Page 10 of Playing with Fire

I tend to have that effect on numerous individuals. I boast. "Whatever," he punches me on the shoulder.

"But I was joking. The idea of asking him crossed my mind but I would never actually go through with it. I would rather die than do that." The idea of it makes me scrunch my nose.

The two of them rarely remain in the same space together without starting an argument. he laughs.

As art class progressed we worked on completing our final projects for the year. The projects included some sketches and allowed for either a painting or a collage creation.

Of course, I chose a college.

My position as head of the yearbook club made my decision a straightforward one. I take pictures all the time.

I turned around distractedly before someone asks "So, what are you doing this sum-"

The sound of something toppling interrupts my conversation. I turn my head toward the object I have struck and immediately realize my mistake.

It was a water bottle. And an open one at that.

"Fuck." I seethed through my teeth.

After taking the water bottle in my hand I examined my sketch which I had already completed. It was utterly ruined.

Felix took it and placed it elsewhere, but nothing changed. "Just throw it out. I'll redo it," I told him.

He acknowledges with a nod before disposing of it as I attempt to control the leaking water on the table.

Felix asked Mrs. Greene if she could point us to the location of any paper towels. Felix asks.

"Why? What happened?" She stood up from her desk.

"Water spilt." I gave her a short answer.

"Oh goodness." she sighs. My previous class finished all the paper towels, so you need to go to the store room.

I avoided the small puddle on the floor as I walked toward her desk. She handed me a set of keys which allowed me to walk out of the room with Felix.

We reached the hallway and began laughing after moving a few feet from the room. "Well, that's one way to leave class." I swung the keys around my finger.

We leisurely strolled through the hallways. We have plenty of time before we need to return.

Will you be prepared to join the Savannah league? I ask.

"I honestly can't wait. He confesses that he hasn't participated in a real game for an extended period.

I give him a nod as we move along.

The place I call home treats football as a major event. Football holds a special place in Georgia particularly among college and high school teams.

The teams in my area developed such strong pride that they eventually established their own Savannah league. The Savannah league serves as a season extension where schools compete against each other.

Players attend practices two to three times each week and participate in weekend games. El and Tristan's participation on the team is why I have this information.

The Savannah league begins in two weeks which prompts everyone to show their support for their teams. It's like football season but extended. Watching sporting events throughout Savannah becomes enjoyable. The sound of someone approaching us pulls me back from my thoughts. I look up and see Jaxon. Ugh, kill me now.

Jaxon approaches and exchanges nods with Felix before inquiring "Where are you two going?" he asks.

"To get paper towels," Felix tells him.

I make no effort to conceal my desire for him to leave.

---