CHAPTER 32: Mint is my favorite

My happiness knew no bounds as soon as I calmed down from the adrenaline shooting up in my body from the big win our team scored. It was my official first game and we won it. The pride swelling in me, I could feel, is literally a reflection of my dad's pride if he were here. I run to the side of the bleachers, skipping out on all the congratulations from the other teammates and coach as well. A grinning Maddie bounces on the bench as her popcorn flies over and hits the nearby spectators. But no, she doesn't really give a damn about the hot glares she's receiving. Instead, she lands on the ground and practically pounces on me, all the while chanting encouraging words in my ears.

More like screaming.

I'm sure Scream Queens are much quieter than her.

"Okay, okay, Mads, I know we won. Don't make me deaf."

"Your goal was hands down amazeballs!"

"What the fuck is-

"People cheered so much for you! I swear I even heard the opposite team's spectators cheer for you." I roll my eyes at her exaggeration and pat her head.

"Calm down, miss crazy. You're even more excited than me. But I can't even thank you for this much support." I smile at her, truly meaning what I just said. Maddie has always been there for me and I would legit sacrifice anything to be there for her too. An unbreakable bond, we do have, it's like I find a person who's more than just a best friend for me.

"You're welcome, Summer! Wanna go celebrate?" She hops on one leg simultaneously and excitedly.

"Sure. Anything to escape the get-together these boys have arranged. Apparently, they planned a small party if we win. I know how small their parties are." I huff and take my Adidas bag which Maddie picked up for me from the locker room.

Speaking of, I slightly turn my head to see Caleb but I spot him talking to someone.

"I mean if that's important, you can go for that and then we can celebrate once you're home." I nod absentmindedly as Maddie talks, still trying my best to see who the hell Caleb was talking to.

All hell breaks loose in my mind as the wolf emerges behind Caleb and waves at him while batting her eyelashes at him.

That fucking whore.

I look at Maddie with a tightened jaw, anger burning through my chest viciously. I thought Caleb had nothing to do with her anymore.

And I also thought that those two being together had no effect on me.

Clearly, I was more than wrong. I don't want to admit to jealousy but fire does creep up on me as I picture the two together and conjure up moronic scenarios about what they could be talking about a few seconds ago.

A tap on my shoulder breaks my bizarre chain of thoughts and I turn around, my eyes meeting a pair of unfamiliar eyes. He smiles at me and I immediately cross my arms on my chest.

"Good game there, fighter girl."

"You too, captain," I stress on that word a tad too much and he visibly tenses a little. He ruffles his hair before sighing.

"Sorry about the little hallway incident. I was just shocked to see a beautiful...I mean, I was just surprised to finally see the girl every team in the state has been talking about that is rumored to be playing in the tournament."

I ignore the faint tinge creeping up on my cheeks and stare at him with a stoic expression. Out of the corner of my eyes, I see Caleb staring right here.

Bull's eye.

I suddenly become all smiley and shake my head at the boy, whose name I hadn't yet known.

"It's alright. It happens. And as I told you before, not a rumor. But a damn fact."

"Who are you again?" Maddie asks from behind while pointing a finger at him and looking at him with a questionable expression. I nudge her, forgetting she is actually there.

"Excuse her. This is my friend, Maddie. Maddie, this is uh..." I look at him expectantly until he speaks.

"Spencer."

"Yeah, Spencer." I breathe out and slightly smile at him. Why am I suddenly smiling so much? Remind me again...

"So, Summer... if you haven't got any plans, do you wanna grab a bite or something?" Spencer scratches the back of his head, his eyes crinkling slightly and buzzing with curiosity. My mouth goes dry as soon as he asks me that and I struggle to even let out a reply.

"Uh...sorry, Spencer. I kind of just made plans with...uh, Maddie right here and-

"No, she didn't! She was even about to cancel actually. You should totally go, Summer." I glare at her from the side for getting me in such a pickle. Staring at both their faces from either side with a blank expression, I nod slowly after a few seconds, earning a bright smile from Spencer.

"Yeah, we can..."

"Great! I'll see you in a while after changing?" He asks while walking slowly toward where his team is currently gathering.

I simply nod and then turn around to hit Maddie. I smack her forehead and she winces, rubbing it.

"What is wrong with you?!"

"What is wrong with me?!" I shriek and continue, "Why the hell would you land me in such a situation? I don't want to go on any date. Especially not with the captain of our rival team. So, the real question is what is wrong with you?" I poke her forehead again, walking toward the locker room in order to change out of my sweaty attire. I had no idea in the morning while choosing my outfit for the day, that it would be this hot. The evening sun continues to burn my skin and I'm already dreading getting into my oversized hoodie and leggings. Normally, on a day like this, I would wear a random band t-shirt and a pair of leggings. No way in hell am I ever getting into jeans. I don't even know how girls manage to walk in those fucking tight shits. I literally feel my vagina closing in on me.

I shake my head at my bizarre thoughts. I should be admitted at a mental asylum, honestly.

"Don't blame me. I'm just trying to help you out in your DOA love life." She shrugs and I roll my eyes at her friends' reference.

I need to binge-watch that by the way.

