Page 45 of Kicks

They had found themselves in an interesting middle ground. One that must be navigated very carefully.

“Yeah, of course,” he replied.

“I’m the one who should be nervous,” Crystal said. “Newhaven girls go right for our legs.”

“Have you got double shin pads?”

Crystal nodded.

She was growing into a beautiful young woman. He kissed her on the forehead.

“What’s that for?”

“No reason.”

“I know why you’re shitting yourself.”

He reared up. “I am not shitting myself.”

“It’s that Eddie, isn’t it?”

“Who told you? As if I need to ask. I think I preferred it when he was a figure in the distance.”

Crystal laughed. “Harry can’t keep anything to himself. He told me you’ve been testing vibrators.”

Fucking hell, Harry.

“He’ll keep until later.”

Crystal groaned. “Do we have to go round there?”

“Yes we do. I’ll take you for a pizza first. Only if you score one goal.”

“You’ll do it anyway. Why don’t you bring your boyfriend?”

Thankfully, their stop was next.

“You can focus on your game, thank you.”

They got up and held on to the poles.

“You shouldn’t treat me like a kid, you know,” Crystal said. “I’m nearly sixteen.”

Billy was rapidly realising that.

“I know. I’m sorry. Fuck, I need to stop turning into Mum.”

“Too late for that,” Crystal said.

The bus shuddered to a halt.

Crystal linked his arm as they walked towards the park. It amazed him that she still did that. He hoped it would never end.

“I think you should invite him for food,” Crystal said. “And if I score two goals, then you have to.”

“Fine. Two goals.”

They were near the football pitches now. Other girls in the same strip as Crystal congregated at one of the goals.