Decisions Ch. 06

"I can see why not. Your school reports say that you're marvelous at academics and at athletics. A true born leader. But, I do have one more question about the stunt you pulled during the beginning of the game? What were you hoping to prove by hitting a puck at the glass?" She cracked a slight smile, the first I've seen in awhile. She looked pretty when she smiled, her dark hair framing her elegant face.

"That was meant for Stasi." I grinned. "Just a bit of a surprise, that's all."

"Yes, it certainly surprised her."

She lapsed into silence, still observing me until James cut in before anything got too awkward. "Don't mind my sister, Chris. She doesn't enjoy athletics as much as us men do. Excellent game. You play extremely well. Do you intend to play athletics after you graduate high school?"

I liked this guy far more better than Natasha and so did Stasi. The both of us conversed with him and Henry for a few moments before the cold and hunger got to the both of us. We said our goodbyes and went back to her house for dinner. We drove away from the school, Stasi ranting about how rude Natasha was.

"Ugh, she was so... uppity!" She growled.

"Really? She didn't seem that bad to warrant all this hate."

"That's because you thought she was pretty. Trust me, you didn't spend the entire game with her. She was so annoying, spoiled, and... ugh! Her and her mother combined."

"Why were you even there? You could've sat with Jazz, Lucy, Ricky, and Elena." I noted. "Besides, no one is prettier than you are!"

"Thanks, lyubov. My dad roped me into being their escort." Stasi said, glumly. "He couldn't do it because he was busy so he decided that his eldest would have to do it, since we all know what Elena would've done had she been in my position. It was like he didn't know that I don't like meeting new people."

I knew what she meant about Elena. Stasi could get sassy and snarky when she wanted to, but Elena was on a whole 'nother level. Had it been Elena in Stasi's place, there was no doubt that she would've popped off like a volcano. "I'm sorry."

"What are you sorry for, lyubov?"

"I'm sorry you had to go through that and I wasn't there for you. I know how much you don't like talking and playing the host. We're a team and I wasn't there." I said, apologetically.

"Oh. No. No, no, no, no. You don't have to apologize for anything, Chris." She leaned over the center console, giving me a peck on the cheek. "You were busy playing the sport we both love. I wasn't. I just hope I never have to do that ever again. James and Henry were fine, those two weren't. We're always a team, even if you're not by my side. When I was talking to them, I just kept thinking up: 'What would Chris do?' So, you were still there with me." She stroked my cheek, affectionately.

The good ol' touchy-feeliness. She couldn't keep her hands off me and I couldn't keep my hands off her sometimes. I guess the old thing they teach you in school about keeping your hands to yourself didn't really catch on with us. But that's a good thing. "You're always so worried about me, it's cute. This is why I love you, you know." She murmured.

"Yeah... I'm still sorry." My voice trailed off. I couldn't help but think back on Natasha and Irina's staring, almost as if they were sizing us up for something. It reminded me of a college recruiter who scouted me at football practice. He leered at me like a piece of meat, taking every bit of my form into detail, wondering if I'd fit into his system in the future.

I had a feeling that I'd be meeting them again sometime in the near future.

"Anyways," I said, changing the subject. "I'm so ready to eat! I'm starving!"

Stasi's laugh was music to my ears. "I'm hungry too, my love... I'm hungry too."

I shifted up a gear, letting the engine of my beat up old timer BMW roar into the cold December night.

******

Author's notes: Hey guys! Sorry about the cliffhanger last chapter, but i'm glad that you guys still like the series! I certainly like writing everything out. As always, thank you to Christopher, my wonderful editor, for going through the story and making sure it was in great shape, as well as Rille and Joe. You guys are the absolute greatest!

I also love to talk to you guys, so if you feel like it shoot me a PM! Your feedback is what drives this story and motivates me to write. I want to hear any ideas you guys may have or where you want me to take this story and our lovable characters.