A/N
Tribute to Christmas, Boxing day and my new book The Road After. Enjoy your week.

Have you ever realized how terrible the world is? I have multiple times. Everybody has but that afternoons practice showed it.

I had just changed into my old rags of practice clothes when Charles came up to me, Kenneth behind him.

Kenneth was a calm, laid back guy in our jocks group. He was the only guy I've ever known never to date or even look a girls way. In fact a lot of people could actually see him as gay but nonetheless, he was still my friend and Charles best friend.

"Is it true?" Charles asked. My eyes drifted away from him back towards my bag. I knew what this was.

"Yeah it is." I answered.

"River! O', player!" Someone shouted. Wayne came from behind, playfully pushing me over.

Wayne was our field hockey captain. A tall, buzz cut joker nicknamed the wonder boy for appearing and disappearing on the field.

"So are you and Ivory over?" He asked, offering a helping hand.

"No, we're not." I found myself admitting.

It did make no sense. That day had been terrible except maybe the lunch period I spent with Adeline. I am not saying that I didn't deserve it but a part of me worried where was my black eye. Oh and why Ivory hadn't left my ass already. Did I say that already?

"Well I think that's about to change, here she comes." My head snapped up and sure enough she was.

Rebecca was a few lengths behind her, standing alone as Ivory marched towards me. Backup, passed through my mind but quickly disappeared.

She was in a red hoodie which hid her body perfectly. She had another yoga pants on, black that defined her even more but the rush wasn't there.

Not the rush I felt when I saw Adeline with less clothing nor when she kissed me. The rush of what could be with Ivory. There were no thoughts of her lips or the possible future of things we could do. In that moment, all I felt was fear.

Still, I smiled at Wayne, Charles and Kenneth and decided to rather meet her than fight in front of them. My reputation didn't matter but I hated certain eyes when they landed on her.

Standing in front of her, I felt physically and mentally like a troll. There were no signs of emotions or wear that I probably would've expected on any other girl. But this wasn't any other girl.

"I need time." She started and immediately the emotion began to show.

"Time?" The word sounded strange in my mouth. Probably the last word I expected right now.

"Yes, time River." She continued. Her eyes were definitely tearing up. "You cheated on me! What am I supposed to do? I need time."

"I know, Ivory." Was all that came out of my mouth. She stared at me, probably a thousand questions racing through her mind but she turned and walked back to Rebecca.

All I could think was why didn't she ask the one I wanted her to:Was any of it real?