Chapter 20

That night we all went to the mall and wondered around the food court then walked around Dick's, looking at sports gear. Yeah, we're pretty lame for 'popular' kids.





If it's any consolation, we almost got kicked out because Sam wouldn't stop telling them how Finn and I were going to Olympic trials, no doubt making us feel super awkward. The whole time Al made sure to talk about all the hot lacrosse guys I would meet but I quickly reminded her I was there to win, not to find a boyfriend. I may or may not have also made a remark about not getting my hopes up because 'I have yet to see any drool worthy lacrosse guys and I'm surrounded by them everyday, all day'. Sam and Finn took great offense to that.



The rest of my weekend was pretty boring. My father left for a week long business trip Sunday night and he wouldn't be back until next Saturday night, giving me free reign for the next 6 days. On Monday morning, both Finn and I appeared at the office with raised eyebrows and smirks on our faces as we caught sight of the papers in each other's hands.



"Eager much?" I asked snarkily.



"I wouldn't be talking if I were you, Mason." He replied with a small mirth filled smile.



That was about the only friendly interaction we had all week. It seemed that our plan of keeping to ourselves was actually working out for once. It surprised me that we had managed to stay away. It had proven so hard last time that I doubted it would work this time, but I was wrong.



On Monday, Principle Gaurino also made an announcement about the Olympic trials. Needless to say, people stared at me a lot more then they already did. I could feel the eyes on me as I walked through the hall, especially when I was with Finn and the others. Throughout the week I even noticed some people started hanging around to watch our practices.



If Finn and I had been rough with each other before, now we were on a whole new level. It almost seemed like practice was a full blown state title game and the two of us wanted the other dead. It made us look like dedicated players, but I couldn't help but feel like this was hurting us emotionally.



I had said I wanted us to stay away from each other, but that didn't mean I wanted us to hate each other. I shouldn't complain though, because I have no intention of extending an olive branch. It would put us in the same position we were in before.



Coach insisted that we all went out on a celebratory dinner to which Finn and myself protested heavily. We didn't want this to become a big deal and then not make the team. It was already stressful enough but now the whole school was looking on us. I wished everyone had just kept their mouths shut about it, but it was too late now.



The rest of the team was all for eating out so it wasn't much of a debate, more of Finn and I whining at practice about how we should go out if we actually make the team.



It didn't work; Obviously.



So here I am. Sitting in a casual navy colored skater dress and a simple silver watch. It was a nice restaurant that the school used for banquets so the boys were dressed up too. It was like a pre-season Varsity banquet. At least that's what I was telling myself. I still didn't want to accept that this was about me.



All the boys had on suit jackets to match their dress pants and shoes. Chris wore black with a white button down and a black tie with white stripes. Sam wore grey with a light blue shirt and dark blue tie.



Finn was wearing a navy suit jacket with a white shirt and a blue tie. What can I say? We show school spirit.



The entire restaurant was rented out for the event. There were about 18 or so players, along with all three coaches (despite the fact only one actually coached us) and administration officials like the Principle and Superintendent. My table of five happened to be me, Sam, Finn, Chris, and Jameson. I figured the four of us would be together but the other seat was up in the air. It could have been Aiden, Jake, Luke, Josh, or Jameson. Although I was friends with all of them, I was glad it was Jameson. He was least likely to embarrass me with snide and perverted remarks.



Sadly, Sam was still here and that was also his specialty.



"I don't think I've ever seen you in a dress, Mason." Sam commented as we all chatted while the food was prepared. I could see by the glint in his eyes that there was going to be a punch line to it.



"And you won't ever see it again." I remarked, challenging him with my eyes. Sam was seated across the table from me with his blond hair slicked back. Jameson was on my left and Finn at my right with Chris on Finn's right.



"Why? Saving it for the Olympic men?" He teased me.



I simply rolled my eyes. "Yes. My entire life's goal has been to wear something that showed off my legs in front of sweaty men. Sounds like a dream."



"It's okay." Jameson started. "You don't have to admit it but, we all know you think we're hot."



"Why would that be?" I asked while raising an eyebrow and taking a sip of my ice water. I had ordered the chicken piccata and I couldn't wait for the food to be ready, I was starving.



"Well, we do spend 90 percent of our time in the gym." Chris remarked.



