It is Monday morning and Neil was up for an early training. Today is the opening of their school meet where they would compete to different schools in different sports. Since Neil is a member of Spencer’s football team, they should need to train hard because they would have their first game this afternoon against Cormwell Academy. Their goal is to defend their title as a champion last year.

After a 2-hour training, Neil made his way to the dorm, he decided to take shower in his room instead to the football boys locker room. He still looks a mess but he stopped by to Courtney’s room to invite her to watch him later. He’s a wreck but he couldn’t wait to see Courtney.

He made his way to a familiar corridor where he picked up Courtney before on their first date. He knocks twice when someone opened the door. It was her roommate Heather wearing school uniform, it was passed 7 am and probably they will be ready for school any minute now.

“Hey superstar!” Heather greeted him. Neil smiled and Heather call for Courtney before he could speak. “Court, look who’s here.”

“Thanks!” Neil mouthed to Heather who winked and Courtney immediately appeared in front of the door.

“Hey Neil! What’s up?” Courtney greeted. She too wears her uniform but there’s a towel rolled up in her hair. She immediately removed it when she saw Neil is looking at it strangely.

“Hey! I have a game later and I want you to be there.” Neil invited her.

“yeah? What time?” Courtney asked.

“Around 2pm. I want to see you cheering for me.” Neil commanded. He showed his flirty smile.

“Oh, sure no problem! But go take a shower first. You really smell bad.” Courtney teased.

“what? No, this is sexy.” Neil flirted.

“No, seriously.” Courtney tries to hide her laugh.

“Who’s stinking ha? Tell me.” Neil started to snuggle Courtney.

“Stop, go away.” Courtney giggled.

Neil released Courtney and says “Ayt, see you later Court.” He kissed Courtney’s cheek and she went blushed. He waved goodbye and walked away.

“Good luck.” Courtney called up.

Neil turned his head and smiled. He made his way to his room which is in the next floor. He’s not in a mood to go to school. He is confident Spencer won’t kick him out for ditching classes because they owe Neil big time for let winning the school last year. They couldn’t afford to lose the best goalie of all time.

**

Tyler is still lying in his bed. He doesn’t feel to attend classes today. He thinks that no sane teacher would be attending classes today because it is the opening of their school meet. He is quite tired because he slept late last night trying to finish his composition. He is going to join the battle bands this year.

He is too lazy to get up on his bed. His roommate was out for an early training and his room has a strange silence that is a perfect place to sleep whole day. His description of his room ruined when his roommate entered their room and drop his duffel bag on the floor banging and close the door banging as well.

“What the hell man!” Tyler said annoyed. He covered his ears with his pillow.

“You are supposed to be downstairs now, eating breakfast!” Neil said. “Where have you been last night? I did not hear you entered the room,”

“Because, I don’t want to wake you like you are doing to me right now.” Tyler replied. Neil and Tyler were not best friends like other roommates but they get along with each other and could ride in each flow.

“Band?” Neil guessed the answer to his question that Tyler did not answer. Tyler again did not reply.

Neil did not bother him again. He heard Neil went to the bathroom to take shower. After a couple of minutes, Neil went out of the bathroom with only a towel covering his body.

“Ok, you won!” Tyler said as he get up to his bed and go the bathroom. When he passed Neil, Neil hit him a towel in his head. “aw!”

After he went out of the bathroom, Neil is already on his clothes and eyes on his PSP. He is not again going to class because he is not in Spencer’s uniform.

“You’re skipping class again?” Tyler asked as he grabs his guitar and started plucking the chords.

“I am excuse to attend class mate.” Neil replied still not taking his eyes off his little toy in hand.

“Yeah right! Why you seem so weird?” Tyler asked as he noticed Neil is joking around.

“What?” Neil asked this time looking away from his PSP to Tyler.

“You know what I mean mate, is this another random Spencer girls?”

“It’s cool dude, I’m dating Courtney. You know her? from Cali.” Neil said. His eyes back to the toy in his hand. “She has three friends who are really good looking as well; you should date one of them so we could double date sometime.” He joked.

“Shut up? Since when you dated Courtney?” Tyler asked.

“What? You know her? just last Saturday. She’s hot mate” Neil said. “I thought all Americans kissed on a first date but her.”

