Hunter's Side Quest

Give me your submissions and I'll write unhinged fanfic. If I don't know your fandom, I'll do my research. May start an ao3 page if this works out. (I don't write smut)

[zombiehuntersidehustle]

greetings fic hungry introverts of the internet 🫣. are you not a writer but have an insane fic idea that you want to see come to life? give me any suggestion (i currently don't write smut), and i'll make it a reality. crazy deal! it's absolutely free. (i need a side quest. i'm so bored, please help me. i promise i can write. i almost have a degree in it 🥺). get to work with the prompts gremlins 🦠. may the algorithm be ever in your favour.

[zombiehuntersidehustle]

Adams' Anatomy

The cup of coffee in front of me is looking slightly too empty for this time of night when I hear a knock on my door.

“Dr. Adams?”

The accent’s American, and international students aren’t unusual in a PhD research office at Oxford, but I don’t recognise it, and as someone who was raised in Connecticut, I make a point of knowing everyone from the states. 

“Willow’s fine,” I say as I turn around to see who’s opened my office door. They look at the sign that reads, S. W. Adams, M.D., and nod. Their hair indicates that it’s windy outside, and they look almost as tired as I do.

“What does the S stand for?”

I frown, and they get the message. 

“Willow, right. I’ve been told you’re doing research on childhood dementia.” They look around my office. There’s nothing on the shelves, but my desk is a mess. It hasn’t been that long since I moved in here. “Are you really doing research? You look like a child yourself.” 

I frown, wondering how easy it will be to get them to leave me alone. They’ve got a visitor pass hanging around their neck, so it shouldn’t be too hard.

“I run a lab down in London. We’re doing research into Parkinson's. I don’t know if you’ve read about it, but a few years ago we-”

“Oh. You’re Dr. Bartley.”

“You’ve heard of me.”

“Only briefly.”

I look back at my computer as if the graphs on my screen would have changed in the last minute. Dr. Bartley’s still standing behind me, but they’ll leave in a few minutes. I know they’re here to see me, so they must have heard of my reputation. In the new year, when they chucked me - I’m doing postdoc research - in an office space with a bunch of PhD students it wasn’t long before I was asked to move into my own. After they cut my lab funding during their financial review, I felt giving me an office was the least they could do. 

“So. I saw you published a paper with your colleague on stem cell-”

“Look. Dr. Bartley. I’m really busy at the moment. Could this be an email?”

“There was an email, but I really want to talk to you. The research you and Dr. Marlow published earlier this year is fascinating, and he told me you’re the person to talk to. He also said that working with you is not for the faint of heart, but I’ve read your work. It’s good.”

I stand and pick up my mug.

“Fine. Five minutes, but only because I need another cup of coffee.”

“It’s 3am.”

“Don’t tell me you’ve got as far as you have by having a good work life balance.”

They don’t respond, and I walk towards the end of the corridor. If I’m being honest, I hadn’t noticed how late it was. I look into the stainless steel backsplash and tie up my hair again as I wait for the kettle to boil. A couple teaspoons of instant coffee and a dash of milk later, I’m feeling slightly less annoyed than earlier.

“If I was nicer, I’d ask you if you wanted a drink.”

Dr. Bartley looks at me, shakes their head, and laughs. I reach up into the cupboard and pass them a mug. They just hold it. I take a mouthful of coffee. 

“I want to offer you a job.”

The coffee trails back out of my mouth, thankfully into the mug.

“I’m in the middle of a research project!”

“I know. But I also know that you’ve hit a bit of a road block these past couple months. I talked to Dr. Marlow. He’s happy if you continue your research down in London with me.You would still report to him, but I think we could use what you know. Also, you’ve still got a lot to learn - how old are you? - and there’s a lot of impressive people down there. I don’t just let anyone walk into my lab.” 

“I’m 26, not a baby. I just went into research after getting my medical degree. Look, Dr. Bartley, I appreciate the offer. I’m going to need a few days.”

They look at the ground, and I instantly know I don’t have that sort of time.

“I’m needed back there at 3pm this afternoon. If you want to take this opportunity, you need to be there too.”

“Okay.”

I walk back down the corridor, and soon enough Dr. Bartley is at my heels. I take the sign off my office door, and start removing items from my draws. There’s a box on the corner of the office that I only half unpacked, so I put things in there.

“What are you doing?”

I don’t answer. Once my draws are empty, I print out the graphs on my screen and log out of the desktop. Checking that my keys are around my neck, I pick up the box, and motion for Dr. Bartley to leave my office. There’s absolutely no thought in my head as I lock my office door, realise that I left my coffee in there, unlock it, pick up the mug, and then lock it again. 

“Right. If you’ll excuse me, I need to go tell my flatmates that I’m moving to London. And, I suppose I’ll need some clothes too.”

Dr. Bartley follows me down to the carpark, and I unlock my car, putting the box in the trunk. 

“Wait. So you’ve made your decision.”

“Yep.” 

“Just like that.”

“Do you want me or not Dr. Bartley?”

“You can call me Kai.”

“Do you want me or not Kai?”

They just look at me like they can’t believe what they’ve gotten themself into.

“You’re going to be trouble.”

I’m not going to delude them into thinking I’m not going to be. “I get results.” 

My brother was always the “black sheep” of the family, but try being the constantly overlooked youngest of five. I learnt from a very young age exactly how much I could get away with without getting into any real trouble. Neuroscience isn’t my only specialty skill. 

“Send me another email.” I say.

“Why?”

“So I know where your lab is, and what I’m supposed to be doing there.”

They just nod, and start walking to their own car.

“Wait. You’ll be alright? Moving and all that involves?” They ask, as if they hadn’t thought of that before asking me to move cities at a moment's notice.

“Of course.” I reply. In all honesty, even I know the only plan I have is going to be very temporary, but how hard can it be to find a more permanent place to live?

“I’ll see you tomorrow Kai. And, I’m expecting at least a desk of my own.”

Before they can turn around to argue this one, I get into my car. It takes until I’ve reversed out of the park and are driving the empty roads back “home” that I realise what I’ve agreed to. That research centre was my home, and I’ve just thrown that all away by taking a position elsewhere on the whim. My mom would have thoughts about this. As I pull into the driveway, I finally check my phone for the day. There’s the usual missed call from Mom, and also several emails from Marlow. If I’d checked these earlier today I would have had some warning of Kai’s visit. I glance through the research proposal that Marlow attached and realise that if I’d checked these earlier today, I’d already be on my way to London. I run up the stairs of the house, and chuck everything I own into a couple bags, and then bring up research on my laptop. The sun is rising by the time I look up again. I try to avoid reading any research that lists a Shepherd or a Grey as an author, and the last publication Kai made before leaving the states had both of them on it, but I have to admit it’s fascinating. If Kai and their team can figure out this cure for Parkinson's, then it could be used as a basis for my own work on childhood dementia. Those graphs could mean absolutely nothing, but getting to be a part of this research team could mean absolutely everything.

[zombiehuntersidehustle]

Red, Blue, Me, & You

CHAPTER ELEVEN - CAMP SHENANIGANS

"Georgia!" Leah calls over to me in far too upbeat of a voice for the lack of sleep that we've had.  "Morning," I grumble as I walk towards her with my eyes half shut. Leah laughs, "aren't you excited to be here?" "Yes but you know how little sleep I've had," I reply. "Seems like your fault really," she smirks.  "My fault!" I exclaim, "you were the one who called me till freaking 5 o'clock in the morning." She just shrugs and then a short almost red head joins us. 

"Hey Leah," she says in a very chill manner. "Keira! Hi! This Georgia," Leah replies. "Stanway? The girl who's an age group below us?" Keira appears confused. I shake my head. "No, my name's Georgia Read." "Otherwise know as Georgy," Leah cuts in. I roll my eyes. "Only by Leah. Most of my team mates call me Read or Geo." "Another Arsenal girl then?" Kiera asks. It's my turn to smirk at Leah. "Actually I play for Chelsea." Keira gives Leah a look, and I know they're going to have a conversation about this later.

"Have we met before?" Keira asks me, "you seem kinda familiar." "I mean probably. I have been to a national team camp before, I just got badly injured on the first day of training," I explain. Keira's face lights up, "no, I do remember you, you tried to convince everyone you could become a comedian if you wanted to while trying to distract yourself from the pain you were in." I cringe in embarrassment, as Leah begins to laugh. "Oh wait, yeah, I remember that," she smirks. I shake my head. "No you don't." "Don't worry. It was actually funny," Keira assures me. "You could definitely be a comedian." "Well good to know I have a stable back up if football doesn't work out." And, I'm proud to say I got a couple laughs. 

I assume everyone has made it here, as someone begins to speak to the group. "Morning girls! Welcome to camp!" Whoever this is has a lot of enthusiasm, and I hope it might be our coach, even though I know realistically it won't be. "Most of you are familiar faces, and we welcome you back, but an especially big welcome to those who are new here," she continues, "if you don't know, we like to give you girls time to settle in and get to bond with each other a bit before our morning session begins. You'll see a desk over there in the right corner of the room, where you can go for your rooming assignments - don't worry,  it shouldn't be too hard to figure out where you're supposed to be. We're meeting back here at 11 am, for a strength and conditioning session before lunch. Any questions girls?" The room is silent in response. "Alright then I'll see you again in a couple of hours."

As soon as she's done talking everyone starts. In all the chaos it takes me a moment to figure out where Leah and Keira have gone, but then Leah's back leaning over my shoulder, dragging Keira behind her. "You two are together! I'm with one of my club mates!" Leah says loudly, without any particular emotion. I did not expect her to just start yelling when she got tired.  "Hey roommate," Keira smirks, and I don't know if I should be concerned or if that's just how Keira is. I pick up my bag and follow Keira, hoping that she knows where she's going. 

We're at some random university that I've never heard of, but it's bigger than feels comfortable. I'm totally going to get lost at some point. As we wind around corridors it starts to get quieter. Keira has got our room key - I can already tell it's going to be annoying only having one to share - so unlocks the door for the both of us. I wander over to the bed closest to the window before she can, knowing that I like giving myself the illusion of more space. It's a pretty standard looking student dorm room, with a bed, desk, and a couple shelves to put things on. I don't know how much unpacking I'm actually going to do. Keira is already flopped on her bed, so I decide to do the same. 

"So," she looks over at me, "how long have you and Leah been together for?" "Um," I panic. Keira lets out a laugh. "You don't have to tell me exactly, but I'm right though? Aren't I? You are dating?" I nod, before quickly texting Leah to tell her the Keira knows.  "Please don't tell anyone else," I tell Keira. Keira nods solemnly, "your secret is safe with me."

I close my eyes for a second, and take a breath, hoping that the panic at knowing someone else knows that Leah and I are together will fade away. Nothing bad is going to happen just from Keira knowing. Leah trusts her, and so should I. 

"Anyway, that's not the most important question I have to ask you..." Keira continues as she digs through her bag. If I wasn't concerned before, I am now.  "Are you interested in pulling a little prank?" Keira continues, that smirk of hers dancing across her lips.  I shrug in reply. She stands up with a paper bag in her hands. "It'd just be a way to make sure everybody is nice and awake before we start training," She explains. And, then she pours a bag of spiders onto my bed. I startle, flicking one of my hand, before realising that they're made of plastic. "Okay," I smile, "What's your plan?" "Follow me and I'll explain."

Keira takes off her sneakers and puts on her slides, while I briefly check my phone. There's a text from my mum, which I assumed would be a hope you're having a good time  text, but when I open it my stomach lurches. Mum, You went and saw your Aunt Jade and didn't tell anyone where you were going? We will be having a conversation when you get home Georgia! 

Well, shit. How did she find that out? I guess I'll just have that in the back of my mind for the rest of the week now.

"Yo, Georgy, you coming?" Keira calls from the door. I turn to walk towards her. "Who said you could call me Georgy?" I protest. "I don't know, but I don't make the rules," she says as she begins to run off down the corridor. I chase her all the way to the place we met at this morning, where the woman who initially welcomed us still is.

"Hey Bridget," Keira says as she walks over to her. I join her, trying not to sound out of breath. "Oh, hello Keira," Bridget replies, "hi, Georgia." Okay, she knows who I am. Does that mean other people that are in charge of things know who I am? Another question for later. "I was wondering if I could have a map of where everyone's rooms are?" Keira asks in the sweetest voice I've ever heard. "No." Bridget shakes her head. "Please." "If you're going to pull pranks, you've got to work for it," Bridget explains. Keira sighs. "How did you know I was planning to use it for pranks?" Bridget just stares at her like she's silly. "Keira. This isn't the first time you've tried this." "Okay fine," Keira admits defeat. "Bye Bridget." "Bye Keira, bye Georgia." She waves as we walk away, and I wave back.

Keira waits until we're walking up the stairs to tell me her plan. "Okay, since we can't target specific people, I think we're just going to have to target everyone," she says. I think for a second. "Or, I could find out where Leah and her Arsenal teammate are, and we could target them first. And then you could find out where some other people are you want to target." Keira thinks. "Okay, we'll both do our research, and then plan the attacks around the same time. Because, they need to discover the spiders at the same time so that they don't tell each other about it. If they know it happened to one room, they'll be on the look out for it to happen to theirs." "Excellent point." "It's almost like I've done this before," Keira smiles, "and, it looks like you might have the makings of a good prankster too." "How do you know I haven't done this before?"

By now we've made it to our room, and don't have too long before we have to be ready for strength and conditioning. I change into some better shorts for working out, and begin to plait my hair. Keira lays on her bed with a piece of paper. "Keira, we have 5 minutes till we need to leave." "I'm ready," she assures me as she continues writing stuff down on her paper. 

