Page 7 of Playing with Fire

After returning from school I felt completely exhausted because I stayed up partying on Tuesday night.

After closing the front door I landed on the floor. As my head dropped to one side I became aware of several people staring at me.

"Oh, hi, guys." I sigh.

Tristan says "Sup Em" while he lifts his gaze from the TV screen.

His friend Nolan sat next to him on the couch as he waved at me.

The sound of footsteps reaches my ears so I lift my gaze. "Elijah...can you help me up?" I ask as he walks towards me.

"Can't you do that yourself?" he raises a brow at me. "Don't be annoying." I sigh, holding out my Hands. He laughs while he takes my Hands to lift me up. Standing up becomes slightly more challenging because my backpack weighs me down.

"So, how was the yearbook?" As I settle on the carpet before the couch Tristan asks me a question.

I rotate my bag towards me before setting it down beside my position. I remember something important when I reply "It was good" and then show my laptop on the coffee table.

After entering my password, I navigate to my photo collection to find the pictures I need to show them.

What sports section picture should we choose? I ask, leaning away from the screen.

The screen brightness hurt my eyes while my head swelled up.

As I closed my eyes they started debating while my laptop ended up in El's Hands.

"What are you guys looking at?" A softer voice Calls out to me from the space immediately in front.

"Felix?" Open one eye.

"Hey, Em." He greets me and then takes a seat on the couch.

I mention we're picking a picture for the yearbook then lean my head against someone's knee. Who from our team members has gathered today? I ask.

Typically plenty of people showed up but today only a small group appeared.

Tristan and Felix were the two cornerbacks. Nolan was our punt returner.

The two youngest players present were juniors Tristan and him while all the other players were seniors. Elijah was our wide receiver. And a good one, too. Scratch demonstrated performance levels which surpassed being good yet I'll stop there.

On our defensive line stood Camden who played safety and JAMIE who was a defensive back. But those two weren't here today.

A person I haven't mentioned yet is-

"Only your favourite player ever." A familiar irritating voice interrupts the silence.

I scoff in response, "Yeah, right."

"You know it's true." he shrugs while sitting on the couch.

I move closer as I watch him retrieve my laptop from Felix. I recall special details about today and choose to spend my time on personal entertainment. Entertainment consists of provoking Jaxon. My feelings about him are contradictory because I dislike him annoying me while I also find satisfaction in annoying him.

I understand why people might find me hypocritical, but frankly I don't give a damn. I know I'm beyond bored.

"You know what, maybe you're right." I make sure my voice sounds enthusiastic.

"I'm always right," he says nonchalantly.

I ignore his ego and go on. "Maybe Jaxon is my favourite player, guys." I smile.

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