entire high school career, but I’m still… well, me.
Folding the daisy carefully in my palm, I look at the remaining cluster. How does one go from being the social outcast to the social butterfly? Stella and Wes make it look so easy. Heck, they make itfeelso easy. I swear the only time I don’t second guess myself is when I’m with those two. Somehow, they make me feel as if every misshapen piece of me fits perfectly.
I stand up and throw the stray flower back onto the grass. The lone daisy instantly gets swallowed by a wave of yellow, its return completely indifferent to the patch. I turn and start walking back to my dorm, making a silent vow to myself along the way.
When it comes time to leave Taber, I’m breaking the chain on my way out.
Wes
“If you boys don’t tighten up those passes, Silverwood is going to kick our ass next weekend.” We’re all lined up on the field, getting ripped into for the second time today. Cody slowly walks past each player, holding each of us accountable. He pauses when he gets to Hunter.
“Show up late to practice again and you’re off the team. Got it?” Hunter nods sullenly, shaggy hair flopping to one side.
“Well? Did you hear what I said or not. Use your words, rookie.”
“I got it, Cap. I won’t be late again.”
“Good.” With a dismissive nod, Cody lets us go. Hunter grabs his gear and boots it off the field like his ass is on fire. I almost feel bad for the guy. Hunter showed up late during our first week when he got lost trying to find the practice field. Today, he rolled in ten minutes late, completely missing warm-up and making us all do a field lap as punishment. Hence the almost sympathy.
Honestly, it's not Hunter’s fault Cody is in a pissy mood. Not only is our season opener less than seven days from now, but it’s also against Taber’s biggest rival, the Silverwood Sabers. Next weekend will be Cody’s first official game as team captain, and if the school’s undefeated status wasn’t pressure enough, rumour is Mighty Mo might make an appearance. Add in the fact Cody’s still butt sore from Hunter tonguing his freshwoman crush and you’ve got yourself one uptight captain.
“Think Stella’s still giving him the silent treatment?” Nico murmurs the question as I help him pack up the nets. I check to make sure Cody isn’t within ear range before responding. I’d rather not be put on his terminal list before the season opener.
“Last I heard, she’s been spreading the nickname Caveman Cody among gym regulars.” Nico grins and I mentally applaud the update Trip texted me about the other day. We don’t message very often but when we do, it’s of the highest importance.
This particular update, or The Cody highlight as I like to call it, came in a few nights ago, while I was having wing night with the boys.
TRIP: I’ve got tea.
ME: I’ll bring the crumpets.
TRIP: Why are you like this?
Excusing myself from the table, I got up and wandered over to the men’s restroom. I could feel the grin forming on my face and didn’t want Nico to call me out in front of the team.
ME: Like what? Crumpets are a perfectly respectable tea treat. Ask the queen.
TRIP: Forget the tea and crumpets. Stella has started a revenge rumour among gym regulars.
I smirked to myself, leaning against a nearby wall. She didn’t have to tell me who the revenge strike was against.
ME: If my captain finds out I know about this scheme, he’ll make me run field laps until I die. SPILL.
TRIP: You sure you want to sacrifice yourself for this?
ME: Never been more certain of anything.
I stared impatiently at my screen, watching typing bubbles pop up only to disappear. I knew Trip was doing it on purpose but damn if it didn’t get under my skin.
ME: Speed it up, honey. My life is on the line here.
Two painful minutes dragged on until finally her response came through.
TRIP: Caveman Cody earned himself a new title.