I fill up my drink bottle and check my phone again. The unanswered message from Mum still sits there, but it's now accompanied by one from Liam. I messed up big time. Don't worry, I'll fix it. So, Liam told Mum about my visit to Aunt Jade's house, but how did he know about it? Not a question for now. I head to the door and look over a Keira who is still happily plotting away.

"Keira! Time to go!" "Oh right!" She scrambles to change, before grabbing her water bottle and shaking it to find that it's empty. She shrugs and uses and hair tie around her wrist to form a messy ponytail atop her head, before joining me on the way to the gym.

Good thing Keira's here, because I wouldn't have found my way to the gym by myself. Leah and her roommate come and join us as we walk in the door. "Georgia this is Chloe, Chloe this is Georgia." Leah makes the necessary introduction. "I'm Keira," Keira chips in. "We know." Leah and Chloe say at the same time. 

Keira and Chloe go to talk to other people they know, but Leah stays to talk to me. "How are you? I'm sorry if I'm the reason you're tired." "Oh, I'm quite awake now. Keira is something." I reply.  Leah laughs. "Yep. You wouldn't think it, but she can cause quite a bit of trouble." "Hey, you should come over at some point to see our room," I suggest. "Yeah sure, and then you can stop by Chloe and I's too," she replies. 

"Okay girls! Circle up!" A different woman wearing an official looking track suit shouts. We listen, and I turn my brain back into football mode. I've got more to do here at this camp than pull pranks on teammates, and after the texts I've received today a useful distraction is welcome.

[zombiehuntersidehustle]

Red, Blue, Me, & You

CHAPTER TEN - TRAIN TRIPS

Leg muscles aching, mud covering my arms, and the desperate thirst in my throat, I stumble into the car, Mum looking down at me from the wheel. My hair is soaked, and when I look across at Leah, who has climbed into the car after me, I can see she's pretty much in the same state. She keeps the football she's holding on her lap, and apologises profusely to my mum for having to go out of her way to pick us up from a park on the south side of London during the middle of a storm. My mum assures her that it's our safety that matters the most, and it's no problem, but we both know it is. It's a tense two hour car ride back to Milton Keynes. 

We drop Leah off at her house around 2am. I walk her to the door, and she lets herself inside quietly so she doesn't wake her family. I give her hand a quick squeeze goodbye, and she glances back to smile at me. I rush back to the car to avoid getting anymore wet and cold than I already am, even though I'm dreading being alone with Mum. She keeps quiet still, and when she gets home all she says is "good night" before leaving me alone. 

I take my football boots off (yes, they were still on in the rush) and chuck them in their place in the garage. Today wasn't supposed to end like this. It started with me packing my bag ready to head off to camp tomorrow. Well, I guess camp's later today now, but I don't want to think about how little sleep I'm going to get before a freaking national team camp. I then went over to Leah's. I've been doing this a lot recently to avoid the house. Liam's been busy working, Ben hasn't quite finished school for the summer yet, and I haven't wanted to be the only one at home with Mum now that my exams are over. 

As you can imagine the house has been quite an awkward place since the divorce was announced. Dad still hasn't moved out yet, but my parents have started to get the legal work done in order to make their decision official. I've put all of my spare time into football, and most of the time that includes training with Leah. Of course there's still been club trainings, but now the seasons over, so I have had a few kick arounds with some club mates as well. My main focus in life right now, is making this under 17s euros team. 

"Alright, what do you want to know?" Leah asked me this morning as I lay on her bed, and she chucked clothes everywhere, trying to decide what to take with her to England camp "Who's going from your club," I replied Leah took a moment to decide if she needed a pair of shorts or not, and tossed them across the room when she decided she didn't. For someone so organised, that girl is extremely messy. "Well, obviously there's me," she started, "and then there's 3 other girls - Phillipa Cowley, Evie Clarke, and Chloe Kelly." "And where do they play?" I followed up. I know these girls names, as I've played against them before, but I don't know everything about them. "Defence, Midfield, and Forward, respectively," Leah grinned as she realised how perfectly it lined up, "and who's coming from your club?"  "Ella Williams, Jenna Legg, and I," I told her, "you met both of them before?" "Yeah, I've met both of them before," Leah nodded.

"You got any friends from other clubs?" I asked. "A few. Keira's told me she'll be there, but Rosella hasn't." "Rosella Ayane?" I questioned, "I know her. She plays for Chelsea."  Leah rolled her eyes at my smirk. "You're right. She does play for Chelsea." "And who does Keira play for?" I asked. "I'm not actually sure. Some were near Manchester. Blackburn, maybe," Leah replied, "anyway, she's really cool, and a great player." "Where does she play?" I asked. Leah shook her head, "at the moment she's a forward, she's played defence in the past, but personally I think she'd make a great midfielder." "Huh, interesting," I replied, "are you almost done with packing?" "Yep," Leah stood up, "do you want to go have a kick around?"

I hesitated for a moment. I did, but I also really wanted an excuse to go into London.  "Can we go into the city?" I asked in response. Leah looked confused for a second, "do you mean into Milton Keynes?" "No," I answered, "I mean into London." "Why?" she asked. "No reason," I tried to think of a justifiable excuse, "we've got all day. Why not go on adventure?" Leah wasn't convinced. "What's the real reason?" "I need to go and visit my dad's sister," I admitted, "please Leah. We'll be back before dinner, and it probably won't take that long at her place. She may not even let me in." Leah obviously had more questions now, but she gave in. "Okay. Looks like we're going to London."

I waited until we've taken the bus into Milton Keynes, and on the train to London to tell Leah exactly where my Aunt Jade lives.  "What do you mean London isn't our final destination?" Leah exclaimed so loudly the entire train carriage looked in our direction. I put my hand over her mouth to silence her, and we sunk down into our seats to avoid drawing anymore attention to ourselves. "My aunt lives in Epsom," I told her. Leah looked like she was about to pull her hair out, but then she took a breath. "Why do you need to see your aunt?" "I want to ask her if I can live with her." "Oh."

Leah was quiet for a moment as if she was trying to find the words.  "Why?" "Because I don't think that the environment Ben and I are currently growing up in is good for either of us," I replied. "So you'd take Ben with you then?" "Obviously." Leah began to look even more concerned, "and you think your parents and aunt would just let this happen?" I paused for a second. "Maybe."

The truth was that I hadn't seen my aunt in seven years. I didn't even know if she still lived in Epsom. I wasn't entirely sure what had happened - none of the adults in my family would tell me - but she'd fallen out with everyone and cut herself off from the family. I remembered visiting her house as a child though. And, I knew how to find it from the train station. 

Leah and I caught the connecting train in London, with only the occasional disgruntled huff from her, and ended up in Epsom. I lead her through the town until we got to the house that was once a distant memory. I pulled my shoulders back and held my head a little higher, as I opened the gate and walked up the path towards the front door. Just before I lifted my hand to knock, Leah reached her hand out to squeeze mine. Even though she didn't want to be in Epsom without our parents knowing, she could still tell that I was nervous and wanted to support me. The door opened before my fist even touched it. Leah quickly let go of my hand.

"Hello girls, what can I do for you?" a woman asked that most certainly wasn't my aunt.  "H-hi," I stuttered, before taking a breath. "Um sorry, we may have the wrong house. I'm looking for Jade Read." "Oh, no this is the right house dear," the woman replied before turning around and calling out, "Jade!" "Are you her friend?" I asked. At this point my aunt Jade walked briskly down the stairs and put her arm around the woman's shoulders. "My wife actually," Jade smiled, and then her eyes changed into shock. "You're Georgia. All grown up. Why you must have been about nine the last time I saw you. It's so lovely to see you again." "Yeah I'm Georgia," I smiled back, "I have some questions for you." 

Jade and her wife showed Leah and I to their living room before putting the kettle on for some tea. "This is Becca, by the way," Jade said as she handed me a mug, "I think you may have met her once when we were dating, but you wouldn't have known that. You know why the family no longer wants to talk to me." I almost choked on the sip of tea I just had. "Wait, my family won't talk to you because you have a wife?" "Didn't you know that dear? Oh well, who's this you've brought with you?" Jade continued on as if it's nothing. "This is Leah," I replied and left it at that.  "Hi," Leah waved. "Biscuit?" Jade said, while offering out a packet of chocolate digestives. Leah and I both took one, but I think we were both just being polite. "So, you had questions for Jade?" Becca asked.

I took a second to consider what I wanted to say next. I couldn't lead with the whole 'can I live with you?'  thing, so I decided to take another route.  "Well I was going to talk to you about something else, however now I have some other questions," I respond. "First of all, how are you two wives if same sex marriage isn't legal?" Jade laughed at that. "We're not actually married sweetie. We had a little fake version of a wedding with our friends, so I may call Jade my wife, but legally she's not." "That's actually so cute," Leah grinned, "do you think you'll actually get married if it's legalised?" "WHEN it's legalised. Yeah," Becca smiled. "Why not?" Jade added, "I love a good party."

It was so unexpected to me how these two were so happy, even though at least one of them was outcast from her family, and they weren't legally (and in most places socially) recognised as wives. They were both so cheerful and just getting on with their lives. So free.

"Why are you actually here?" Jade asked. I shook my head. "It doesn't matter." "I'm here because she dragged me. This was supposed to be a go to the park and have a light kick around before we're off on national team camp tomorrow sorta day, not a go visit Georgy's gay aunts sorta day, but here we are," Leah explained. "National team?" Jade questioned. "Football," Leah replied, "you play?" "Yeah actually. Becca and I both play in the Sunday social team for fun." "Cool," Leah nodded before fake whispering to me, "I think you should make these two a part of your life again. They're so cool." "You guys must be pretty cool too. National team football?" Becca questioned. "Just the under 17s," I explained, "but yeah, I am feeling pretty grateful to have been called up. Leah played under 15s, but I missed out after a bad knee injury during my first under 15s camp. Hopefully I last more than half a day at this one." "I'm sure you will."

"Do your parents know that you're here?" Jade asked, before seeing if anyone needed a top up of their tea. I shook my head. "No. They've been a bit busy recently to really notice what I'm doing. They're getting a divorce." "Oh, I'm sorry sweetie," Jade said, "I'm sure things will start to get better as your family adjusts to their new way of life." "Yeah, they probably will..." I trailed off. Jade smiled. "That doesn't mean that it's not allowed to suck now though. It's always good to acknowledge when you're feeling sad or angry or stressed. I know this all too well. When the family cut me off, I just tried to forget about it and move on, but you need to feel in order to get to place where you can be truly happy again." "Thank you," I replied, and I tried to make it as sincere as possible.

I could tell that Leah next to me had some things that she wanted to say. I turned to look at her and she just stared at me blankly. "Come on. I know you. You're practically bursting to speak," I said. Leah's expression became almost unreadable. "Yes but that would mean explaining you know, and I don't know if you're ready for that, and then also we haven't really talked about you know, and what it actually is that you know?" "I know," I tried to say seriously but burst out laughing. "It's okay. How about we come back to visit Jade and Becca again some time and you can ask your questions then?" "Okay," Leah agreed.

As I looked back to Jade and Becca I could tell from their smirks that they knew something queer is going on, but they weren't going to pressure us into admitting anything we weren't comfortable with.  "We'd love to have you girls over again," Jade smiled. "Now, are you two okay getting back home?" Becca asked. "Yes. We'll take the train to London, and then from there back home again." "Brilliant. Shall we walk you to the train station?" Jade suggested. 

Soon enough we were taking the train back to London, us having had said goodbye to Jade and Becca. I gave them both a hug as it seemed fitting, but Leah kept her distance. She leant into me as the train rolled away from Epsom.

"They're like real life lesbians who are happy and living together," she whispered to me, "your aunts are epic." "Yeah, but they also got disowned by my family," I whispered back, "you know that means I won't be accepted by my family?" "Oh right," Leah's face grew more serious, "at least you know that." "Yeah, at least I know that..." "Kick around when we get to London?" Leah asked. "Definitely."

We did have a kick around when we got to London. We also serenely lost track of the time, got caught in a thunder storm, and I left my wallet at the park in the dark so we didn't have any money to take the train home. That's when I called my mum, who hadn't actually noticed I'd gone until I called her, and she shouted at me down the phone. We spent about hour and a bit kicking the ball around in the ever worsening rain, before Mum picked us up. Of course we dropped Leah home, and now I'm sitting in my room looking at my unpacked bag and realising that I have to be up in three hours time in order to be ready for camp.

My phone pings. It's Leah. Honestly thinking about pulling an all nighter.  Night before camp. You're crazy, but honestly same. I replied. Can I call you? Leah asked. Sure, you can help me pack. My phone began to buzz, and I plugged my headphones into it before answering the call.

[zombiehuntersidehustle]

Red, Blue, Me, & You

CHAPTER NINE - GHOST EXAMS

Oh, you're liking my work 🤭 you wanna maybe follow me? you've already made it to chapter nine love 😘 clearly you're a little invested.

It's 10 minutes until my first exam starts - it's maths - and I am panicking. A lot has happened over the past week. Mum and Dad have been sleeping in different rooms, and that's been working better for them. They know we've noticed, but we all just pretend that everything's normal, and that Dad's not sleeping in his study. Leah's team beat my team 1-0. It was the most frustrating game ever. They scored in the 4th minute, and then we spent the rest of the time trying to get a goal with no luck. I'm so glad it was a friendly, but that didn't stop Leah's bragging afterwards. Liam and Ben finished constructing the bird house together, and I helped them to paint it afterwards. Leah and I have had a couple more study sessions, and Olivia, Hannah, and I studied together as well. Now it's 9 minutes until my first exam starts, and I am still panicking.

