-Jason-
I watched her walk up the stairs and turn the corner to go into her room. I didn’t bother going up to try to talk to her. She already said the last words and I didn’t think that she was going to want to talk to me. I went outside to the small concrete square where the basketball net was. I grabbed the basketball and started bouncing the ball as I walked away from the net. I went to where the three-point line was and tried a hook shot from there and it made it in. I was happy about that. That was the first time I was able to do that. I goofed around taking a couple of shots and I hit the rim and the ball bounced up and over the backboard. I walked over and got the ball when I saw that they had a soccer ball as well.
I put the basketball back and went and got the soccer ball off the ground. After making sure that it wasn’t squishy I dropped it back down to the ground and started kicking it around in the grass. After goofing around I managed to flick it up into the air with my foot and start bouncing the ball on my knees. Back and forth, I hit it too high into the air and got under it to stop it from hitting the ground and chested the ball. I watched the ball go from my chest and bounce up a bit and then start falling to the ground, before it hit I swung my foot and kicked it towards their small net that they had in the yard and I managed to get it in the back of the net.
“Looks like soccer is your thing over Basketball.” I jumped when I heard Elijah’s father’s voice come from behind me.
“I-I’m sorry.” I didn’t know why I was apologizing though.
“Don’t be, my oldest son was really good in soccer as well. He was the only one out of the four that played a different sport.” He told me walking up to me. I’m sure that he can teach you what he knows.” He offered.
“O-Oh thank you, b-but I like being in the n-net.” I told him pointing at the net.
He smiled at me, “That’s the position that takes the most abuse.” He added.
I nodded and smiled at him, “I-I can handle it.”
“Why don’t you go and take a shower and get cleaned up then get Eli for dinner.” He patted me on the back and then walked back into the house.
I went over to the net and got the ball out then placed it next to the concrete and went inside myself. I went to the bathroom and turned the water on to start getting it warm as I shut the door, then I got undressed and hopped in the shower.
The water felt nice against my back, not so much against my chest with the burses and broken ribs. Once I was done taking a shower dried off and I realized that I forgot to bring a change of clothes with me before I took a shower. I wrapped the towel around my waist, grabbed my clothes and wandered to the guest room. With just my luck Elijah came out of her room.
“Jason I…” She trailed off when she looked at me.
I felt my face heat up, “Um…d-dinner is almost ready.” I told her.
She didn’t say anything; she just stood there and stared at me. “I-I’m going to go a-and get some clothes on.” I told her getting past her and getting into the guest room and shutting the door behind me.
I took a deep breath trying to settle down how fast my heart was racing. I didn’t understand why my heart was racing, it just didn’t make since. I tried to shake it off and got dressed then came back out. I went down stairs and Elijah was already down in the kitchen helping get set up.
“Jason, I noticed that you’re not stuttering as much.” Her father mentioned when we were eating.
I nodded, “I-I’m a bit more c-comfortable around here.” I answered.
“That’s good, I’m glad that you’re feeling more comfortable.” He said, then something started beeping and I looked around. “Shit, I’ve got to go.” He stated standing up and briskly walking over to the door to get on his shoes and then left.
“W-what was that about?” I asked.
Eli sighed, “There must be a call about something.”
“I-I hope that e-everything is okay.” I muttered looking back down at my plate.
“It’s probably a burglary.” Eli stated taking a bite of her food.
“What’s wrong?” I asked her.
“Nothing.” Was her answer.
I got up and walked over to her and put my pointer finger close to her cheek. “Eli…” I said and got her to turn her head to look at me making my finger poke her in the cheek. “Got you.” I smiled at her and took a couple of strides back to stay out of her reach.
“That’s not fair.” She complained.
I stuck my tongue out at her. “That’s it, come here.” She smiled getting up and we started doing circles around the table.
When I got the chance I booked it up the stairs and tried to get somewhere to hide, but Eli caught but with me and jumped on my back making me stumble forward. I managed to keep my balance and tried to get her off my back but it didn’t work. I ended up wandering into the guest room and then sitting down on the bed with her on my back.
I pried her arm off from around my neck and twisted my body around so I could boop her in the nose. We had a boop war, but it didn’t last long, I had to stop because I was laughing so hard it was making my ribs hurt. I was just happy to see her smile and have a good time.
