"Why does your psychologist call you Butterfly?"
"Um, it's just this nickname he gave me when I started getting better."
"Getting better from what?"
"I don't know.I just used to be different.I handled my problems in a different way than I do now."
"So, you didn't always run and hide from your problems?"
Well, that's a punch to the teeth because, yes, I did run from my problems, and I didn't even realize that I'm still doing that.I did that to Adam.He upset me and I ran.
"I guess that one has kind of stuck."
I look around and there are still guys on the field.Practice shouldn't be over yet.Adam senses my confusion and offers, "Ace texted me.She got caught up with a project at school.She's on her way now."
"Okay.Thanks for telling me."
"Is that why you didn't want to come to my practice?"
"Is what why?"
He looks annoyed.He knows I know what he's talking about, and I just don't want to face him about it.
"Is Nathan why you didn't want to come?You didn't want me to know that you see a psychologist."
This last part isn't a question.It's a statement but I nod in response anyway.
A whistle blows from the field, and we both look in that direction.Adam walks up to me, gripping my hair in his hand and kissing the life out of me.He pushes his tongue past my lips and devours me for several long seconds before pulling away and saying, "We aren't done talking about this."
He quickly stands and walks away.Moments later, I see him walk out onto the field.Number 10.My number 10.
............................
Ada arrives a few minutes later just as chipper as she was earlier today.
"Hey sister."
"I'm not your sister."There's no malice in my tone.Just mild amusement.
"Ok, then.Hey, bestie!"She reaches for me and wraps me up in a much too enthusiastic hug.My entire body tenses up.My jaw clenches and my head swims.People don't touch me, and I don't want them to start.Well, that's not entirely true.Adam touches me.Adam can't keep his hands off of me, but I've never had this reaction to him.Even our first touch was electric in a good way.It hadn't occurred to me that his touch didn't just not repel me.It invigorates me.Ada notices my reaction.She pulls back, keeping her hands on my shoulders.
"We'll work on that."She says with a wink.
"Soon, you'll learn to love me and my hugs.Soooo, do you have your outfit picked out for the Sports Banquet?"
The what?Oh, that's right.I remember Coach talking to us about that.It's soonish, I think.I can't remember when exactly.I do remember, however, that it is strongly encouraged but not mandatory.
"No.Not my scene."
"Not your scene."She says with too much skepticism.
"Yeah.Besides, it's not mandatory."
"It's only not mandatory because it's unchaperoned."She sing songs the word unchaperoned, trying and failing to make it sound more appealing."It's some of the world's most elite athletes all in one place without coaches or professors and plenty of alcohol."
The coaches pretend they don't know about the alcohol because the banquet is such a success every year.Supposedly, the whole point is to promote inter-sport camaraderie.
"I wouldn't mind getting a little friendly with some of the guys from the crew team."She's magnetic.This isn't new information.She has a smile that draws you in and makes you want more.I first saw Ada at a volleyball camp I attended when I was 16.She was so nice, and she helped everyone.I tried to keep to myself because the camp was huge, with over 100 girls plus coaches and assistants.She doesn't remember me, but I remember her.She's someone you don't forget.It was because of her that I attended the camp again the next year and, ultimately, decided to come to Eden.I heard her talking to the other campgoers about Eden University and its reputation for cultivating some of the world’s most exceptional athletes.She didn't go here yet when I was in my first year at camp, but she already had her offer, and no one turns down an offer from Eden.
