14

{Don't forget to comment your opinions and vote;)}

Paige.

"Bennet!" Coach yelled from outside.

"Keep your eyes on the finish line." Blake gently pushed me towards the door. "Go."

There are a lot of thing going on inside my mind. I walked towards the door. Sunshine kissed my face the second I stepped into the open.

"And from The Eres Academy, Paige Bennet!" The emcee announced. Many cheered as I walked towards the track lane.

There were 5 other girls waiting for me, they were all taller than me. I gulped. One of them that wore a red jersey with the word Beltane written on the front. She must be the fastest.

"You're new aren't you?" A girl in a green jersey raised her eyebrow.

I gave her a smile. Coach is the referee. He called us to position in our lanes. On my right is a girl in a yellow jersey that read Angeles Angels and on my left is the one from Beltane.

Although everyone's screaming I could somehow hear Aicko's high pitch cheers. I turned to her and Shari. They look so energetic. I chuckled.

I could do this, I could do this. I reminded myself.

The referee started. "On your mark!"

We kneeled one knee to the ground.

"Get set."

I bent upward.

I could feel my heart hammering out of my chest.

"Go!"

I made a run for it. The second I sped off, the screaming and cheers became muffled and I suddenly couldn't hear anything. I found myself side by side with 3 other players. I looked down at my feet. "Shit!" I almost tripped on a stone. I can't loose, the school's pride depends on me.

My limbs felt weak, my body wanted to crash. I want to give up but my head says otherwise. I took a deep breathe and accelerated leaving the 3 girls behind. I smiled subconsciously.

I immediately lost it when I spotted the girl from Beltane in front of me. I tried to advance but I just couldn't catch up. Sweat dripped down my face, I could hear my heart pumping loud and clear. I'm so tired, I can't do this. A tear fell from my face. My whole body is hurting but I can't stop.

No matter hard I tried to advance her, I just can't seem to catch up. We're close to the finish line and we're passing the bleachers. I looked at the familiar faces.

"Paige!!!" Aicko and Shari screamed.

"Go Peggy! Go!" I spotted Aiden and his teammates.

My eye suddenly fell on Blake. He looked me straight in the eye. "Keep your eyes on the finish line." His voice replayed in my head.

I was brought back to my senses. I took my eyes away from the stands and looked straight at the finish line. One last sprint.

I collected all my energy and sprinted faster than ever before. I didn't care about the screams, I didn't care about the other players, I didn't care about my legs. All that was in my mind was the black and white checkered flag at the end of the track.

The referee's whistle blew. I instantly fell to the ground, I couldn't feel my legs any longer. My sight spun around. All I could hear is the loud cheering. I breathed heavily.

I got shocked when I felt arms wrapped around me. "Paige you won!" Aicko screamed in my ear.

I suddenly felt relaxed. I collapsed in her arms.

"Congratulations!" Shari hugged me aswell.

Other students gathered around to congratulate me.

A tall shadow shaded my face from the sun. "Lets get you up Peggy." Aiden laughed and helped me stand up. "Guess our running in the fields back in the day payed of?"

I nodded with exhaustion. "It sure did."

I stood up, my eyes widened when he encircled me in a hug, it felt comforting. I suddenly forgot about how tired I am, he relaxes me. Just then I remembered how sweaty I am. "Hey!" I gently pushed him away. "I haven't yet showered yet!"

He eyed me. "I don't care." He hugged me again.

"Idiot!" I stomped on his foot successfully making him move away."

Pain was evident in his eyes but he annoyingly laughed it away. "Whatever you say Peggy."

I left him for a while and gathered up with my teammates. "Great job Team!" Coach congratulated us.

We exchanged our warm congratulations to eachother. Some of us won, others got runner up but we're all happy of what we've accomplished. I'm so proud of them.

"Alright girls, shower time." Ella said.

