6). THE SOCCER MATCH

It was Saturday Evening. Bright lights lit up in the Springfield High School ground field. The ground was ready with a green dusty pitch that was drooling with piped water everywhere. The air smelled fresh. It was a cloudy day with a 50% chance of rain. The bleachers around were set up for the crowd to sit. Big roller machines were rolling on the grassy field. The referees were out taking a look at the field. The goal posts were ready, with fine netting and the boundaries and margins were drawn with the fresh paint. It was going to be a brisky match with two rival towns playing against each other. Springfield Town versus EldervileTown.

Mitchell Braddin was hosting the team as the Captain of Springfield Town with James Solomon as the Co.Captain.

Dray Flint was hosting the opponent team from EldervileTown as Captain and Sean Walkers as the Co. Captain. Elderville was known to be the strongest team for the past couple of years. They had won seasonal trophies in a row.

Inside the boys room, Braddin had drawn a big diagram of the pitch along with twenty two players on the white board. Half of his men and other opponents. He stood boldly giving out all the instructions to his team mate.James was leaning against the corner with his arms folded and was listening to him. "Alright men, this is it. I think we have gotten ourselves some real team to play." He began. "We have been practicing throughout our semester, throughout every weather. We stood up against the cold wind and chilly rain, the dark nights and the burning sunny days. We're gonna kick their asses and show who's the boss."

His teammates yelled in union to boost their morals. He smiled widely at them.

"It's our home ground, our hometown. They may be the strongest team but they aren't taking the trophy from us. Alright come on. Let's go !" Braddin said loudly, clapping his hand.

The couch entered whistling, screeching everyone's ears. "On the field boys !" He commanded. "Keep your eyes and ears open. Butts on the fields. Real quick!"

James took his sweatshirt and placed it in his bag. Braddin came shoulder to shoulder with him. They both stared at each other for a split second when James walked out.

Outside, Rebecca, Tia, Ian and Ash were waiting outside to meet them. Braddin's team mate came rushing in passing them. Then Skyler appeared. Behind him came Ethan, Roy and then Braddin.

"Well, how are you all feeling ?" Ian asked.

"We are fine. We are good." Ethan said, pulling his half pants up.

"Tense ?" Ash asked, gazing up at Roy who was brushing the back of his neck.

He shook his head. "We got a better strategy. Better team. We did lots of practice. I am sure we are going to win." Roy said

"Not just win, you are going to nail it !" Tia said, nodding at them.

"All the best you guys. Just give it your best !" Rebecca said.

Ethan grinned broadly holding out his hand in a fist. Rebecca grinned along with him and placed her hand on the fist. Roy stepped forward with Ash covering it. Skyler placed his own, Ian dumped her hand and in the end, Braddin came with Tia placing her own. And they blew it as a group high five.

"Go get them!" Ian yelled in excitement, thumping at their backs as they sped out to the field. Their energy blazed out from them.

"Anything for me to boost up !" James came from behind. The girls turned around and saw him beaming at Rebecca.

"Hey, how are you doing ?" Rebecca asked, with a smile

"Spectacular ! Gleeful. Can't wait to run out. And how are you feeling now, Ian ?" He said, a soft smile plastered over his face.

"I am good, thanks. All the best for today." Ian said.

He beamed at her again then gave a greeting nods at Tia and Ash. He looked back at Rebecca waiting for her to say something. "Great. Give your best." She said, not sure what else to say. But she managed something and it seemed like this was enough for him. James nodded, holding out his hand. Rebecca thought he wanted to shake. She stretched her hand but James clapped a small high five to her.

"Do it perfectly!" He complained with a deep chuckle. They both held high and then clapped. "I'll see you around, sweet." With that James marched outside, leaving Rebecca and the girls surprised and puzzled behind him.

"Did he just call you sweet?" Ash murmured in a shocking tone.

"Hello and welcome to the biggest game of the season. Springfield VS Elderville."

The commentary broke through the commentary box banging in the whole surrounding. Upon hearing the names, both sides clapped, yelled and hooted, encouraging their teams. Rebecca, Tia, Ian and Ash were seated on the middle row with popcorn and soft drinks and holding out the banners and mini sized flags.

"I, myself Nicholas Bliton, the commentator at your service. And here's our both teams. Springfield and Elderville!"

From both sides the eleven players descended down the ground with their Captains. Mitchell Braddin Andrews and Dray Flint.

