Page 84 of Rise Above

They were not going to get any more out of me until

I talked to Aife. Her feelings mattered in all of this just as much as mine did.

We left the stage as more questions were hurtled

our way. Once I was out of sight of the cameras, I cradled my wrist to my chest. When was the last time I took my medications? What had Aife said about staying ahead of the pain? I couldn’t even remember where the pills in questions were. Shit.

Pain radiated up and down my wrist almost as if I’d

been shot. There had been many sports injuries in my life, but this was bar none the most painful. I wanted to scream or cry. Aife really meant to stay ahead of the pain. There was no way I could even drive back to her place. Coach looked me over and sighed loudly.

“Walker, can you drive?”

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“Doubtful, sir.” My voice sounded strained to my

own ears.

“I can drive you where you need to go.” Coach

started to walk away, not even looking back to see if I was following. Quickly, I trailed after him still cradling my arm. Pain was the main thing in my life right now.

The ride to Aife’s passed by so quickly, I didn’t

realize we were there until Coach cleared his throat.

“James.” He leveled a look at me. “What is really

going on with you and that girl?”

“Honestly, she is a friend.” My voice was still

forced. “I’d like to be more, Coach. There’s this… connection there that I’ve never felt before.”

He sighed. “I don’t want this to be a Melody

situation again.”

“She’s nothing like Melody.” I growled. I hated

when people mentioned that terrible relationship. “This woman doesn’t have a malicious bone in her body.”

“Just be careful, son.” Coach patted my shoulder.

“Now, get the fuck out of my car.”

Doing as asked, I got out and headed into Aife’s

apartment. I seethed when my wrist jostled a bit. Where the hell were those medications? I frantically looked around before finding the little orange bottle. Popping the cap, I downed a pill and chugged some water. Without thinking, I stripped to my boxers and fell on her bed. Aife’s bed was tiny. My feet dangled off the end of the bed, and I found myself giggling before falling asleep.

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“Talon.” Someone was shaking me. “Talon, wake