Totem by E.M. Lathrop Read Free Book Online

looking at me. He seems to be laughing at a private joke. I shrug off the notion that Ty can hear me. There is no way. The game continues as me and the rest of the team tolerates Evan. As soon as the game is done, I walk off the court to get a drink of water. Michelle comes hopping over to me.
                  “We play you next.” She states with a smile. “I was kind of hoping to play against the new guy, but oh well.”
                  “Yeah,” I respond. I can feel my body heat up as my face flushes. I shrug it off and smile at Michelle. She looks at me inquisitively. She analyzes my face for several seconds before speaking.
                  “Miss Kimber,” Michelle states with a fake southern accent. “I do declare your blushing. Do you have a crush?”
                  “Shh!”
                  I quickly hush Michelle before she says anything else. Truth be told, she didn’t have to say anything else to know her words were true. The sly smile across her face said it all. Coach Lopez blew the whistle saving me from any further scrutiny. I dodge Michelle’s accusatory grin and return to the court first. Ty is not across from me anymore. Now I can really concentrate on playing.
                  “Let’s go!” Yells Evan
                  Now I just have THAT to worry about. I let out a small grunt of disgust as I get into position to play.
                  The game went by quickly. Much to my relief, we won. I did not want to see what Evan would have done if we lost. His accusatory tone each time we missed a ball would probably pale in comparison. I grab my stuff and begin the slow walk out of the gym. We were the last to leave as usual. I did not mind. We always mill around and talk for a while before going outside. Today, I was extra thankful for not going out early. I did not think my body had the strength to handle seeing any more of Ty. Thankfully, he had already left and I could relax.
                  “So Mr. Lopez is kind of hot.”
                  “Michelle” I scold.
                  “What?” replies Michelle defensively
                  “He is our teacher,” I reply.
                  “Yes, but he is not that old. I mean, he is probably twenty-five…twenty-eight tops. There are guys in our class older than him,” retorts Michelle. “Besides, he is short for a guy which is perfect for me.”
                  “True, but he is our teacher,” I laugh as we push open the door. I hold it open for Michelle allowing her to exit first. As I walk through the door, my heart begins to race again. There, carelessly leaning against the wall talking casually with our teacher is Ty. Their attention turns toward us, the only other people in the hallway. Ty stops leaning against the wall and adjusts his posture as we walk closer. I bite my lip. The only option we have now is to go forward towards the front exit.
                  “Hey coach Lopez,” greets Michelle.
                  She has on her award-winning smile as we approach the two men. Out of the corner of my eye, I watch Michelle’s reaction to Ty wondering if he has this effect on all women. She has the same smile as always. Her attitude is carefree, but it is the same confidence she exudes for all guys she finds attractive. Why did I react this way to Ty? It is something I cannot explain. I concentrate on my breathing hoping to still my heart before we get closer.
                  “Hi Michelle,” replies Coach Lopez ignoring Michelle’s flirtatious attitude. He turns his attention back to Ty. “Ty, this is Michelle and Kimber. I am sure you haven’t gotten any names of the students yet.”
                  “Nice to meet you,” replies Ty. He flashes a crooked smile that melts my heart.
                  “So how did