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The New Guy's Gaze (REVISED)

The lunch bell finally rang, marking the end of a tough morning filled with nonstop classes. I survived Algebra II, US Government, Physics, and Art History I, trying to catch up on assignments I had missed. Even though my brain felt exhausted, the real pain was in my left thigh, which was still sore from volleyball practice earlier today. "It's just muscle soreness," I told myself as I navigated through the packed hallway toward the cafeteria.

We usually sat at a table by the windows, where we could see the school courtyard. Noelle waved me over, her cheerful vibe lighting up the room. Stetson was already in the middle of a playful debate with Maekynzie, their different personalities always creating a funny clash. Emory was trying to balance a milk carton on his nose, which made Tinsley roll her eyes with sarcasm. And then there was Chandler, just being himself, leaning back in his chair with that chill attitude that always helped me relax.

I flopped down on the bench next to him, feeling the exhaustion of the morning hit me. My head rested on his shoulder, and the familiar smell of his cologne was really comforting. On my tray, there was a not-so-appetizing pile of mystery meat next to some lumpy mashed potatoes and a sad little salad. Not the best meal, but it would do.

"Had a tough morning?" Chandler asked, his voice deep and soothing, sending a little shiver through me.

I scanned the crowd, my eyes finally settling on Tahni's table. She was leaning in close to Evan, fluttering her ridiculously long eyelashes and laughing at everything he said. He hardly returned the smile, his gaze darting around the room like he was looking for a way out. He seemed completely uninterested and uneasy.

A small spark of amusement bubbled up inside me. Tahni might have been the popular girl at our school, flaunting her bleach-blonde hair, designer outfits, and endless cash from her dad, but she couldn't hide the desperation in her eyes. In reality, she was just a mean, shallow, and fake girl who used to be part of our friend group – and Chandler's girlfriend – until she decided to hook up with the whole football team.

My gaze locked with Evan's from across the room. He looked intrigued, a slight smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. I quickly looked away, hoping Tahni wouldn’t catch on. But, of course, she did.

With a dramatic flip of her hair, Tahni seized Evan's hand and strutted over to our table. "What’s up, losers?" she mocked, her tone oozing with sarcasm. "This is Evan, my boyfriend. He just moved here from California."

Evan rolled his eyes and shook off her grip. "I’m not her boyfriend," he said, a playful tone in his voice. "We just bumped into each other, and she insisted I sit with her."

Tahni laughed, giving his arm a patronizing pat. "Oh, come on, Evan." Just then, her crew walked in, and she grabbed his hand again. "Let’s go, I want you to meet my friends," she said, pulling him away before he could say anything. He glanced back at us, silently pleading, "Help me."

I couldn’t help but laugh. It looked like Tahni had finally met someone who could handle her.

Chandler let out a snort, a playful grin creeping onto his face. "Looks like someone’s getting a taste of their own medicine," he said softly, his eyes sparkling with mischief. He nudged my shoulder in a friendly way, and I couldn’t help but smile back at him. Even with the dull ache in my leg, his touch brought a warm feeling inside me.

"Wow, she's brutal," Stetson remarked, shaking his head in disbelief. "That poor guy never had a chance."

"He'll figure it out," I replied, a trace of sympathy in my tone. "Welcome to Sierra Vista High, where the queen bee rules." But as I spoke, I felt a strange pang in my chest. Was it... jealousy? I quickly brushed the thought away, focusing instead on the comforting presence of Chandler’s arm next to mine.

Noelle, always the hopeful one, piped up, "Maybe he’ll be the one to finally take her down."

"Not likely," Maekynzie scoffed. "No one dares to challenge Tahni and gets away with it."

Emory, always ready with a joke, added, "Yeah, she’ll probably send him to the cafeteria’s 'loser table' – oh wait, he’s already sitting with her!"