We all walked to the shower. I turned to Aiden and gestured him to wait he nodded. Aicko and Shari headed off to their own sports, they have to train because they're game schedules are nearing.

We entered the shower room and I opened my duffel bag to look for my clothes.

"Hey." Eloise approached me.

I turned to her.

"Congrats." She gave me a smile. This time her smile didn't look fake or forced, although it didn't reach her eyes it was sweet and true.

"You too!" I smiled at her. I heard that she got second place. She didn't seem that happy but I'm sure she did her best, that's enough.

I took a quick shower and changed into my extra jersey. I tucked it in my denim shorts and I wore my shoes. I walked towards the backdoor. I suddenly stopped in my tracks.

There before me is Blake but he wasn't looking at me infact I don't even think that he knows I'm here. He was talking to a Lucy. I heard that she also won her race. I forgot to congratulate her. They were talking. He was looking at her while Lucy was just looking down. Is he bullying her?

I don't mean to eavesdrop but I couldn't help but get concerned for Lucy so I walked closer to hear their conversation.

"I know." Lucy said in her shy innocent voice.

"Congratulations, you beat them in the dust." Blake said and patted her head.

My eyes widened and shock was plastered on my face. Is that really Blake that I'm hearing?! Why does he sound so... well nice?

I wanted to hear more but I shook my head. I heard enough guess nobody needs my help.

I walked away quietly then it sank to me. Blake just congratulated Lucy! Are they even close? Why isn't he yet congratulating me?! I laughed at myself. What am I thinking.

"Hey!" Ram called as we passed by eachother. "There's the winner!" We high fived. "Congratulations!" Good thing he congratulates me, unlike his friend who somewhat demands me to win but doesn't show up when I actually win.

"Nice job." Kile said. I smiled at him and he nodded. I expected that he wouldn't smile back because of course. He's Kile.

I said bye to them and ran up to Aiden, he's still in the same place I left him but holding two ice cream cones. I smiled.

"Is that for me?"

"Uhmm..." He pretended to think. "Yeah." He handed it to me.

I was about to get a hold of it when he immediately brought it above his head making it out of my reach.

I frowned.

"You can only have it." He teased. "If you can catch me."

The next thing I knew was that Aiden ran away from me. "This immature Idiot!" I mumbled. I want that ice cream.

I have no choice. I ran after him. At first I thought he was joking but from the looks of it, he really doesn't intend to stop till I catch him. He obviously is just playing around because he isn't running as fast as he normally does but because of his height and long legs, he gets to pick up a big distance. And here I am running as fast as I can and taking this whole thing seriously. This is pathethic!

"Aiden!" I called. He still wouldn't stop, he must be enjoying how he's pissing me off. God I just took a shower and now I'm sweating again Ugh! "You can run but you can't hide!"

My eyes widened when I hit someone on the side. I immediately stopped. "Sorry!" I faced the person I bumped.

My lips parted while I was starring at him, trying to look closely on his features. He was taller than me. His hair was dark and in a clean cut. Thick brows and dark eyes. Perfect jaw, nose and lips. He looks so attractive which makes me blush. My eyes went to his jersey. He's from the knight's school.

He seemed shocked to see me. I opened my mouth to say something but no words constructed all that came out was a mumble. "I-uh-you." I shook my head in frustration. What am I saying?!

"You okay?" even his voice sounds attracting. God what is wrong with me?!

"No! actually I should be asking that question." I pointed out. "I'm so sorry I bumped you." Wait why do I sound too nice? If I bumped into a random person, I'd say sorry but explain that it's all Aiden's fault for making me catch him, why am I acting different?!

He laughed. "I know you."

My eyes widened. "You do?"

"Yeah, you're the blonde runner a while ago, you're a good sprinter."

My heart did a double flip. Did he just compliment me? Why does it feel so good to hear a compliment from him? Wait should I ask for his name? How should I ask it?

"I'm Carter." He offered his hand. He just gave his name!

