Page 98 of Forever Cursed

“Of course I knew about that. You’re a terrible liar,” I say with a soft smile. “I’ve known for a few weeks now, and you have yet to tell me what your coach wanted to talk to you about.”

Rome looks at me for a moment. Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Korra crawling out of her plastic carrier, but I don’t say anything. One, I don’t want to distract Rome. And two, I don’t want to spook her.

“He, um, he wants to cast a vote for the captain title. A few of the players went to him, and he noticed the plays weren’t being done by Malik. He’s noticed that I’ve stepped up, and he wants the team to pick between Malik and me. But?—”

“Malik won’t throw you the ball if you take his title,” I say, releasing an exasperated groan. “Fucking bitch waffle.”

Rome holds back a chuckle as I rake my hands across through my hair.

“He got what he wants, but I don’t even know if you doing this will guarantee that he’ll toss me the ball. I won’t know for sure until the season opener at the end of August.”

“What do we do until then?” I ask, feeling guilty but standing by my decision.

“We have four weeks. If you want to stay assigned to Malik, I won’t stop you, but I’m not happy about it. I think we should bide our time.”

“I think we need a plan.”

“A master plan?” Rome smirks, and I giggle.

“Exactly. Plan A is to ensure everything I do keeps your position and future secure. Plan B, if Malik goes against his word to me, you’ll talk to the head coach and find a reason to either bench him or kick him off the team.”

“Or have him replaced.” Rome lights up as his smile grows.

“Who is his alternate?” My heart starts to flutter, hope reawakening in my body.

“Levi Faulkner.”

“The freshman? I met him at the party, I remember. He was sweet.”

“He has a massive crush on you. Malik is not an upstanding student or citizen. Karma won’t be upset with us for carrying out some revenge on her behalf. And Levi is good. I can start going at him harder, teaching him more plays and amping up his workout routine. He won’t think twice about it.”

“Precisely.” I smile at Rome, confidence surging through my veins.

“I can do that. I can definitely do that.”

Korra continues to stalk forward, but I keep my mouth shut.

“What you said earlier... about me not wanting to be alone?—”

“I was upset,” Rome starts, but I interject.

“Strong feelings cause people to speak the truth, and you’re right. I don’t want to be alone. But there’s more to it.” Tears start to fill my eyes in response to what I’m about to say. “I thought I would never find a real love. I see what everyone around me has, and I get jealous. The nicknames people used to call me in middle and high school re-emerge, and I’m left feeling numb. I thought I was doomed to be a serial dater. Until you. . .”

Rome observes me, and the tears in my eyes free themselves, slipping down my cheek and staining my face.

“I was looking for a mythical being. I was so sure I would never find someone who would adore me like my father adores my mother. I’m scared of being alone, yet I resigned myself to the fact that I’m destined to be alone. I thought I was cursed.”

I sniffle as my vision blurs. My palms meet my eyes, and I try to wipe away the tears, but they don’t stop. Something nudges against my leg, and Rome chuckles.

“I’m glad you find my destiny amusing.” I hiccup through my tears.

“No, Chrissy, I don’t find your sadness amusing. I find you rather cute and endearing, and so does Korra.”

Looking down, I find the white puff of fur staring up at me. Being careful, I offer her my finger, and she sniffs it. I ready myself for her to bite me because that’s all Pickles does when he sees me. Instead, she rubs her nose along my finger, allowing me to scratch her cheek.

“You’re not cursed, Wildflower. Want to know how I know?” Rome asks quietly.

Korra jumps onto the couch and sits on my lap, cuddling against my stomach.

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