The Devenford and Sendon Cancy players shake hands and some leave the field. I try to do the same. If I hurry, I may still be in time to catch the bus.

I go down the bleachers quickly, but as soon as I step onto the grass I feel a slight bump.

—Oh, sorry, I didn't see you —the boy who just bumped into me quickly apologizes.

—Easy, nothing's wrong —I say smiling.

—Hey, you're Mia, right?

—Yes —I answer, really surprised— How do you know me?

I've never seen this guy before, until today at the game. I don't understand how you can know my name..

—Oh, I'm Josh a friend of Brett's. He has told me about you.

—Has Brett told you about me? —I say between incredulous and surprised.

—Yes. In fact, he does it all the time —he says, laughing.

Well, now I'm really surprised.

—Josh, I thought you were going to the locker room —Brett says, coming up to us, smirking at his friend.

—Yes, but on the way I bumped into this nice girl.

—Yeah, sure —Brett says, glaring at him. Not one of his words was believed, of course.

I take a look to the clock. The bus is supposed to have left a couple of minutes ago, but it is always late, if I run a bit I might have time to catch up.

—Well, it's been nice meeting you, Josh, but I have to go now. —I speak quickly as I prepare to leave— Bye.

I walk as lightly as I can, without running, towards the bus stop although it is useless because when I arrive I can see the bus at the end of the street. It just left. Brilliant.

I hate schedules. On Fridays the bus leaves too late and on Saturdays too early, it sucks.

I sit on the sidewalk and sigh, I'm going to have to wait for 9:30 to pass and, to top it all, the sky is clouding over.

—You're a gossip, you know that, right? —I scold Josh as we head to the locker room.

—Oh come on, what have I done now?

—Come on, Josh. You have not collided with Mia

—It offends me that you doubt me —he says, over acting— Okay, okay —he continues, laughing now— I bumped into her willingly. But, as your best friend —he excuses himself sarcastically— it was my duty to meet and approve the girl you like.

—I don't like Mia —I correct him as I step into the shower.

—Of course, what are you going to say?

I ignore Josh and finish showering and then quickly get dressed. I put the lacross uniform in the bag and leave, not before saying goodbye to Josh.

It starts to sparkle, so I walk through the parking lots quickly until I find my car and get into it just in time, because the raindrops are multiplying by the second.

I start the car and leave the parking lot to head home, but as I pass the bus stop I see her. I turn around as soon as I can and park at the bus stop with my window down.

—Get in —I say through the window. Mia seems to be thinking about it, although of the few options she has, this is the best and she knows it— Come on, the thing about taking you home still stands.

Mia smiles and runs to get into the car.

—Thanks.

—You have nothing to be thankful for —I say, starting the car again— Plus, you just gave me an idea. —I smile broadly without taking my eyes off the road— Do you have something to do now?

—No.

—Awesome. Then let's go get some dinner. And —I add before she reply— this time you can't refuse because you've lost the bet again.

—Okay —she says regretfully— but remind me never to bet anything against you again.

—Okay— I say laughing.