Chap 1 : Sidelined

SILVER BLAKE

I slammed my locker shut, the metal clang echoing down the hallway.

Another day, another drama-filled scene at Crestwood High. I didn't have time for it. I had better things to do than waste my energy on petty gossip and shallow conversations.

As I walked down the hallway, I couldn't help but notice the sea of smiling faces.

Everyone seemed so... happy.

So fake.

I rolled my eyes, my gaze scanning the crowd for anyone worth talking to. But let's be real, most people here were just background noise.

That's when I saw him - Alex Carter, the human equivalent of nails on a chalkboard.

His perpetual grin was plastered on his face, like he was trying to convince the world he was having the time of his life.

Please. I wasn't impressed by his parties or his popularity. In fact, I thought it was all just a shallow facade.

I watched as he effortlessly charmed a group of freshmen, laughing and joking with them like he was some kind of god.

Newsflash, Alex: your parties don't impress me, your friends don't intimidate me, and your ego doesn't interest me.

You're just another pretty boy trying to get attention, and I'm not buying what you're selling.

I turned away, my eyes landing on Daniel, the quiet, mysterious boy .
He stood alone by his locker, his gaze fixed on some unknown point. I wondered what he was thinking, what secrets he might be hiding behind those intense eyes.

Just then, Layla Harper appeared by his side, her eyes sparkling with affection.

She leaned forward and kissed him softly on the cheek. Daniel's expression softened ever so slightly, and I raised an eyebrow.

They were an odd couple, to say the least - Layla with her bubbly personality and Daniel with his brooding intensity.

But hey, love was weird like that.

As I grabbed my books for my next class, Layla approached me, her bright smile lighting up the hallway.

"Hey, Silver! How's it going?" she asked, her voice bubbly and friendly.

I shrugged, trying to play it cool.
"It's going," I replied, my tone a bit more clipped than I intended.

Layla didn't seem to notice, launching into a enthusiastic explanation of her latest art project.

Daniel trailed behind her, his eyes fixed on her with an intensity that made me feel like I was intruding on something private.

"Hey, Daniel," I said, trying to break the silence. "What's up?"

Daniel's gaze flickered to me, his expression calm and collected.
"Not much," he replied, his voice low and smooth.

Layla turned to him, her eyes sparkling with affection.
"Daniel's being his usual mysterious self," she said, smiling at him.

Daniel's expression softened slightly, and he reached out to brush a strand of hair behind Layla's ear.

It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes about their relationship.

They were a couple, but they were also... different.

Daniel's intensity was tempered by Layla's warmth, and Layla's bubbly personality was balanced by Daniel's calm.

As we chatted, I couldn't help but notice the way Daniel watched Layla, his eyes never leaving hers unless absolutely necessary.

It was clear that he was devoted to her, and that she was the one person who could bring out a softer side in him.

•○●○•

The rest of the day flew by in a blur of endless classes . By the time I got out of last period, I made my way into the girls' locker room.

I was part of the girls' lacrosse team, and I know today's practice is gonna be crucial.

We had a big game coming up, and I needed to make sure I was on top of my game.

As I changed into my uniform, I couldn't help but think about the upcoming game. We were playing against our arch-rivals, and I was determined to lead my team to victory.

I headed out to the field, the bright sunlight and fresh air invigorating me.

I started warming up, running laps and looking up at the sidelines, I saw Layla & Maya standing on the sidelines, once their spotted me they excitedly waved back.

I chuckled slightly and gave a half wave back.

Maya being my twin sister and Layla are my only true closest friends I have.

As I reached the midpoint of the field, a football suddenly swung by my head, narrowly missing me.

I spun around, my eyes blazing with anger.

Who was the idiot who threw that ball?

That's when I saw him - Alex Carter, grinning like a fool as he stood on the adjacent football field.
He was surrounded by his teammates, all of whom were laughing and high-fiving each other.

"Hey, Blue," Alex called out, his voice dripping with condescension.

"You might want to watch where you're going. You're not exactly the most coordinated player out there."

I glared at him, my anger simmering just below the surface.

"You're not exactly the most intelligent person I've met," I shot back, my voice dripping with sarcasm.
"But hey, at least you're good at throwing balls. Maybe you can teach me how to do it without hitting anyone."

Alex's grin faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered.

"Oh, I think you're doing just fine without my help, Silver," he said, his eyes roving over me in a way that made my skin crawl.

I rolled my eyes and turned back to my warm-up, trying to shake off the encounter.
But I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.

The rest of the practice flew by in a blur of sweat and adrenaline.
By the time I finished, I was exhausted but exhilarated. I had given it my all, and I knew that I was ready for the upcoming game.

As I walked off the field, Layla and Maya fell into step beside me.

"Hey, sis, you were amazing out there," Maya said, grinning at me.

Layla nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, you're going to crush it in the game. And don't let Alex get to you. He's just jealous of your skills."
I smiled, feeling a sense of appreciation towards my friends. They always knew how to lift my spirits and make me feel better.