The crowd roared again applauding and cheering for their team. Tia, Rebecca, Ash and Ian clapped loudly. Ian not being able to clap with her arm damaged. She just blew a whistle and punched her fist in the air. Braddin came down and entered the field, with James behind him. And then his team, Skyler, Ethan, Roy, Wade, Carlo, Mason, Daniel, Rupert and Ben. Beside them came the opponent team, walking steadily and the both teams spread out 11 players each team. Braddin and Dray came up to the four referees for the toss.

"And here's the toss and it seems Dray Flint has won. He has chosen the right side. There are handshakes, ladies and gentlemen and the captains are taking their positions. So for now, let the game begin!"

"GO BRADDIN !" Tia yelled, cupping her hands around her mouth. Braddin, Roy, Ethan and Skyler gave a look at the girls and then stood at their positions. Rebecca flashed James a thumbs up and he winked at her.

"The players set their positions. The Captains at the central circle. Their co Captain behind their team. The Referee at that point raised his arm and BLOW the whistle is up!"

At the sound of the whistle, the crowd cheered again. Ash was sweating in tension reciting every single word of BIBLE she could remember. Ian, Rebecca and Tia sat down enjoying the match having their popcorn.

"This is amazing, Springfield is in action ! Roy Ushawn charges in and dodges the front position and is shooting for his team mate. He passes to Wade Mathews. Wade inside the edge, remarkable speed, throws at the captain charging forward position !!"

"Where's Skyler ?" Tia asked, leaping upwards.

"He's at the goal post. He's the goalkeeper." Ian said.

"Look at Roy. He's running like the wind !" Ash said happily then again reciting Bible words.

"The Co-Captain has the ball he's charging in. He passed the first half...into the central circle...UH OH! He's in trouble. Ethan Scott coming to his rescue. James Solomon is working out. Dribbling with his feet. Ethan Scott trying to hustle the ball away. The Co Captain is eager. He wants it to himself. Ethan goes in again. James is away with the ball..."

"Why isn't he passing ?" Ian said impatiently.

Rebecca spied at James struggling with the ball but not passing it to Ethan who was so close to him and seemed to be yelling at him to pass.

"I don't know what he's trying to do," Rebecca said slowly.

"Maybe, he's a jerk like everyone says." Tia sighed in frustration.

Rebecca, Ash and Tia frowned at her. "Really Tia?"

"What?" She asked in surprise.

"Oh, please stop judging!" Rebecca grumbled then turned to face the game.The girls sat down again with Ash busy with her prayers moving back and forth. Rebecca got them a new pack of popcorn and ate it. Both teams didn't score a goal. They were equally matched. Neither of them could reach the goal post.

"Dray comes in again. He passes to Charlie and wow! Roy tackled him easily and he is moving on Wade and Ethan securing his back. OH! WHAT A TACKLE ATTACK! Dray has him down and it seems Roy is ok. Ethan is there to help him up, the co-captain hot on his heels. He's after Dray. Elderville is looking onto his moment. He's onto the goal post. Dray is there. He might score...he's definitely looking for it and he throws it....WOOOW! WHAT A SAVE !! Skyler Zach Smith dives in. Shielding the goal. Stretching himself wildly full length. What a mighty safe !"

"Thank God !" Tia said, clutching her forehead.

Roy ran towards Skyler and gave him a high five for the terrific save. The crowd roared and cheered loudly as they could when Skyler caught the ball. Ian and Tia were above their seats, clapping hard. First half went by, no team had scored. There was a small 15 mins break, both the teams were discussing their heads pressed together. The whistle blew again, with the Captains appearing at the circle waiting for the final whistle to blow to play.

"What happens if they don't score ?" Asked Tia, in confusion.

"They will go in for plenty of kicks." Rebecca said.

"No extra time ?" Tia asked again.

"There will be for half an hour. Then even if they don't score, then there are plenty of strokes." She said, her eyes scanning for her friends

"Roy comes in. Passed the central circle. Going towards the Pavilion end. He's aiming at the goal and....NOOOOO! MISSED IT. HE MISSED! WENT STRAIGHT ABOVE FROM THE GOAL !! JAMES IS RUSHING INTO HIM. It looks like they are into an argument. The Captain is on his way.... he's dealing with the matter."

"What's going on ?" Ian asked, looking at the side. Tia and Rebecca also spied in that direction. Ian had a pair of binoculars with her. James was looking like a very heated person. They could not hear what they were saying but it was sure from James' action that he was scolding Roy probably for missing the goal. Braddin ran up to them. He spread out his arms and separated the two.The match began again, James was with the ball. Braddin was at his heel asking him to pass but he didn't. He kept on running dodging everyone but mistakenly threw at the opponent. He kicked it away suddenly Skyler, missing the ball and it went straight inside. The opposing team scored!

