Chapter 3: Whispers and Shadows
The chatter of girls buzzed around us, even before the game began. “Isn’t Noah the hottest guy you’ve ever seen?” The girl’s voice dripped with manufactured enthusiasm. I pictured her practically drooling.
“Yeah, he’s such a dream, but I heard he has a thing for college girls.”
“Really? I thought we had this special connection.” As if on cue, Noah glanced our way, offering a saccharine smile. Oh, here we go. Let the drama unfold…
“Omg, you’re totally right. He was so checking you out.” I mentally replayed five puking emojis. How could girls be so desperate, throwing themselves at any guy who offered a fleeting glance?
“Do you really think so? I mean, I always knew there was something between us…”
“You should totally go for it, girl. Noah is so into you.”
“In your dreams…” Colin’s voice cut through the sugary sweetness.
I slapped his shoulder. “Don’t be rude. You can’t just say something like that without apologizing.” The girls in front of us stared, shocked. It was admittedly kind of amusing to watch, but still, it was unnecessary. So I turned to them with a forced smile. “You should know he doesn’t mean any of this. He just…talks before thinking. I’m sorry.”
“What? I’m just being honest, saving her the heartbreak. We’re still talking about Noah. He’d never settle for someone like her.” He was relentless.
Suddenly, one of the girls burst into tears. The other tried to comfort her, shooting us a venomous glare. “Come on, Stacey. Let’s leave. These idiots aren’t worth our time.” What was wrong with these people?
Fortunately, after the girls stormed off, Colin fell silent for a moment, giving me a chance to focus on the game. Mark had the ball, sprinting past opponents with practiced ease. He scored the first goal.
I leaped to my feet. “Go, Mark!” He glanced over, blowing a kiss. I knew it was cliché, but it was the cheesy, romantic gesture I craved.
“So, I heard about your fight yesterday,” Colin suddenly stated, shattering the moment. He had no concept of boundaries.
“What are you talking about? We never fight.” A lie, but I wanted Colin to back off. How had he even heard about yesterday?
“You really want to deny Mark’s weird phone call and him storming off afterward?”
“How do you even know about that?” My eyes remained fixed on the field.
“Oh, please. I’m Mark’s best friend. He tells me all his dirty little secrets.”
“What are you implying? Do you know who called him yesterday?” I turned to Colin, expecting an answer. He wore a smug grin.
“Oh, you would love to know that, wouldn’t you? But if you really want me to break the bro code, I need something in return, something I’ve wanted for quite a while.”
“And what would that be?” I was scared of his answer, but desperately needed to know what Mark was hiding. They had never kept secrets from each other before.
Colin leaned closer, whispering, “I want you, Chloe Anderson.” I squeezed my eyes shut in disgust. He couldn’t be serious.
“Anything else?” I asked, my tone dripping with sarcasm.
“I want you in my bed, tonight…” This time, he didn’t bother to lower his voice.
“Gross! What is wrong with you?”
To my relief, Aileen stepped between us. “Seriously, back off! Hitting on your best friend’s girlfriend? That’s a new low, even for you.”
“Oh, come on, don’t get your panties in a twist. I’m just proposing a deal, that’s all. And if you’re worried about Mark, trust me, he won’t care that much.” Colin tried to wink, but it only made me nauseous.
“Okay, that’s enough. Time out! Just go bother someone else.” Aileen shouted, her voice tight with annoyance.
Luckily, Colin stood up and turned to leave, but not before whispering, “Think about it, sweetie. You have nothing to lose.”
Despite wanting to ignore Colin’s words, they stirred a gnawing unease. What did he mean when he said Mark wouldn’t care if I made this deal? Of course he would. I’d be practically cheating. And why did Colin think I had nothing to lose?
Aileen wrapped her arms around me. “Don’t let him get into your head. Colin just wants to get between you two. There’s nothing to worry about, okay?”
“You’re right, he’s just an asshole.” I decided to push the thoughts aside.
—
During the first break, another message popped up from the unknown number:
Un: You look beautiful today ????
Me: Are you watching the game as well?
Un: Kind of… but I see you supporting the wrong player
Me: Are you talking about Mark? Why wouldn’t I support him?
Un: I’m just saying you shouldn’t trust him blindly
Me: Why?
Again, he/she stopped responding. It was starting to bother me. Everyone told me something was wrong with Mark, but no one would say what.
“Can we talk now?” Aileen asked, interrupting my thoughts.
“Yes, of course.” I followed her away from the field, towards the parking lot.
When Aileen finally stopped, she bit her lip nervously, avoiding my gaze. I squeezed her shoulder in a comforting gesture. “Just try to relax. It can’t be that bad, right?”
She took a deep breath before answering. “I really wish I didn’t have to tell you this, but…”