There's no going back now, however, as I'm already sitting in this cold exam room. It's silence, except for the ticking clock on the wall. The exam moderators are pacing up and down the room giving sympathetic looks to each other, and glaring at any student that so much as blinks. They really know how to create such a calm exam environment. I watch the clocks steady rhythm counting down the minutes, which turn to seconds, and then the clock strikes the hour.

"You may begin."

I open the exam booklet, and flick through the pages just to see how many there are. Then I start on the first problem. I look at it and have no clue what to do. This isn't good. The first problem is supposed to be an easy one. If I can't do the first one, how am I going to be able to manage the rest? But, then it comes to me. I do know how to do this. It's just worded slightly different to how I'm used to. I write the couple of lines of working down, and take a deep breath, before proceeding to the next question. It takes me a minute to figure out how to do it, but I get there. I continue to work my way steadily through the exam paper. I know there's a few questions I definitely got wrong, but I'm also fairly confident I got a lot right. Not bad for me and a maths exam.

The first thing I do when we're allowed to leave the hall is find Hannah and Olivia. "Georgia what did you get for question 3b?" Hannah asks. "No!" Olivia almost shouts, "don't say anything. I don't want to think about this until when the results come out. No talking about it from now on." I lean over and whisper to Hannah, "I got 23 over 5." "Okay good. I got that too," Hannah whispers back. I'm pleased knowing that I got the same answer as someone else.  Olivia's put her hands over her ears and is walking slightly ahead of us. "You stopped talking about it now?" "We've stopped talking about it," I assure her, "now should we go get some lunch?" "Can we go to the arcade?" Hannah asks. "Why? You got a boy you want to see?" I tease.  "As a matter of fact, I do," Hannah smirks. Olivia grins, "last week we ran into him at the arcade and he said that some of his mates and him would be there after the maths exam. You were at football training. Sorry we didn't invite you." "That's alright. I understand. But if something like this happens, tell me," I reply. "We didn't know if you'd want to know stuff about boys," Olivia replies, and gives Hannah a look. I chose not to question how they came to this conclusion. "You're my friends. I want to know when things happen in your life. Now, come on! Let's go!"

Hannah and Olivia give me the run down on this boy while we walk to the arcade. There are a surprising amount of year 11s from both schools here. I spot my favourite blonde almost instantly, on the other side of the room chatting with her friends. She's laughing, and my goodness that smile does something to me. She looks up and our eyes meet, and I just know I'm blushing. Then I feel a hand on my shoulder, and Olivia drags me over to a table where Hannah's sitting. 

"Okay, so, this boy?" I ask, "is he here?" "Not yet," Hannah sighs. "And what's the plan when he does get here?" I ask. "I don't know," Hannah says. "What do you mean you don't know?" Olivia rolls her eyes. "Geo, you aren't exactly an expert on talking to boys either." "I know. I remember last time." "Don't worry," Hannah assures me, "we aren't going to ask you to talk to a boy again." "That's good. I don't think I'm ready for that yet," I half lie. "That's fair enough," Olivia smiles.

The boy doesn't turn up, and Hannah is understandably upset. Olivia and I console her for a bit, before Hannah decides that she's going home. We both offer to walk with her, but she says she needs some alone time. Olivia leaves not long after her, and I stand outside the arcade for a few seconds trying to decide what I want to do. Then I feel a hand on my shoulder.

"Hey Georgy," she whispers in my ear. I turn around so we're face to face - a little too close for being in a public space - but the smile on Leah's face takes away any care I have. I hug her. "Hey Lee." "How was the exam?" she asks, as she pulls away from me, and holds my hand. We continue to walk down the street. "Better than it would have been if you didn't help me," I tell her, "I was oddly incredibly nervous though. Usually I care so little about exams that it just doesn't bother me, but I was thinking about all this mistakes I've made in practice exams, or mock exams." "Ah," Leah says seriously, "you're being haunted by ghost exams." "Ghost exams?" I laugh. "Yes," she nods, "exams in the past that you didn't do well on, telling you that you're not going to do well on this either." "Ah, okay," I reply, "how do I make myself ghost free?" "You develop a bit of self belief." 

I almost laugh out loud at how whimsical that is, but I control myself. She does have a point. It's just, developing self belief in terms of academics seems a little bit impossible. I think I'll stick to being somewhat sure that I won't fail for now.

"So, what are you up to at the moment?" she asks me "I was thinking of heading home," I reply, "Mum's insisting we have dinner as a family, so you can imagine how that's going to go." "Don't have time for a quick kick around?" "Well maybe for you I do," I reply. Since when I was I so cringe?

We stop by Leah's house to grab a couple of footballs. She changed out of her school uniform and into shorts, but I'm stuck with my school skirt on. I start taking shots at goal, and Leah decides to join me. Each time I get a goal that I like, and believe me there are plenty I don't like because I'm very critical of my technique and fussy about where and how I want the ball to land in the goal, I take a step back. I have my method, shooting with both feet on one side, and then switching to the other. It's important to cover all angles. I'm so in my zone that I forget that Leah's even there until she speaks.

"It's been 2 hours," she calls across the field to me from where she's knelt down beside her bag with her phone, "I just thought you should know."  That's not great. I was hoping I'd be home well before dinner started. At this point, I'm going to get there exactly on time. Leah starts to do kick ups with the ball and eventually passes it over to me. I kick it into the goal, and then go and collect it walking over to Leah. I pick up my school bag, and she gets the memo that we're leaving. 

"So next time I think we need an actual plan on what we're going to work on," Leah starts, "you know, seeing as we're now training to make sure we're still in good form for the camp." "Yeah," I agree, "but I think maybe I might just focus on exams for now." "Cool," she says, "I can't wait for you to meet my friends Georgy!" "Are we going to tell them that we're together?" I ask her, the thought suddenly occurring to me. Leah frowns. "I'm not sure. What do you think?" "I'm not sure either. I don't exactly hate the idea of at least someone else knowing," I respond. "Perhaps we could just tell Keira. She wouldn't have anything bad to say about it," Leah suggests. "I'll wait to say yes properly until I've actually met her, but if you think we can trust her then it's a yes for now," I say.

We reach the point where we need to walk in different directions, so I give her a hug before we head our separate ways.

Dad's car is on the driveway when I walk up it. I can see my family all getting ready for dinner.

"Hello Georgia," Dad smiles as he places the cutlery down on the table, "how was your exam?" "It was actually okay," I reply. "That's good to hear," Mum chimed in from the kitchen. 

I take my shoes off and leave them next to my school bag. Soon enough we're all sitting around the table. "So, we have some news for you kids. We thought it would be good to all sit down together whil-" "Your mother and I are getting a divorce," Dad cuts Mum off, and she gives him a stern look. "What you were taking too long to get to the point." The room is deadly silent and I don't dare move until Ben reaches his hand out towards mine, and I reach out towards his to close the gap hoping that it provides him at least a little comfort. 

[zombiehuntersidehustle]

Red, Blue, Me & You

CHAPTER EIGHT - PEACEFUL MORNINGS

I wake up with my head buried in Leah's neck. She's awake, softly running her hand through my hair.  "Morning Lee," I smile as I look up at her. "Morning Georgy," she grins back down at me, and kisses my nose. The sun is beginning to creep through the curtains, and I feel very peaceful. I've almost forgotten everything else that's going on in my life. Then I hear a crash in the hallway, and the yelp of a what only can be a younger brother. I know it's Jacob, but my heart still skips a beat as if it's Ben who's just fallen over. Leah jumps out of bed, and runs into the hallway. I follow her as far as the doorway to her room, and lean against it while she helps her thankfully okay brother back to his feet.  "Never a peaceful moment around here," Leah says as she turns towards me. "I understand that entirely."

We walk back into her room, and I find my school uniform in my bag. "Just going to go get changed," I tell Leah as I head towards the bathroom. She's walking back into her room after checking her brother is completely fine. I get changed quickly, realise that I've forgotten my school socks, and head back to Leah's room. She's changed into her uniform also. "Can I borrow some socks?" I ask. "Haven't you got those horrible blue ones?" she asks in return. I shake my head. "I have, but I have to wear black socks to school." She walks over to her draws and chucks me a pair of black socks. I put them on, and get my hair brush out. "Can you brush my hair for me?" I ask. "Okay," Leah nods, and I sit on the edge of her bed, and she sits cross legged behind me. 

"Okay, Georgia, you've got to tell me what happened yesterday," she says after a minute of silence. I've had enough time to think about what happened by now to be able to tell her. "I think my Dad's cheating on my Mum," I reply.  "Why's that?" she asks, as if what I've told her isn't something completely shocking. It's nice. If I had admitted this to either Hannah or Olivia they would have way over reacted. Leah's exactly as calm as I need her to be. "Well, he's been coming home from work later and later, and they keep fighting every evening when he gets home, and yesterday when we were at my aunt's house he just walked out and left after a rather heated conversation," I explain, "that's why Liam dropped me off at your house. My mum decided her and Ben are staying at my aunt's place for the time being, and I don't actually know where my dad is. Liam went to our house over night, and he texted me that Dad's not there." "I know what it's like to have fighting parents," Leah replies, "believe me, it gets better when they finally decide to leave each other."

I have had the idea in my mind that they'll probably end up leaving each other for months now. I've never heard someone say it out loud, but the way Leah says it doesn't cause me any pain at all. I don't like the way that our family doesn't function as a family at the moment, and I want Ben to grow up in a house with loving parents. If that means that Ben has two loving homes instead of one, that may be better than going to sleep to the sounds of shouting every night. I know it'd be better for me. My mum and dad separately are good people - even though I do disagree with some things my mum says, but what teenage girl doesn't have disagreements with their mum? - but together they aren't the best versions of themselves. I also know that if they do end up splitting up, Ben will take it very hard to start with. It'll take a long time for him to adjust, and Liam and I will end up being his main support people.

"I'm going to assume your parents aren't together then?" I ask. I realise that I've never actually wondered where Leah's Dad is.  She shakes her head. "No. They decided to split when I was 12, but they lived together for a little longer after that. I didn't really think about it as being something that was hard at the time, but looking back it definitely did have an impact on my life." "Were you able to look after your brother?" I ask the only question I need the answer to. She doesn't need time to think about her answer. This must be something she thinks about a lot. "I was lucky enough that I didn't feel like it was my responsibility to look after him, but I think I definitely did to a degree. I had to grow up quickly, and I was the person he could go to who understood what it was like to be in the situation he was in. Also he was so young at the time. I still think of him as a baby now and he's 10. So, yes, I guess I was able to look after my brother. He's a pretty good kid. I wouldn't be who I am today without him. You worried about Benjamin?" I nod. "Don't be. You and Liam will be able to help him get through it, and hopefully it won't take too much of a toll on you. I think together you and Liam will be able to not feel like you have to raise him, and also be able to support him in a way a sibling should. It is going to be hard getting over the first hurdle of living with your parents until they officially decide to split though." 

Leah finishes tying up my ponytail, and I stand up while turning around to face her. "Thank you Lee." She stands up and gives me a hug. "No problem. Now, are you going home after school today?" "Yep. Have fun at training afterschool," I reply, "but not too much fun. We are going to beat you at our post season friendly this weekend." "I think you've got that the wrong way around Georgy," she smirks, "I'm pretty certain that we're going to beat you." "No, I definitely meant that we'd beat you. The Arsenal is going down." "Don't you dare say those words again in my house," Leah fakes shock, but I know a part of her is serious. That club means a lot to her, and I get that. Chelsea means a lot to me. 

"Girls!" Amanda shouts up the stairs, "do you want breakfast?" The both of us run down the stairs to find Jacob and Amanda eating toast.  "We've got marmite or strawberry jam," Amanda says while pointing towards a couple of plates and knives. I make myself a piece of toast with marmite. Jacob has jam stuck to his face, and I smile as Leah wipes it off with her fingers. Leah makes her own toast, and gets a bit of jam on her face too. A part of me wants to wipe it off her face, but thankfully before I can impulsively act, Jacob is getting what he calls "pay back" by wiping it off his older sister's face. It takes everything in me not to laugh at Leah's discomfort.

"I'm going to work now, so it's probably about time you began walking to school," Amanda suggests after we've finished our breakfast, "you going to get to school on time Georgia?" "Yes. Our schools aren't actually too far from each other," I tell her.  "Very good then."

Leah, Jacob, and I all set off down the road at the same time Amanda gets into her car to go to work. Jacob runs slightly ahead of us while kicking a football in front of him. 

-

The next day I wake up in my own bed knowing that the only other person that's home is my older brother. It's almost as peaceful as yesterday morning, but not quite as amazing as waking up next my girlfriend. Yesterday actually wasn't bad. I am progressively getting better at school, and things were normal with Hannah and Olivia. Leah texted me a photo after her training of her and some of her friends posing like they were winners. I just sent her an eye roll emoji in reply, but I have plans to take a photo with my club mates this evening at my training. I've managed to convince Liam to drive me to training, seeing as Mum is still at Carol's place. There's still no word from Dad. After Liam's picked me up from training, we've decided we're going to go back to Carol's house to see Ben.

I get to school just before the bell rings. I got a bit distracted kicking a football against the wall of the house before I left for school, so I left about 10 minutes later than I should have. If Mum was here she would have told me off for the noise I was making, but Liam doesn't care. He got up before me, and spent his morning mucking around in the garage. I took a peak through the door, and saw that he was working on the bird house. He's not fully assembled it, but he's made up the missing pieces ready to be put together. I bet he plans on actually putting it together with Ben. He's such a good older brother. I need to make sure he doesn't feel like it's his job to look after both of us. 

