(Whistle blows)
“Alright, ladies, gather up. I’ll make this quick because I’m tired and want nothing more than to crash in my bed,” Coach Mark clapped his hands, motioning for us to hurry and assemble around him.
“No interruptions, please.” He waited until we settled down before continuing.
"You're all aware that today is the last school day of the year, and we only got one hour and thirty minutes of practice. This is not enough, so we will have drills and activities throughout the summer. Our goal is to win and represent our region in the regional competition, with the hope of qualifying for nationals. No skipping unless it is necessary and with your parents' permission.
Starting tomorrow, practice will run from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.—four hours with a 15-minute break each hour. That's not that horrible, right?"
He looked at us, waiting for some kind of reaction, but everyone stayed silent.
"Any concerns, complaints, or whatever? Oh, and please, limit it to one question so we can wrap this up and head home, alright? Time check: 5:45 p.m."
Beth leaned in and whispered, "Hey, Aria, do you even know where our coach learned to talk so sassy? Ha! I might consider befriending him. He’d be fun to hang out with."
I smirked, raised an eyebrow, and whispered back, "This is why I think you have a thing for our coach."
Beth gave me a bored look and said, "No. I. Don't. Stop it, or I’ll call out that pretty boy you’re crushing on. Was his name Jared? And don't forget, I’m taller than you." She cracked a joke.
"Ouch, that’s below the belt, Beth." I smiled.
"Yeah, but you know I’m serious. I’d rather have the hots for your brother than our coach, okay?" I almost laughed out loud at what she said.
"What’s so wrong with our coach? He’s fit, tall, and only four years older than us. He seems healthy. Look, if he just cuts that shoulder-length hair, clips that wolfish fringe out of his face, takes care of his eye bags, gets rid of those lame glasses, and shaves that beard... Trust me, I know beauty when I see it. I think he’s got the looks, Beth." My voice had an almost teasing tone to it.
Beth took a sip from her water bottle and said, "Aria, do you realize you just said 'trust me' and 'I think' at the same time? My friend, that means you're not really sure about what you're saying. Okay, you know what? Why don't you pair up with our coach instead, and I’ll take Jared?" Beth and I both laughed.
"Don't forget to tell Auntie her food was top-notch as always," Beth reminded me to thank Mom. Beth and the other girls always call her Auntie. I nodded.
"Good, no questions asked. We are..." Our coach was about to dismiss the team when Samantha (number 8) raised her right hand.
"Great timing, Samantha," our coach said with a cynical eye roll, hands on his hips. It made me smile. I honestly think our coach would look better if he took better care of his appearance. He definitely has a cute side. Beth said, "See, isn’t he funny?" We both smiled.
"Yes, what is your question, Samantha?" We greatly respect Coach Mark and wish to treat him as a friend, but we are aware of the limits he has established for us. It's amazing how he sets boundaries using his facial expression. Or is that just how he normally is? Sometimes, we do feel a bit intimidated though.
"Sorry, Coach, I’m just concerned about our safety since practice will end at 9 p.m. I’m worried about transportation." Samantha is the most boyish-looking of us all. She’s about the same height as Beth and also does judo. What a caring person.
"Thanks for that, Samantha. I actually forgot to mention it, but Ms. Daisy Sonderman’s grandfather has arranged for cars to take you all home individually, so no need to worry. Happy birthday, Ms. Daisy, and thank you to your grandfather for his sponsorship and support." Coach Mark bowed toward Daisy before dismissing us.
Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
Wow, autos financed to take us home individually throughout the summer? That’s a bit much. I’m grateful, but also kinda upset. I know she’s doing it out of goodwill, but part of me feels like she’s just showing off and doesn’t care whether people approach her for it. The rest of the girls are all excited, crowding around Daisy. I don’t want to be like them.
I grabbed my things and hurried to the bathroom to change. I checked my phone. Hmm? A missed call from Mom. She must’ve called earlier.
"Aria, darling, no one’s home, but a package just got delivered outside the door. It’s from Aunt Marie, for you. She said to be careful on your way home. Love you."
Got it. I put my phone back in my backpack and went to the mirror to wash my face.
Damn it! I forgot to bring a face towel.
I used some tissue, patted my face dry, fixed myself up, and headed for the exit.
