4. New girl (Jame's POV)

When I lifted my head and saw the girl from the store, whose name I found out was Eve, I was so excited. She looked even more beautiful than before, if that's even possible. When the teacher said that she was deaf, I wasn't surprised-I already knew. The fact that she is deaf doesn't make her less of a good person, which I found out she is. Okay, maybe I stalked her, but don't judge. I just asked the staff from the store if they knew anything about her. They told me that she is deaf and doesn't hear anything, and then everything clicked. She ran that day because she didn't hear me say anything.

They also said that she is the kindest person they've met. They said that once she saved a cat that was almost hit by a car, whose owner didn't see it and got hurt. The teacher lets me do anything because of my reputation and my parents' donations to the school, so I just stood up from my chair and asked-or more like told-the guy who sat at the desk next to where she sat to change seats. Of course, he said yes. When I looked at her, we made eye contact, and she looked like she was trying to figure something out. OMG, I didn't know I could fold just because of eye contact.

I'm a playboy. I dated a lot of girls and maybe broke their hearts. But I think they were more heartbroken about not being the star player's girlfriend anymore. I get them-I would probably feel the same if I were them. I honestly wasn't the best boyfriend, but I'm willing to change my ways.

I know what you're thinking: How cOuLd YoU LoVe HeR wHeN yOu JuSt mEt hEr? Yeah, I do. You know love at first sight exists, so if you have a problem, deal with it. I tried to talk to her, but the whole day she was with that Lily girl. I think I'll have to be more kind to Lily if I want to be with Eve.

I went to the changing rooms to put on sports clothes before training. I was having an especially good day. I had done some warm-ups when the other boys came. We started playing, and at the end of training Mason came to me.

"What's up with you, James? You look especially passionate today. Did something good happen?"

"Yeah, I saw that girl I told you about."

"The one you're head over heels for?"

"Yeah, she's in the same class as me. Can you imagine?"

"Congratulations. Should I start writing my best man speech for the wedding?"

"Maybeee."

We both started giggling like little girls.

"How are things going with Lily?" I asked.

"Complicated."

"You want to talk about it?"

"No."

"Ok. My mom invited you to dinner. You want to come?"

"Of course. Mommy J cooks the best food ever, even though she's clumsy."

Me and Mason are like brothers. We were raised together, and our parents are best friends.

After training, I went home.

"Hi Mom, hi Dad, I'm back."

Mom and Dad both came and hugged me.

"How was your training, sweetheart?"

"Good. How was your date?"

Dad smiled at Mom and said, "Good. We went to watch a movie at the cinema. It was very beautiful."

Mom added, "Is Mason coming?"

"Of course he is."

We all smiled.

"Dad, do you want to play chess with me? We haven't played for ages."

"Of course, son."

He hurried for the chessboard. We played a few rounds and he DESTROYED me. He really wasn't holding back. I mean, someone has to keep me humble, but we laughed so much my stomach hurt for hours after. After we finished, Mason came and we talked and ate and laughed even more.

I loved the fact that they saw me as just James, and not James Johnson the soccer player. After dinner, I went to bed and doom-scrolled until I was so tired that I passed out as soon as I closed my eyes.

In the morning, I was woken up by my phone's ringtone. I took my phone and saw Mason's name. What is he calling me for at 3 in the morning? I still had 2 more hours left of sleep.

I picked up the phone.

"Hi Mason, why are you calling me at 3 in the morning?"

"Hi bro," he sounded drunk. "I know it's early, but I got in a little drunken situation. Could you help a bro out?"

"Of course. Stay somewhere safe, I'll pick you up."

I grabbed my keys, threw on a random shirt, and went downstairs. I sat in my car, and maybe I was speeding a little on the road, but that's my best friend who could be in danger. That's bro code.

When I arrived, I saw Mason half passed out.

"How did you get so drunk? Did something go wrong with Lily?"

"Yes... I think I fucked up."

"I don't know what happened, but I'm sure it's going to be alright."

I helped him into the car and gave him a bag in case he puked. When we got back home and walked to the house, he puked on himself.

"Oh God, Mason, I'm not letting you in like that."

"Why are you so mean? I thought we were besties."

"Yeah, but this is where I draw the line. I have a hose, and we can rinse some of the puke off, then you can dry yourself."

"Ok, boss."

After he finished washing, I gave him some clean clothes, and then he passed out on the couch. I managed to get about 30 minutes of sleep before I had to wake up for training. I already knew how grumpy I was going to be.

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