“I am dating Heather, her blonde friend.” Tyler said, still playing his guitar.

“Yeah? What about her? Did she let you taste her provocative lips?” Neil asked. The topic gets interesting in terms of girls.

“She didn’t on the first but she gave in.” Tyler grinned. “I thought all Americans were easy to get, man, I had a hard time trying to get to this girl.”

“I guess, British guys get wrong…” Neil laughed. “You know Taylor and Paddy? They seem very nice.”

“Yeah, Taylor was like the guy of the group. They went to Inco’s last time and she’s the only one on jeans, I just hope she is totally girl mate.” Tyler quipped.

“No way man? I think she’s totally a chic. Just a conservative little American.” Neil defended Taylor.

“Speaking of little, Paddy is little.” Tyler laughed.

Neil laughed out loud. “Shit man, I thought I’m just tall tall.”

“Never underestimate Paddy; she is the first to date a Spencer boy, James Martin.” Tyler defended Paddy.

“That math geek from 8th grade?” Neil cracked.

“What? Until now mate, and he’s really good at football man. I couldn’t find a reason why he’s not on your team.”

“I don’t know. Anyway, I invited Courtney to watch my game later. Maybe her three friends will be there and your chic.” Neil changed the subject.

Tyler phone rang and his ex-girlfriend, Carmie is calling him. “Shit man, it’s Carmie.”

“Shit, you’re two-timing Heath?” Neil exclaimed. “They are new here mate, be nice.”

Tyler hit Neil a pillow. “No, I don’t know why she’s calling.”

Tyler did not answer the phone call and it went to a voice mail.

Hey Ty, Is it true? You’re dating one of the transfers from California? I heard they’ve been kicked out, that’s why they’re here in Spencer. Call me back if it’s true. Bye Carmie’s voice filled the room.

“Looks like, they’re gonna get in trouble for having a pretty face eh?” Neil stated. “Plus hot bod.”

“What about Courtney? For sure she’ll be the head of the headlines after they knew the Spencer’s Goalie is dating her. And Carmie is a bitch. She just couldn’t move on and couldn’t lick better. I’m done with her.” Tyler said.

He dumped Carmie two weeks before he met Heather. Everyone knows that they were only playing with each other, no serious relationship. It was just getting drunk and getting laid after. Tyler does not take advantage with Carmie. He was just being a nice guy for giving what girls want from him.

“Tell me about it, I used to date her Ty. She got lice that time. It’s gross!” Neil said. “I’ve always wanted to tell you but you’re madly in love with her.” He teased. Tyler ears turned red.

“Shut up!” Tyler ignored Neil and played the song he wrote for Heather. It’s called Ultraviolet. He’s going to play it in front of the crowd on the battle of the bands by the end of the week. He couldn’t wait to let Heather hear his song for her.

**

James class in the morning has ended. Class won’t resume until tomorrow because the school will be hosting the school meet. He snatched his phone from his backpack and dialled Paddy’s number.

“Hey, no class this afternoon. Where you guys heading?” James asked over the phone. He’s heading to his locker.

“Hey James, we’re going to watch football. Neil will be playing.” Paddy answered back.

Is Paddy friends with Neil, Neil Orsino the Goalie? James thought. There’s a little burp in his stomach. He feels uncomfortable.

“Oh, Okay. I did not know you’re a fan of football.” James sounds sarcastic.

“You have no idea. See you at lunch.” Paddy hang up on him.

James first love was football but he did not tried out for the football team because his father won’t allow him. Aside from the fact that he has asthma, his father thinks that there’s no footballer succeed in life but a Lawyer or a Physician.

The reason why he called Paddy to ask her to watch football but looks like Neil Orsino made her watch it. He never felt so jealous before.

The four girls meet him up at the cafeteria at lunch. Paddy greeted him with her toothy smile. He did not think of what he’s doing but the next thing he knew, he kissed Paddy. When he looked at her, Paddy turned very pink and her friends looked at them in horror but then James could see Taylor biting her lips trying to stop her from laughing.

“What was that for?” Paddy asked shyly. James finds himself a seat beside Paddy.

