Page 13 of Sure, Pal

6

Evan

Idropped my soccer bag on the sidelines and jogged over to join my team for practice. Senior year was shaping up to be damn near perfect. My soccer team was still undefeated, halfway through the fall season, and college scouts were coming to our next game.

“Heads up!” Rob yelled as a soccer ball sailed toward my face. I head-butted the ball back to Rob. He laughed and yelled across the field. “Nice, man!”

For the next hour and a half, Coach McAdams drove us into the ground, but I loved every minute. He ended the practice saying, “Get your asses home and in bed so that you’re ready for the game tomorrow morning!”

I drove halfway home after soccer practice before I realized I left my bag on the field. “Ah, shit,” I mumbled and made a u-turn. When I reached the park, Coach McAdams and my teammates were long gone, and the parking lot was almost empty.

I ran over to the field and found my black bag sitting right where I’d left it. I flung it over my shoulder and headed back to my car. Then I spotted a girl sitting at the top of a hill with her back to me.

Was that Sienna? I decided to say hi and headed up the hill. I stopped in my tracks when I heard a guitar playing a sad little melody.

I took a few more quiet steps so that I could see Sienna’s profile as she sang.

There’s somethin’ that I meant to say

Been on my mind since yesterday.

I should have told ya

I should have told ya

She closed her eyes as she sang, and her clear, sweet voice was heavy with emotion. Damn, Sienna. The sun was starting to set, and it caught the coppery tones in her dark hair. I leaned against a tree and smiled while I watched her sing. She looked beautiful.

But it’s too late now,

‘Cause you belong to her

She’s the only one you see

There’s nothing left for me…

I should have told ya

I should have told ya

I meant to tell you yesterday

That I’m in love with you

And I can’t make it go away

I should have told ya…

Sienna ended her song and slowly opened her eyes. She let out a deep breath and wiped a single tear from her cheek. That song meant something to her. I wanted to know what. She loved someone. I wanted to know who.

I started clapping.

Sienna screamed, “SHIT!” and threw her guitar to the ground. She clutched a hand to her chest, and when she saw me, she burst out laughing.

I laughed and walked over to her tree, collapsing next to her. “Did I just give you a heart attack, pal?”

Sienna laughed and nodded. I loved her laugh. “Just a tiny one.” She leaned forward to pick up the guitar she’d flung away from herself. “You seriously scared the shit out of me, dude! How long were you standing there?”

I shrugged and grinned at her. “Long enough to find out that you are a secret genius musician. How did I not know you played?” I nudged her with my elbow.

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