My stomach coils, unease sinking into my gut.
Jayden missed school and practice today, and none of the JV girls knew where he was.
Now his mother is coming at me like a freight train.
Landon moves several steps ahead of me. “Hi, Mrs. Morales. Is Jayden okay? We missed her at practice today.”
“My daughter isnotokay, and it’s all thanks to that woman right there.” Jayden’s mother jabs her pointer finger in my face as she reaches us. “Who do you think you are, giving my daughter advice without consulting me?”
Landon’s chin snaps back as his eyes bounce between the two of us. “I think there’s been a misunderstanding?—”
I hold up my hand. “It’s okay, Landon.”
Mrs. Morales’ blue eyes narrow on me. “How dare you speak to my daughter behind my back.”
“I can assure you, the only advice I gave Jayden was to talk to you about the things he was feeling.”
“He?” Landon asks.
The woman scoffs. “Lies.”
Anger spikes in my veins, but I shove it down. “Mrs. Morales, I did not sway Jayden in any direction. I don’t know what you heard, but?—”
“You should have come to me immediately,” she says, cutting me off. “I am her mother and I need to know what my daughter is going through.”
“With all due respect, he didn’t feel comfortable telling his family or friends.”
“Tell us what?” Hannah speaks up. “Where’s Jayden? Is she okay?”
Landon turns to face the teams. “Girls, why don’t you head to the parking lot and wait for your parents. I’ll meet you there.”
Natalie crosses her arms over her chest, standing by my side. “I think we should stay here.”
I squeeze her shoulder, my little spitfire. “Everything is okay. Lead everyone to the parking lot, please.”
The teams are slow to move, but once we are alone, I turn back to Mrs. Morales. “I understand you’re upset, and that this is shocking to hear?—”
“You don’t understand shit! You’re not a mother. You’re not even Jayden’s coach.”
I grit my teeth. “Stop interrupting me and let me finish.”
“Oh, you’re finished.” She lets out a sardonic laugh. “I’m going to have you removed from this coaching position, and thenI’m going to have you removed from this school. You shouldn’t be allowed around young impressionable children.”
“Whoa.” Landon holds up his hand. “Do not speak to her that way.”
Mrs. Morales dismisses him as she leans in my face. “You’re done here.”
A mixture of anger and fear churns in my stomach, and my hands shake.
“Mom, stop!”
The three of us spin around at the sound of Jayden’s voice.
Jayden’s long blonde hair, usually braided down his back, is now in a short buzz-cut. It’s slightly longer on top, swooped to one side, held in place by product.
He looks adorable.
Landon’s eyes widen as he looks from Jayden to me.