“I miss you.” James flirted and took a big bite of his apple. “How do you know Neil? Is that Neil Orsino that I know?”

“Are you two friends? He’s dating Courtney.” Paddy exclaimed and point to Courtney.

“No, I did not. It was just an apology breakfast.” Courtney denied.

“Shut up. It’s the same.” Paddy laughed.

Good thing about these girls, they threw shits at each other but no one gets offended. James smiled at the thought. Neil is for Courtney and him for Paddy.

“No, not really.” James interrupted. He is not friends with Neil. Neil is just famous in Spencer. James was hoping before that Neil would be his teammates but it never happened.

“Good luck with Neil. If he would search for you in the crowd across the field, you must really be special.” James advised to Courtney.

“Neil appeared in our door this morning, fresh from practice. He stopped by to invite Court.” Heather said. “Does Court should feel special?”

“I said, if he would search for you from across the field. You must be really special.” James repeated his sentence. Everybody laughed.

“How’d you know?” Taylor voice echoed. “Did he ever do that to anyone?”

“I would do the same if I live vicariously through him.” James joked.

“You’re sweet!” Paddy punched his shoulder.

“That’s corny James!” Taylor exclaimed.

“I miss you too Tay.” James said ironically.

After lunch the girls headed to their dorms to change clothes and James excused himself to go to the restroom. He told the girls to meet them up at the grandstand in 30. He went to his dad’s office to take a nap. He’s not planning to change his school uniform since he doesn’t want to go home yet.

As he passed the school corridors he heard Kent Alter voice filled the hallway. Maybe he’s bragging about his expertise in online gaming. He shut up when he saw James coming and made his way towards James.

“James! Where you heading?” Kent greeted James.

“What’s up man?” James patted Kent shoulder for a bromance. They’ve been together since they were a kid because their families are really good friends. Before, they would hang out in their houses but nowadays, small talk is enough since Kent found his group of friends and James is contended of being a loner.

“See you later mates!” Kent said his goodbyes to his friends and turns to James. “so you’re dating the girl from Cali?”

“Could we not tell anyone?” James said seriously.

“Oh! Why? Everyone knows in school man.” Kent said frowning.

“I’m kidding mate. She’s gorgeous, I know.” James said. They’re now heading to his dad’s office. Kent knows about this but did not brag to anyone like James did. “So why are you here?”

“I’m going to see Uncle Jeff.” Kent grinned. Jeff is James dad. As they entered the provost office, Kent threw himself in the sofa. He’s feeling at home.

“What’s up boys?” James dad greeted them.

“Hi dad.”

“Hey Uncle Jeff.” Kent greeted. They were not blood related but Kent feels comfortable calling James dad as Uncle.

“What can I do with you Kent? How are your mom and dad?”

“They’re fine. My sister Kat visited me here last time.” Kent stated. “Anyway, I and James are in love with two best friends, I really need your opinion about double dating or whatever, what do you think Uncle?” Kent is grinning like an idiot.

James who’s eyes on magazine his reading lifted his head and says “What? You’re in love with whom?”

“So who are these girls, boys?” Jeff asked.

“So are we now talking about girls, dad?” James mocked.

“Mine is Taylor Strong.” Kent said.

“What? Since when? Taylor never mentioned that one. I’m like eating lunch with them for two weeks.” James said frowning.

“What? Maybe, she’s not a talker but a writer. She blog about me.” Kent said confidently.

“She what?” James exclaimed.

“I said, she wrote something about me in her blog. She thinks I’m hot.” Kent grinned.

“You’re vain. You like her?” James said calmly.

“From the very first day. All she had to do is to remind me.” Kent sang the words. They completely forgot that James’ dad was there listening.

“Cheesy. She’s now my friend Kent. Don’t play with her.” James sounds protective.

“Woah! I’m afraid.” Kent throws his both arms in air like a criminal surrendering to cops. “Chill man. She’s beautiful. I’m not playing with her.”

“So these girls are from California, right?” Jeff butted in. “I believe I met them a couple of weeks ago. They seem very nice and all good looking.”

“You have great taste, Uncle!” Kent agreed.

James never thought his dad would be this cool. It really pays to be a good boy sometimes. He just curved a smile. “I want to try out for football, dad, to add up for my Oxford application.”

