“When do you start?” Asher asked her.
“Well, it says here that I have to go for orientation on Monday night after school, and then I can start on Thursday night. Why do you guys look like you are pissed off?” she trailed off.
Ryder sighed, “Malia, it isn’t that we are pissed off. We are just worried about you. The people that go there aren’t good people. We just don’t want anything to happen to you.” He tried to tell her in a soft voice so she didn’t think we were trying to tell her what to do. We all knew that if we tried to do that she would just be pissed at us instead.
“I can take care of myself you know? I have been doing this since I was sixteen. Working in dangerous places because that is how I can make quick money. Fake IDs get you everywhere these days. This is the only way I can make enough money to survive and pay bills. You guys don’t have to like it but this is the way my life has been.” I could tell she was getting upset because she was getting red in the face.
After that discussion, we all just sat in the silence of our table. The bells rang letting us know that lunch was over. We made our way to our last classes and then we had football practice after. I saw Malia walking with Ryder out the side door where we go to practice. I guess this meant she was going to stay after and watch us. This actually kind of made me feel good in a way because I had never had anyone to support me while playing. Seeing that they made it to the seats next to the field I walked over and gave Malia a big hug. She wasn’t expecting me so when I hugged her from behind, she let out the cutest squeal.
Although, if I told her I thought it was cute she would probably punch me and then tell me she wasn’t cute. Putting her down, I got a bright smile and she laughed, “What was that for Grayson?”
“Just wanted to say thanks for coming to watch. I have never had that before, besides the guys, but it is not the same. So thanks.” I muttered back. I felt like a shy kid all over again, just saying thank you. I didn’t know what it was but when I was around her, she made me all soft and mushy. This had never happened before.
“Well, we need to get into the locker room and get ready,” Ryder told her. Asher came running out to where we were and said, “You will be our personal cheerleader, right gorgeous?”
“Yeah Asher, I will. Along with, trying to get my homework done too,” she replied, with a smile on her face. She gave us each a hug and told us good luck with practice. Walking to the locker room, I looked back and saw Skylar walking over to her. Malia didn’t notice her, until she looked up from her school work.
“God damn it! Can’t she just leave Malia the fuck alone? Ryder, you need to do something about her. This shit needs to stop!” I growled. Skylar thought she was a step above everyone else and it was getting old, fast. Especially, when Malia was on her radar most of the time. Ryder and Asher looked back and saw what was going on and Ryder just sighed.
Asher chuckled out, “I think she can take care of herself. Look, she is going toe to toe with Skylar now. Pretty sure she can handle her herself.” Seeing that he was right I felt a little bit better and continued into the locker room. I guess we would see what happened, after practice.
13.
Boy Toy Collection
Malia
As soon as the guys walked away, Skylar came over to torment me with what I was sure is just bullshit, like always. I didn’t even look up at her. I just sighed and asked, “What do you want Skylar? If you are here to tell me the same old bullshit that Ryder is yours and to stay away from him and all that nonsense, then you can just walk away. I heard it all already and you sound like a damn screeching broken record. Tell me, if I threw a stick, would you leave?” I was chuckling inside at that one, and trying not to laugh in her face. I figured that insult was enough.
“Malia nobody likes a bitch. You already have Grayson and Asher. Do you really need to add another to your boy toy collection?” she sneered.
“First off, I don’t have any of them. Second, I don’t understand how you think that Ryder wants you when he keeps telling you to back off. So please for the love of god, just leave me alone!” I yelled because at this point I was just fucking annoyed.
She mumbled something under her breath and stalked away, finally. As I was sitting here in the stands waiting for the guys to start practice, I figured I should get some homework done since I won’t be getting any done at home. Honestly, I didn’t know what the fuck drugs or alcohol made my dad hit me, but I was kind of scared to go home again. Not that I would ever admit that to anyone. I felt like if anyone were to know my weaknesses they could use them against me. Needing to think about something else, I started my calculus homework. Considering how I was pretty good in this class, I got through it quickly.
Ten minutes later, the guys came out and started their game. I noticed that Ryder is wearing number thirteen, Grayson is wearing number eighteen, and Asher is wearing number thirty-three. Watching them play together is like watching a