"Are you alright Georgia?" Hannah asks me as I slide into my chair, after my brisk run to school. "Yeah, I'm good," I reply, "why?" Olivia sighs and produces her phone. She shows me the 27 unanswered texts she's sent me. I get my phone out of my pocket and see all the notifications. Who texts someone 27 times within 10 minutes? "We thought something seriously wrong had happened to you," Hannah says, "or you were just avoiding school before exams started." "Well, we are on study leave from tomorrow, aren't we?" Olivia chimes in, "I almost considered not coming to school today." "I was always gonna come to school guys. I care about passing my exams," I assure them. They give each other a look. "You being serious?" Olivia asks. "You care about passing exams?" Hannah asks next. "Yeah," I nod, "I do now. But, I'm definitely 100% still going to be a football player."

The teacher hushes the class, and I turn to face the front, note book open in front of me. Olivia and Hannah look at me like they don't recognise me. I just smile to myself thinking about how much I've changed since Leah and I got to know each other. 

The school day flies by, I get my photo to send to Leah at training (and also train my butt off so that we will beat her on the weekend), and then Liam and I drive to Carol's house. We're let in and Mum greets us as if nothing has happened. Ben runs up to us, jumps up into me, and wraps his legs around my waist in a hug. I hold him for a moment before passing him to Liam, who also gives him a massive hug. 

"I missed you," he says, "Mum says we're going back home tomorrow afternoon. She says Dad will also be back from his work trip then too." I give Liam a look and I can tell both of us are thinking, so they've decided to play this off as a work trip? What are they going to come up with next?.Honestly, I couldn't care less. I'm just glad that I have a days warning for when my whole family will be back in the house again. 

Carol invites us through into the dining room, and shows us a table set for dinner. We all sit down to share a peaceful meal together as a family. I know this will be the last time for a while. 

[zombiehuntersidehustle]

Red, Blue, Me, & You

CHAPTER SEVEN - SLEEPOVER SECRETS

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My phone begins to buzz, as the timer sounds out around Leah's bedroom. It's the end of an hour, and I've surprisingly filled in almost all the pages in this science exam. I'm not sure if I've got the answers entirely correct, but I've managed to at least write something. Leah, and I start to compare out answers - it's mostly her helping me with points I've missed out - but she even takes a point that I wrote down, and notes it on her own exam as something she's forgotten. 

"Well done Georgy. You're definitely getting somewhere," Leah says, "now will you tell me why you're staying at my house for the night?" "I could," I start, "or we could talk about the national team camp that's happening in a months time." "How do you know about the national team camp that's happening in a months time?" she questions, but I know she's knows the answer. "Maybe, I'm going to the camp," I tell her. She lets out a little shriek. "Yay! Camp buddies." "Is it your first call up for under 17s?" I ask her. She shakes her head. "No. But, don't worry. Everyone's really nice, and I'll introduce you to them all. They'll love you. You're probably not the only new girl either." "Once exams are over, and we can stop studying, we could work on our football skills together instead," I suggest. "Sounds like a plan."

At this moment, her mum walks in. "Oh hello Georgia. I didn't know you were here already." "She's been here for an hour Mum," Leah replies. "And you didn't tell me. I would have brought you guys up some study snacks," Amanda says, before turning to face me, "I hear you're staying the night?" "Yeah, if that's alright," I tell her. "Of course it's alright," she responds, "now what should we have for dinner?" She says the last part out loud, but she walks out of the room as she says it. Mums are funny like that sometimes.

Leah, and I are quiet for a moment. I look up at her to see that she's already looking up at me. "Georgia?" she whispers. "Yeah," I reply, equally as quiet as her. She takes a breath, "what are we to each other?" "I don't know. What do you want to be?" "I would quite like it if you were my girlfriend," she admits. I smile at this. "Okay then, Leah Williamson, will you be my girlfriend?" "Hey, I wanted to ask you!" she protests, but she's smiling. "Well, too bad. I beat you to it," I grin back, "it is a yes, right?" "Of course it's a yes," she playfully rolls her eyes.  "Just checking," I smile.

Then things get slightly more serious. "We're not going to tell anyone, are we?" "Not at the moment," I nod, "I don't think either of us are ready for that." "Yeah," she sighs a breath of relief. Then I have a thought. "If it comes up, can I tell Olivia?" "Olivia?" she questions. "Oh, one of my friends at school. The shorter one," I explain. Leah thinks for a moment, obviously trying to remember my friends. "The one with the brown hair that likes to wear headbands?" I smile, "yeah, that's her." "Why would you want to tell her?" Leah asks. "Because I think she already suspects," I respond. Leah looks like she's about to throw up. "How?" "She just noticed I was texting you a lot," I reply, "obviously I won't say a thing if you don't want me to." She considers it for a moment. "No, it's okay. If it comes up, you can tell her. But, only if you trust she won't tell anyone else."

She makes a good point. I don't know if I can trust Olivia not to tell anyone. Especially because she'll think Hannah deserves to know. Honestly, I would agree with her on that as well. Olivia, Hannah, and I can keep our own secrets to ourselves, but we don't keep secrets within our group. I should be able to trust them not to tell anyone else, but I also have no clue how they'll react. I think Olivia would be okay with it, but I don't know if Hannah would. 

It's not really something that's widely accepted. It's no longer a crime to be gay in the UK, but same sex marriage hasn't been legalised yet. I know this, because it's been in the news lately. I sorta can't believe how it's 2013 and it's still illegal, but then I found out the first country to legalise it - The Netherlands- only did so in 2000. That happened in my life time (yeah I know I would have been like two years old, but still). This history is too recent for my liking. 

I'm deep in thought, when Leah shakes my shoulder. "Mum just called for tea," she says softly, as if she may have hit a nerve with her last statement. I smile back at her to assure her all is well. "I wonder what she's made?" "Guess we'll have to find out," she replies, and then we both realise at the same time how close we are to each other. Her hand on my shoulder, but her face slightly above mine, as she's crouched down beside me. If I was to look up slightly, I'd meet her eyes. So I do. We both know what we intend on doing next.

"Girls!" Amanda calls once again, and this time I actually hear it. Unfortunately. "We'd better head downstairs," Leah says, while standing up. Before I know it my face is forms into a pout. Leah smirks at this. "Don't worry Georgy. There'll always be time for kissing later." I unnecessarily blush at this, and hope with my whole heart that my cheeks return to a normal colour, as Leah and I walk down the stairs to her dining room.

The first thing I notice is that Leah's mum isn't the only person in the room. There's a boy, looks to be slightly older than Ben, who sticks his hand up and waves at me. "Hi, you must be Georgia," he grins. "Hello, I am Georgia, and you are?" "I'm Jacob," he says cheerfully before turning towards Leah with a glare, "did you not tell her about me? Your favourite brother." "My only brother," is all Leah says in reply, while walking past him and ruffling his hair. Jacob tries to look angry at his older sister, but doesn't manage it for long.

Dinner goes by smoothly. I realise how little I actually know about Leah. For example, she has a brother. I wonder why he didn't come around to our house the other day? Ben would have loved having someone to play with. 

Leah is actually rather talkative throughout the meal, but mostly just random things to try and fill the silence. I don't think it's because she minds the silence - it's certainly not awkward - I think it's because she's afraid of what her family will say if she doesn't keep talking. I understand that feeling. I was terrified of what my mum was going to say when Leah was at my house. When we're finally walking back up the stairs to her room, I can feel her energy relax a little bit. Then I have a thought. I'm her girlfriend, and obviously her mum doesn't know that. I'd be ten times more terrified bringing Leah around to my house than I was before, not because of what my mum would say, but because I'd be afraid my mum would somehow figure out that Leah and I are together. 

"Georgia," she suddenly says very seriously as we walk into her room. I'm worried for a minute. "Are you seriously wearing Chelsea socks in my house?" I grin at this, glad that there's nothing actually wrong. "Yep." "I can't believe you. Wearing blue socks? In my house?" she tuts. "Do you want a pair?" I pretend to ask her seriously, but only get halfway through, as she moves to put her hand over my mouth. "No I most certainly do not want a pair of Chelsea socks. You couldn't pay me to wear those. Ever."  I try to reply, but she still has her hand over my mouth, so she can't understand what I'm saying. "What's that?" she asks. I move her hand away from my mouth and take it in mine. She looks into my eyes and the both of us suddenly forget about the conversation we've been having.

She steps forward to kiss me, and I let her. She drags me down onto her bed, and she kisses me again. I know she wants to know why I've ended up at her house, but that can wait until tomorrow. At the moment, as I lean into Leah and she wraps her arms around me, all I want to do is get to know more about her.

"So what happened-" "Not now," I say, and I lean in to kiss her again. "I still don't really know that much about you Leah. Like how did I not know about Jacob? Can we just talk about us and not my parents issues?" "Okay," she agrees, "as long as you never kiss me, and then say my brother's name in the next sentence you say, ever again." "It wasn't the next sentence," I protest. "Georgia." She's trying incredibly hard to be serious, but there's a smile in her eyes. "Okay," I say, "now what do I want to know about Leah Williamson?" "I don't know," she replies, "you already know more about me than a lot of people do." "I didn't know you had a brother."  "Can we stop talking about my brother?" she exclaims.  "Okay," I smirk, and go to kiss her again. 

[zombiehuntersidehustle]

Red, Blue, Me & You

CHAPTER SIX - WHITE LIES

Every second Sunday we go to Aunt Carol, and Uncle Steven's place for afternoon tea. Carol is my mum's younger sister by ten years, and she may be one of the most talkative people on the planet. She and Steven have no children, but instead three dogs, and their house has an all around comfortable feeling to it. Grandma and Granddad also join us for the family gathering whenever possible. Ever since they retired they've been taking road trips around the country, and often disappear with absolutely no warning. This stresses Mum and Carol out a lot, however I think it's really cool how spontaneous they've become since selling their business just over a year ago.

My family is sitting in the living room, Grandma and Granddad taking turns to question everyone about what they've been up to since the last afternoon tea they attended, when things start to go south. 

"Dad and I were going to finally finish the birdhouse in the evenings this week," Ben said after Grandma had asked him how he was. "But, Dad hasn't been coming home from work until after I get to bed, and it's really annoying. He shouldn't have to work that much."

It's almost comedic the way the adults all begin to give each other glances in quick succession - Mum and Dad, Grandma and Granddad, Mum and Aunt Carol, Granddad and Mum, Aunt Carol and Grandma. Uncle Steven sits there as if he doesn't really know what's going on. Luckily Ben doesn't notice how weird the room is beginning to feel, but I look over at Liam and can tell he feels it too. 

"Been busy at the office then?" my grandfather asks, deciding to slowly tear through the awkward silence. My dad shifts uncomfortably in his chair. "Well, you know. Gets busy this time of year." Granddad frowns. "I suppose it does."  "My manager just got the sack as well," my dad continues, "meant we've had to do extra time." "Excellent," my mum grins, but there's no joy in her face. "We can put that extra money towards the broken fence that you claim 'isn't worth the effort'." There's a slight shift in Dad's expression, but he manages to stay composed. "I suppose you're right, honey. We can definitely do that." "And then the bird house!" Benjamin calls out, excitedly. "And then the bird house, little mate," dad agrees with him, and the atmosphere of the room grows less tense. 

My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I open it to see a text from Leah. We still good for this evening? 

I instantly reply, telling her that of course we are. The adults in my family start talking again - my grandfather questioning Liam about his studies, Mum, Carol, and Grandma chatting about anything and everything, and my dad on his phone texting someone. Ben's moved himself to the other side of the room, and is going through a cupboard. I think I know what he's looking for, so I go over to help him. There's a very high chance he's accidentally going to break something, if he's left alone for more than five minutes. 

I find the box, on a shelf that's taller than he is, and Ben springs up to see what I've got as soon as he hears to rattling noise. For a moment I think he's going to bang his head on one of the lower shelves, but luckily he unwilling narrowly escapes a head injury. I pass him the box of connect four, and we go find ourselves a corner to sit down in. Ben is unusually silent, as he divides the red and yellow counters into their own separate piles. This is a routine we have every time that we're here. He's red and I'm yellow, and we will continue to play the game - even if I'm very bored - until it's either time to go, or we're interrupted by an adult who wants to talk to us.

I'm distracted by the game, that I don't notice the way the time flies by. Ben is a lot better than me at connect four. (To be fair, my mind tends to wander to other things, and maybe if I concentrated more than I'd win more.) I'm brought back into the reality of this room, when I hear my mum's voice raise.

"If you're so interested in her, then why don't you just go and see her then?" she shouts. Dad looks annoyed. "It's work related. I'm not just texting her for no reason." "Sure looks like it's for no reason." The whole family is watching the two of them at this point. Ben moves closer to me, and puts his hand into mine. I give it a little squeeze.  "Don't make a scene about nothing!" "I'm not making a scene about nothing. I just looked over your shoulder to see what you were so busy doing that you couldn't socialise with the family, and-" Dad cuts her off. "It's work! Okay! Leave me alone woman!" "No, you leave me alone. You obviously don't want to be here. Just go!" "Okay, fine! I'll leave then!" Dad gets up, and walks towards the entrance. I hear him quickly put on his shoes, and then the door slams.

The whole room appears to be in shock, as the engine to the car starts, and he pulls out of the driveway. It stays silent for a moment, before Mum gets up and leaves the room. Carol follows after her. Steven gets up to boil the kettle.

"Tea anyone?" he asks. "I think we all may need some. Perhaps a biscuit too?" Grandma replies on behalf of us all. "Ben would you like to help me find something to eat? I believe there are some with chocolate on them in the cupboard."