We all burst into laughter, the tension easing for a moment. But as Evan walked off with Tahni and her crew, that odd feeling in my stomach grew stronger. I couldn’t shake off the flicker of jealousy, a strange sense of possessiveness I didn’t quite understand. Was it just because Evan was new and intriguing? Or was it something deeper, a response to the undeniable bond I felt with Chandler, a bond I had never dared to explore?

I looked over at Chandler, who was staring at Evan as he walked away, his face hard to read. His jaw was tight, and his eyes were squinted, like he was lost in thought. I really wanted to figure out what was happening behind those deep brown eyes. Was he feeling jealous too? Or was he just finding the whole thing funny?

All these questions buzzed around in my head, leaving me feeling uneasy. I shifted a bit, my eyes drifting to my outfit for the day: a simple white sundress with pretty lace details, matched with my favorite tan leather sandals. A delicate silver necklace with a tiny heart pendant hung against my collarbone, a gift from Chandler last Christmas. Just thinking about it made me blush, adding to my confusion.

As the laughter faded, a cozy silence wrapped around our group. I leaned my head on Chandler's shoulder, enjoying the moment, even though the uncertainty about my feelings still lingered.

The final bell rang at last, marking the end of what felt like an endless day. I felt completely drained as I made my way through PE, Language Arts I, and Study Hall, with each minute stretching on forever. When I finally reached my locker, I leaned against the cool metal, craving a moment to catch my breath.

Of course, Chandler was there, leaning casually against the locker next to mine, looking even more relaxed than usual. "You going to the game tonight?" he asked, his bright blue eyes searching mine for an answer.

Honestly, all I wanted was to dive into bed and fall asleep. But when I saw the hopeful look on his face, I couldn’t bring myself to decline. "Wouldn't miss it," I said, forcing a smile.

He must have noticed how tired I was because he gently took my backpack from me. "Here, let me help you with that," he said kindly. Feeling thankful, I leaned against him as we made our way through the bustling hallway, the noise of voices and slamming lockers fading into the background. Once we stepped outside into the afternoon sun, I was momentarily blinded by the glare bouncing off the cars in the parking lot.

Stetson was waiting by his beloved Subaru BRZ. The car was stunning, with its Crystal Black Silica paint, sleek LED headlights, and bold hexagonal grille. He was kicking a soccer ball around, the rhythmic sound of it hitting the pavement echoing in the air, showcasing his natural athleticism with every kick.

Chandler opened the passenger door for me with a playful bow. "Catch you two later," he said, flashing a grin before heading to his own Jeep, which roared to life as he drove off.

As I settled into the comfy black and red leather seat of the BRZ, the refreshing blast of the air conditioning felt amazing against the afternoon heat. A wave of excitement washed over me. Stetson shot me a sly glance, a playful sparkle in his eyes. "So," he started, his tone teasing, "what's going on with you and your crush?"

My heart raced. Crush? Was that really how others viewed us? Or was it just Stetson being his usual cheeky self? "He's just a buddy," I replied, hoping my voice didn’t reveal the whirlwind of feelings inside me. But deep down, I knew that wasn’t completely accurate. The warmth from his touch lingered, and the ache in my heart when he left told me it was definitely more than just friendship.

The journey was a stunning display of fall colors. The hills were alive with shades of gold, orange, and red as we navigated through the beautiful Colorado scenery. Stetson broke the quiet with his excited talk about the upcoming game, and his energy was infectious. Yet, I couldn’t help but think about Chandler, his bright blue eyes, and that unforgettable touch.

As we pulled into the driveway of our cozy one-story Tudor home, a wave of nostalgia hit me. Bernard was waiting at the door, barking happily and wagging his tail. "Hey there, buddy," I said softly, giving him a scratch behind the ears while Stetson raced up the stairs, clearly excited to get ready for the game.

I made my way to the family room and sank into the comfy cushions of the sofa, feeling grateful for its familiar embrace. I grabbed the TV remote and started flipping through the channels, not really focusing on what was on. My thoughts were still tangled up in the day’s events, especially my interactions with Evan and Tahni, and the mixed feelings Chandler had stirred up.

