Chapter 14

Darcie 

The knocking on the door became persistent. “Charles, open up! You don't want to be late and we are running late. You know how much I hate it!”

Charles' eyes met mine, he had started to panic. “Come on.” He whispered urgently. “Hurry up and take your bath.”

I dashed into the shower. Turning the water with full blast. The cold water made me shiver but I scrubbed anyway. Then I wrapped myself in his towel and cleaned my body. I rushed into Charles' closet and  haphazardly put on my clothes and Arthur's voice still didn't come down. Charles yelled back. 

“Arthur, relax. I'm coming out now!”

While I stepped out, carrying my bag. We were ready. Although my hair was still a bit wet but manageable. Charles and I looked at the window. He opened it and the high distance from his window to the ground only made my adrenaline rush. I watched him swing his legs over the window sill and then he dropped off like he did parkour. He landed with a soft thud on the grass. 

“Charles. What the fuck are you and Darcie doing in there. Huh?!” I turned. Arthur kept on yelling. I took a deep breath and climbed onto the sill. The distance stretched more and I was too afraid. 

“Jump!  I'll catch you!” Charles says, waiting. Then I pushed off, and closed my eyes. I landed in Charles' hand almost dropping to the ground but he held me firmly. That was how George drove us to school. I'm surprised Charles took my hands in his without letting go. Even when he had stepped into the hallway. He didn't take his hands off. I saw Sloane narrowing her eyes at us. She was pained as hell. She approached us, stopping us from going further. 

“Seriously? You're holding her hands? Why?”

“Because it's none of your business.” Charles sneered and grabbed me to walk past her. She runs back to us again. 

“Hey, what is your problem?” She faced Charles and then me, who gave her a challenging smile. “Don’t give me that stupid look, poor scholarship bitch. No, you're a janitor for now. You're going back to cleaning the tiles and field and auditorium.”

“No she's not. Principal Eunice let her stop. She's free now.”

“What?” Sloane stomped her feet, her eyes laced with anger. “What do you mean she's free? She's supposed to continue for two weeks or more.”

“Shut it, Sloane. You think you're bigger than the principal. And don't even think about telling your parents because if you do. You're not gonna like what I'll do to you.” Charles whispered, voice low and threat-like. She then whimpered, fear filled her face. 

“Get out of my sight.”

She moved from the way like a robot under control. My eyes widened. So she was this scared. I smiled, making sure she looked into my eyes. “Bye.” I sneered and we walked into class. 

“Don't worry about the eyes. Ignore.”

“I'm surprised you're doing this.” I whispered. 

“We're not enemies anymore.” I got to my seat and he winked. “Later, Miller.”

I chuckled. 

Later that Day, after class. Everyone had headed to the school's football field. I was excited. So was Charles. We parted ways an hour ago while we went with his team. I'm sitting close to where I can see Charles very well. A few rows up from the field angled towards the 50 yard line. As the stands began to fill up, the players emerged from the tunnel with everyone cheering. I smiled watching Charles. Yes. You got this. 

The whistle blew and the game started. I watched the scouts section. They got this strict looking stare. Oh God, please, let this work out well. 

Charles breaks free on a play, ball tucked right under his arms. He sprinted down the sidelines, defenders chasing but gaining no ground. Just as the game gets hotter, Sloane blurs the field with her body in front of me. 

“What?” I tried to tilt my neck in order not to miss the game. 

“This usually is my spot.” 

“Excuse me. I came here early. You can't claim ownership of a seat at the football field.”

She grabbed my ears and pinched it hard. I winced, holding my throbbing ears. “Get out Darcie. Go to the back. You think you can talk back at me just because Charles carries you like a toy now? Don't dare me.”

I bit my lips and my muscles twitched. God. I want to beat up Sloane so bad into a pulp. I want to pull out her hair and make her go bald..

“Sloane. Move from the way. .”

Others from the back were already complaining that they were obstructing their view. 

“See, leave so I can have my seat. Poor girl.” She slammed her hand into my back, beating me. “Get the fuck away! Get out!”

She's making a big scene now and I have no choice but to get up. I was losing and I hated it. She slumped on the seat and sat comfortably smiling at the game like nothing happened. I just controlled my temper and walked up. Going to the Backseat to watch. 

I still cheered anyway. I won't let her steal my joy. Charles plays fiercely. Rushing, catching passes and breaking a few tackles. The scouts looked impressed. He scored the first goal for his team. The crowd erupts in shouts. Moments later, the scoreboard says it all. BLACKKINGS, 14-6. 

That's it. His team won. And he was the man of the game with 10 goals scored by him. I jump happily as Charles is being carried up by his teammates. Suddenly, a hand covered my mouth and I began to mumble. The person dragged me away to a corner as I struggled and kicked. When I finally let go off, I breathed to see it was Arthur. 

“What the hell?” I stared at him in disgust. 

“How smart. How smart Darcie. You and Charles seem to be clever enough to do something like that.”

“And you came here because of that? You should be happy for Charles. He just finished his game and he made his team win.”

“That's not what I'm here for. I'm here for the both of you. Especially you. You seem to be the one giving him audacity to disrespect me. Mind your business. It's a pity I can't have you fired.”

“Leave me alone.” I whispered, stepping back.

He walked closer, face an inch away. “Don't meddle in a brother to brother affair….” He leaned closer and touched my lips in a seductive way. My eyes widened. “Or you wouldn't like what I'll do to your innocent father.”