Ben and Grandma leave to join Steven in the kitchen, and Granddad starts to ask me about how my football is going.  "Very good," I reply. That's the truth. Football has been going very good recently. In fact, I have some rather big news, but I haven't found a chance to share it with the family yet. I choose not to tell Granddad, and keep it for a time where I can tell Mum first.  "And how's the study going for these important exams you have coming up?" he inquires. "That has actually been going surprisingly well as well," I reply, and my Granddad's expression changes to one of pride. "Has it?" "Yes. I've found myself a study partner. She doesn't go to the same school as me, but she also plays football," I explain, "well, she also doesn't play football for the same football club, but we know each other because of football." "I see, and she's been helping you?" he asks. "Yes. I even past my last maths practice exam," I reply proudly. "That's my girl," he smiles.

Grandma, Steven, and Ben, return with the tea and biscuits. I get up to take a couple of mugs off Steven, who looks like he's struggling to carry them, before giving one to Liam, and placing mine down on a coaster. Ben's carrying the plate of biscuits, and offers them around to everyone, before taking two for himself. I give him a look. "Grandma said I could!" he protests. I look to Grandma, who gives Ben a wink.  "Should we see if there's any footy on the telly?" Granddad asks the room.  "Great idea," I reply when nobody else does.

The atmosphere of the room has calmed down a lot, and we're all busy watching the game when Mum and Carol return. "We're staying the night here kids," Mum tells us. "But it's a school night?" Ben says, "I'm allowed a sleepover on a school night?" "Yes you are sweetie," Mum replies. He jumps around excitedly. I on the other hand, are not so keen on the idea. "I was supposed to have Leah over to study this evening. Also, I need to be at school on time tomorrow." I expect her to tell me just to deal with it, but she gives it a moment of consideration.  "Liam, you drove over here in your car, right?" Liam nods. "Alright, Georgia, ask Leah if you can spend the night at hers. Liam will take you home to get your school bag and uniform. If not, then you'll just have to stay here." "Thank you," I say, and accept it as what's going to happen. I'm not going to question why we're not going home tonight. Not in front of Ben.

I text Leah almost immediately. Hey, any chance I could come to yours instead? And any chance I could stay the night? I know there's school tomorrow. I'll explain when I get there. It doesn't take long for Leah to respond. Yeah sure. My mum says it's fine. I'll see you at half 4? Yep, sounds good. I reply. 

"Leah says that's fine," I tell mum, "she says to come at half four." I look down at my watch. It's quarter to four at the moment. Liam's noticed the same thing. "Shall we leave now?" he asks me. "Yep," I repsond, "thanks for driving me." "I want you to pass your exams, Geo, and I know you can," he tells me. It's not often that Liam directly says something to me like this, but I think after what's happened this afternoon, he wants to let me know he cares about me. This is his way of doing that.

Almost forty minutes later, Liam's pulling up to Leah's house. I pull on my backpack, and hop out of the car.  "See you tomorrow. Look after Ben for me," I call to him as I walk away. "See you tomorrow, G," he calls back, before pulling off.

Leah opens the door as soon as I reach it. "Watching for me then?" I smirk. She rolls her eyes, and pulls me inside and up the stairs. "Wanted to talk to you before my mum does," she explains the rush she's in. "What's with the change in plans?" "Can we discuss that later. Let's just do science for now," I deflect the question. "Okay, something's seriously wrong if you want to do school work," Leah comments, "but sure. We can do science."

I sit down on her bedroom floor, and get out my school books. I set an hour timer on my phone to do a practice exam, and Leah gets out a practice exam of her own. I'm going to have to tell her about what happened eventually, but for now I've got science to deal with, and I'm currently on track to fail science. 

[zombiehuntersidehustle]

Red, Blue, Me & You

CHAPTER FIVE - REAL LIFE

As I get in the car after training my mother looks most unhappy.  "What took you so long? I've left your brothers at home by themselves, because Dad got held up at work. We need to get back to them quickly," she almost shouts. "Liam's 19 years old," I reply, "he's capable of looking after Ben for an hour." She gives me that look mums give their children which warns them not to talk back. "That's not the point Geo. I already give up my time to drive you to football training, and then you mucking around with your friends afterwards just wastes more of it." I'm unwise and argue back more. "I'm not mucking around. It was hard coming into a team where everyone at least knew someone else, and I knew no one. After training is when I become better friends with my teammates." "If you want friends on your team, join a club closer to home," she says, and I know that's the final word on this topic.

We sit in silence until we pull into the driveway, and Mum choses now to drop something unexpected on me. "I invited Leah and her mother around for dinner." "What?" I say, completely confused as to why. "Georgia don't be rude. An 'excuse me?' would sound so much nicer in place of 'what?'. I invited Leah and her mother around for tea. I want to talk to her mother as we're both raising teenage girls who want to be 'footballers'," she holds up her hands to make quotation marks as if footballers is a made up word, "and I want to how she manages it." "Manages it?" I ask. "Yes," Mum replies, not at all explaining what she means by this. "Why are you so concerned? I thought Leah and you were friends?" "We are-" I begin to speak but she cuts me off. "Then everything's fine. You two can study in your room while we speak, but first we'll have food."

As predicted, Liam and Benjamin are both still in one piece, and Liam even kept an eye on the potatoes as well. My mum always expects the worst, even though she is one half of the couple that raised my older brother, and taught him how to cook and care for other people. I instantly leave the kitchen, and go to the garage to put my boots and shin guards there before Mum tells me off for 'leaving them around for someone to trip over'. Then I rush to my room to sort out the mess that it is.

To actually properly tidy my room, it'd take me a couple of hours, but I don't have that amount of time before Leah will be here. I manage to shove all the clean clothes on the ground into my wardrobe, and all the dirty ones into the laundry basket in the bathroom. It makes a significant difference to the state of my floor. I figure picking up the dirty dishes, that aren't supposed to be in my room, because I'm not allowed to eat in here, is the best next step, and then, if there's anymore time, random rubbish that's scattered throughout needs to go. I'm just finished taking the rubbish to the kitchen bin when I hear a car pull into the driveway.

"Dad!" Ben shouts, and runs towards the door to find that Dad is not in fact standing there. "Who are you?" "Benjamin. Be nice to our guests!" Mum calls out to him from the kitchen, where she's chopping up vegetables. "I'm Leah," Leah smiles at my brother, "Georgia's friend. Nice to meet you." "Oh. You're the one who plays for Arsenal?" he asks, and as she nods his face lights up. "Okay well that's good, because I support Arsenal, well I also support Man City, but Man City is only because my favourite players play there. I mean we live in North London, so I must support a team from here, right? Unlike some people in this household. Arsenal is better than Tottenham. But, I don't know any of the girl players, just the boys, because I don't think I've ever seen a girls game ever. Not on the TV, or not in real life. One time Dad took me to a real life boys football game, and it was amazing."

While he's been rambling about football teams, Leah and her mum have taken off their shoes, and followed us through into the dinning room.  "If you want to know some of the women's team players, start with Emma Byrne. She's the goal keeper. And then one of their defenders is Alex Scott," Leah tells him. I can see by the look on my younger brother's face that he's trying to remember the names so that Dad and him can search them up later. "Emma Byrne, Alex Scott, Emma Byrne, Alex Scott," he repeats a few times, before walking away from Leah. This gives me the opportunity to go stand next to her.

"So I hear we're supposed to study together this evening?" she asks. "Yeah that appears to be my mum's plan," I reply.  "I brought my school bag with me," Leah says, as I notice her rucksack slung over one shoulder. "You can put it in my room for now. I'll show you up," I suggest, and she begins to follow me upstairs to my room. She puts her bag down in the corner before turning around and giving me a hug. "It's nice to see you again," she tell me. "It's nice to see you too."

We head back downstairs just as my mum finishes making dinner. Ben has made an attempt at setting the table, but I notice there are no glasses, so go to the kitchen to find some. Leah follows me, and offers out her hand to carry some over to the table. Ben's set seven places with hope that Dad will be home for dinner, but I doubt he will and just grab six glasses, giving three to Leah and taking the others. 

We sit down at the table afterwards for what turns out to be a very awkward meal for all the children, and a get to know each other session for our mums. Mums as a whole are always particularly good at chatting with other mums about incredibly boring things. Liam looks like he would rather be anywhere else, Leah appears a little uncertain as to what's expected of her and keeps glancing up at me, Benjamin is staring out the kitchen window the entire time looking for Dad's car, and I can only think about what happened last time Leah and I studied together. After a painstakingly long time sitting at the table my mum finally suggests that us children leave.

"You still got your maths test tomorrow?" Leah asks, as we walk into my room. "Yeah. I wasn't planning on studying for it, but then I also wasn't planning on you being here, so we can if you want," I explain. She reaches down for her bag, and pulls out a folder. "I printed out some past exams today at my school library for you," she says, and hands me the folder. Inside are three exams, each stapled together at the top. "I thought it might be helpful for your exam preparation." I'm really touched by this. "Thank you so much. That's so nice of you." "Okay, so I was thinking that you could do one of these exams, and I can study for a history. We'll give ourselves an hour for that. Then afterwards we should compare our football schedules, and make a study plan around them for the next few weeks before exams," Leah says. "That sounds like a great idea," I tell her. I can't remember the last time I've been excited to study.

An hour later, I've made a good attempt at a past exam, and Leah seems happy with what she's achieved. She turns over to a blank page in her notebook, and draws a 7 by 3 table. She puts a cross through the first two boxes to mark that the days have already been.  "You don't have training tomorrow, do you?" she asks. "No." She writes Leah Training  in that box.  "Thursday and Friday, yes?" she asks. "How do you know my training schedule?" I reply. "I have friends at Chelsea," she replies, "age group national teams exist."

She doesn't mean to say anything wrong, but she sees the way my face drops as she mentions national teams.  "Sorry," she says softly. "It's fine," I reply. "Really?" and the looks she gives me as she says that makes me tell the truth. "Not really. It's sort of stupid how one injury has ruined my chances for now," I explain. "It hasn't ruined your-" I cut her off. "Under 15s is pretty set at the moment." "You're forgetting that neither of us are eligible for under 15s anymore. I'm 16, and it's not long until you'll be," she replies, "who knows what will happen. Maybe you'll get called up to an under 17 camp."

I sigh before changing the topic of conversation. "So about last time. When I was in your room. Well, um. That did mean something to you, didn't it?" Leah drops the pencil she's been writing with, and sits up properly. "Of course it meant something to me." I take a deep breath and ask, "so what are we then?" "What do you want to be?" she asks in reply. 

Ben choses this moment to run down the hallway and knock on my bedroom door. "Georgia!" Rap, rap, rap. "Georgia!!!!" I roll my eyes, while getting up to answer the door. "Yes Ben?" He looks half asleep and has his pjs on. I look at my alarm clock to see it's almost 9pm. This kid is usually asleep by 8. "There's a spider in my room!" he shouts, even though we are standing less than a metre away from each other. "You want me to get it out?" I say and step into the hallway. He shakes his head. "No. I want Leah to do get it." I look down to Leah who's back to lying on my bedroom floor. It looks like she's completed our study schedule. I shrug at her as she meets my eyes, and she nods in reply. "Alright. Where's this spider Mr Benjamin?" she says as she stands up.

The spider rescue mission ends up being the last thing we do before Leah and her mum leave. Dad comes home not long after, and I head upstairs to make sure Ben is asleep. Sure enough his covers are pulled up only showing the top of his head and his teddy, as he softly breathes in a steady sleep-like rhythm. Liam appears at the door behind me. "Had the same idea?" I whisper. "Yeah. Does he look like he's asleep?" Liam whispers back. I nod, but Liam still takes a step forwards to check for himself. I move out of his way, as he gently closes Ben's door to try and keep any sound from flowing through into it. Sure enough our parents start shouting at each other not long after. "Are you alright?" Liam asks me. "Of course," I reply, "are you?" "Obviously," he says. We both walk to our rooms knowing that each other it lying.

Our parents have been like this as long as I can remember. It's just never been this bad before. The odd argument every month, turned to every couple of weeks, and now every couple of days. Liam and I had been doing everything we could to protect Ben from seeing or hearing any of it. I don't think Mum or Dad knows how much Liam and I know. 

Once inside my room, I check my phone. Sure enough there's a message from Leah, Your younger brother's cute. Wonder why he wanted me to rescue him from the spider? Think he has a crush on me? 😂 Haha. You joke, but he did tell me he had a crush on my friend Hannah once. Also, he wouldn't be the only Read sibling to have a crush on you, I reply. My phone lights up as soon as I put it down. Ah, of course, your older brother also has a crush on me. 🙄 yeah right, I send back. Kidding Georgy. Kidding. I know it's you, and thats's good, because guess what? I also have a crush on you, she says. I already knew that she had feelings for me, but seeing them written down makes me grin. Georgy? I question. Spelling mistake. But, I sort of like it. Going to sleep now. Night Georgy x.  I smile at my screen, Night Leah x.

I put my phone down, and lay back on my bed. My light's switched off, but the incomprehensible yelling for downstairs is making it hard to sleep. I guess I'll just have to wait until I'm so tired that my brain doesn't care anymore. 

[zombiehuntersidehustle]

Red, Blue, Me & You

CHAPTER FOUR - BOY TALK

I know my family can't see that anything is different, but upon having this potential realisation, I feel like it must be visible in some way. It's like when you have a horrible thought, and are suddenly scared that people around you can actually read your mind and have just never told you. When I walk back into the house, sit down in the kitchen, and my mum continues what she's doing as if everything is normal, it feels like I've gotten away with something I shouldn't have. 

