Public health

“Ah public health I don't think anyone actually looks forward to this class” you think to yourself as you head off.

On your way you spot Andrew, he's just sitting staring off into space. While he can get mopey you don't normally know him to ruminate on things. You approach him wondering what could have happened when you suddenly remember.

“Oh shit that's right his date with Chelsea was last night. Oh no I hope she didn't reject him too harshly.” You put on your 'its time to be a good friend' face and head on over.

“Hey Andrew, you're lookin sad, whats up?” You try to avoid asking the direct question just in case it's all bad.

“Oh hey Issy you ever feel like you built something up in your head and when the moment finally came it just didn't happen?” The poor guy just looks defeated.

“Oh did last night not go very well? I was a bit worried when I didn't get a text this morning.” You lie, but you weren't gonna tell him you completely forgot about him. That'd make you a bad friend.

He sighs as he recounts.“Like it wasn't bad, she's nice and dinner was good, she laughed at my shitty jokes but there was just no spark, like it just wasn't on at all. I dunno maybe it was just me, maybe I have no game?”

“Oh, I'm sorry Andrew that sucks. Your shitty jokes are excellent surely it wasn't them...” You continue your consoling effort and feel a little bad since you knew it probably wouldn't go well since Chelsea is going to be your next conquest. The way she was looking at you Friday you know all she needs is a slight nudge.

“Am I just doomed to be alone forever?” And now he was getting overly dramatic.

You weren't going to be supportive while he threw himself a pity party.“Oh come on she's literally one girl and you didn't even get rejected, you are acting like life is over. Look on the bright side you didn't make a dick of yourself and you went on a date with the head cheerleader. Now pick yourself up we have health.”

You don't even wait for him to get up, you just walk off knowing that he will follow. You head into the lecture theater and grab a seat. Its a long lecture and but fortunately its mostly about the assignment you've been doing. Thinking about it you are actually really impressed with yourself so far this year, at school you were pretty well known for leaving things to the last minute but ever since starting uni you were on top of things.

“Why are you smiling this is a 50% assignment? How is that a good thing?”

Seeing the panic on your best friend's face while they were talking about the assignment was a little satisfying especially because in the past things have been the other way around. “Cause I'm almost finished, I've actually been starting things early and I had no idea how smug it makes you feel when you see other people panic.”

“Ugh you're a bitch. Also how's your girl going?”

“Yup a real bitch and yeah honestly ask me tomorrow cause its gonna be a tense day. We are playing off just after this for the number 2 spot and it's not gonna be a good time for the loser.”

“Ugh, well good luck with that. Also if you have some time can you help me with this assignment?”

“You already owe me for getting you a date, are you sure you want to owe me this much?”

He rolls his eyes, Andrew always paid up with debts but this was piling up and he looked like he wasn't keen to pay what he'd have to owe. “Yes yes, something big, I know but I need the help, I'm just so unmotivated.”

“Just as long as you know.”

You spend the rest of the lecture pointing out good articles for him to get started on and helping him shape the ideas for his essay. It's good cause it keeps your mind off the upcoming game.

But eventually time runs out.

You'd played in finals and other big games in the past but this was different. In terms of tangible results there was very little on the line. Your scholarship only stated you had to play tennis for the university not that you had to be in a certain spot on the team, so you were fine there. The season hadn't even officially started so even if you lost you had plenty of time to recover the spot so it's not like that's an issue. But you still were a little nervous because you had been playing shit lately and it was important to show Scarlett that you were the top dog.

You arrive at the courts and of course she's already there warming up.

“Of course you are already here, you tryhard.” You yell as you walk into the club house, She just blows you a kiss in response.

You walk back out a couple of minutes later, you spend a couple of minutes stretching and warming up before walking over to Scarlett. “So what's the go for today, just a set?”

“Yeah just one set, its a bit ridiculous since all the matches we play against other teams are best of 3, but oh well its what Bec wants.”

You could stop, you could keep everything friendly but that's just not your style.

“I mean its good for you since I can't imagine you're able to carry the girls around for all 3 sets.” You reach forward with both hands and give her a quick grope.

“Oh this is how its gonna be is it? Bitch don't you worry about me, all that weight you've put on in your ass is going to slow you down just as much if not more.” She walks by and smacks your ass hard on her way out onto the court.

“Ouch fuck, Oh slut its so fucking on.” You say under your breath as you walk out resisting the temptation to rub your stinging backside.