“Yeah, you’re really good James. You could help the team win.” Kent agreed.

His dad hesitates for a moment. James feels light after spilling it out. He never opens up the football thing until he knows Paddy likes football.

“Alright, but see the doc first. If the doc says okay, it’s okay then.” Jeff is talking about James asthma.

“Yeah dad?” James couldn’t hide his excitement. He went to hug his dad. “I love you dad!”

“Alright alright. I know, you try to impress Ms. Mueller yeh? But son, always remember this, no one can resist the Martin’s charm.” Jeff joked.

The boys laughed. “That’s right Uncle! You’re the coolest provost ever.” Kent gets up of the sofa and started dancing. He got the moves like Jagger.

James started to dance as well. He felt victorious.

“Alright alright. That’s enough. If you’ll excuse me, I have something to do.” Jeff said and James went to kiss his dad’s cheek.

“Kent, we’ll watch football. Taylor will be there.” James changed the subject. Kent got easily bored watching football but if he’ll say yes, maybe Taylor seems so special. That’s how he’ll know he’s not playing with Taylor.

Kent hesitates for a moment and says “Not a fan of football but come on.” Kent tilted his head out of the door. “See you later Uncle Jeff.”

“Bye dad!” James exited the door. Before, freedom ain’t nothing but missing him but now he made things happened. If he chose to be a rebel kid before, his dad wouldn’t trust him anymore but today, it really pays to be a good boy. His dad trusts him. He has a nice, pretty, and sweet girlfriend. He has friends and a sister he never had. He feels like a protective brother when Kent started to talk about Taylor and the most awesome is that he’s going to play football. Not today, but sooner.

**

Kent never likes football but he is now sitting in the toon waiting for the game to start. Paddy, Heather and Courtney are already there looking great without their Spencer’s uniform. Taylor’s not there yet and the crowd isn’t that great. They cheering and yelling even though the game hasn’t started yet especially the Cormwell students. Fan girls could be annoying sometimes.

Kent grabbed his PSP from his backpack and started clicking buttons. He’d rather play computer games than watching how the ball being kick from across the field. Before the PSP could snatch his soul inside the little toy, James elbowed him.

“What?” Kent muttered still eyes on screen. James did not answer but still elbowing him. This time he looked up from his PSP and looked to James then turns his head to where James pointing his lips. It was Taylor who’s sipping from her coke and popcorn in her hand. Even the sun is jealous of the way she shines from the crowd.

Kent turned off his PSP and says “Hey!” He did not even notice that his hands are busy keeping his PSP to his bag but still eyes on Taylor.

Taylor passed him and offered her popcorn to her friends then she went back to find her seat beside Kent.

“Hey, what are you doing here?” Taylor asked but her eyes glued to the field. The game had just started. When Kent did not answer because he’s still staring at Taylor’s face, Taylor shifted her head towards him. “What?”

Kent smiled and says “Nothing.”

Taylor brushed her hands through Kent’s face and turned her eyes again to the game.

“What was that for?” Kent pouted like a baby. Taylor did not answer but Kent saw she curved her lips a smile.

Kent would look at Taylor of the way she cursed when the Spencer’s shot block by the Cormwell goalie or the way she’s about to jump when the Spencer’s team scored. He knows that these girls were a football fan. They knew the basic rules, the reason why they enjoyed football unlike Kent who doesn’t even know what the hell is offside or how could you get a throw in.

“You don’t like football, do you?” Taylor asked during half break.

“What? No, not really.” Kent replied. He thought Taylor wouldn’t pay him attention since the game started.

“So, what sport do you like?” Taylor tries to start a good conversation.

“Basketball. The scoring is more exciting than football.” Kent replied. “You? You play any sport back in L.A?”

“I’m not from LA. I’m from Sacramento, the ever boring town in the world.” Taylor rolled her eyeballs. “and we play football.”

“What? You four?” Kent asked surprisingly.

“Except Courtney. But it’s not like a career. We played during times like this. Some school tournament or whatever.” Taylor explained.

“If that’s how you get your hotbod then I won’t contradict. I’ll support you with your football career.” Kent winked.