All throughout dinner, Leah telling me she wants to kiss me is the only thing I can keep my mind on. Liam - my older brother who's in his 1st year at uni - is complaining about how his car doesn't work again, and Benjamin - my younger brother who is 9 years old- tells us his entire day in a lot of very specific detail. Benjamin spent the entire day at home helping Dad with house and yard work, so his stories are not the most interesting.

"You're quiet tonight Georgia," my mum comments, "how was your day?" "Yeah, good," I reply. My dad steps in here before my mum makes some sort of statement about how I never tell her what's happening in my life. "I saw you had a friend over for a while this afternoon?" "Yeah, her name is Leah," I say. "She in your form?" mum asks. "She doesn't go to the same school as me. I know her because of football."

My dad looks like he's just remembered something and asks, "is this Leah girl the one Hannah and Olivia call your rival?" "Yes, but we're not really rivals. We're friends. We just play on different teams," I explain. Mum also looks like she's remembered something, and I'm afraid of what it could be. "Is she the one who plays for the club I wanted you to play for, so I don't have to drive you halfway across London three times a week?" "Yeah, she plays for Arsenal," I tell her. "Why can't you play for them?" "Chelsea wanted me to play for them, and I support Chelsea," I say simply.  My mum sighs. "My week would look a lot easier if you played for a club a bit closer to us."

Dad intervenes, "Rachel dear, were you saying earlier that the Brown's invited us over for a street barbecue?" "Oh yes. I must think of what salad to make, because last year Sarah Jones said she wasn't going to make potato salad, so I went ahead and made one, and then Sarah Jones showed up with a potato salad. I'm think a nice rice salad may be suitable," Mum continues to speak about the annual summer barbecue that won't be happening for at least another month, as if it is the most important thing on her calendar at the moment. This gives me the opportunity to ask to be excused, before clearing my plate, and retreating to my room.

-

The next day I meet Hannah and Olivia at the gate before school. I know instantly that they're going to have questions after what happened yesterday.  "Georgia! Girl! We've been worried sick about you. Where did you run off to?" Hannah shouts at me. "Shh! Hannah, the entire neighbourhood can hear you," Olivia nudges her, before turning to me, "she has a point though, did you not see our texts?" I did see their texts, but I couldn't be bothered answering them. How on earth do I explain what happened yesterday? There's not really an easy way to say, so I think I'm a lesbian, and I have feelings for Leah, now is there? 

So I lie to the two of them. "You're right. Talking to boys is hard." "So hard that you ran out of the room?" Olivia laughs. "I just started to feel sick, and wanted to go home. Sorry for not replying to your texts," I apologise. "It's fine," Hannah says, and she links one of her arms through mine, "but we've really got to work on your ability to talk to boys." Olivia joins the chain, so that I'm in the middle as we continue to walk to school. I'm standing between my two best friends, yet feel the most out of place I've ever been.

In class, we have maths first, test results from a practice in the lead up to our exams are being given out. I already know that I failed. If this was a month ago I wouldn't care, but what Leah said to me at the museum has really stuck with me. Passing school is an important thing, and it will give me something to fall back on in the very small chance football doesn't work out. When I say very small chance, I mean I refuse to believe it won't, but being realistic there is no certainty in what I want to do. I had actually tried to study for this maths test, but I just couldn't seem to get the hang of it.

Ms Stubbing places the piece the test down onto my desk face down. She's one of the only teachers who is good at respecting students privacy with their grades. As she walks to the next desk, I turn it over, and are surprised to see I didn't do as badly as I thought. I didn't pass, but I was one point away from doing so. My efforts hadn't been for nothing. I had improved, just not quite enough. Ms Stubbing has written a note next to my marks which says, well done :) you're so close Georgia!. I'm rather touched by the way she noticed that I put some work in.

By the time it's lunch, I am rather sick of the amount of practice tests I've failed. I got a C in geography, but both English and Science were also fails. I'm sitting in the courtyard with Hannah and Olivia, feeling overwhelmed with the mammoth task I have to turn myself into a student who'll pass her exams, which are in only 3 weeks time. That's when I have the idea.

Hey Leah, If you're not doing anything after school, can you meet me at the library at 4pm? I text her. Her reply is almost instant. Have training till 6. Can you come to my house this evening? say 7?

I forgot about the fact her and my training schedule will not line up. Should be able to. Will ask my mum when I get home. What's your address?

"What are you grinning about?" Hannah asks. "Nothing," I blurt out. I've really got to stop doing that. "Is it Leah?" Olivia asks. "What?" I say, confused as to how she even got to that conclusion. "Doesn't matter," Olivia replies, "I just though that maybe." "Maybe what?" Hannah asks, obviously intrigued. "Nothing," Olivia says firmly, "I thought nothing."

When I get home Mum approves of me going over to Leah's to study. In fact she's skeptical until I explain to her that Leah was the one that suggested to me passing school was a good idea, and show her how I almost passed a maths test. My grades have always been a sore topic to talk about, and she actually looks proud of the fact I'm trying to do better. She's never appreciated my football skills as much as she's disliked my academic failure. 

I'm a little bit nervous as I walk up to Leah's door step. It took me a while to find her house, as it's on the other side of the city, but I searched up her address on the computer in Dad's study so I at least had a rough idea of where I was going. I pause for a moment, on her door step before knocking, to just take a deep breath. Then I raise my hand, and knock. The door opens almost instantly. A woman, who I assume to be Leah's mother, greets me.

"Hello," she says cheerfully, "you must be Georgia. These last couple of weeks Leah's talked about you almost as much as she's talked about football. I'm so please I finally get to meet you." "Hi," I say to the woman, as Leah appears on the stairs looking slightly embarrassed.  "Mum! I said I'd get the door," Leah complains. "All I wanted to do was meet Miss Georgia Read, seeing as she seems to be important to you," her mum explains. "Well, now that you've met her," she turns her focus to me, "come on Read. I'll show you to my room." "Okay," I laugh at the use of my last name, "Williamson." I swear she blushes slightly as she hears her last name, but she's facing away from me. I quickly slip my sneakers off, before following her up the stairs. 

When we walk into her room, she is instantly in business mode. I had explained to her via text my study problems, and from the state of her desk it looks like she is fully prepared to help me.  "Okay, so these are all my notes and textbooks," she starts to explain the organisational system on her desk, "they're laid out into subject, and then topics within the subject. Did you bring your tests that you got results for today? We can go through them and find gaps in your knowledge, and then make a plan for what we should work on first." "I only brought my maths one with me. On Wednesday we have another practice, and I won't be able to study tomorrow because of football training, so can we focus on maths?" I ask.  "Maths. Brilliant," she says, and not sarcastically, as if she actually wants to be doing this.

Seeing as her desk is currently occupied, she decides working on the floor is going to be the best thing. We do exactly as she planned, and go through my test. I thought I'd be scared to admit how badly I've been doing at school, but I explain to her how she inspired me to actually try, and she tells me she's proud of me. We work steadily for about an hour, before my brain finally can't take it any longer.

"I think this is enough for tonight," I say. "Are you sure-" she starts to protest, but I cut her off. "Leah, I have used all the mental energy I have. My brain is shutting down from how much focus I put into this," I tell her. She's quiet for a moment. "Learning hard for you, isn't it?" "I'm not that smart" I agree. "No. I'm not saying you aren't smart. I'm saying that learning and school is hard for you. I've watched you put for much focus into what you're doing tonight, but it doesn't seem to come as easily to you as it does to me. It seems a so unfair that you can put so much effort into this, and still fail," she explains. "That's why I gave up trying in the first place. I've just never been good, so why put in the work when I know I'm not going to succeed?" "Yet something like football comes so easily to you," she continues to wonder, "why is that?" "It just makes sense," I say. That's it. Football's always just made sense in a way that I can't explain. "Well then we have to find a way to make maths make sense to you the same way football does, because the way they teach it at school is really hard for you," Leah decides.

I am far too tired for Leah's plan. It's really sweet that she wants to figure out how I learn best, but I think school may just not be for me. All I have to do is pass these exams.  "Can we figure that out another day?" I ask. "Yeah," she nods, "we can figure it our another day."

The room is quiet for a moment, before I bring up last time we were with each other. "Remember what you said?" I ask. My heart starts to beat faster. It feels like an eternity before she replies, "I do." "We're not in the middle of the street," I point out. "You're right." She shuffles slightly closer to me, so that we're sitting face to face. "Do you still want to?" "Yes," I struggle to speak properly, "do you?" She replies by placing a kiss onto my lips. Before we can talk about it, we hear footsteps walking towards us, and spring away from each other.

Leah's mum puts her head in the door. "Georgia, it's getting late. Would you like a ride back home?" "Yes please Ms Williamson," I reply, my eyes still on Leah. She's looks back into mine from across her room. "Girls, what's going on?" Leah's mum asks, "also Georgia, dear, just call me Amanda." "Nothing," Leah replies far too quickly, while looking away from me. "Okay, well then let's get a move on," she replies, "I'll see you in the car in five."

[zombiehuntersidehustle]

Red, Blue, Me & You

CHAPTER THREE - ARCADE GAMES

There's an arcade just off the main street of town where Olivia, Hannah, and I hangout from time to time. The games are all years old, and everyone knows they're rigged, so even though we all hold out hope that we'll win something, we're never disappointed when we don't. Leah, and I decided to meet here this Sunday afternoon, and I'm starting to think it may be a bad idea.

Leah is currently walking towards an air hockey table. She just bet me at 3 other games and is completely rubbing it in my face. I reach out to grab her arm to stop her. "Can we take a break from the games for a second?" I ask, with fear that the new friendship we've developed may disappear if the afternoon continues like it's been going. She just smirks, "you scared I'm going to beat you again?"

And with that, it's game on. Leah inserts a coin into the machine, and suddenly this table is a war zone. The puck, that's supposed to drift across the surface, is violently hit back and forth across the table, each of us not wanting to be the first to concede a goal. I'm the first to get a shot in.  "I thought you were good at defence?" I jokingly question. She rolls her eyes at me, and within 10 seconds she manages to equalise the score, before sending another in straight after. "I am, and good at attack too apparently."

The game continues to go well, until Hannah and Olivia walk into the arcade. They stand behind me, and start cheering me on. This draws a crowd in. I'm naturally competitive, but there's nothing that motivates that competitive nature more than a crowd. Leah's got mates from her school backing her, I've got mates from my school backing me, and we both don't want to disappoint people. 

The game continues until we're 6-6. Match point. The intensity just increases from here. Air hockey isn't really about skill, but any skill that we have disappears as we put as much energy as  we can into hitting the plastic puck towards each other's goals. Suddenly Leah hits it so hard it flies off the table, and across the room, landing behind an arcade machine. The group runs towards it, and I can see where it is wedged between wires, and know in that moment that we're not getting that puck back.

"It's too stuck!" I shout for the crowds benefit, and they quickly trickle away at the anticlimactic end to our game. Hannah and Olivia continue to stand beside me, while Leah lingers in the corner hesitantly.

"Why is she still looking at you?" Hannah asks me. "Because we're sort of hanging out here together," I explain. "Wait, you actually made plans to be here with her?" Liv asks, "that explains why we didn't get an invite." I look across at Leah, who's moved towards the door, obviously assuming that I'll stay with my friends now that they happen to be here. I want to go after her, but I don't. She probably wouldn't want me too.

Hannah, Olivia, and I get a can of coke each, and chill out in one of the two booths near the counter. It turns out they came here to spy on a boy Olivia likes. Of course I instantly join their mission. The way we're sat perfectly positions us to be able to see the entire arcade.

"So who are we looking at?" I ask. "Freddie. Doesn't go to out school. I think he's in year 12. Don't know much else," Olivia rattles off the facts. "We've come to find out more about him, but the question is how do we go about doing that?" Hannah chips in. "Why don't you go talk to him?" I suggest, and Olivia almost spits out her drink, while Hannah looks at me like I'm crazy. "Georgia! Are you serious? Go talk to him?" Olivia's tone gets more intense, but her voice stays low as she doesn't want to draw attention. "Yeah," I say not quite understanding why this isn't a good idea, "that way you can find out more about him." "Georgia, have you ever tried to talk to a guy you like? It's sorta, kinda, a little bit, very scary," Hannah says in exasperation.

It occurs to me that I've never had a crush on a boy. It hasn't really been something I've focused on, as I've alway had football as something to think about. I mean, football takes up most of my social life, but I'm okay with that because I know the effort and dedication that needs to be put in for the my career to work out. 

"No," I answer Hannah's question, "I don't suppose I have." "Okay then," she replies, "I challenge you to go and talk to the boy you find most attractive in the room." The absolute panic that fills my chest is indescribable. The last place I want to be in this world, is talking to a boy in an arcade. My whole body feels uncomfortable as I pretend to look around the room for someone. I find a target, and take an internal deep breath as I get up, preparing myself for whatever is to come. I turn back towards my friends, as I begin to walk across the room ,and I can see the anticipation in Hannah and Olivia's eyes.  But I can't do it. I turn towards the door, and bolt outside.

As soon as I'm out of the arcade it feels like I can breath again. I wander down the walkway lined with shopfronts on each side, taking in the fresh air. As I approach the fountain that sits in the middle of the walkway, I see a familiar figure sitting there.

"Hey Leah," I say, as I sit down next to her. She looks up in surprise. "Georgia?" "I'm sorry that I ditched out hangout to talk to my friends," I apologise, "I just wasn't sure if you wanted to still hang with me or not." "I wanted to still hang with you, but I know we're just starting to be friends, and you've been friends with those two for ages, so I just left," she explains. "And yet you sat on the ledge of this fountain for half an hour?" I question. "Maybe I was hoping I'd see you when you left the arcade," she admits. I smile at this. It brings a different sort of feeling to my chest. Not the absolute panic that I felt in the arcade, but more of a fluttery and hopeful one. I don't quite understand why I'm feeling this way, but I suppose it doesn't matter at the moment.

