Chapter 6 - Thank you for everything

The next day, they didn't have much time to speak as they intended. Both of them were caught up in their preparation for the final match at noon. It was a competition between the two best universities in the world and other college students had begun making their way to their school. The cheerleaders were having a hard time choosing from the four new uniforms they ordered. They felt them all gorgeous but decided to vote and agreed on a blue and black turtle neck shell tank top with a mid-high pleated skirt won over spankies with matching white shoes. Black and blue were the school's official colors so it seemed like the best option from the rest.

The football team waited in the lounges while their coach gave his final direction. It was a very competitive match with each team wanting to graduate as the winner, wanting to give the school it's glory. It was about five minutes to the end of the game before a ball entered the net in favor of Queens College. The roar from the crowd was ear - damaging. It took a while for Estelle to realize the goal was scored by Joel. She was encouraging her team when she realized they were getting tired before the roar from the crowd pulled her attention back to the match.

The match ended in few minutes and before she could make her way through the crowd to congratulate Joel, girls were already around him including those from other universities but the worse was Brittany acting all in control. She almost lost her cool if not for Nina encouraging her to let it go. Embalmed with jealousy and disappointment, she turns to join her team of cheerleaders but is abruptly brought to a halt by two strong pairs of hands, lifting her in the air. She didn't have to ask who it was. She could smell him even with all the sweat washing down his body, escaping the mercy of his towel.

"I can't believe you were going to leave without giving me a proper kiss and congrats." He said in a husky but gentle voice. Estelle impulsively wrapped her arms around his neck and plastered and a  soft kiss on it.

"Congratulations!" she smiled. Turning around, she only met the gaze of Britanny, who was burning with anger, not even trying to hide it. It happens that, after Joel scored the goal, he was looking for non-other to share his victory but his one and only Estelle. He looked around and saw her running towards him and moved away from the girls around him to meet her, only to see Britanny running towards him but before she got close, he bent down, dodging her hug and scooping Estelle in his sweaty arms in the process. She was left fuming with anger, envy, and jealousy. 'Why can't a girl find a man around here?' was the thought that crept into his mind. Seeing Britanny gazing in their direction made Estelle tighten her grip on Joel's neck.

"Thank you, my motivation," Joel kiss her cheek.

"Your motivation? Since when did I earn such a name?" She asked wide-eyed.

"Ever since you walked into my life. I wanted to make history today, to be able to get a contract with the football club. I have to make a lot of money to meet your needs. I mean, to give more than you are currently used to." He said, ignoring his team members calling him here and there for a meeting.

"You don't have to compete with what I am used to. Love is more important than money and I don't think this is the right place to talk. Your team needs you." She smiled proudly, knowing his plans for her life makes her leap for joy. She always knew that Joel was never taking advantage of her but genuinely loved her and that confirmed it.

"And what about you? Don't you need me?" She said frowning, feeling she was pushing him away.

"Of course I do but since we are going to get married soon, I figured I will have you all to myself so why don't you take care of them first? Am not going anywhere." She giggled.

"Yes, your majesty," Joel said before placing her feet gently on the ground. Estelle laughs shyly when she sees the number of girls looking at her with different emotions. But she doesn't care. She knows that he's hers.

Joel goes to meet his coach with his other team members for their closing business. After everything is wrapped up, he goes looking for Estelle, ignoring the after-party planned but Pete goes after him almost immediately.

"Dude, you are the captain, and you have to be at the party." He said after Joel.

"I will be there. I just want to see Estelle first. I didn't get to properly thank her for yesterday." 

"Yesterday?" Pete asked wowed.

"Have you forgotten she paid for my birthday party?" The words escaped his mouth before he realized it but there was no way he could take it back. Pete has come to know for sure.

"You said the manager gave you an installment plan or something like that. You never said she paid." He said with confusion.

"That's why you mustn't tell anyone." He warned sternly, moving closer to Pete.

"If she did that, does it mean you guys got.." Pete couldn't let out the words he wanted to say but Joel understood.

"No way. That will only be after the wedding. I will never take advantage of her."

"What if she wants to? He asked, surprised they've been able to abstain despite how much they were into each other.

"Even with that, I won't. She is too uniqued I want our first time to be very special in that, once we go to that length, she must always wake up by my side," He said dreamily.

"I think from today, my respect for you just increased. Keep it up and don't forget to meet your team for the party tonight." Pete said before leaving.

"Don't worry, I will be back before you know it." Joel yells happily after him.

He headed to the cheerleader's lounge but before he got close, Estelle had finished her meeting with her team and was getting her things from the locker with Nina.

"I'll take that," Joel said, taking her backpack and books before she could say No. Nina watched on amazed at the two love birds, and with a shrug, she left. "Let me walk you to the car." She smiled.

"Okay. I thought you will have a  party with your team." 

"Yes, but I wanted to see you before you go home." Estelle was flattered and how much Joel craved her attention. She was good at controlling herself and hiding her emotions but it didn't seem to apply to him.

They walked to the car, talking about the match and how the day went, without Joel telling about his real intent for seeing her. He placed her books and backpack on the passenger seat but just before Estelle sat at the driver seat. He pulled her gently to face him and kissed her softly.

"Thank you, my love, for everything."

Estelle was lost in his kiss and did not even hear what he said but nodded her head. 

"See you at the party," She said and drove off.

Joel went back to hang out with his team whiles Estelle went home, thinking of the best outfit for his birthday party but try as she may, her father's demand kept hammering in her mind. She wishes she could come up with a perfect excuse not to go like she did the last time. With everything going on, one thing Estelle never thought about, was what Britanny was planning for Joel's Birthday Party as soon as she saw the invitation.