Before Taylor could say anything, Kent’s mates stop and stare in front of them and started teasing him. “So Kent, is she the one you’re talking about?”

Kent stands up and hit one of his mates hard in the head. “Shut up man. Go away!” He felt embarrassed. Good thing his mates leave them alone and go away without a word. He brags about Taylor this morning to his friends. It’s not that he’s rude but boys really talk about girls. That’s the reality.

Maybe Taylor would think that he’s talking about her behind her back which is true but maybe she could take it a wrong way. “They’re kidding.” Kent explained himself.

“You’re talking about me to your friends?” Taylor asked frowning.

“Go Neil!” James roared that Kent is sure that James did that to divert Taylor’s attention.

“Go Neil!” Courtney, Paddy, Heather echoed.

Kent was saved by the cheers and yells he once gets annoyed at first. He leaned his body closer to Taylor that their shoulders touch each other. Kent let it be since Taylor did not move. The second half had started and then Taylor focused again her attention to the game.

Moment by moment, Kent tried hard to grab Taylor’s attention. He wants to make sure Taylor’s not mad at him. He would get popcorn from her hand or move uneasy to make Taylor looked at him but still Taylor’s not buying it. Then Kent threw popcorn on Taylor’s face. This time it works because Taylor turned to him with a horror on her face and her mouthed curved in a big O.

Kent throws popcorn to Taylor’s face again and laughed but Taylor pulled Kent’s hair.

“AW! Aw!” Kent complained. “Taylor, stop!”

“If you’re not that cute, I’m going to kill you.” Taylor muttered.

“What?” Kent’s not sure of what Taylor had said but pulled her head to his shoulder and started to cuddle her. “You can’t be mad at me, I know.” Taylor pulled away from Kent’s cuddle and slap Kent’s face lightly.

Kent feels better. Now, he knew Taylor’s not mad at him. Football is not that bad at all. Kent enjoyed football for the first time and the Spencer’s team is actually winning. He’s never been proud of his school before but now he’s actually cheering. This fever Taylor and her friends had is contagious.

“Neil looks really pissed on the pitch. Relax Neil!” Kent heard Taylor shouted to her friends.

“Yeah, I like it.” Courtney shouted back.

“The butt, the butt is so hot.” Paddy cheered.

Kent saw Heather pushed Paddy lightly “fan-crapping-tastic.” She yelled.

Any moment now and the referee would finally blow his final whistle. It’s very intense game, 5-3 in favour of Spencer school. Neil is probably disappointed with himself for the 3 balls he let in. But who cares, they won.

Kent saw Neil clapping his hands after the final whistle has blown. He immediately search for the crowd and made his way towards their spot. He’s not quite sure why Neil is coming to the sea of people instead of going to their locker rooms.

Kent could see that many girls’ eyes lighted as Neil passed through them but his arms settled on Courtney’s. He just hugs Courtney after winning a match in the middle of the crowd. Courtney must be really special.

“Oh, Congratulations Neil.” Kent heard Courtney said after Neil released her from a tight hug.

“You’re really good Neil, you’re awesome out there.” Taylor said.

“Thanks.” Neil mouthed to Taylor and mess her hair.

“Congrats mate!” Kent sends his congratulations to Neil. “James would like to try out for your team.” Kent informed him.

“Yeah? That’s awesome mate!” Neil turned to James. “I am inviting you guys to our after game party later. See you later.” He planted a kiss on Courtney’s cheek that turned pink.

They went out of the grandstand and Kent and James walk the girls to their dorms. James went home to change for the after party as well as Kent who is still in his uniform. This is going to be great.

**

Tyler and his band are opening at Inco’s tonight. He is excited to play in front of the crowd. The battle of the bands is not on until Friday but the Inco’s invited them to play. Before he leaves for Inco’s, he stopped by to Heather’s room and when she opens the door, she’s dress like she’s going out or something.

“Hey! You’re going somewhere?” Tyler asked. He’s holding a guitar in his left hand.

“Yeah, to Inco’s maybe.” Heather replied. “Neil Orsino invited us for their after game party. They won anyway.”

“That’s great, we’ll be playing there. I wrote ‘something something’ for you. You want a little sneak preview?” Tyler grinned.