"If you wanted to, you could come over to my house." I say the words before I've even processed what I'm saying. "Sure," she replies almost instantly. "Okay. Well, then follow me," I stand, and give her a hand up. I let go of her hand almost instantly, but that doesn't stop her touch from lingering against my skin.

The walk to my place isn't long, and soon enough we're on my driveway. The garage doors already open, which means my dad is working on some sort of project, and I can also grab two skateboards.  "Know how to skate?" I ask her. "No," she furiously shakes her head. "Okay," I saying passing her my new skateboard, "this one's the least broken, so you're least likely to hurt yourself." "Am I? Or is this all some ruse to injure your opponent?" she jokes.  I take the board from her, and skate to the end of the driveway and back. "You'll be fine." "You forget I've never done this before."

I look up, and her face is terrified. "Okay, baby steps. Just stand on the board," I tell her. She puts a foot on, and looks down at her other foot as if she's willing it to step up but it just won't. I hold out my arms for her to hold onto, and she finally lifts up her foot. She uses me for support as I gently guide her board towards the end of the driveway. "Ready to get off?" I ask. "Yes," she nods.  "Okay. Just jump whenever. I've got you." 

It's only now, with us both looking at each other, that I realise how close we are to each other. She's taller than me while on the skateboard, so I have to look up slightly to meet her eyes,  but if I was to stand on my tiptoes our eyes would be level. Our lips would be level. I stop the thought that comes next before it can fully form. 

Leah takes a moment to ready herself before jumping off, and landing with both of her feet on the ground, much to her apparent surprise. I extend my leg out to stop the board from rolling onto the road. "I don't understand how you do this," she says, and I take the opportunity to show off a bit, as I skate back up the driveway. "I guess you'll just have to keep coming back over for lessons," I suggest. She laughs at this. "That eager to hang out with me?" "Maybe I enjoy your company," I reply, "even if you can also be a massive pain in the butt."

We spend a bit more time messing around with the skateboards. I attempt a few new tricks, without much success, and Leah manages to stand on one by herself without falling off. It's the early evening by the time Leah says she has to go home. I walk with her to the end of my street, just to say goodbye.

"Thanks for hanging out with me," she says. "Wow," I reply, "Leah Williamson is thanking me for hanging out with her. Who would've thought we'd see the day?" She rolls her eyes at me. "I'm serious." "Okay. Thank you for hanging out with me too. I enjoyed it," I tell her. She starts to walk down the street, but I find myself calling her name. She turns back towards me, "yes?" "Can I have a hug?" I ask, and instantly feel like I shouldn't have. But, she runs back towards me, and gives me a hug. We pull back from each other, our arms still wrapped together.

"If we weren't in the middle of the street I'd ask if I could kiss you," she whispers. I don't know what my expression is, but it mustn't be good, because she suddenly looks mortified.  "I didn't mean that," she tries to scramble away from me, "I don't know what I was think-" "Leah!" I cut her off, before whispering to her, "if we weren't in the middle of the street, I would say yes, I want to kiss you, but for now this'll have to do." I kiss her cheek, and give her another quick hug before watching her walk away.

As I walk back to my house, I play the interaction we've just had on repeat in my head. I have a crush on Leah Williamson. Shit. I have a crush on a girl. Am I? No. I can't be. But, that'd also make so much. No. Yes. I have a crush on Leah Williamson. We'll leave it there for now. I can figure out what this means later. For now all I have to do is walk back into my house, and pretend like I'm not having an identity crisis. Because I'm not. But I also 100% am. I have a crush on Leah Williamson, and I'm sort of excited to see where this goes.

[zombiehuntersidehustle]

Red, Blue, Me & You

CHAPTER TWO - SPORTS DAY

*hypnotic energy* You so wanna follow me so you don't miss updates of this fic. And cause I'm awesome. *more hypnotic energy*

I'm sitting on my bed feeling like a stalker when Hannah and Olivia walk into my room. "Your mum let us in," Hannah explains as the two sit down on my bed. I raise my head from my phone for a split second before returning to what I'm looking at. "Geez Geo, what's so interesting you won't even talk to us?" Olivia asks. "Nothing," I reply. Hannah reaches over towards my phone, and I scramble out of the way. Unfortunately this gives Olivia the perfect chance to take the phone off me. She looks down at it, and then looks back up at me with a look of shock. "Geo? Why are you looking at Leah's Facebook page?" she asks. Hannah's face changes to match Liv's.  "Georgia Read!" Hannah exclaims. "Give me my phone, and then I'll explain."

Liv hands me the phone back. "So why are you spying on your rival?" "We're not rivals anymore," I admit. I still haven't told either of them about what happened in the museum the other day. Leah and I hadn't won the competition, much to my friends surprise, but they'd decided we must have argued too much to work together properly. "I think we're friends now." "Friends?" Hannah questions. "Yeah. We sorta got stuck in a part of the museum we weren't supposed to be in, and we started talking to each other, and I think we're friends now. But, I haven't spoken to her since." "Still doesn't explain why you're looking at her Facebook posts from two years ago," Olivia comments, "anyway, you'll see her today at school." "At school?" I question. "Yeah, Sports Day," Hannah says as if it's obvious, and then I remember a vague mention of that in an assembly I hadn't paid attention in.  "Well, I should probably be in my P.E gear then," I say, as I get up to find it while noticing that my friends are both in theirs. Olivia laughs, and Hannah shakes her head.

A couple of minutes later, we're on the footpath walking to school. I am not very excited for Sports Day. You would think that wanting to play a sport professionally I'd be looking forward to it. Unfortunately, even though I'm a genius at football, I suck at a lot of other sports. I'd bet that I'm probably the most uncoordinated person ever when it comes to catching and throwing a ball with my hands, which is strange because I'm great at passing and receiving with my feet. Everyone knows that I hate losing, but what I hate even more is being the reason a team loses. Let's just hope there's something football related.  

Once we get to school, and the teachers manage to organise us into out year groups, and then sort us into girls and boys (yes, they still stupidly split things as girls and boys, because apparently its "unfair" on us if we have to compete against boys), I am already wondering why I bothered showing up to school today. Then I look across and see Leah sitting not that far away from me, talking to a friend, and the thought of leaving vanishes from my mind. The year 11 girls from my school will be competing against the year 11 girls from her school for the day. 

Our first game of the day is thankfully football. It takes forever for the teachers to explain the rules, and set up, but eventually we're out on the field. It's only 7 aside, and we rotate who's on the team after every goal. The aim of sports days is that everyone gets a go, but it's sort of annoying that I'm going to have to spend some of it watching people not know what they're doing, and have to stand on the sideline instead of helping them. 

It's my teams turn to start with the ball, so I take it as the whistle blows, passing it back to Hannah. I know Hannah has enough of an idea of what she's doing to pass it in the right direction. I run forward and sideways making space of someone else to be where I was, and sure enough a girl in my class is paying attention. Hannah passes the ball forwards to her, and then the girl passes it through the gap to me. I start to dribble down the wing. I'm hoping someone else will run down the centre line, but am also prepared to have to shoot it myself into the goal. Then I suddenly fall, face planting into the grass. I'm pretty certain there's mud up my nose. I lift my head up, and turn around to sit up. Someone's foot is caught underneath mine. Leah Williamson.

"What did you do that for?" I ask her as I stand up. She shrugs, "I wasn't going to let you score." "So you trip me up," I shout, "Leah, you're supposed to be good at this. That wasn't even an attempt to tackle the ball off me. You just wanted to trip me." "Stopped you from scoring," she replies nonchalantly. That really angers me, so I step forward and push her. "Oi," she shouts as she pushes me back. "Ladies, ladies!" a teacher pulls us a part, "both of you off the field now until you've learned how to get along."

I stomp over to the sideline. This is completely unfair. Leah's the one who tripped me over, I'm the one who ended up with a face full of mud, and we're both punished for this. Leah sits down beside me. "That tackle was fair," she starts, "I knew you could take it." "Trip," I retort, "you tripped me over. Purposely. There was nothing clean about it." "Still, I knew you could take it," she almost admits to tripping me over, "you're tough." "Yeah I am tough," I agree, "and I also play by the rules." "I'm not a cheater," she protests. "Never said you were!" "You basically implied it!" I try to get up and move away, but she pulls my ponytail as I start to stand up. "You bitch!" I yell at her. Heads turn towards us, and a teacher's coming over to us again. "Alright girls. I've got a whole bunch of dirty science equipment. You two can spend the rest of the day inside cleaning it, while the rest of us have fun outside playing games," the teacher says, and she turns around to walk towards the school buildings. 

Both Leah and I look at each other and reluctantly follow her. She shows us her tote trays full of conical flasks and beakers, and where her cleaning supplies are before leaving us unsupervised. Neither of us make a start on the science equipment, both of us sitting silently trying to ignore the other one. I'm the one to break the silence. "I thought we were friends now," I say. "I thought so too," she replies, before a smirk creeps onto her face, "I mean you liked my Facebook post from two years ago, so you mustn't completely hate me." I internally cringe, and try to hide my embarrassment. "I didn't mean to like your post, I just happened to be, well.. um..."  She lets me stutter like this for a moment before saying, "don't worry. I had a look at your profile too."

We fall into a comfortable silence as we begin the task the teacher set for us. We can't have her coming back and seeing that absolutely nothing has been done. I set a boiling tube back into its tote tray, and turn to watch her try to get an interesting purple mark off a beaker. "Why are we so bad at getting along?" "I don't know," she replies. "Me either," I sigh, "I want to be friends with you." "I want to be friends with you too," she says, "maybe we should try hanging out sometime?" "Okay," I nod. I'm surprisingly not opposed to this idea. In fact the idea of getting to see Leah again soon almost excites me. 

She finds a small piece of paper and a pen on the teachers desk, and writes down a string of numbers on it.  "My phone number," she says as she hands it to me. I take it from her, my fingers brushing against hers. "You can text me so we can arrange plans." "Alright then," I reply, "I'll do that." I return my attention to a conical flask, but I can still feel Leah's eyes on me. I look up at her. "What?" "Nothing," she replies, while turning around to pick up another beaker. "Okay," I say, and look back down at the flask again. I find myself unexpectedly smiling to myself. Something about Leah makes me feel... I don't quite know how to describe it, but I'm really looking forward to getting to hangout with her outside of a school event.

[zombiehuntersidehustle]

Dip & Pip (& Bip) Part Two

If you missed part one, just go to my blog. I would say it makes more sense with that context, but I might be lying. (also, why not follow me while you're at it?)

Phil could still see as if all was normal - let’s be honest, his sight wasn’t any good in the first place - but there was something strange about how low to the ground everything had become. And, speaking of the ground, since when did their carpet look like it belonged at an arcade? 

“Dan?”

“Yes!” He seemed incredibly distressed. Phil turned around to find a golf ball next to him.

“Dan?”

“Yes!”

“Dan?”

“YES!”

The purple and blue golf ball next to him rolled menacingly in his direction. 

“We’re golf balls, Phil.”

“Oh, that makes sense.” Phil was relieved that his new experience of the world had been explained.

Golf ball Dan rolled into Phil. “What the fuck do you mean, ‘that makes sense’?”

“Keep your ball away from me.”

“I am the ball.”

“Are we inside Golf With Friends?”

Dan didn’t get the chance to reply, and Phil watched as he flew through the air, bouncing against a row of sunflowers. Phil guessed that would happen to him next, and sure enough he slammed against what looked like a dog kennel. Rattled from the momentum, he resolved to never play Golf With Friends again if this is what the balls felt like. He decided it would be best to investigate the situation, instead of just waiting here for Dan to blurringly soar across his peripheral vision. Phil had thought a lot about what it would be like to be in a video game, but it had never occurred to him that the characters in a video game could see him and Dan whilst they were playing it. When Phil looked up, he found out that Dan was not lying when he said there would be mice versions of them. Mice Dan and Phil (complete with the emo fringes they were trying to erase from their branding), were squeaking with laughter while pressing buttons on a computer. 

A few seconds later he crashed into Dan over on the other side of the green. “So what happens next?”

“We enter the hole. Typical Friday night amirite brother?”

“That joke was awful.”

“I’m stressed! Okay?”

Phil was (hard) launched to near the end of the course. Dan joined him not long after.

“We will be human again soon, right?” Phil asked. He was rather dizzy. 

“Yep…” Dan replied.

“Why was there hesitancy there?”

“I will be human. I’m not sure if that necessarily makes the situation better.”

“Explain yourself, and do it quickly.”

Dan sighed. “It appears that my different pieces of creative writing have merged together. The mice and the golf are both in different documents. If I’m not wrong, the next document in the folder is a re-write of The Urge.”

“No.” Phil complained. “I don’t really want to have to act that out.”

“Who knows? Clearly there can be multiple versions of us going on at the same time-”

Phil didn’t hear the rest of what Dan said as he tumbled towards the hole. He looked up at mice Dan and Phil one last time. Unfortunately, the mouse eyes he looked into belonged to Ben. A burst of terror flowed through him, as he fell across the rim and hoped he wouldn’t become a vampire. 

[zombiehuntersidehustle]

Dip & Pip (& Bip) Part Two

If you missed part one, just go to my blog. I would say it makes more sense with that context, but I might be lying. (also, why not follow me while you're at it?)

