17. Using You

DAMON'S POV

Two more minutes to go…

Adrenaline pumped through my veins as I sprinted across the court bouncing the ball with me, dodging the hovering opponent team.

“Calloway, your chance!” The coach screamed at me again since that's what he seemed to do best. I had no time to express my displeasure as I continued with my pace, hand desperate not to lose the ball to any opponent. A few meters from the net, I picked it up and made a throw.

It almost didn't get inside.

This is one of the parts where I get the thrill. The rush of blood in anticipation at whether the ball would go in. Or even slip out in a dashing hope.

“Whoo!” Someone made a shout that hinted at the win or score. The ball slipped inside like always but I'm never always prepared for the win. Anything could happen.

A clap boomed from the coach standing somewhere away.

The game was over and I made my way to the bench for water.

“Good job there Calloway” a voice said beside me with an unnecessary high-pitched laughter which had me doubting if he was a male. It was some boy in the team too. He stood with his friend as they both had boyish grins on them.

“Yeah. Thanks” I muttered out to them as I drank from my bottle, hoping they were done and would leave already. The other opened his mouth instead.

“You definitely have your way around the ball. Makes you look cooler.” He laughed too. What was fucking funny? “I'm not all too surprised you were able to get Reyes. The girl must have been swooned by you” he commented like the girl was some adopted pet and that had me narrowing my eyes 

“For a while I thought she had no interest in basketball but I definitely saw her and you two some days ago. She watched you play while waiting” 

And I concluded that these folks before me could be dumber than I thought. That was her first time too, but they don't need to know.

“You’re quite a lucky bastard, Calloway. Save for that and maybe your looks, I wonder what else could have attracted her…” his subtle envy peeked from his tone but I could be less bothered.

“Your point being?” My voice cracked out, already done having them around. They're beginning to irritate me. Either they were being shameless or they were intentionally ignoring my stoic expression, blatantly giving away my unwillingness to continue with this stupid chat.

“Chill, Damon.” He giggled out this time and I was already scowling with the thought of him being mentally derailed, possibly. “It's just still a mystery how and why you were able to bag that chic. What was she thinking?” He scoffed.

And there it was.

The fucker didn't count me worthy. Pea brained elite we have here.

I gave him a pointed look instead. “Would you rather I call her over and you directly ask her that instead?” I gravelly threw the question.

They seemed to forget how to speak for a few seconds before one of them stuttered out. “That_ that would be unnecessary. It was just a simple question” he laughed again, with the nerve to pat my shoulder before sauntering off.

Tsk.

And there was peace again.

For a few seconds, I guess. Because…

“I bet you're feeling so special and lucky now” another voice disturbed, nasally. 

I glanced up and there stood that Amelia girl. I could already feel headache coming on. Agreeing to the deal with Reyes had definitely come with some unnecessary and unforeseen baggage. I let out a tiny exhale, already tired with the thought of dealing with another fellow coming to talk about ‘you and Reyes’.

“Trust me, Reyes always has that effect on people” she continued stepping closer. “But it's just for a fleeting while.

I tilted my head at her with a pointed blank stare, waiting for her to continue but it seems he didn't get the memo and she instead continued to stare back at me too. 

That gave me a chance to fully access her face and I wondered how she was able to snatch that Knox guy from Reyes with that face.

She still wasn't talking, hence, I turned on my heels. “Okay” I mumbled dismissively, leaving.

“I'm not done talking” she almost shouted like she couldn't believe I'm walking away.

“Then get this done with.”

“I'm just trying to look out for you. Vienne has nothing to offer you. She's just using you to make herself feel better for the moment. I know that picture of you two in the club that night was a mistake but Vienne, being who she is would want to take advantage of the situation”

She's got a tiny point there. 

But who was she to judge?

“I'm just going to advise you. Take this as a warning. Stay away from her before it's too late. By the time she's done with you, you'd be discarded like trash.” She scoffed with her arms folded across her chest “ you don't want to know, she quite prides herself so high, you mean nothing to her at the end of the day.”

And I watched her with a sneer, yapping like she's a saint.

“I'm making an offer too. Stop associating with her. Or break up. Or leave her or whatever. How much do you want in return?” She haughtily offered like she's doing me some great favour.

A cold low laugh escaped my lips.

It was humourless.

And stripping.

Who does she think she is?

“I'm good.” I answered afterall. “You could use the money to make some adjustments on your hair instead.” I offered my advice too, my eyes straying towards her blonde that looked chewed at the ends by a dog. Or rat.

I finally picked my face towel and strolled off not bothering to catch her expression or listen to another word from her.

A few meters away, my phone rang with a notification.

‘Let's meet. School library’_Reyes.