Chapter Thirty Five-2

They both murmur a reply and Isobel's smiles shyly at me. God, I love when she does that. "Isobel," I say quietly, before clearing my throat. "Hey. Hey Kiarra." Kiarra rolls her eyes at me at me. "So, exciting news," Jai announces and claps his hand onto my shoulder. "Meet the new team member of the Titans." "No!?" Isobel exclaims with a wide smile. "Yes," I grin. "Jai just asked me." "Wow, that's so great!" she gushes, before throwing her arms around my neck. A strong scent of vanilla washes over me as I hug her back, wishing I could pick her up and spin her around. "Let me break the news to Finn, before you say anything," Jai warns. "My lips are sealed," she says to him and makes a zipper-closing motion across her mouth. "Practice is tonight, right?" "It is," I nod. "I'll come watch?" she asks. "I'll probably get my ass handed to me, but sure, you can come watch," I laugh. "I'll have your back," Jai offers with a smile. "I'll come watch as well," Kiarra pipes up. "Sounds like a plan," both Jai and I say at the same time, exchanging a weird look afterwards. The bell rings above us and we all begin to trudge inside. "I am proud of you," Isobel murmurs, slipping her hand into mine. "You'll be great." I smile down at her, squeezing her hand. Having her say those words, makes my decision worth it. *** It feels weird to step inside the locker room, once again, as a team member of the Titans. I can hear the loud chatter of the other boys as I enter. When I appear around the corner, it becomes significantly quieter as eyes swivel my way. "Welcome Miles," Jai grins and claps his hands dramatically. "Suit up, you know the drill. I'll meet everyone out on the field in five." I nod at him and drop my bag onto the bench. The chatter slowly begins to build back up, but not to the level it was. I sigh as I pull out the uniform Jai gave me at lunch. My shoulder is barged painfully and I snap my head up, to see Alec sending me a frosty glare, as he stomps out of the room. I ignore his immature behaviour and yank my shirt over my head. "Welcome to the team," I hear Benji say to me with a smile. "Or, welcome back, rather." "Good to be back," I reply as he lightly whips me with a towel on his way past. "Let's hope you aren't too rusty," I hear Bentley remark with a smirk. "We all know you're no Finn Collins." I give him the finger, not bothering to reply. He smirks at me once more, before disappearing through the doors. I dress quickly and gulp down the powerade I snagged from the vending machine, before letting out a sigh. I take my time walking outside, to where the team are standing, beginning their routine stretch. My eyes look for her instantly and when I see her perched on the front row of the grandstand, with Kiarra beside her, I grin and wave. She waves back, before giving me a thumbs up. "Cute," I hear Benji smirk and I shove his shoulder, before I start stretching. Jai begins to tell us some of the warm up exercises he has prepared for us and I wince, knowing that I'm not nearly at the fitness level I once was. Once he's finished, we all step into line and he raises the whistle to his lips. Let the practice begin. *** I try not to show the strain I feel as I hobble off into the locker, sweating dripping down my neck and dirt clinging to my skin. "Not bad," Jai says to me, but we both know that I struggled out there. "Not bad?" I hear Alec scoff. "He hasn't been training three times a week, unlike you," Jai points out flatly with a withering stare. Alec meets his eye and glares at him, before turning his back to us. "You got a problem, Alec?" I challenge him. "Yeah, I do," he says, whirling around to face me. "No one wants you here. Get the message and fuck off." Jai quickly steps in between us and it's not until he shoves me back, that I realise I'm advancing towards Alec, a look of death on my face. "Miles, don't encourage him," he says disapprovingly and pushes me back again. "And Alec, grow the fuck up. Just because you let Isobel fall through your fingers, doesn't mean being an asshole to Miles is going to make her come back to you. And besides, Finn left me in charge and I want Miles here. He's a great addition to the team and most people voted yes. So suck it up, or get out." I blink in surprise at Jai's speech, considering Alec is his best friend. "Anyone else want to have a go?" Jai presses, his eyes sweeping around the room, as Alec fails to reply. No one responds, not even Bentley. "Good, now get in the shower, you all smell like shit," he grins crookedly and someone flings their sweaty shirt towards him. He quickly deflects it and puts his finger up, but a carefree smile is on his face as he does. It's kind of amazing how much respect everyone has for him. As the showers begin to fill, I hang back and wander over to Jai, trying not to show him how lethargic I feel after that gruelling practice. "Thanks for that. It means a lot to me." He pushes his hand through his hair as he gives me a smile. "Any friend of the Collins', is a friend of mine. And as friends, we stand up for each other. Even if it is to other friends," he tells me firmly. "No one is going to get belittled under my watch." He holds his hand out and I shake it firmly. "Just don't let me down," he says quietly, meeting my eyes. "Otherwise there's nothing I can do to help you." "I won't," I reply instantly, my face serious. "I promise."