you just might be my lucky charm

"I can't believe my eyes," Amani mused, her grin widening. "You're actually here."

As Annie ascended the crowded bleachers, a brisk breeze sent a shiver down her spine. Amani lunged at her, their embrace nearly toppling them both over.

"It's not that big of a deal," Annie murmured sheepishly, settling between her friends. While she knew her attendance at a football game was out of character, she hadn't expected such incredulity from her friends.

She breathed in the crisp air, surveying the scene. The energy was palpable. The crowd roared with excitement, eagerly awaiting the start of the game. Students sported their school colors, some adorned with spirited face paint. The scent of greasy food hung in the air, adding to the atmosphere.

Annie found herself questioning why she was there, perched on those bleachers. She typically avoided school events. But Leo's invitation had bestowed upon her an unexpected sense of significance, as if her presence at the game held some importance. After the kindness he had shown her, she would have felt remiss not to attend.

As the sun dipped low, casting golden hues upon the field, Annie felt a stirring within her, a whisper of possibility carried on the wind.

"It is a big deal!" Amani's arm enveloped Annie, laughter dancing in her voice. "I'm thrilled you're here, truly. What made you change your mind anyway?"

Annie released a slow breath, her gaze drifting across the field. Coaches bellowed instructions, players clustered in animated conversation. Her eyes scanned the crowd, searching for a familiar brunette silhouette. "I thought it might be exciting," she shrugged. "A departure from the usual."

Jay raised an eyebrow, nudging her gently. "I must say, I'm enjoying this new facet of you, Annie-bell." He winked at Amani. "Our little wallflower is spreading her wings."

Annie rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, cut it out."

Finally, her gaze settled on Leo.

Clad in his football uniform, he conversed with teammates, including Jack. The bold letters on his jersey proclaimed "SMITH," the number 03 emblazoned beneath. A smile tugged at Annie's lips as she watched him.

As the game unfolded, Annie found herself enjoying it more than she anticipated.

She listened attentively as Jay explained the nuances of the game, and laughed with Amani at Jay's enthusiastic outbursts whenever the team scored. Though she didn't cheer loudly, she sat on the edge of her seat, applauding fervently whenever Jack or Leo made a play.

During halftime, as the team gathered for a much-needed breather, Leo lifted his helmet, scanning the bleachers with anticipation. His heart skipped a beat when he spotted Annie amidst the crowd, a grin tugging at his lips. He had hoped she would come, but secretly doubted it.

Their eyes locked, a silent understanding passing between them. Annie's cheeks flushed as she returned his smile, her gaze momentarily dropping to her lap, unable to contain her fluttering nerves.

After the game, Annie and her friends strolled toward Jay's car, their laughter filling the air. With Jack off socializing, Jay offered to give Annie a lift home.

Amidst their banter, Annie's attention snapped to the sound of her name being called.

"Annie! Hold on a sec!"

Annie and her friends pivoted, Leo's figure jogging towards them, still clad in his football gear, helmet dangling from his hand.

"What's up?" Jay and Amari exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of the unexpected interruption.

Annie's heart quickened its pace. She hadn't anticipated a conversation with Leo tonight, despite his encouragement to attend. Stepping a few paces away from her friends, Annie met Leo's gaze, her nerves tingling with anticipation.

Leo, slightly out of breath, flashed a grin. The sight of her made his shoulders fall, his muscles ease. "You made it."

Annie blinked, unsure of how to respond to his sudden appearance in the parking lot, solely to see her. A small smile touched her lips. "I did. And you played really well," she managed, the words tumbling out amidst her swirling thoughts.

"You brought us luck tonight. We clinched the win, so maybe you're my lucky charm," Leo teased, a casual gesture raking his hand through his damp hair.

In the dim light, Annie silently willed her blush to go unnoticed, disregarding the warmth blossoming in her chest. She knew Leo's words were likely in jest but she couldn't help the warmth that flooded her being.

"What brings you out here?" She ventured tentatively, her tone betraying her confusion. "Aren't you all heading out to celebrate?"

Jay and Amari observed the exchange, their expressions a mix of curiosity and bemusement, unaware of the connection between Leo and Annie.

Leo shrugged nonchalantly. "The guys are probably hitting up a party or grabbing drinks. I thought... maybe we could grab some smoothies?" His raised eyebrows betrayed a hint of uncertainty.

Annie's surprise was palpable. Why would Leo want to spend time with her instead of his teammates? She found herself momentarily speechless.

Amari, seizing the opportunity, chimed in enthusiastically because Annie had the chance to make her own decision. "She's in! Annie loves smoothies. How could she say no?"

Leo's grin widened, a hint of relief in his eyes as he glanced at Annie, silently seeking her approval.

Annie stood there, stunned and unsure how to react.

Amari beamed at Leo. "It's settled then!"

Annie remained speechless, her mind reeling with confusion and disbelief. Why was Leo wanting to hang out with me? Why the hell did Amari say yes?

When Annie remained speechless, Leo exhaled softly, his breath forming a misty cloud in the evening air. "Meet me back here in ten? I should probably go freshen up, take a quick shower. Wouldn't want you stuck staring at a sweaty, muddy mess," he quipped with a grin before trotting off, his figure disappearing into the school building.

Annie turned to Amari, her eyes wide with disbelief, a flurry of emotions swirling within her. "What was that all about?!" Her voice trembled with uncertainty, unable to grasp the sudden turn of events.

Amari rolled her eyes affectionately, a mischievous grin dancing on her lips. "He's the reason you came to the game, isn't he?" Though Annie hadn't explicitly mentioned it, Amari had pieced together the puzzle. "And it's pretty clear he enjoys your company. Give him a chance, loosen up a bit."

Annie's friends were elated so she her breaking out of her shell—and to learn the credit belonged to Leo, they couldn't help but give him a chance to prove himself. They thought this was a good change for Annie, something healthy—or at least they hoped as much.

Jay approached them, his expression thoughtful as he joined the conversation. "Amari's got a point. He doesn't seem so bad."

Annie's anxiety spiked, panic bubbling up within her. "But... we're so different, and he's... he's the star athlete, and I'm just... me! This is bound to end in disaster. Oh God, why am I freaking out already? This is a terrible idea. I should just go home before he realizes what a mess I am. I mean, I do-"

Her words tumbled out in a rush as she paced back and forth, her fingers twisting anxiously.

Jay interrupted her tirade, gently grasping her shoulders to halt her frenzied movements. She met his gaze, her eyes wide with panic.

"Listen," Jay began, his voice calm and reassuring. "I can't say I completely trust him, and I do want you to be cautious. But he hasn't done anything wrong. Maybe you should give it a chance, try to be friends with him. He's been kind to you, right?"

Annie drew in a deep breath, attempting to steady her racing heart. "He has," she admitted, her voice softer now.

Jay nodded in understanding. "Then if you feel up to it, go get those smoothies. And if anything goes wrong, if you need to leave, just give me a call. I'll be there in five minutes to pick you up, okay?"

She nodded slowly, a sense of calm gradually washing over her. "Okay."

"Okay," Jay echoed, offering her a reassuring smile. "You'll be okay."