Page 10 of Collision
“Yes, it’s my first day of college. I’m in the Arts and Literature department,” she answers, a little awkward.
“Oh, a freshman! And we’re in the same department! How’s it been?”
“Not bad, but it’s only the first day.”
“I’m sure you’ll do well. The important thing is to meet the right people, and lucky for you, you have one right here,” I say pointing at myself and laughing.
“And here I was preparing myself for complete social isolation, at least for the first semester.” She gives me a wry grin. “Human relations are not my strong suit.”
“Welcome to the club, sister! Speaking of clubs, have you already signed up for any extracurricular activities? It helps a lot with making connections.”
“Actually, I was thinking about the French club, maybe the campus newspaper.”
“The newspaper is really popular. Probably the most in-demand extracurricular after theater and choir. I’d advise you not to waste time if you really want to join, because space is limited. I was interested too, but right now I have too many courses. Maybe second semester I’ll give it a try.”
“Thanks for the advice. I still have to get my class schedule sorted out.”
“Of course. But now tell me: Who is forcing you to come to these boring practices?” I ask her conspiratorially.
“No one, really. My brother plays on the team, and I… Well, let’s just say I like to keep an eye on him.” She smiles.
“What year is he in?” I bring my knees to my chest and wrap my arms around them.
“He’s a sophomore. He took a long break after the accident, and he just started training again this summer. Since he insists on getting back on the team, I’m here to make sure he doesn’t push himself too hard. He refuses to believe he has any limitations at all, and he needs someone to remind him.”
“Oh, an accident? I hope it wasn’t too bad.”
“A motorcycle accident a few years ago. It was the worst time of my life.” As she speaks, her voice cracks, and I regret my question immediately.
“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to…”
Leila clears her throat. “It’s okay, it’s okay, I’m sorry I’m killing the mood with all my tragedies. When he healed from his injuries, we decided to leave Portland. I did my last year of high school at Riverside, and now I’m here.” She hunches into herself, as if her entire life has been encapsulated in these few sentences, but the bitterness that lurks inside her eyes suggests to me that there is so much more to tell.
I stroke her arm, as if to give her some comfort and apologize once again. I want to slap myself for making her remember such a painful moment. Maybe my mother’s right, and Idotalk too much.
“You know, new beginnings are always the hardest. But I’m sure you’ll be fine here,” I encourage her.
“Baker and Collins, this is your last warning. I see that again, and you’re benched.” We wince as we hear the coach’s voice thunder through the locker room door, followed by the rumble of heavy footsteps announcing the arrival of the boys. Leila and I exchange worried looks. When I turn toward the court, I see Travis heading to the side hoop with his head bowed, shoulders tense and breathing labored. Behind him is Thomas, his face dark with anger as he reaches the hoop on the opposite side of the court, his back to us. He runs a hand through his damp hair and from the insistent way he loosens the black bandana he keeps twisted around his wrist, I can tell that he’s agitated. The fiery glares that Travis keeps sending Thomas’s way can’t be helping.
I really hope my boyfriend hasn’t let Thomas provoke him. If the coach were to kick him off the team, his father would never forgive him. When he notices me, I smile sweetly at him, hoping to assuage some of his bad mood, but somehow that only seems to make him scowl harder. What’s the problem now? He wanted me here, and here I am, and now he’s mad? He’s never happy.
Travis and Thomas are joined by their teammates, Matthew and Finn. Matthew is extremely tall, with brown hair shaved on the sides and eyes the color of dark chocolate. He’s the only one of Travis’s friends that I really like. Finn, on the other hand, is a womanizer convinced that he can win over anyone with his alleged charm. He has an eyebrow ring, very short bleached blond hair and greenish-blue eyes. He is a handsome boy, sure, but there’s nothing else to him. Matt is famous for throwing crazy parties at his fraternity, Finn for being the one who makes them crazy.
The sound of the coach’s whistle brings everyone back to attention, and under his direction, the boys begin practicing runs, dribbles, and counterattacks. After a botched pass, however, the ball rolls over to Leila, who retrieves it and passes it gently to that jerk Thomas. In response, he gives her a wink. I can’t help but roll my eyes. My God, this guy really hits on everyone.
For a moment, I’m afraid I said that aloud, because Thomas inclines his head and allows his gaze to linger on me, lifting one corner of his mouth in a half smile. I answer with a scowl, hoping to snuff out that glint of amusement in his green eyes. But, in the end, I look away first.
“Collins! Move your ass! Back to your post!” the coach calls him back.
“What about you? Are you here of your own free will or did someone force you?” asks Leila, bringing me back to reality.
“My boyfriend plays basketball, ergo I am forced to come.” I snort.
“Oh God, it’s almost worse than having a brother on the team. I’m here for you.” She pats my shoulder, and I give her small hand a theatrical squeeze. “And who’s the lucky guy?”
“Travis. Travis Baker, number nineteen.”
Leila immediately spots Travis and, for a moment, seems disoriented. She squints her eyes, as if trying to focus on a blurry image, and then something strange happens. Her expression changes and becomes inexplicably more somber, and her face pales.
