Page 40 of The Golden Goalie

I snag a paper towel and wrap it around the toast. “Thanks, Mom. Love you.”

“Love you too.”

I’m out the door seconds later. “She wasn't kidding about the gas,” I mutter after starting the car. Thankfully, even with a quick stop for gas, I’m able to make it to class on time. I work extra hard in each of my classes; I’ve been putting in more study time and trying to turn every project in on time. My stomach starts cramping mid-morning, but I throw down a couple Saltine crackers in between classes and drink more of my water. Surprisingly, it helps. During my last class of the day, I start getting that watery sensation in my mouth, but I pop in one of the lemonheads. Surprisingly, it actually staves off the sensation.

Of course, my last class runs long. So I have to book it to get to the library on time. “Cutting it a little close, aren’t we?” Mrs. Randolph says without looking up from the library book she’s recovering.

“Sorry; my class ran late.”

“Mmm. That boy was in here looking for you.”

I clock in before facing her. “What boy?”

“That boy that’s been giving you all the problems.”

“Oh, you mean Cal.”

“I mean Trouble; that’s what I mean. He said he’d be back later tonight. Now, you know not to get into a relationship with somebody like him, right? You’ve already gotten yourself into trouble, hmmm? In my day, we waited until the wedding night; but not this generation. No, this generation doesn’t even get down the aisle to say I do before they decide they don’t.”

A heaviness slides over me. “I know. I messed up.” I start working on the new books we just got in.

“So, you won’t have any more promiscuous relations before matrimony then?”

I barely keep in my snort because who even talks that way anymore? “Uh, yeah. I think I’m good. I learned my lesson.”

“Good.”

My stomach growls a few more times over the next few hours, but I stave it off by feeding myself crackers. Once I have a break, I’ll snag something from one of the vending machines near the library. I spend any extra time I get studying and working on one of my papers. Before too long, it’s nine; and I only have to last one more hour. My stomach growls again; that granola bar and apple juice I had on my break are really just not holding me through. But I can’t complain because at least I’m not throwing up. I actually really can’t believe it. I’m not even sure what in particular is helping the most. Is it the ginger chews, the lemonheads, the fact I’m drinking more water, the B6 pill I took when I started getting sick, or the pressure points on my wrists? Whatever it is, I’m hooked. I haven’t gone back to the bathroom to throw up once during my shift so far. Even Mrs. Randolph noticed and commented on it. I’m thinking I might actually make it through this shift without throwing up and without seeing Cal—two major pluses.

As if summoned by my thoughts, Cal and his buddies appear in front of the main desk. I keep my head up, even though what I’d really like to do is drop my head to my hands and hide. And maybe take a nap while I’m at it.

“There’s my girl,” Cal says as he approaches the desk.

“Not your girl,” I return without looking at him. I stare at my computer as I continue to work on the page with all our upcoming events at the library.

“So, when are you going to stop dragging your feet and go on a date with me?”

“Never.” Several of his friends oooh and rib him, but I’m so over it. “Was there something else you needed? Because if not, I need to get back to work.”

“Come on, Amber. Stop being coy with me.” He leans over the desk and into my personal space. “You can drop the act. I know you want to be with me.”

Was this guy for real?But before I can say anything, one of his buddies pulls on his shoulder.

“Is that who I think it is?”

I don’t care who it is as long as they’re no longer bothering me, but then I think I hear the words,Green Thunder.My head pops up and I stare as Aiden, Rico, Sebastian, and Gunner all stride into the library looking like they own the place. I watch as literally every student coming and going plus all the ones in the study sections turn and watch them. “Hey Amber!” Sebastian calls out loudly. They approach the counter and stop right next to Cal and his buddies. My eyebrows rise as I take in all of them. They’re not in uniform.

“Did you guys need something?”

Sebastian keeps grinning, and Aiden looks all around doing that protective thing he always does. Well, he usually does it when he’s with Bri. Rico has yet to meet my gaze because he’s toobusy checking out Cal and his crew. Gunner, meanwhile, looks like he wants to be anywhere but here.

“Hey, my girl asked you a question. You gonna answer?”

I shake my head. “Not your girl,” I argue for the thousandth time.

“Can I help you, Gentlemen?” Mrs. Randolph asks, appearing out of nowhere. I jump and practically fall out of my seat.

“Warn a girl,” I mumble.

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