Page 33 of Pack Giroux

"Okay, fine," I say, backing down. It'll happen eventually since I didn't put a promise date on that.

"I'm going to go shower," I announce.

"Better make it a cold one," my twin suggests, making all of them laugh again.

Chapter Ten

As much as it sucks to do it, I end up having to cancel on Jameson. I spend all day running around like a chicken with my head lobbed off. I made it to my first class, but I didn't have my bag that was sitting in my dorm room. So I have to take notes on my phone, much to my professors dismay. She reminds me so much of the teachers we had on the compound. Her personality would fit right in there.

After her class was over, I literally ran to my room to get my bag and from there, the rest of the day just delved into chaos. I didn't have time for breakfast, so by the time lunch rolled around, I was starving. Had to grab something quick and run, though. Mondays are my busiest day, and I just feel like I'm so far behind all day long.

By the time that I get to practice, my feet are dragging, and my focus isn't where it needs to be. Not only am I exhausted but I keep replaying last night with Grady in my head.

Coach yells at me for the third time, "Ellis, get your head in the game or I'm taking you out this weekend."

No matter what Jameson says, I can't lose my scholarship. Even if I have a place to go, the scholarship is paying for my school. There's absolutely no way that I can afford to.

"Sorry coach," I yell back. Sucking in a deep breath, I pretend all of the other stuff leaves me as the breath does. I give it my full undivided attention so much that I'm a gross sweaty mess by the time that practice is over.

"Good job, Ellis," Coach praises as we go to the locker room.

Nichole brushes by us with an attitude, but I can't control how this is happening if she's not willing to give it the same hundred and ten percent.

I pack up my gym bag as quickly as possible, throwing on my NFU sweatshirt and walking out. I'd rather not be trapped in here with any of them, let alone, taking a communal shower. Now that my roommates are beyond pissed, I've started to notice the weird looks and whispering from the rest of the team whenever I'm around. One of them even whispers freak as I walk out.

My stomach hurts from a mixture of this long day and being so tired, and not having ate since earlier, burning all my calories at practice, and the stress of being around people. Heading back to the dorm, I take a very long hot shower until my muscles loosen enough that I'm practically falling asleep standing up.

When I get out and throw on a pair of shorts and Kinkaid's hoodie, I get to my phone and send a quick text to Jameson telling him the change of plans.

Want me to break into your dorm so you'll have a sleep buddy?

The thought makes me laugh, because I'm not so sure that he's not kidding.

I wish. My roommates would rat you out faster than you could blink.

I could go into super stealth mode. They'll never know I'm there.

I laugh again, telling him that I'll see him tomorrow. Grabbing my normal stuff, I put it in the front pocket of the hoodie before I throw on some shoes and head out toward the dining hall.

Turns out, I lied to Jameson when I'd see him the next day, because I've made it all the way to Friday and haven't been able to see them at all. Apparently, the team that we're playing tomorrow is the school's biggest rival, so Coach has been running super late practices. Makes me really glad all week thatI did all my classwork ahead of time, since all I've had time to do all week other than class is eat, practice and sleep. I don't want to screw up my chances like I almost did Monday, so I stay on campus and keep my head where it needs to be. Besides, I needed the rest anyway.

Midway through the week, Raine had texted asking if I'd changed my mind. In the same day, Grady waited until I was free for the night before calling to make sure that he hadn't scared me away. I reassured them both that I'd just been busy all week. By the time today rolls around, I'm missing them something awful. Kinkaid's hoodie no longer smells like him, and it makes me sad. It makes me wonder if I could manage to steal some of their clothes next time I'm over there.

I'm sitting outside at our bench like I've done for a couple nights now when I don't want to be trapped in the tiny space of my room. Going out into the main area just isn't an option now. My roommates’ snide comments and dirty looks is making me an angry person that I don't like. It doesn't help that their scents have started to make my skin itch uncontrollably. I don't know if it's frustration with them or that they just aren't the right scents I need right now. Either way, it sucks. I'm just glad the weather doesn't. It's a nice calm night with only a bit of wind. It's going to start getting cold soon. I can tell by the small bite in the breeze, and I love it.

My phone goes off in my pocket, and I take it out, smiling as I see Kinkaid's name on the screen.

Where are you pretty girl?

I love that he used Raine's nickname.

Our bench.

Don't move. Be there in a few.

I think about the fact that I'm just in a pair of workout shorts and a hoodie with my hair thrown up on top of my head and wonder if he's going to think I'm a slob. Then again, he sawmy bits and pieces as I did the run of shame through his house the other day, so I think I'll be fine.

I hear them before I see them as Emerson catcall whistles. Standing, I go to meet them halfway, giving them both long hugs. Emerson kisses the top of my head, but Kinkaid lifts my chin with his finger and claims my mouth instead. When we pull away, I keep my eyes closed for a second, enjoying them just being here.

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