Chapter Text
He sat starting outside the window, the classroom empty. His mind remained quiet, the school was quiet excluding a handful of people on their way to extracurriculars.
“Dawson, you in here?” His attention turned to Alex, who was peering into the classroom.
“Come on the coach is looking for you.” Alex quickly ran over to where he sat. He tugged at Dawson’s arm until he reluctantly stood.
“Damn, stop being so desperate.” Dawson grumbled while being dragged into the hall. The sun casted shadows over the lockers which made the view seem uncanny.
The pair walked until they reached the football field, the coach yelled at anyone out of line.
“Dawson, get your sorry ass ready, you too Alex.” Alex trailed behind him into the locker room, putting on his uniform without a word.
The rest of the team was already on the field, a handful of friends of the players sat on the bleachers. Unfortunately, one of them included his girlfriend, Audrey. She was already looking at him, jumping out of her seat after noticing his attention was on her.
Dawson averted his gaze to the grassy field below him. He tried his best to pay attention to the coach’s instructions, his voice slowly becoming uninterpretable.
He already knew how to play, and how to win which only made practice more monotonous. Minutes passed before they finally split into different teams for a practice game.
His new position had a perfect view of the woods across the school, on the bench sat a silhouette. Dawson squinted his eyes to get a better idea of who it was. A guy around his age, with a large gash on his leg. He looked somewhat panicked, often looking back and forth.
“Doyle, get into focus.” The coach yelled from across the field, Dawson raised his hand apologetically.
By the time the game ended, he scored three goals. Feeling accomplished, he looked back at the bench to see if the other guy was watching him.
There was no trace of him left, which oddly disappointed him.
“Dawson you going to the party tonight?” Declan, another teammate and Alex approached him.
“Can’t man, maybe next time.” Dawson didn’t remove his eyes from the bench.
“You’ve got to get a life Dawson.” Declan chuckled while walking back to the group.
“Yeah..ok.” Dawson accepted he was gone and walked to the exit of the field.
“Hey Daws-“ Audrey followed him from behind, struggling to keep up.
“Yeah-Uhuh.” He waved his hand away and continued walking. Dawson doesn’t remember a time where he felt a single shred of love for her. Anytime they did anything let alone talk was initiated by her.
Dawson hoped that she’d lose interest, but it’s been three years since they started dating. His only choice was to treat her coldly until she really did.
She gave up on pursuing him once he reached the other side of the road. He sighed in relief, holding his bag and helmet tightly. He pulled out his skateboard from his bag and began to ride it.
He passed the metal fence, finally reaching the woods which remained within his neighborhood. Dawson pushed through bushes and grass, finally seeing the quiet meadow.
Everyone else he knew paid no attention to the field, finding that getting drunk was more entertaining. The earthy floor was replaced by long flowy grass. Bird chirps mixed with the calm sound of wind brushing through tree branches.
He closed his eyes to take in the peaceful environment. Dropping everything in his hands. Dawson got comfortable, lying on the grass and staring at the sky.
Dawson opened his eyes, the sky was now dark, he had fallen asleep once again. He rushed through the bushes back onto the road. Dawson skated until he reached his home.
He anticipated his mom’s reaction, hoping there wouldn’t be consequences. Dawson cautiously slipped inside, the darkness being filled by a single light.
“Dawson, it’s three in the morning where have you been.” His mother blocked the stairs, pointing to the clock.
“Mom, i’m sorry I lost track of time.” He shrugged his shoulders and pushed his way past her.
“Not telling me again? Fine you’re grounded.” She attempted to remain quiet, failing to do so. Dawson clenched his jaw in disappointment, making his way to his room.
He gloomily dragged his feet across the floor, lazily shutting his door.