I blinked twice. "Paige." I shook his hand. Our hands stayed there. I came back to my sense and took it back. "I have to get back to my friend." I pointed to Aiden's direction.

He nodded. "Be careful next time." He placed his hands in his pockets. "I'll see you around Paige." He smiled then walked away.

"God." I held my chest. I'm probably as red as a tomato now.

I turned around and saw Aiden, he was leaning on the side of the stand with his arms crossed. "Well that took long." He raised an eyebrow at me.

"Shut up."

He finally handed me my ice cream, good thing it didn't fully melt.

"Carter Brooks." He whispered in my ear. "Exclalibur Knights football captain."

I almost chocked on my ice cream. So he's a football player.

Aiden gave me the teasing look.

"Lets just go." I walked away leaving him tailing behind.

"Your welcome!" He laughed. I rolled my eyes.

Carter Brooks. His face went back into my mind. I smiled and bit on mu ice cream.

________________________________

"Go Tigers!" We all cheered.

Tigers is our school's general team name. Aicko and Shari are beside me while we cheered for our school's baskeball team.

It was an intense match between Our school and the school of Angeles.

"Go Ram!" Shari screamed. Aicko and I giggled upon hearing her.

"They seem to have trained a lot, they weren't this hard to beat like last year." Aicko pertained to the Angeles players.

It's obvious that Ram is the star player. Although he might be so carefree, and funny, but he's the exact opposite when at the court. He plays so seriously and the team looks at him as if he's a monster.

"3 points to the Prince of Egypt!" The referee said when Ram shot the ball into the hoop.

"WHAAAA!" Everyone cheered, but apparently Shari was the loudest. Look at this girl, she's so shy upfront but mega loud when supporting from afar. I just hope that one day she'd get the love she deserves. I wish that for all my friends.

The game ended with us winning. Shari ran towards the players to congratulate them, Aicko followed leaving me here to double check our seats in case we left something. Aiden's at the swimming pool training. He told me that he's taking two sports now, Tennis and Swimming. Probably because he wants to showcase his abs HAHAHA I thought.

I went down the stands to congratulate the players.

"I'm so proud of you!" Nile threw herself up to her brother making her pompoms fall on the floor and clung her arms around his neck. "Eww! You're so sweaty." She went back down.

"I'm the best aren't I?" He laughed and Nile playfully punched his shoulder. "Mom's gonna be so happy!" She squeeled.

"That was amazing!" The Russian doll kissed him on his cheek.

Ram looked at Bellona and smirked. "What can you say Madame? Am I the best or what?" He laughed.

"You were ok." She said and smiled at him.

Ram's jaw dropped. "That's all you gotta say?! I didn't fall this time!"

"You still have more games upon the upcoming days so don't get too relaxed." Bellona crossed her arms.

Ram pouted.

Bellona rolled her eyes. "You were better than last year. Happy now?"

"I'll settle for that." Ram laughed.

I spotted Blake but this time he was with Khrysie. The Russian doll was whispering something into his ear making him chuckle. I rolled my eyes.

"Paige!" Ram smiled when he saw me.

"Great job." I smiled at him. I think that he's the best basketball player I've ever seen, well I don't really watch basketball games.

I turned to Aicko and Shari and found them on the side. Aicko was pulling Shari towards Ram. Ugh! She must be shy again.

"Psst! Ram." I called his attention. He turned away from his other fans from other schools.

"Yeah?"

"Could I ask for a favor?"

"Anything."

"You see those two?" I pointed to Shari and Aicko.

"What about them?" He wondered.

"Can you call them to come over?"

He raised his eyebrow. "Ok?"

He turned to them. "Hey guys! Aren't you gonna congratulate me?"

Shari's eyes widened. I laughed seeing her facial expression. She and Aicko walked towards us.

"Congratulations Ram!" Aicko cheerfully said.