"Shit !" Tia said, thrusting her fist.

"No way !" Ian said in annoyment, jerking her hand away.

The opposing crowd cheered. The team celebrated happily. Braddin clapped his hand, boosting his team to patch up again.

"Why isn't he passing?! What's he thinking?" Ash cried, nearly ripping her hair off.

The game began again, this time Ethan was taking charge zooming it then he carefully slid the ball to Braddin and the Captain ran at his high speed. He passed the forward line, dodged the central post. Looking at three players blocking his way he quickly aimed his kick at the goal. Tia, Rebecca, Ash and Ian stood up in excitement and cheered loudly when the ball missed the goal keeper and got netted

"GOAL !!! The scores are level ! Cheers to Springfield Town."

"We did it ! We are leveled !" Tia cried in happiness.

Braddin looked at her. She grinned at him, clapping hard, jumping up and down.

"The scores have leveled, the teams are rushing in. Only a minute left for the game to end. Will anyone be able to score? Both captains are looking tense. Dray and Braddin ! Who will be awarded as the best captain? "

Tia, Rebecca, Ash and Ian had their fingers crossed. Sweat pouring down in the cold night from their faces and sweeping down their legs.

Braddin moved forward passing the ball to Wade. He ran a few steps then carefully glided the ball to Ethan.

"Come on, man," Rebecca breathed looking at Ethan struggling.

Skyler was lowering down his eyes fixed on the ball. Just for a second when he raised up. Ian was looking at him and both their eyes met. Ian waited but quietly showed him thumbs up and a victory. Skyler smiled nodding at her.

Ethan passed the ball to Roy who ran forward. Braddin and James racing behind him. James came a lot closer to him shouting for him to pass. Roy kept on running. He had to pass but to whom ? Ethan or James ? Thirty seconds for the game to be over, the scores were leveled. "Roy, do it please !" Ash murmured.

Roy turned back sharply and hit the ball straight for Ethan

James stopped and attempted to put his leg in between but Ethan was very quick. He instantly seized the opportunity and aimed at the goal. The ball flew into the thin air and the crowd gasped holding their breaths. The ball passed, shooting from above their heads and striking the goal post,dodging the goalkeeper, getting deflected and swung inside the net.

"GOALLLL!!!!" Rebecca yelled in happiness throwing her arms in the air.

5---4----3----2---1

Time's up ! The whistle blew with the Referee raising his flag towards the Springfield Town team!

"We won. WE WON !!!" Ian shouted.

"Did we ?" Ash asked, unable to believe what she saw.

"Yeah, we did. We actually won !" Rebecca said, throwing her arms around her and almost lifting her up from the ground. Ian and Tia hugged happily. In the field the eleven players were also jumping and dancing around. Skyler ran forward towards his teammates and jumped in between. The crowd cheered and hooted, raising their flags and helping their arms out. The winning team marched around as the two Captains and Co Captain shook hands for a friendly match. The boys came galloping towards their friends and helped them in the field. Out of nowhere, Kate came running towards them and before Tia, she quickly jumped up and hugged Braddin.

"Braddy, I am so proud of you, you little nitwick!" She said,

Braddin let go of her pounding her fist with him. "Thanks alot." He said.

"I am so proud of you. That's my Braddin !" Kate said again leaning against his chest.

Tia watched, feeling a bit awkward looking at them. She felt an intense feeling. Something was boiling in her stomach. Boiling of rage that came unwantedly. Braddin let go of her again, beamed at her then grabbed Tia's hand and marched away. Ethan with Rebecca marching alone, Braddin with Tia, Roy and Ash leaving Ian and Skyler to roam here.

"How was the match ?" Skyler asked.

"It was great. Really enjoyed it." Ian said, spreading her free arm and embracing him. Skyler laughed loudly holding her hand. Seeing Tia too busy with Braddin, Ian also beamed at Skyler thinking Tia may not become serious looking at them. "Weldone Sky," Ian said with a soft smile.

"What did you call me ?" He asked, stopping in his tracks.

"Sky," Ian whispered, becoming a little shy.

He gazed at her, the corner of his lips twitched in a smile then he smiled widely. "Sky... I like it." He said.

It was a proud moment, when the boys stood at the stage, the whole team receiving the cup and the medals. The girls cheered and encouraged them as hard as they could.

