Chapter 1: Raiden
“Did you see that throw!”
Jude doesn’t ask it in question form, because we all know what he’s talking about. The person behind that throw is my twin brother, Rome. He’s also our quarterback. But he's forgetting who made the catch that led to our winning goal. Me. My brother and I are the reason Willow High will soon be state champions. I don't care how arrogant that sounds. We’ve got this in the bag. This team would still lose games if it weren't for us.
The summer before our junior year, our family moved to Willow Cove. It was a business move. Dad’s company transferred him from his comfortable Atlanta job to his current position in this small hick town we now call home. Initially, we were furious, but our background in big cities made us popular upon arrival. We weren’t alone in our transfer because of a parent’s new job. As we exit the locker room and get back out on the field after halftime, my eyes scan the bleachers. At the top, cuddled under a blanket in the corner, as far away from everyone as she can get, sits Clara Watson. Her job of writing about the game for the school newspaper brought her here. I overheard a teacher talking about it yesterday in the hallway. Usually, they assign a senior to write the end-of-season article. Despite being a Junior, Clara’s excellent writing skills impressed Mrs. Stanton, securing her for the position. I’ve had my eye on her since last school year, but I’m clueless about how to approach her.
To begin with, she's shy. She’s always hiding behind that damn laptop of hers, but that’s not what’s preventing me from making a move. I'm not saying I'm a mean person. Temperamental, maybe, but not mean. Clara, on the other hand, is the nicest person I have ever known. She’s way out of my league. Rome jogs past me, his helmet under his arm.
“There’s an entire school full of girls. Give it up, brother.”
Running after him, I can’t help but poke fun at him. “You can’t expect all of us to be a man whore like you.”
Rome lets out a laugh. “This weekend, I won’t be the one feeling left out. It’s your dry spell, not mine.”
Slowing down, my gaze returns to Clara. Her red hair is tied up in a messy bun, and a pair of reading glasses is perched at the end of her nose. She could fool anyone into thinking she's a teacher from where I'm standing, but I know up close, it's obvious she's not. Her small size makes me feel huge. I tower over her at six feet two. It’s one of many reasons I’m attracted to her. Despite her height, there’s something about her that draws me in. Or maybe I’m just attracted to nerds. Regardless, I’ll keep my eye on her. She hasn’t received the same positive reception we did upon arrival, but I won’t let anyone bully her while I’m here. I’ve always despised bullies. Fortunately, my twin brother and I think alike on that matter. It’s an area we know all too well. Our brother, who has special needs, has dealt with enough of it, but he is secure knowing we’ll always be there for him. This world is full of assholes.
Jude running past shakes me from my thoughts, and I realize I’ve been gawking at the bleachers like a fool.
“Raiden, snap out of it! We've got a game to win!”
Taking one last look, I put on my helmet and get into position. I’m going to give Clara Watson some material to write about. Hopefully, by the end of this game, she’ll at least know my name.