"I don't need a love life, Maddie. I'm just fine." I say as I hop into the cold shower as Maddie waits for me outside.

"Yeah, sure. I know how fine you are. It's your time to- What the fuck is this, Summer?!" She suddenly shouts and I turn off my shower to hear her properly.

"What?"

"You brought a hoodie to change into? You got any brains left in that pretty little head?" I roll my eyes and turn my shower back on.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Little did I know I'm going to be stuck between choosing a new best friend and agreeing on going out with a boy."

"Fine! No need to be extra salty about it. Come on, you'll have fun. Let your damn hair down for a while, although not literally. It's all sweaty and rough." I chuckle at her madness and wait for her to continue, "Plus, if you don't like him then just tell him that."

"I swear sometimes I wonder how your brain mechanizes and functions. Maddie, I've never ever gone on a date with anyone and turning them down right after is not my cup of tea. I mean, the guy must be having some hopes on me and here you are, gladly telling me to break his heart."

"Hello, it's not like he's in love with you. He may be just a guy who wants to go out with the first girl he sees."

The word love makes me visibly cringe and I shake my head to get all those thoughts out.

"Are you trying to suggest the guy could be just a player who wants to get into my pants?" I drawl out as I put on my undergarments and wrap my towel around me, getting out and walking toward my bag.

"Shut up, Summer. You'll be fine. With a girl like you, he's the one who has to stay safe." She looks back at me and winks.

I laugh as I put on my clothes and Maddie walks out of the locker room. Checking my reflection in the mirror, I close my eyes and breath. I have to treat this like a normal meeting with a friend or acquaintance.

And a step to forgetting Caleb.

Woah. Where did that come from?

Caleb's constant and infuriating thoughts make me even more determined to go out with Spencer and I walk out with a raised chin. Only that, my plan flops as I see a shirtless Caleb talking to some of the boys. My knees instantly go all wobbly and jelly and I barely avert my eyes from the Adonis in front of me. I walk ahead and keep his thoughts locked away in a jar, realizing I just can't kick him away from my mind.

"Ready?" I meekly nod at Spencer who was typically dressed in a blue letterman jacket and black chinos. I suddenly feel conscious of my dressing and hope he doesn't take me anywhere too fancy.

"Where we going?" I ask while pushing a few strands away from my face and squinting my eyes to block the harsh sunlight. Luckily, I followed Maddie's orders and put my hair in a high messy bun.

"I was hoping you'd choose someplace, wherever you wanna go."

I want to badly smile and blush at his chivalry but I just can't bring myself to that point. Spencer is handsome – way handsome for me, that's sure – with his dark blonde hair pushed back and his dazzling smile that could make any girl drop her pants instantly.

Just that I wasn't that any girl.

"I know a place. I'll direct you." I smile and say as we both start walking towards the parking lot.

Maddie waves at me from the side as she stands next to Shawn, Noel, and Blake. I walk towards them and I'm still skeptical about how they would react.

"Look at our girl, all grown up going on a date." Shawn dramatically starts off, placing his hand on Blake's shoulder.

"After all, I raised her to be perfect." Blake flips his non-existent hair and rolls his eyes. I chuckle as I hit them both.

"Shut up. So you guys don't mind me going out with him...?"

"Why would we?"

"Maybe because he's our damn rival captain."

"So? You have the freedom to fuck whoever you want." Shawn shamelessly adds in.

"Shawn!"

"Ignore him, Summer. You go enjoy, alright?"

"Finally, the wise one spoke." Maddie laughs as she looks at Noel.

"Where are you planning on going anyways?" Noel asks.

"Snowflake." I shoot back as I remember how perfect it would be to have ice cream on such a hot day. Noel nods and I walk away slowly as Shawn starts whining about how he's smart too.

My thoughts are kicked out of the window as one strong pair of glaring eyes land on me. I groan internally at the entire situation and walk faster with Spencer.

Spencer opens the car door for me – God bless him – and I get in, still thinking about Caleb and his anger issues which are unknowingly always directed at me. As Spencer starts off talking about his love for soccer, I zone out of the entire conversation, my mind only wandering around why Caleb acts the way he does.

After missing a turn and going way back again, we finally pull up to 'Snowflake', my favorite ice cream shop.

"An ice cream shop?" Spencer asks as he views the small shop while slightly bending from his seat.

"Don't be fooled," I smirk while getting out, enjoying the sweet scent of coffee drifting to my nostrils and instantly calming me down. Snowflake is a popular café although many people know it mainly as an ice cream shop but they sell various milkshakes, coffees and ice creams of course. I admit I've only come here around 3-4 times but I always left salivating for more. Their ice cream is delectable and mouth-watering.

"Any advice on flavors?" Spencer asks and I point to the menu banner right on top of the counter.

"Mint is my favorite."

"Well, then it's my favorite too from now on." I blink slowly, my fat brain trying to process his words until it dawns upon me that he's flirting. I smile awkwardly and pretend to scan the menu on top.

"Summer!" I widen my eyes and turn around to see a whole table filled with what I would call disasters. Blake, Noel, Shawn, Maddie, and Caleb are all seated around a red booth.

Calmly sipping on fucking milkshakes.