Phil could still see as if all was normal - let’s be honest, his sight wasn’t any good in the first place - but there was something strange about how low to the ground everything had become. And, speaking of the ground, since when did their carpet look like it belonged at an arcade? 

“Dan?”

“Yes!” He seemed incredibly distressed. Phil turned around to find a golf ball next to him.

“Dan?”

“Yes!”

“Dan?”

“YES!”

The purple and blue golf ball next to him rolled menacingly in his direction. 

“We’re golf balls, Phil.”

“Oh, that makes sense.” Phil was relieved that his new experience of the world had been explained.

Golf ball Dan rolled into Phil. “What the fuck do you mean, ‘that makes sense’?”

“Keep your ball away from me.”

“I am the ball.”

“Are we inside Golf With Friends?”

Dan didn’t get the chance to reply, and Phil watched as he flew through the air, bouncing against a row of sunflowers. Phil guessed that would happen to him next, and sure enough he slammed against what looked like a dog kennel. Rattled from the momentum, he resolved to never play Golf With Friends again if this is what the balls felt like. He decided it would be best to investigate the situation, instead of just waiting here for Dan to blurringly soar across his peripheral vision. Phil had thought a lot about what it would be like to be in a video game, but it had never occurred to him that the characters in a video game could see him and Dan whilst they were playing it. When Phil looked up, he found out that Dan was not lying when he said there would be mice versions of them. Mice Dan and Phil (complete with the emo fringes they were trying to erase from their branding), were squeaking with laughter while pressing buttons on a computer. 

A few seconds later he crashed into Dan over on the other side of the green. “So what happens next?”

“We enter the hole. Typical Friday night amirite brother?”

“That joke was awful.”

“I’m stressed! Okay?”

Phil was (hard) launched to near the end of the course. Dan joined him not long after.

“We will be human again soon, right?” Phil asked. He was rather dizzy. 

“Yep…” Dan replied.

“Why was there hesitancy there?”

“I will be human. I’m not sure if that necessarily makes the situation better.”

“Explain yourself, and do it quickly.”

Dan sighed. “It appears that my different pieces of creative writing have merged together. The mice and the golf are both in different documents. If I’m not wrong, the next document in the folder is a re-write of The Urge.”

“No.” Phil complained. “I don’t really want to have to act that out.”

“Who knows? Clearly there can be multiple versions of us going on at the same time-”

Phil didn’t hear the rest of what Dan said as he tumbled towards the hole. He looked up at mice Dan and Phil one last time. Unfortunately, the mouse eyes he looked into belonged to Ben. A burst of terror flowed through him, as he fell across the rim and hoped he wouldn’t become a vampire. 

[zombiehuntersidehustle]

Red, Blue, Me & You

This fic was started on Wattpad. I'm transferring it over to here. Give me a cheeky little follow to make sure you don't miss an update.

CHAPTER ONE - NATURAL HISTORY

I scramble off the bus, dragging my friend, Olivia, along with me. The other third of our trio, Hannah, calls after us, "Geo! Liv! Wait up!" I ignore her, obviously, and continue to run as she hurries to catch up with me before jumping on my back.  "Georgia Read! Hannah Kallen! Walking please!" Our teacher, Mr Evans, yells before addressing the entire group. "Year 11! Could you please gather to my right. This is a public space. Please do not block the entrance to the museum."

School trips are always chaos, and this one is even more so because it's not just our school, but also our "sibling" school too. Most people would agree that our two schools are rivals, even our parents, but the principals are determined that we "work together to produce excellence in all areas". This basically means that we have inter-school sport days, and the occasional academic competition. Aside from that, the only reason us students interact is for the ongoing prank war we have. Unfortunately, there'll be none of that today, after someone was stupid enough to get caught passing a note in class. 

"Is she going to be here?" Olivia asks me as we wait for further instructions. "Who?" I reply, even though I know exactly who she's talking about. "Williamson." "I guess so." I shrug my shoulders. I don't keep track of her. It's not like I know her that well, but everyone knows about our "rivalry". She plays for Arsenal. I play for Chelsea - not professionally yet, obviously. Although I've properly talked to her only a couple of times, the entire student population of our schools think we hate each other. It's partly our fault if I'm being honest. Ever since we realised what people think about us, we've put on a show for them whenever we can. I don't think today will be any different. "You guess so?" "She's here," Hannah cuts in while very obviously pointing over towards her. Leah looks across at us, and gives me a glare which I return immediately. I never know if she's being serious or not.

Once everyone is off their buses, and the teachers have quieted everyone down, we're told the plan for the day. "Alright. We have a bit of a scavenger hunt organised," there's a collective groan, but Mr Evan's carries on, "at least pretend you're having fun. Now, everyone needs a buddy from the school you don't go to. Once you've found one, come to a teacher for a bit of paper. Hopefully, you all have a pen or pencil already. Oh, and one more thing: It is a competition. Any questions?" "What do we win?" A guy in my class calls out. "Bragging rights." Everyone's faces fall as Mr Evan begins to grin, "off you go! Have fun!"

Although there's no prize, I'm competitive and need to prove I'm good at everything, so I make a beeline for the person who I know will help me do this. It looks like she's had the same idea. "Williamson," I acknowledge her. "Read," she mimics. "Ready to win?" "Ready for the potential social repercussions?" she asks, and I take a moment to consider this. "Maybe it's time to pause the rivalry?"I suggest. "Did it ever really begin in the first place?" she questions. I laugh, "let's not forget who you play for." She jokingly pushes me for the few people who have been watching us talk's benefit, so I lightly push her back. Then she grabs my arm and runs towards a teacher. If we're going to work together, then we need to win this, so we need to start as soon as possible. 

Leah gets the paper while I find a pencil in my rucksack. Once we're ready, we enter the museum. "You have 3 tasks to complete today. 1st you must find 4 blue objects and learn what they are called, then you need to learn about the life cycle of 3 different species, before finally searching for the most creative fun fact about meteors. " Leah reads aloud. "What is the point of all of this?" I ask. "Honestly, I'm not sure. I don't think any of this will be relevant to any of our exams, but you never know. Something could come up, and then we'll be able to write about it," she thinks for a moment, "blue objects is rather random. Should be red objects." I ignore her comment. "You're thinking about exams already?" "They're only 5 weeks away." "Yeah. 5 weeks is ages." "No it's not. Especially when you're balancing both football and school. You of all people should understand," she says this seriously, and it stops me in my tracks.  "Yeah, but I don't care if I pass my exams or not. I want to play football for my entire life." "Doesn't seem like a very stable career plan though. Always good to have a back up option." "I'm not smart enough for that." She looks at me in shock, "don't ever say that about yourself again."

I'm silent as we continue to walk down the corridor. She has a point about having a back up option. Being a footballer isn't a very stable career path for a girl to aspire to walk down, but there's no way I'm going to do anything with my life other than play football. So either I become a footballer, or I end up working at a supermarket for the rest of my life. Leah spots something, and grabs my arm, dragging me out of my thoughts and down the hallway. 

"Minerals!" she says dramatically, and I laugh at how unexpected this is, "what? Look, there's a blue one, and now we only need 3 blue objects. Tanzanite. Write that down." She chucks the piece of paper in my direction, and I write down the name of the mineral. I look at the case of minerals on display and spot one she'll like. "Rhodochrosite. Look, there's your red, Leah." "Georgia Read! Are you being nice to me?" she exclaims. I roll my eyes, "shut up. Come on. We need to keep moving."

We walk towards a crowded display room, where we find another blue object, and learn about the life cycle of a flamingo, before making our way to a less crowded part of the museum in search for the volcano and earthquake displays. Leah has the map, and I'm sort of frustrated at her insistence that she knows where she's going, when she obviously does not. 

"Leah! Just give me the map!" I shout as I try to grab it off her. "No!" She lifts it up as high as she can, out of my reach.  "You're impossible!" I jump up and grasp the bottom of it. Unfortunately, the map tears apart. "Now look what you've done!" She says, and she storms off.

I chase after her, this competition ever present in my mind. We don't have time for an argument at the moment if we want to win. I know it's probably a bad thing that the only reason I'm going after her is so that we can win some silly competition, and I suppose I do care slightly about her feelings, but only because I'm a human being. Nobody likes it when someone's angry at them. 

As I run after Leah, I lose track of where we are. Suddenly there's a loud bang, and I turn around the find that the door I just walked through has closed. I turn back round to where Leah is standing and see the look of concern in her eyes. I walk over to the door, and try to open it. It won't budge. 

"Let me try," Leah pushes me to the side. Her efforts also fail. She sits down, resting her back against the door, and I sit down opposite her. "Great," she complains, "now we have no clue where we are, and we're going to lose this competition." "We're also stuck," I point out. "I know that already," she rolls her eyes. 

I look around the dimly lit room, and see scaffolding, crates, and a half finished exhibition. We are definitely not supposed to be here. 

"Alright how are we going to get out?" I ask. "If I knew that we wouldn't be stuck here." "They'll notice that we're missing eventually." She looks down at her watch. "It's only just gone ten. Looks like we'll be stuck for a few more hours." "Brilliant, just brilliant," I control myself from saying anything worse, such as it's her fault that we're stuck here. Apparently she can't do the same. "If you'd never tried to take the map we wouldn't be in this situation." "It's not my fault. You're the one who stormed off." "You're the one who didn't trust me to know how to read a map." "Because you don't know how!" 

She places her half of the map on the floor. I look at it not knowing what to do next. "Well, are you going to take it or not?" she looks at me as if I'm stupid. I pull it over towards me and put my half next to it. I find where we were, and then figure out where we could possibly be. I'm fairly certain that if we keep walking into the darkness, we'll end up in a corridor that will take us back to the main part of the museum. I'm about to tell her this, but then she speaks.

"I'm sorry for getting angry at you, even though I was the one who got us lost." "It's alright," I reply, "I'm sorry for judging your map reading skills." "They are pretty bad," she admits. She's quiet for a moment, so I decide to speak. "I know we have out 'rivalry' going on, but I think you're a cool person Leah, and if we weren't on opposite teams I'd want to be friends with you." She looks across at me as is she can't believe what she's hearing, "I think you're a cool person too, Georgia. You know while we're stuck here, we may as well get to know each other better." "Okay. How about this? We each get to ask each other 10 questions, and the questions can't be Chelsea or Arsenal related, or else we'll probably end up fighting," I suggest. "And we have to answer truthfully," she adds. "Deal," I reply, putting the map to the side, and choosing to forget that I know we're not actually stuck. 

It takes everything within me not to be disappointed that we're not going to win this competition, but I think getting to know Leah may be a better decision in the long run. We may play on different teams, but we both have the common goal of wanting to play football professionally. Maybe we'll be better as friends than rivals.

[zombiehuntersidehustle]

Dip & Pip (& Bip) Part 1

A story in which Dan and Phil become mice (and then may end up in a polycule with Ben)

“I’m going to make some coffee. Do you want a-” 

An oddly familiar noise interrupted Phil as he turned around to find Dan, and his chair, were both horizontal. Dan’s laptop has fallen across the room - almost like he had thrown it - and Phil reached down to pick it up. In perhaps the fastest movement Phil had ever seen from Dan, he scrambled over to get to the laptop before Phil could reach it.

“What are you up to?”

“Work.” He said, while still lying on the ground, and giving the most pathetic attempt at innocence. Dan opened the computer and began to frantically type.

“Fuck!”

Phil had almost turned back around, having decided it wasn’t worth it at this early hour of the morning, but now he couldn’t ignore it.

“What have you done?”

It was in that moment that Phil caught a glimpse of something out of the corner of his eyes. “Was that a whisker?”

“Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit.” Dan’s form deflated further as if he was trying to sink into the carpet itself. Phil went to look out the window. Sure enough there was a giant mouse walking around on the street outside. It looked suspiciously like Ben, but that wasn’t the most startling aspect of the situation. It was definitely the king kong adjacent mouse, who appeared to be looking directly at Phil. He didn’t know if he should move or not, so he just stood there contemplating calling the army. If there was ever a time to do that, it would be now. 

“It’s my fault.”

Phil had forgotten Dan was in the room.

“What do you mean the giant mouse is your fault…?”

“There’ll be three giant mice in a minute.”

“What do you mean there’ll be three giant mice in a minute…?”

Dan mumbled something into the carpet.

“Daniel James Howell.”

“So I was writing fanfiction, because you know… creative writing… I’ve been missing shit posting on Tumblr… just like for a bit of-”

“Hurry the fuck up! This mouse is staring into my soul and I don’t like it.”

Dan slowly sat up. “I think my fanfiction has come to life.”

“What in the tatinof?!”

Phil took a moment to assess the situation. The giant mouse was definitely pointing in the direction that something wasn’t right, but surely it wasn’t Dan’s fanfiction come to life. And if it was, Phil was kind of scared to find out what the plot was.

“Okay, say that you’re correct and we are in your ‘creative writing’, what happens next?”

Dan finally stood up to join Phil by the window. “We also appear as mice.”

“Mouse threesome.” Phil replied, in an attempt to keep the atmosphere lighthearted. Dan just frowned. Oh dear. Phil chose not to analyse that and moved on. 

“So how do we get out of here? No hang on. Scratch that. How did we get here?”

“I don’t know.” Dan said far too quickly.

“You don’t know? Yet you were so certain that we were in your fictional world.”

Dan’s stress levels were clearly almost at their breaking point. “Well, I didn’t know it was going to work.”

And at that moment, Ben turned around, his tail smashing against the side of their house. The two began to fall, and Phil really wished he had gone through with making that coffee. 

To Be Continued

[allthingswhumpyandangsty]

small thing I'd like to add here is that there is no bad fic as long as it's done with love <3