“For me?” Heather ran out of words.

“Oh yeah!” Tyler holds his breathe and started to sing.

Heather is beautiful. It’s true. ‘Cause she got the eyes of blue. One day I tried to kiss you and you said oh n-n-no.

“You’re an idiot.”

“You love me.” Tyler flirted. “See you later. Me, you, that dress.”

Tyler waved goodbye and went to the bar. When he arrived there, there’s already a band playing. Most of the Spencer’s students were already there. Inco’s is the best hang out place of the Spencer fellas and it is a greater % that the after game party will be there.

He went to the backstage and meets his band mate there. Then he saw the football team entered the bar. He dialled Neil’s number.

“Hey man. Congrats on the result. And thanks for inviting Heather here. I’ll be playing tonight.” Tyler said over the phone and waves his hand to Neil who’s searching for him. He hang up and Neil nod his head.

After the band finished one song, Tyler saw Heather and the gang entered Inco’s. Paddy with James and Courtney who ran to meet Neil, and the one that surprises Tyler is that Kent is with Taylor. Kent never hangs out here but looks like his going to hear Tyler singing.

“Where’s your guy? Who’s your singer?” the coordinator asked him.

“He’s right behind you.” Tyler told him.

“You’re on.” The coordinator said on cue.

“You guys good?” He asked his band mates as they nodded.

Tyler step out of the stage and saw Heather clapping her hands for him.

“So, my name is Tyler Williams.” Tyler introduced. “I hope this doesn’t make anyone too uncomfortable… but I’m completely naked under these clothes.”

The crowd clap their hands. He saw Heather giggles.

“This song called Ultraviolet. This for someone I cared about.”

“Ready?” He mouthed to his band mates and he started to strum his guitar and the rock ’n rolling sound filled the room. The crowd went to the dance floor to dance but Heather remained focused.

She’s a wave and she is breaking, she’s a problem to solve and in that circle she’s making I will always revolve… and on her sight these eyes depend invisible and indivisible… That fire you ignited good, bad and undecided burns when I stand beside it your light is ultraviolet visions so insane travel unravelling through my brain cold when I am denied it your light is ultraviolet, Ultraviolet…

Now is a phase and it’s changing, It’s rotating us all… thought we’re safe but we’re dangling and it’s too far to survive the fall and this I know it will not bend…Invisible and indivisible

That fire you ignited

Good, Bad and undecided

Burns when I stand beside it

Your light is ultraviolet

Visions so insane

Travel unraveling through my brain

Cold when I am denied it

Your light is ultraviolet, Ultraviolet!

The song has ended and Tyler went down to see Heather. “Hey!”

“You’re really good.” Heather complimented.

“Thanks, and you’re really pretty.” Tyler winked and grabbed a drink. Neil and Courtney gathered to their table. James and Paddy are playing foosball and Kent is teaching Taylor how to play pool.

“Hey rockstar!” Neil greeted Tyler. He leaves Courtney to the table and joined Tyler to get drinks.

“Congratulations Goalie.” Tyler congratulates his roommate. Kent and James joined them at stool bar. The four girls left by their respective boyfriends at the table.

“We have curfews so let’s party while we’re here!” Neil yelled. “There so many reason why to party, first we won of course, second, Tyler the rock star rocked the house, plus we have a gorgeous girlfriends, Kent welcome to Inco’s cuz I know you never been here, and James finally will join the football team. Report to training tomorrow, let’s see what you’ve got.”

“Shit? What?” James exclaimed.

“You heard me; don’t make me say it again.” Neil grinned. He’s the team captain and he knows James got the moves; all he has to do is to agree he’s joining the team.

“Never thought, it would be nice here.” Kent butted in.

Tyler gave them each a bottle of drinks. “Cheers man!”

The four boys tossed for the victory they feel and the new friendship that formed. “Cheers!” Their voice echoed and laughter’s filled the room.

Boys, boys, boys.. always be boys. They smoke and fly, drink and drive, have fun not only on a Saturday night but also to Monday night with their pretty girlfriends aside and when the girlfriends are not around ‘it’s all about the bromance, not the romance.’ Next Chapter: Chapter 8: Damsel's in distressess Estimated time remaining: 22 Minutes