Resting my head against the back of the sofa, I shut my eyes, planning to take just a quick break...

I woke up feeling someone softly pushing my hair away from my face. "Sleeping Beauty?" Pops laughed, his voice warm and friendly. Dad and Uncle Jake were also in the room, their faces showing they were amused. Stetson and Chandler must have already left.

"Oh no," I groaned, my face turning red with embarrassment. "Did I miss the game?"

"Not yet, sleepyhead," Pops said kindly. "But we need to hurry if you want to see the kickoff."

With Pops' help, I managed to get off the sofa, my body feeling stiff and tired. I followed them to Dad's Suburban and climbed into the third row, happy for the extra room to stretch out. I plugged in my earbuds and started my playlist, letting the music wash over me as I slipped back into a half-asleep state.

The rumble of the Suburban's engine gently rocked me back to sleep, the sound blending into a soft background hum. When I finally woke up, I was greeted by a lively mix of noises: the crowd's cheers, the buzz of excited fans chatting, and the sharp whistles from the referees. The atmosphere was electric, with a vibrant energy flowing through the stands. The smell of freshly cut grass mixed with the tempting scents of popcorn and hotdogs, creating that unmistakable soccer game vibe.

As I blinked against the bright stadium lights that stretched shadows across the field, I got out of the car, my legs still a little shaky from my unexpected nap. The crowd's energy was contagious, and I felt a rush of excitement.

"Good luck, guys!" I yelled, spotting Stetson and Chandler warming up with the team, before making my way to the bleachers where Dad, Pops, and Uncle Jake were waiting.

Dad had claimed the ideal spot – third row, right in the center. He shot me a serious yet warm look. "Glad you could make it," he said, a hint of humor in his voice.

Pops chuckled, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "Wouldn't miss this for anything, right?" he said with a wink.

Uncle Jake added, "We were about to send out a search party for you!" He playfully ruffled my hair, his hearty laughter ringing out.

I settled in between Pops and Uncle Jake, feeling a wave of comfort and belonging wash over me.

"So, Sloane," Pops started, his eyes sparkling, "I noticed you had a little nap in the car. Dreaming about someone special, maybe?"

I felt my cheeks heat up and playfully swatted his arm. "Pops!" I protested, though I couldn't help but smile at my embarrassment.

Dad laughed. "Don't give her a hard time, Zack. She's just worn out from a long day at school." He gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze, his expression softening. "But it’s great to have you here with us."

The whistle sounded, and the game burst into a whirlwind of excitement. The Sierra Vista Thunderhawk's, dressed in their rich forest green jerseys accented with sky blue and gold, took control of the field. Every pass, steal, and shot was executed with skill and strength. The crowd erupted with cheers for every close call, every impressive play, and every shift in energy.

But my attention was focused on Chandler. He moved with a natural elegance, his strawberry blond hair shining under the stadium lights. His bright blue eyes, usually filled with joy, were now intense and focused. He ruled the field, each of his actions deliberate and sharp.

As the clock wound down, the pressure grew. With only seconds remaining, the score was tied at 3-3. A collective gasp echoed through the stands as Chandler broke free from the crowd, the ball seemingly glued to his feet. He darted past defenders, his movements a blur of speed and finesse. Then, with a powerful kick, he launched the ball toward the goal. The net shook, the crowd went wild, and the final whistle blew.

The Thunderhawk's had triumphed, 4-3.

Jumping to my feet, I joined the wave of fans rushing onto the field. I spotted Chandler in the midst of the celebration, his face beaming with joy. "You were incredible!" I yelled over the noise, wrapping my arms around him.

He chuckled, pulling back to meet my gaze, his eyes shining. "We couldn't have done it without our lucky charm," he replied, giving my hand a squeeze.

A blush crept up my neck, warming my cheeks. "Lucky charm, really?" I teased, my heart racing.

He just smiled, that playful sparkle returning to his eyes. "Absolutely," he confirmed, his gaze lingering on mine.

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