Chapter Twenty Eight : Scouted

A/N Let me when how often you'd guys like me to update! I actually have had this written for awhile but wanted every reader to able to catch up to this chapter. Regardless, enjoy this summer treat!

I dragged my feet against the pavement with stinging red eyes and a lump in my throat, wanting badly to turn around and run back to Dakota to tell him he's forgiven, that we can be friends again and forget this ever happened but I was already half way home and too cowardly to turn back.

The walk was dark and empty with a pitch black sky and not a star insight. It almost felt as if I was in a ghost town and was the only person left. Reminding me of the times Dakota and I would be walking back to my house after a night out, half the time I had to haul his ass there because he was too drunk to stand.

I felt guilty for leaving Michael at the party without explaining why, even after he pulled Dakota off of me. I don't know what would have happened if he didn't. I'd look worse than I already did.

I opened my bedroom window making as little noise as possible as I hoisted myself up and in with my feet landing softly on the carpet floor.

I threw myself on my bed, not bothering to change out of my clothes or kick off my shoes. I was too beat, to tired to do anything, I felt helpless. I couldn't control my best friend, I couldn't control myself from kissing Michael, everything that could have went wrong tonight, did.

I felt the alcohol wearing off as I laid still and the pain on my face intensify from Dakota's hits earlier, leaving the question- what were my parents going to say?

I groaned into my pillow, I shouldn't have went out. I should've known better than to think I would have a good time with friends, not while Dakota was around. My pity for him was replaced with anger as the memory of him showing up to the party replayed in my mind, already wasted and picking a fight as usual but this time I wasn't there to babysit him. I was tired of forgiving, tired of having feelings for him. This time, it was over- for good.

All weekend I attempted to avoid my parents but ultimately failed, it was inevitable. I was thankful when they didn't ask about the bruised busted lip I had during dinner.

"When is Dakota going to start coming around again, hun?" My mom asked me as I poked at my food with my fork.

"Never."

"Fighting is never good for friends." Mom sighed. I only nodded in response, unable to say anything. Leaving me wondering if maybe I should forgive Dakota.

Monday morning felt different as I started my walk to school, noticing Dakota in the corner of my eye from across the street. He didn't glance in my direction, not even for a second. But I could spot the shiner that I'd given him from a mile away. I thought about crossing the street to tell him I forgave him for last night, to apologize for kissing Michael, for fighting. But I shook that thought from my mind, almost forgetting that he was the one that ruined what we had.

People were staring, left and right as soon as I entered the school. It made me want to turn around and tail it back home. The only assumption I could think of was that word must've spread about Dakota and I fighting. But I walked to class with my head held high, pretending it didn't phase me, not one bit, even if it did.

Class went by slower than usual as I waited for the bell to go for lunch, watching the clock tick by the second. As soon as it went, I scrambled to my feet, rushing to get out of the school. I grabbed my lunch from my locker and walked outside, my gaze immediately going to the bleachers to find Gemma and Jane.

I walked up to them, practically throwing myself beside Gemma as I sat down.

"Tell me everything!" Gemma said, grabbing onto my arm with a twinkle in her eye. I sighed as Jane stared at me with curious eyes.

"We fought. I mean, we fought before but this time it was different. I think it's-" I paused, choking back tears that I hadn't realized we're threatening to fall. I cleared my throat before carrying on.

"Over this time." I looked down at the ground, avoiding their gaze.

Gemma leaned over to me, wrapping her pale skinny arms around my shoulders and squeezing hard. I buried my face into the nape of her neck, squeezing her back, feeling a lump form in my throat as Jane joined in. I pulled away, not wanting people to stare and afraid if they hugged me any longer I'd end up crying.

"Even boys need post break up hugs." Gemma said as she winked at me with a smirk. I forced a chuckle before clearing away the lump in my throat.

"I heard it started because Dakota seen you with Michael." Jane said with a straight face but I could tell she wanted to smirk at me and tell me I told you so.

"Y-yeah but it didn't mean anything." I shrugged as I gave her a half smile. It went quiet for a moment and we sat in silence as we ate, not saying a word. I picked at my lunch, no longer feeling hungry.

"Is this a bad time?" Michael walked up to me. His cheek had a tiny purple bruise but other than that he looked better than he did the night of the party.

"Not at all." Jane said, motioning for Gemma to follow her as they walked off. It was quiet before I decided to speak first.

"I'm sorry about Dakota." I said as he sat down beside me, not meeting his gaze.

"I've taken worse hits than that." He chuckled, reaching over to grab a handful of my chips.

"He has some, issues I guess." I mumbled as I shrugged before continuing.

"Whatever was going on between us, it can't-"

"I can wait." Michael said, cutting me off mid sentence. I hesitated for a moment.

"Alright." I grinned.

The rest of the school day played out as normal as it possibly could. Other than the sneers Queenie and Eva threw me from time to time, probably for ever laying a hand on Dakota, the golden boy, who'd I occasionally cross paths but we completely ignored each other, not even as much as sparing a glance. Even during practice, he went about it like he normally would. It was starting to scare me how he seemed completely okay after that night, he even stayed behind to put in some extra practice before the today's game.