"You were damn great !" Ash said, complementing Roy. He laughed, taking his medal off and placing it around Ash's neck.

"I couldn't have done it without you." He whispered. Ash looked confused but hearing this, she quickly hid her happy, shy smile. James rounded Rebecca and Ethan.

"Hey," he said, ignoring Ethan as he didn't see him and stood beside her.

"Hi. Many, many congratulations !" Rebecca said gleefully.

James held out his arms high and they both clapped. "How was I doing ?" He asked me to stick his collar upwards.

"You were doing great. It was amazing." She said, nodding at him.

"Except he was having trouble in passing !" Ethan snapped.

"Far beyond you," James said again, ignoring him.

Rebecca tried to turn the topic away but luckily, Wade and Carl called him and he ran towards them. "I will see you soon," he said to Rebecca and ran off. The eight friends held back at the school, enjoying the night with the boys. It was the best match and a best victory.

The Saturday victory had made everyone very cheerful. Peaceful atmosphere lightened everyone's mood. The victory had made Tia, Ian and Ash almost forget about their tests on Monday. Except Rebecca who was beginning to get tense as the hours ticked in, by bringing the tension closer.

"It's only a class test. What makes you so nervous ?" Ian asked her.

"Because it's a chemistry test and you know I am weak in that." Rebecca snapped, shutting her book.

"Don't worry, you are Einstein. You can make it!" Ian said, thumping on her back making the book in her laps topple over. Rebecca frowned then walked into Braddin who was busy with Kate and Tia.

"Brad," she said. "Can you help me with the chemistry test ?"

Braddin nodded at her. But just as he spread out his hand to take the book from her, Kate slammed his hands away.

"It's just a test, and why are you worried? You know everything !" She said,

"Why doesn't anyone understand that I don't like chemistry? I am weak in that !" Rebecca mourned again.

Kate shoved her away from Braddin. "Move... You got a whole Sunday to practice. Get some help from Ian." She said without looking at her.

"Oh God!" Rebecca sighed heavily. She drew out her phone and texted Ian.

Rebecca: You free?

Ian: Yo! What's up?

Rebecca: Can you meet me in the library for the chem test?

Ian: Sure, why not. I'll be right there

Rebecca: Where are you anyways?

Ian: Just came off from the restroom.

Rebecca: 😑😑😑

Ian: 😅😅

Rebecca: I'm texting Ash to come as well.

Ian: Sure thing!

Rebecca caught up with Ash who was having a comfortable company with Roy.

"Hi Reb, what's up?" Roy asked with a wide smile.

"Chemistry the freak!" Rebecca growled angrily.

Roy chuckled. "Relax bud, you're gonna make it."

"Only if I study for it." She snapped then turning to Ash she added. "You might wanna halt this cozy romantic meeting. Ian's waiting for us in the library."

"Why so?" Ash asked, turning pink.

"So we could study, obviously! Now c'mon!" Rebecca grabbed her hand and tugged for her to get on her feet. Ash pulled herself up and grabbed her bag. "I guess I'll see you later." She said with a shy smile at Roy.

"See yeah!" He waved at her happily.

Ian came up to her when they arrived in the library. Taking the corner seat they sat down together and began to teach them how to balance the equations. They spent an hour working on that. When Ian gave both Ash and Rebecca the books to do it themselves, Rebecca got stuck in one of the equations.

"JESUS, help me !" She murmured, slamming her head on the book.

Ash smiled sympathetically at her. "Well, if it makes you feel any better I'm no good at it too!"

Finally Monday arrived, the Chemistry Test was in the second half much to Rebecca's pleasure. She planned to study in the free period and the lunch break. The class was too much of a mess. She thought she could go to the library and study peacefully there. As the bell rang after the second class, Ash ran out to meet with Roy. He was waiting for her at the class door. Ash sprang out and they both grinned looking at each other.

"Free ?" He asked, holding out his hand.

"Yes, for 2 hours." Ash clapped, placing her shaking hand in his own. He beamed at her then they both walked out of the corridor. Before leaving for the library, Rebecca changed her seat, shifting two seats back and settling herself with Ian.

"How are you doing ? Easy ?" She asked, strapping the belt on her sling a little loose.

"Yeah, I am good." Ian said.

"Pain ?"

"Not exactly. I wonder how many more days I have to wear this." Ian said sadly looking at the sling.

"We will go see the doctor in a few days. And then we will definitely get this thing out." She said,

Ian looked a little worried feeling something will again go wrong. "What if they come after me again ? I don't know if I will be able to protect myself."