When I exited the restroom there I saw Daisy.
"Hey, Aria, would you like to join me and the team in the car for karaoke?"
Wow, so she was waiting for me, just to ask me this? I feel like I’m getting special treatment from Daisy herself. She’s so sweet. Urgh... I’d like to, really, but I’m not comfortable, especially with her, so I said,
"Oh Daisy, thank you for the invite. That’s really nice of you. I have an errand from Mom, sorry. I hope you have a great time with the team though. I wish you a happy birthday” I smiled awkwardly. It’s the best I can do. I hope she gets the hint because I don’t want to say outright that a gap is necessary.
"Oh," she replied, her tone sad and her face looking disappointed. My conscience kicked in and I sighed, I truly feel like a villain around her. I also feel a little sorry and upset, but I must set a boundary like coach Mark.
"Yeah, I’ve gotta go. Bye." I think I smiled awkwardly again and walked past her. Thankfully, Samantha and a bodyguard approached her.
I ran toward the gate and saw the beautiful sunset. It felt promising, like everything would be alright.
Quack!
Quack!
My attention was caught by the black birds flying around the trees nearby. A sudden cold breeze sent chills down my spine as I watched them for a moment. It was getting dark, and their unsettling calls only made it creepier. I should get home.
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I check my watch; it's 7:16 p.m. I am standing in front of the door.
So this is the package Mom was talking about.
Is no one home yet? I slid my key into the lock, picked up the package from the porch, and stepped inside. Once in, I quickly texted Mom and Dad to let them know I was home safe and messaged my brother to ask why he wasn’t back yet. Then I headed straight to my room.
I switched on the light, tossed my backpack onto the bed, and placed the package on my desk. Closing the curtains—something I rarely do during the day since I love the sunlight streaming in—I changed into my pajamas. After washing my face, brushing my teeth, and running a brush through my hair, I turned off the lights, reopened the curtains, cracked the window to let in some fresh air, and flopped face-first onto my bed. I was exhausted.
The next morning, I woke up to the smell of Mom's cooking wafting through the house. Oh right, I skipped dinner last night. My stomach grumbled as I sat up, muttered a quick prayer, and stretched my arms overhead. Ouch! My neck felt stiff. Probably from sleeping in a weird position.
Turning toward my desk, I spotted the package. Oh, right. That.
I didn’t get a chance to open it yesterday since I was so tired, and honestly, I don’t feel like opening it just yet. You know that feeling? Like a gut instinct—a little voice telling you to do something or not to—but you ignore it or do the opposite and later regret it?
Yeah, that’s how I feel about this package just like the birds yesterday.
I pick up my phone and check my email and messages instead.
Ok, let's see…
Mom: Oh darling that's good. I'm gonna be late, the restaurant is full today. Just heat up the food in the fridge and rest well. Good night. Love mom????
Dad: That's good to hear Aria. Eat and sleep.
I sighed. Dad is Dad. Let's scroll further.
Beth, 3 messages
Message 1 at 7:26 pm : Aria, where are you?
Message 2 at 7:54 pm: Why did you miss Daisy's birthday? Girl, it's fire?? ??
Message 3 at 7:55 pm: (Picture)
I clicked the picture and saw the photo of the team enjoying themselves. That's good
let's scroll again.
Kyle: Miss me already little sis? Aw~ don't cry while I'm not there, alright? Don't get yourself in trouble. Luv ya, ew???? ??????
Annoying brother, but I love him.
Hmm...? A message from Aunt Marie.
Aunt Marie, 5 messages. That's a lot. Aunt usually just asks how I am.
What's this?
Message 1 at 10:00 pm: Aria how are you?
Message 2 at 10:01 pm: (video)
Message 3 at 10:02 pm : I sent a video and this is important.
Message 4 at 10:03 pm: Open the parcel first before watching the video.
Message 5 11:01 pm: Where is Kyle?
Why is aunt looking for Kyle? Oh, right—she only asks about him through me. She never messages or calls him directly, which my brother and I find pretty strange.
Kyle thinks it’s favoritism, that Aunt favors me more and doesn’t like him for some reason. I don’t agree and always reassure him there must be some reason behind it, but honestly, we’ve never had the courage to ask her why.
I glance at the package again and my phone rings.
Bzt...
Bzt...