Page 23 of Playing with Fire

"Rowan! Let's go!" The sound of the coach's yell reaches me from across the field.

Much of the team has gathered at the fifty-yard line. "After practice," he says shortly. With sharp sarcasm he states that I supposedly crave time spent with him so badly.

He's purposefully telling me the same thing over again to irritate me because it's clearly effective. I still don't want to spend time with you. I groan.

"Keep telling yourself that."

I roll my eyes before muttering "I hope your leg breaks." I mutter at him. With a smirk he says to me, "I can break a lot of things Em," before walking away.

I take in a breath and scowl. Ew. I did not need to hear that. I spin around to see him jog toward his teammates. I walk back to school for the yearbook club with a shake of my head.

I really just want to finish this task.

The yearbook creation process turned out to be much more stressful than it usually was. We completed the book's finishing touches before presenting it to Mrs. Greene.

When we reviewed the yearbook, everyone gave their approval and many club members departed. I stayed behind to finish another sketch.

The mistake I made spoiled my previous sketch, so I haven't redrawn it since then. The task became difficult because I spent endless time staring at the blank page.

I sketched multiple ideas, but none satisfied me which led me to restart several times.

I had the option to pick one of those sketches but refused to submit anything less than my best work because I knew I could achieve more.

Mrs. Greene remains my only favored teacher at school which makes extra effort worthwhile. She is the best. Over time I have developed a close bond with her because she has permitted me to have lunch in her room multiple times and given me support during art class and yearbook club supervision.

I decided to stop working after spending an additional hour without making any progress and then proceeded to go home. When I arrived at my house the time was at six o'clock.

After taking a quick shower and eating dinner I explained to my parents that I would be on the opposite side of the street while watching a hockey game in the living room.

I simply responded to the "Project" when they questioned me about my plans.

Dad gave a nod before returning to the living room while Mom responded to me with raised eyebrows and a smile.

"I don't want to talk about it." I ended her fantasy thoughts and exited through the front door. They share the same behavior pattern through and through. My mom along with Lucille has always tried to bring Jaxon and me together although I'm not sure what that looks like to them. The measures they used to stop our bickering were extreme but clearly unsuccessful.

Whenever they get the opportunity to bring us together, they seize it. Their attempt to bring us together seems amusing but it becomes too much for me at times.

They can't help it, though. Their children have nothing in common despite their parents being best friends.

Not ideal.

After climbing their porch steps, I approach the front door and knock multiple times. Before I reach the door, I hear quick movements inside and then a sharp voice Camdenls out to me.

"Emmy!" Ro squeals.

"Hi, Ro!" I instinctively raise my voice an octave. Lily stood behind me and greeted me with a smile. "What brings you here?"

"Just my favourite person on the planet." I make a joke while stepping into the house. "Where is he?" I ask.

Her eyes lit up at my question. I believe my polite tone instead of my usual angry voice made the difference.

"He's upstairs." She flashed a smile as she guided Rory back into the living room. My nod accompanied by a specific look revealed my presence was not voluntary but required due to a pressing deadline. My sole purpose for being here was to finish my work before leaving. I ascended the steps and then veered right to reach his room.

I stood ready to knock on his door when it unexpectedly swung open. Jaxon appeared surprised by my presence when the door swung open behind him.

I approach tasks with directness and efficiency. Jaxon showed me he was impatient when he pushed me aside and moved into the hallway himself. Could we delay this for a bit because I forgot about another obligation? I forgot I had something to do." he rushed, backing down the corridor.

I turned towards him with furrowed eyebrows. "Woah, woah, woah. What kind of activities could you possibly need to attend at 8:13 in the evening? I took out my phone.

---