Although Shari's brown skinned I could still imagine her blushing being this near to Ram. What's wrong with this girl? She's been screaming his name out loud a while ago but now that she's right in front of him, she couldn't say a word. Maybe that's what happens when you're near the person you like.

Ram faced Shari. "Hi?"

Aicko nudged her to talk.

"C-congats you were great out there." She gave a shy smile.

"Thankyou." Ram gave a smile back.

And just like that he said goodbye and left with his teammates. Aicko and I laughed at Shari when she sighed.

It's already noon and we decided to eat lunch at the square, Aicko said that the other students will also be there. Maybe I'd get to see Carter again. Wait why am I looking forward to that?! I shook the idea out of my head.

We started walking outside when I spotted Blake waiting at the door to the exit of the court. Aicko greeted him while passing the exit. I didn't know why but I felt the urge to ignore him. He hasn't done anything to me but why do I badly want to just ignore him? And that's what I did.

He just stood there by the side of the exit door and I kept my eyes at the front. I passed by him as if he wasn't there at all.

I got shocked when He suddenly pulled my hand stopping me from stepping outside the court.

"What?" I pretended as if I didn't know he was there. I turned to Aicko and Shari and signaled them to wait for me at the car.

"You won the race." He let go of my hand.

"Yeah as if you care." Is that his way of congratulating me?! The nerve after demanding me to win.

He raised his eyebrow. "What's gotten into you."

I rolled my eyes at him. "Is that all you gotta say?"

He looked confused.

"Then I'll be going now." I stepped away from him. "And don't think about my patting my head." My mouth formed O. Why did I just say that?!

"What?" He raised an eyebrow at me.

"No! I didn't mean Ugh!" This is so frustrating, I'm embarrassing myself in front of this Jerk.

"You're odd." He tried to catch my eyes but I kept avoiding his stare.

"Here." He handed me a paper. I looked up at it and got it.

"What's this?" I opened it. My eyes widened at the sight of it. It's a movie ticket of the love story movie I really wanted to watch with Aiden.

I faced him. "Why are you giving me this?"

"It's normal for masters to give their puppies a treat when they achieve something." He placed his hands in his pockets.

I scrunched my forehead. He really is consistent in calling me puppy.

"You're actually lucky that I didn't give you a bone, Ram's dog finished all of it." He smirked.

"Asshole." I whispered. To be honest, I'm thrilled to have this ticket because I've been waiting for this movie all year but I couldn't let my pride down. I handed the ticket back to him even if it's against my will. "I'm thankful for it but it won't be necessary."

"It is necessary, that thing costs a fortune." I know which makes me wanna keep it Ugh!

I rolled my eyes. "Then do you expect me to just watch this by myself, well for your information I can watch with my friends." I waved the ticket in my hand coz he still isn't taking it back. I don't want to watch the movie alone coz Hello? I'll be lonely!

"Who says you're going alone?" He picked out something from his pocket and showed me another ticket. "We'll be watching together.

I blinked. He wants me to watch a movie with him?! Wait is he's gonna watch this love story with me? I never thought that he'd be interested in that genre.

"That's a ticket to the premiere tonight 6 o'clock don't be late."

"Wait Premiere?" I said in confusion. "We'll be leaving the campus?"

"Obviously." He rolled his eyes. "It gave me a hard time to get those tickets, that's also in VIP edition so make sure you'll make it."

VIP?! Oh my gosh I can't say no to this, and we'll finally get to leave the campus?! I can't believe I'm thinking this but I haven't seen the outside world in some time, seeing it again would eman everything.I couldn't any longer care any less that Blake's watching with me. I failed to hide my smile. He chuckled.

"You don't need to thank me."

The smile on my face faded and I scowled at him. "Thanks." I checked my watch. "I'll get going now."

"Wait." He called me again. Why does this guy always have a lot to say?!

"Watch my football game tomorrow." He said it in a somewhat combination of asking and commanding tone.

I turned to him.