"The gym doesn't fix your face." I had to smirk to myself with that one. Even Finn cracked a small smile that he tried to hide but failed miserably. "But, by that logic you have to admit you think I'm hot."



"I got a girlfriend."



"She's your excuse for everything, isn't she?" I said with a smile and rolled my eyes again. "Good thing you're faithful because I like Al more than you. Hurt her and I'll concuss you." I joked.



"Let's settle down. That sounds like assault, Mason." Finn remarked in a joking manner. I don't think we had joked with each other in weeks. I didn't want to make it awkward though, so I kept talking like nothing had happened.



Maybe I was just over reacting.



"Well, I am a dramatic person."



"You know there's a difference between dramatic and violent, right?" Sam asked. I opened my mouth to reply but Coach got our attention on the other side of the room by clapping his hands together. We all turned in our chairs to face him as he stood at his table.



"Wow. I can't believe that actually works. Usually I have to use a whistle on you SOBs." We all laughed but more so at the Principles reaction to Wilson's attempt to not fully swear infront of his boss. "Anyway. This is a big deal. As you all know, two of our very own are bound for the Olympic Trials. Although, they continue to argue that they haven't made it yet. Either way, you're the two finest people I've ever coached, even if I've only known one of you for two or three months. I wish you luck on your Olympic journey. Don't let us down, Mason and Riley."



Sweet.



And stressful.



Everyone clapped for Coach's speech and he clapped for the two of us. I was trying not to blush at all the attention so I smiled and clapped along with them.



A few others said some kind send off words before the food was served and we all emersed ourselves in the separate conversations among our tables. The food was good and we all had a good time. The night was wrapping up and everyone was leaving. Finn, Sam and I ended up being the last ones because we were taking our time leaving and saying goodbye to everyone.



We were all standing outside laughing when Sam's phone rang. He pulled it out of his dress pants pocket and held it to his ear. He answered 'hello' but his smile quickly disappeared from his face and his eyes widened slightly. He hung up and was already halfway into his 2018 Accord by the time he spoke to us.



"My little brother just broke his arm at baseball practice and Mom is at work and Dad's commuting from the City. I need to go to the hospital. Finn? Can you give Sylvia a ride home? Thanks man." He didn't wait for a response before slamming the black door and starting the engine.



When he pulled out of the dark parking lot I turned to Finn who was pulling his keys out of his pocket. Sam had driven me here from my house because we were coming from the same place. I didn't have to say anything because Finn beat me to it. "Come on, Mason." He said and started walking to his car. I followed and hopped into the passenger seat of his Range Rover.



Finn climbed in and started the engine. I distracted myself from the awkwardness by going on my phone and scrolling through Instagram. The radio turned on blasting music but Finn quickly turned it down to background noise. I could still make out the words that made me smile.



"I am governor Jerry Brown. My aura smiles and never frowns. Soon I will be president." Finn hummed along to the song. He really did like the Dead Kennedys. I never doubted him but this was cute if I was honest with myself.



"Carter power will soon go 'way. I will be F眉hrer one day. I will command all of you." I sang in a light voice. Finn didn't seem to mind because he started to sing with me. It was odd, but better than awkward silence. This was one of my favorite songs by the Dead Kennedys. They are basically mocking the governor of California and calling him a fascist (which ended up not being at all true but it was still a good song). I lived a good fifteen minutes from the restaurant so we easily sang through the whole song, both of you knowing all the words.



The next song came on and it took me a moment to realize it wasn't an old song, but a newer one that I also had on my workout playlist. I missed the first line but I started to sing to this one too. "Lil' baby a thot, but she cute, but she cute."



I saw Finn raise an eyebrow out of the corner of my eye. "Is there a song that you don't know all the words too?" He asked, interrupting my rapping skills. "Or perhaps a song that you can't perform perfectly."



I smirked. "Nope, I don't think so." I replied before going back to the song. "Told that hoe my lap was her assigned seat. He gon' choke her out if he found out I had her chokin'." My voice filled the car while I sent Finn stupid teasing looks that he could no doubt see from the corner of his eyes.



When the second song eventually ended, I realized we weren't near my house. I turned my face to look at Finn with drawn eyebrows. "What are you doing?" I asked suspiciously. "Is this when you murder me?"



"No." He replied simply. It seemed like all traces of laughter in his voice was gone. He stopped the car in a parking space in a dimly lit park.



"We need to talk."