Adulation

“You know, I don’t believe in the calm before the storm. I’d much rather like to say it’s the storm before the calm, especially in my life,” Kellen stated as we sat in the park.

After Kellen had taken me to lunch this past Wednesday, he asked me to keep my schedule open on Saturday. He didn’t say what for, but here I am with Kellen on this fine Saturday with a surprise picnic. I was very skeptical about the whole situation with Kellen because what he did was something that would be impossible to forget, but now he seemed like an utterly different person.

“Oh, really,” I replied.

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure we can both agree that a few years ago I was not at all at the highest point in life. I was at my lowest of lows and I feel terrible that you had to be there at the time in my life. Now I feel like I’m making a comeback.”

How was I supposed to reply to that? I mean I seriously wanted to believe that what he was saying was true and that he really was making a comeback, but I was still very hesitant. The only thing I could think to do was nod and that’s exactly what I did.

“So how’s your week been babe?”

“Um, it’s been nice. I’ve been able to spend some time with some new friends of mine,” I casually said, reflecting back to yesterday.

***

"Jay, Skyler, glad to see you guys could make it!”

“We wouldn’t want to miss this! Thanks for inviting us, Niall!” I said giving Niall a hug with Harry and Louis to follow.

“So Skyler and Jay, I don’t think you to have met the other boys,” Harry said ushering us over to where two boys stood and one girl.

The girl was very pretty. She seemed to be about my height. She wore a pair of light denim shorts paired with a floral crop top and gray little sweater. Her stunning blond hair was in high bun like mine. It wasn’t hard to guess that she was in a relationship with one of the two boys. She was laughing at the guy with the dark brown hair and those pretty, dark coloured eyes. The two looked like they were joined at the hip. He would reach down and give her a sweet gentle kiss. The other guy, who kind of purposely tried to stay ahead of the two, had lighter brown hair and more caramel coloured eyes. He had a Raiders snapback on.

Once we reached the others, Louis began to speak. “Jay, Skyler this is Zayn and his girl Perrie. Then this is Liam. Zayn, Perrie, Liam, this is Jay and Skyler.”

We all shook hands.

“So I heard you tackled Louis to the ground. He must have made you pretty mad,” Zayn said making me laugh.

“Sounds about right. He just pissed me off so much, I just couldn’t control myself,” I joked making Zayn laugh this time.

“Oh, whatever! That’s such a lie!” Louis defensively stated.

We all talked with each other for a bit as we sat in the grass. We were at the park at the perfect time. The park was altogether empty, except for us. There was a light breeze going around in the still warm air. In all, the air had a little hint to it. The hint was actually more of a reminder of the possibility of rain.

“Okay, I say it’s time we get a game of footie going!” Niall stated.

“Agreed, let’s choose team,” Harry said giving his input.

I got up from where I sat next Louis and Liam. “I’ll be okay as long as I don’t have to be on a team that supports the Raiders.”

“Oh, is that how it’s going to be, Jay?” Liam questioned.

“Sadly I’m going to have to say yes.”

Skyler walked over to us. “Liam, I’m going to have to support Jay on this one…. even though her team sucks.”

“Hey, shut up! Don’t be hating!”

“Oh, I’m gonna hate!”

“Hold on! I have to ask you two a very serious question,” Harry chimed in. “Where do you guys stand with the Packers?”

“For me, they’re one of my top favorites, but not at the very top,” I answered.

Harry nodded. “What about you, Skyler?”

She made a face as if she had just witnessed someone else vomit and was trying to not vomit herself. “Eh, I’m not a fan, but they’re kind of alright.”

“I can deal with that,” Harry replied with a smile.

“How about this: Liam, Zayn, Perrie, and I will be team while you and Skyler are on a team with Harry and Niall?” Louis suggested.

“I think that will work,” I answered.

We split into our teams and the game started.

***

“Jay… are you listening?”

“Wait, what? Sorry, I’m a bit out of it today.”

“It’s fine, I was just saying that you look very beautiful today,” Kellen stated moving a hair from my face.

“Thank you, Kellen,” I said turning to him,

“Jay, I want to ask you something. I wanted to ask you if I could maybe kiss you. I understand if you don’t want that.”

I froze. I needed to ask myself if this was really okay with me. Kisses are simple right? It wouldn’t be too much. I’m pretty sure kisses didn’t have to mean anything.

“I guess, an innocent little kiss wouldn’t hurt,” I replied trying to convince myself more than convince him.

“Good,” he said as he leaned in.

The kiss was simple. It wasn’t really emotional. He was very gentle and he held my face while doing so. It was much better than how he used to kiss me. I found it extremely amazing that I couldn’t find any trace of anything, no trace of alcohol. It was nice. He pulled back and smiled. I gave a small grin in reply.

***

“Hurry, Niall!”

“Pass the ball to me, Niall! I’m open!” I yelled.

Niall kicked the ball in my direction. I moved the ball back and turned my body to dribble in the other direction. I’ve always been known as being fast, but that didn’t mean I was necessarily skillful. I tripped on my own feet and fell. Luckily, I was far enough from everyone else that I was able to roll back on to my feet and keep going, but everyone was closer now.

“Right behind you, Ms. Clumsy!” I heard Louis say.

I turned my head and sure enough Louis was on my tail. “Zip it!”

I couldn’t let Louis steal this ball from me. I am too competitive. When I played as a little girl, I played for blood. I was an extremely rough player. I know we’re just playing a game for fun, but my competitive nature kicks in when I’m doing things like this.I couldn’t help it. The goal was only a few feet in front of me. My pace was instantly quickened when I kicked it into high gear.

A few more feet, Jay! Keep going! You have a clear shot at the goal!

Five seconds later, The goal was finally right in front of me. Turning around I smirked at Louis and stuck my tongue out before I kicked the ball into the goal. I was so happy because this meant my team was in the lead and all we need is one more goal to win!

“Whoo! Jay, way to go!” Niall shouted.

“Thanks Niall!” I shouted

“Louis what was that? You let a girl take that one from you!” I heard Zayn tease.

“She’s fast!” Louis said and turned his attention to me. “I’m just letting you know, Jay, I’m not going to let that happen again. Don’t start thinking you guys won yet. It’s our ball now so be ready love! ”

“I’ve been ready, Tomlinson!”

Zayn started off with the ball and passed it to Liam. Liam’s hat started falling as it did the whole game. By the looks of it, I think Liam got annoyed with it because as he dribbled the ball, he took his Raiders hat and tossed it somewhere on the grass. Liam got stuck and couldn’t continue down the field. He ended up passing it my direction where Louis came into view and continued to the goal for Liam. I got right in front of Louis stopping him in his tracks and I tried to steal the ball, but Louis used his feet to maneuver the ball away from me.

“I told you I’m not letting you have the ball this time,” Louis claimed.

“I don’t think I agreed to that,” I replied.

“Pass the ball to me, Louis!” Perrie yelled.

Louis went to kick the ball with his left foot and I went to block his pass, but he faked it and passed with his right. Louis lost his balance doing so and he tackled me to the ground. We both just laid there laughing while the others continued with the game.

“Who’s clumsy now?” I said smirking.

He rolled his eyes. “I’m sorry about that.”

“It’s fine. Why do you always end up on top?”

He smirked. “That’s just how I like things.”

I laughed and face palmed. “Oh shush, you know that’s not what I meant!”

*****
@adulation.official
go follow it's the official INSTAGRAM for ADULATION it will have all the latest info as to when I will be updating and stuff like that
Chapter 7 will be up soon!
Should I add chapter names?

Notes