"I'll take that as a yes, remember 6'oclock I'll pick you up at your dorm." He walked away without letting me answer.

Whatever. I walked to the parking lot and went inside Aicko's car. She and Shari were in the front so I sat in the back.

They eyed me.

"No questions." I said and they laughed.

We went to the square. I got shocked at how filled up the square is, I mean I'm already used to seeing my schoolmates but this time the population doubled making elite square look like well New York's Time square.

Good thing that during the Sports tournament, the guidance holds me and Blake's punishment so that we could focus on our sports. On the bad side, the punishment will resume next week. Well atleast I survived the first week.

Many restaurants are full and so are the parking areas so Aicko parked the car infront of a convenience store and we just continued searching for a place to eat on foot. Finding a place to eat became even more harder because boys from other schools will from time to time stop us and ask for Aicko's name, or ask for her number or ask to have a picture with her. I wouldn't blame her, she really is pretty and charming not to mention that she entertains everyone. Her aura was also welcoming and friendly no wonder she gained about 15 new friends just by finding a place to eat.

Some people also asked for Shari but she refused to entertain them. Shari's the type of person who likes to stay lowkey and private. No one really notices me probably because I'm not famous and because I'm texting Aiden while we're walking.

Finally after a while of walking we found a restaurant with space. We entered and took a seat. Shari ordered food while Aicko was talking to a friend of hers from Beltane from the other table. Does this girl know everybody?

After a while our food arrived and we started eating. Aicko said goodbye to her friend and joined us. I chewed on my food when my eyes went to the person who walked inside the door. I almost chocked on my food when Carter walked towards the cashier. Behind him are probably some of his friends from Excalibur.

My eyes followed him while he ordered in the cashier. When he turned to our side I looked back at my plate and sipped on my water. I got shocked when I found Aicko starring at me.

I raised and eyebrow at her.

Her eyes were wide with excitement. "No way."

"What?"

"You like Carter Brooks!?" She looked at me teasingly.

"No I don't." I defended myself.

"She does!?"  Shari joined the conversation.

"No I said I don't"

"Well you sure don't look like it." Shari laughed. "Look at you, you're as red as a tomato."

Aicko giggled. I rolled my eyes. This is what I hate about being fair skinned. I blush instantly.

"I said I don't." I stomped my foot.

Aicko raised her eyebrow. "Oh really." She smirked. She turned to the counter. "Hey Carter!" She waved.

My eyes widened. I was about to get mad when I heard his voice.

"Hi Aicko." He approached us. I started feeling jitters. "Nice seeing you again."

Wow of course Aicko knows him.

I faced my plate and acted as if he wasn't there.

"Hi there! I'm Shari" Shari greeted him. Wow these two really are teaming up on me.

He smiled at her and shook her hand. I suddenly felt his glancing at me. I instantly became very interested with my food that I didn't look up.

"Oh this is Paige." Aicko introduced me. Damn it!

"Yeah we've met." He chuckled.

Even if I couldn't see it, I felt Aicko and Shari's eyes widen at the news.

"Hello again." He tried to catch my eyes.

I slowly looked up to him and just smiled. Behind him were his friends, one thing in common with all of them is that, they're all so handsome.

"Oh do you guys wanna sit with us?" Aicko offered.

I got shocked and starred her in the eyes giving her the don't do it look. She gave me the trust me look which made me shout in frustration inside.

The boys connected another table with ours and sat down. I held my breathe when Carter sat beside me. Wow why is it like the whole world's against me?!

The other boys sat down aswell. Aicko and Shari started talking with them non stop. I kept quiet, I'm not usually like this but I can't seem to find the reason why. Just then I remember Shari, how speechless she gets when she's near Ram, is that how I feel about Carter? The same way Shari feels about Ram? No that wouldn't make any sense, I only just met him.

"How about you Carter, what characteristic do you find in a girl?"

I was brought back to the present when I heard Aicko ask that question.

