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“Yay!” Val immediately sets upon the paper with a savageness that would have concerned me if I actually planned on giving it to someone. But that is going straight to the trash as soon as I get to campus.
I fold the light blue paper in half before grabbing a yellow piece and cutting out a near-perfect circle. I use one of her black markers to draw lines and smile at my impromptu water polo ball. Using the sequined glue stick, I attach it to the front and use the marker to write Happy Birthday on the front with big bold letters.
Opening it, I pause, unsure what to write.
“Can I open the glitter?”
My head snaps to the tube already in her hand, grabbing it from her. “No glitter. Last time it took weeks for it to wash out of your hair.”
She frowns. “I wasn’t going to put it in my hair.”
“Doesn’t matter. I can’t chance it,” I say, stuffing the glitter in the box. I hand her a stack of stickers, pointing at a sheet of gold foil hearts. “Add these instead. Just as sparkly.”
I turn back to my paper, suddenly nauseous at writing anything. I know if I don't hurry up, I’m going to scrap this idea altogether.
Cringing with every word, I quickly write:
Everyone needs their favorite candy on their birthday, even if they’re nasty.
I leave off my name and grab the box of Lemonheads. Folding it over the box, I use a small white string to tie the card and candy together. I get up and stuff the gift into my athletic bag, not wanting to look at it for the rest of the night. The deed is done, and I’ll take care of it in the morning. I’m not going to let money go to waste.
“Sage! I’m done! Is it pretty?” Val asks, running from the kitchen to show me. The white paper is unrecognizable with the amount of markers, crayons, and stickers added to it.
I smile. “Beautiful. My friend will love it. Thank you.”
She watches as I tuck it in my bag, and then I have her help me clean up the craft box on the table. The birthday cards are out of her mind by the time she grabs her soda and settles in front of the TV as I cook her dinner.
Chapter Ten
Sage
“Starters are listed. Rest and be ready to start our season strong. Have a good weekend, girls,” Coach Amber says with a comforting grin. Fallon nods at us before walking to his office.
We all stand still for a tense second before rushing to the wall closest to the locker room. Emily hooks her elbow into mine, pushing a few of the older girls out of the way and dragging me to the front. Her wet finger taps at the paper as she screams and jumps.
“What!” I ask excitedly, trying to look but she pulls me out of the small crowd gathering around us.
“You’re starting! You’re starting!” she shouts, grabbing my hands and jumping. I screech, jumping with her.
“I’m starting!”
Her arms go around my neck and we’re both laughing as I wrap mine around her waist.
“What about you?” I ask, panting as we finally settle down.
She shakes her head, waving her hand out. “I’m a sub for Gwen.”
I frown. “He put Gwen as the starting goalie?”
I’m a little surprised since she has been complaining about the ache in her elbows and wrists for the past couple of weeks.
“It’s okay, Sage. I’m honestly happy to just be on the team with you.”
Another girl squeals, throwing her arm around Emily and I as I force a smile at her celebration. Emily melts into the chittering crowd as we all move on to the locker room to get dressed and ready to leave campus.
I linger, my movements slow as I shower and wash away the smell of the pool. Only a few other freshmen remain as I finally finish and pull on my comfy clothes. Emily doesn’t wait around for me on the days we have afternoon practice, knowing I’m going straight home.
Something is driving me crazy in the back of my mind, and it guides me to his office. I won’t be able to rest without an answer.