Rebecca chuckled, patting her head gently but effectively. "I know you will be able to do it. I just know you can." She said, With a small nod from her, Rebecca got up and packed her things. She pushed down her books and copies and flung her bag around her shoulder.

"Where to ?" Ian asked, looking at her.

"Library. See you soon." She said and moved outside the class. She made her way through the corridors descending the stairs to the first floor where the huge library was set up. Entering there she searched for a vacant seat praying for the corner one. There were a lot of students inside. It was full. She climbed up the stairs hoping to get the table there. Spying at every nook and corner, she found James sitting alone with a comic book in front of him, his ears covered with large headphones. There was one vacant seat beside him. She sighed then moved forward towards him and tapped at his headphone. James looked and at once his face became light and tamed. He smiled looking at her.

"Hey what a surprise !"He whispered, taking his headphones off.

"Mind if I sit here, if it's not for someone else?" She asked, pointing at the vacant seat.

James shook his head to her delight. Rebecca pulled up the chair and settled herself, placing the books and copies on the table. "What's up?" James asked.

"Chemistry Test." Rebecca said, making a face.

"Oh! Preparation for that ?" He scratched his head.

Rebecca dropped her head in her hands and wiped out the sweat. "I can't understand. Test is right after an hour. I'm gonna fail in my first test! That's humiliating !" She cried.

James rested his hand on her shoulder and slightly pressed it. She looked up at him and he gave her a soft smile. "Relax, it's no problem. I will teach." He said calmly

"You will!" She jumped in surprise.

"Sure ! Now tell me what you don't understand?" He asked, pulling her books towards them.

Rebecca waited for a moment, feeling happy for someone taking interest in her problem. She flipped through pages then produced CHAPTER 6: THE IONIC BONDS AND THEIR CHEMISTRY.

"Why were you so tense ? You should have come straight to me. I am a master in this subject. Taught many classmates and other students." James said pleased with himself.

"I should have known before. I don't know. Ian helped me alot before but I keep forgetting about it." She replied, pushing back her hair.

"You're something! C'mon let's get started." James leaned forward, running his fingers and began teaching her. She listened to him very keenly and carefully. They both got very much deeply interested. Rebecca was concentrating hard on the work but James was spying on the book and at her too. His eyes searched and scanned her up and down. Her face shining brightly in the light, her eyes sparkling James couldn't resist except that he shifted more closely towards her. The fragrance of her filled his nostrils and he deeply wished they both could sit and talk forever.

"How do you balance the equations ?" Rebecca said suddenly, snapping him out of his thought bubble.

"Yeah," James took a deep breath then taking a pencil he copied down the equation. "Look at the subscripts next to each atom to find the number of atoms in the equation. Left side: 3 carbon, 8 hydrogen and 2 oxygen. Right side: 1 carbon, 2 hydrogen and 3 oxygen. Following me ?"

Rebecca nodded her eyebrows.

"You need to add a coefficient and then take one element each making sure both the sides are equal. Keep placing numbers and multiplying it." He said, sketching at the same time showing her how that worked.

Rebecca nodded again and took the copy from him. She began trying that out herself. James kept staring at her again. He wanted to touch her, to reach her but he hesitated. He stayed calm and patient. He didn't want to ruin the new fresh friendship that was building around them.

"There ! I am done. I can't believe I am actually doing it !" Rebecca screeched in delight.

James patted her back and winked at her. "See I told you, you should have some straight to me."

She was so happy she looked like a cherry. "Thank you so much. I couldn't thank you enough." She said,

James laughed, placing his hand on her hand and brushing it delicately. "No problem. Always here to help you." He said.

Rebecca beamed widely at him. Her heart was dancing with excitement, that she clasped his hand tightly and jerked it a little. They heard the bell ring and Rebecca got up. James stood up with her and gave back her books. "All the best." He whispered slowly.

"Thanks. Pray for me." She said, breaking their hands apart.

James gave her a one arm hug and then she departed. Reaching a few steps ahead she turned to look back at him. There he was, James was still standing, his arms folded and a big smile on his face. She waved at him and turned to go. Again going a few steps away and she bumped into someone, finding herself partially in someone's arms.

"Oh, sorry I wasn't...Ethan !" She said unexpectedly. "What are you doing here ?"

"I was looking for you but you were busy with someone. So I waited outside."

Ethan said innocently.

"What's that in your hand ?" She asked, pointing at a thin book.