"That's a hard one." Carter laughed. "Uhmm... maybe I'd like someone who's simple."

Everyone on the table oohed.

"What more?" Shari said.

"I don't really have a type in girls, as long as she's true to herself and not faking herself for others to like her then that's what turns me on." He sipped on a glass.

"Well said Master." One of his friends said.

"What about you Paige?" I frowned when Aicko called me.

"What characteristics do you like in a boy?"

I wanted to get mad but of course I had to keep my cool in front of these outsiders. "I'd like anyone who's attitude's not as rotten as Blake Carlisle."

Everyone burst out laughing.

"Carlisle? You mean the captain of your football team?" A guy named Slate laughed.

"The very one." I said, finally I can talk without blushing.

After we ate we all stood up.

"Hey we should go bowling." Carter said.

"Oh we're so in!" Aicko exclaimed. Shari said the same.

"How bout you Paige?" They all turned to me.

"You should come." Carter said.

I felt my cheeks heat up. "Ok."

The next thing I knew was that we were at the bowling arena. I made my phone on silent mode so that I could enjoy. The boys looked like experts at this, well they need to thank their biceps for their strength. Aicko, Shari, and I look like idiots but were still having fun.

Carter even gave me tips on how to hold it properly. Gosh why does these jitters never leave. While our other schoolmates are watching games, here we are at the square's bowling arena. Hours went by and we didn't realize how dark it is outside.

I felt so tired. Aicko and some of the boys left to buy some drinks. Shari sat down exhausted. I sat down aswell to catch my breathe. I never knew that bowling was gonna be this exhausting.

"You still got it?" Carter sat beside me.

I suddenly became conscious about my posture. "Yeah."

"I must say, you girls aren't bad at bowling." He chuckled.

I crossed my arms. "You don't have to lie."

"I'm not." He laughed. "I must say, your school is really like a paradise."

"Really?" I must've became used to the campus that I forgot how different our school is apart from the school's around the world.

"How bout Excalibur?" I wondered about their school.

"Believe me." He chuckled. "It's classy, but living hell."

"Oh." Was all I could say. He didn't explain any further.

He changed the topic. " I was wondering why you hate Blake Carlisle so much?"

That's when it hit me. "Shit! Blake!" I stood up immediately and checked my things. I forgot all about the movie that we were going to watch.

"Is everything ok?"

"Yeah, yeah." I checked the time. Shit! It's 6:50 PM. "Tell Aicko that I left." I turned to him.

"Oh, yeah, of course."

I didn't have time to say goodbye. I ran outside the building and out into the square. I opened my phone. My eyes widened when I found 20 messages from Blake.

From: Jerk

6 o'clock remember.

From: Jerk

Don't be late, I saved us the best seats.

From: Jerk

Why aren't you answering?

From: Jerk

I'm going to your dorm.

From: Jerk

I'm at your dorm.

From: Jerk

Where are you?

From: Jerk

The movie's gonna start soon.

From: Jerk

Are you still coming?

From: Jerk

I'll be waiting.

Shit. Shit. Shit. I muttered under my breathe. I approached my dorm building out of breathe from running. I immediatley spotted him leaning on the side of his car. He missed it.

I checked the time. It's already 7.

I approached him slowly.

He didn't look up to me.

"Blake." I said softly. "I'm sorry."

He was holding his ticket in one hand. He threw it to the ground and walked away.

__________________________________________

sad:(

Ok I'm extra tired right now. The current time here in my part of the world is 11:25 in the evening. I really need some sleep... anyways stay tuned for the next chapter. I'll publish it either tomorrow or the day after.

Check my bio for my order of books and to gain knowledge of my books to come;)

I'll also be deleting the Character Portrayers soon so if you haven't yet seen it and it's still here then check it out.

Comment here your thoughts, your opinions and how do you think the story will go. I wanna hear the voices of the audience HAHHAHA.

Anyways have a good night everyone!