At the end of practice I decided that I wouldn't be playing in tonight's game. I can't stand having to see Dakota everyday, he was quarterback and his word was absolute so I'd have to listen to his every order.

"Game night, nervous?" Michael asked me on the way out the school.

"Think I'm going to sit out on this one."

"What? No you can't."

"I really don't think I can play tonight."

"My dad, he's bringing a scout to tonight's game to see you."

"What?" I said with an arched a brow.

"You have to come." He pleaded, smiling at me.

I was taken back, unable to form a sentence and spit out incoherent muttering instead. Being scouted would be everything for me and I can't not go now that I know Mr.Carina went out of his way to invite a scout to see me, in the middle of butt fucking no where.

"I'll see you there." I smirked.

I let out a deep breath as I stared out at the stands of cheering people, waiting on the side lines for the game to start. My parents, Dakota's, Michael's and the scout, the man that would be deciding my fate for the future, were all there. I didn't mention a word about it to my parents, it wouldn't mean anything to them. This was for me and me only, I didn't care if I sounded selfish. All my life I'd been trying to please other people but not tonight, tonight was for me.

Coach blew his whistle, signalling us to huddle together. We decided on what plays we would carry out and in the end it was Dakota that would ultimately be placed with the honour of hopefully leading us to victory.

Nearing the end of the game we needed one more touchdown to win. We huddled once more out on the field as the teams were getting ready and the crowd became more frenzied. I avoided Dakota's gaze as he avoided mine, strictly sticking to the plays coach had decided on.

"Break!"

We dispersed, walking to our assigned positions. With a shaky heart, I kneeled into the ready position, waiting for Dakota's signal.

The whistle went and the ball snapped. I ran straight forward, avoiding the opponents defence with Michael blocking in front of me.

I looked over my shoulder just in time to see Dakota throwing the ball to me, watching it soar high. As it neared close I jumped up, catching it in my arms and started running as fast as I could. I threw the ball across the field, aiming for Dakota who caught it in an instant, it wasn't long before I was tackled down.

Dakota ran towards the end zone, scoring a touchdown. The crowd cheered and roared with excitement, so loud I could feel it on the field. I ran towards him, along with the rest of the team, reaching him first before the others.

As I neared close, time froze for a moment and it felt like just the two of us in a big empty field as we gazed into each others eyes with wide smiles on each other's faces, panting hard and heavy, trying to catch our breaths. His cheeks were that usual shade of pink, and his deep hazel eyes lit up as he gazed at me, tonight they looked more beautiful than they ever had before. He opened his mouth as if to speak but only smiled harder as we silently celebrated the win together.

The moment ended when Alex and Michael hoisted him up in the air, cheering his name and this time I cheered along too.

"Luka." I turned around to find Mr.Carina standing with a short bearded man. I walked up to them, my body riddled with nerves, knowing who the man was.

"Luka this is Mr.Hugh." I extended my hand for him to shake.

"Luka, hell of a game tonight, son. We'd be interested in having you on my team back home."

"That would be amazing, sir, really." I smiled, unable to stop myself from shaking his hand.

"I'll be in touch but you can be rest assured, you'll have a spot with us."

"Thank you very much, sir." I smiled as he patted my back. I hesitated for a moment before speaking again.

"Sir, I think you should look into Dakota Moreau as well. He's a great quarterback."

"Will do, son." He smiled, briefly exchanging goodbyes with Mr.Carina.

"Thank you so much Mr.Carina, you have no idea how much this means to me." I said to him, filled with nothing but adrenaline and excitement from winning and being offered a spot on a university team in the same night.

"No problem, son." He patted my back before walking away towards Michael, who waved at me from afar.

"Who were those men?" My mom asked as she walked up to me, along with my dad. I debated on telling her, wondering if she'd dismiss it like it was nothing.

"A friend's dad and.. a scout." I mumbled.

"That's great, son!" My dad said as he smiled, pulling me into a hug. I was taken back from his actions, unsure of what to do next as I stood stiff.

"Well.. that's wonderful, hun." My mom said with a smile, and for the first time it was genuine.

I showered as soon as I got home, still unable to come to terms that a scout was at one of my games, watching me and wanting me on his team in the future.

After changing into some fresh p.j's I laid still in bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, thinking back to everything that'd happened lately. My cellphone went off, vibrating on my nightstand. I turned on my side and grabbed it before pressing the talk button.

"Hey, it's Dakota."

"Hey." I mumbled.

"I just wanted to tell you thanks."

"For?"

"Mentioning me to that scout."

"Did you get an offer?"

"Yeah." I could tell he was holding back excitement by the sound of his voice.

"That's great."

"Luka, I really am sorry.. for everything."

It went silent for a moment, neither of us saying a word. I didn't know what to say. I felt like if I forgave him I'd be giving in, maybe I was just being prideful and needed to throw it aside. But I couldn't.

"Goodnight, Dakota."

I pressed the end button, feeling that lump in my throat coming back.

A/N Don't forgot to VOTE, comment and tell me when you want Luka and Dakota back together! Next chapter? Five chapters later? Should Michael and Luka get together instead? Let me know!