"Oh! Uh ! I bought this tutorial book for you. You have problems solving equations so I thought I should give you this guide book." Ethan replied, sounding a little upset.

Rebecca felt a little bumpy for Ethan buying her a guide book and she didn't go to him for help. "What? Really? You got this for me?"

"Yeah, I did. I wish I had got you this sooner. My bad." He gave her a sheepishly smile.

Rebecca felt a little bit bad for him. She should have asked him first and all that time she was James, he was standing outside, waiting for her.

"You don't have to take it, if you're ok with it." Ethan added, just to ease the slight frown over her face.

Rebecca gasped. "No! No! That's not what I meant. I was just….thank you. This is amazing. I…you did that for me."

Ethan rolled his eyes. "Always, you know."

Feeling awkward she took the book from him. "Thanks again. I'll see you after my test."

"You bet!" He nodded. "Goodluck!"

The test began with everyone running down their pens on the response sheet. Ian was sitting in front with one pencil in her hand and the other one stuck between her ears. Behind her sat Tia then Ash and then Rebecca. The test was so tough that even Ian was sweating but then all four of them were able to satisfy themselves. After school, as the bell rang everyone headed for their van and vehicles. Ash hopped on with Rebecca on her dirt bike to go with her to her home. Ian was also there with her. She couldn't help with her cycle with only her one arm working so Rebecca had the charge of picking and dropping Ian. Tia was in the cafe, doing some work then buying herself some lunch and snacks. Byt the time she came at the main gates the van had gone !

"Shoot ! Now what !" She is pounding her fist.

She looked around hoping to see someone. Braddin came behind her. He saw Tia standing alone and understood at once that she had missed her van. He took a step to ask her if she wanted to go with him but then stopped when he saw Skyler zooming in with his car. "Hey Tia," he called.

"Hi. What are you still doing here ?" Tia asked, coming closer to him.

"Heading home. What's wrong with you ?"

Tia sighed deeply frowning hard. "I missed my van. How am I supposed to go home now !" She snapped.

Skyler laughed then unlock the door next to him of the passenger seat "Get in. I will drop you home.", He said, jerking his head at the side seat.

"You will ?" Tia asked in relief

"Sure. Come on in." He said.

Tia happily galloped around opening the door and sat down beside him. He grinned at her pushing back his sunglasses and then drove away with Braddin watching the whole scene.

"I am so glad you were here. What the hell would I have done !" Tia exclaimed.

"Simple, take a cab and go home." Skyler jokes.

"Shut up. Not that funny !" Tia snapped but then grinned.

Skyler chuckled, driving fastly down the lane.

Tia sat motionless but then, she saw his hand on the gear. Her gaze shifted from his hand to his face then his charming body. He looked superbly dashing with his sunglasses on and Tia couldn't help just staring at him.

"Are you hungry or something ?" Skyler asked, suddenly snapping Tia out.

"What ? Oh, not exactly. " She said, dropping her gaze.

"Well. If not then you don't mind having a coffee here. Costa Coffee. My favorite." He said.

"Yeah no worries."

Skyler parked his car at the end and then got down, opening the door for Tia. She jumped down grasping his arm and they went in. Skyler ordered two Cappuccinos.

"You like this flavor ?" He asked as the waiter placed their cups in front of them.

Tia spooned her cup and took a sip. "Yes I do. It seems good." She said,

"You look a bit confused. Is everything ok ?" He asked.

Tia laughed, covering her mouth with her hand. "No, no. I am fine. It's just I never thought I would be going out with you. Sitting here and drinking coffee." She managed to say.

Skyler chuckled again, gulping down his. "Feel free with this." He said.

"You look amazing with those sunglasses on!" Tia complemented.

Skyler placed them in again and made a pose. "Take a selfie." He said.

Not wanting to miss the chance Tia quickly drew her phone and snapped 5-6 pics of him. "Now let me come too." She said,

She got up and stood beside him but Skyler didn't pull her closer to him. She was expecting that he would be doing that since he's Skyler and he's always the energetic one but he didn't. She felt a little disappointed. This was her chance to be with him but he was dealing with her like a groupie friend.

"What's wrong? You don't look that bad in the pic!" He teased her.

"Shut up!" She hit him on the arm. "Do you know you have to get closer when you're taking selfies?"

Skyler chuckled. "I know but I don't want to."

Tia gasped slightly. "Why not?"

He shrugged his shoulders with a nasty grin. "My style!"

Tia groaned with an eye roll. Skyler grinned at her. "You're so annoying! Do you know that?" She grumbled, folding her arms across her chest.