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HUNTER
I sway on my feet in the locker room, wondering for a moment how in the world I am going to get through this game. I feel like shit. It’s been about a week since Lucas and Rachel brought me home from that party at Millie’s. I don’t know what happened to my face. I remember drinking, meeting up with Drew and Jerry, taking some powdery substance. I recall dancing with some chick. I have no clue if it was Millie or someone else.
Everything is a blur.
I gaze back at myself in the mirror in my locker, stroking my jaw and turning my face from side to side. The swelling is gone. There’s only a slight hint of bruising around my cheeks. My eyes are circled in dark shadows from lack of sleep. My cheekbones stick out. I grimace and look away, unable to see the disgusting piece of shit I’ve become.
I grind my teeth as I feel another pull in my shoulder. It seems to be getting worse these days and not only am I completely out of my painkillers, but the doctor won’t prescribe me anymore. Apparently, I’ve had plenty and should be looking into other means to handle my pain. I roll my eyes and slam my door close. My vision blurs for a moment as I turn around. I lean against my locker, allowing the world to stop spinning around me while I slowly lower myself on the bench.
“Alright, gather around,” I hear Coach say.
I don’t move. My gut twists and I feel bile rise up my throat. Several glances are thrown my way, yet no one says a word as they circle around coach. I already know what he’s going to say. There’s no point in moving.
I’m being benched.
I close my eyes, allowing myself to rest for just a moment. I try to ignore Coach’s voice and the names of teammates being called out, yet for some stupid reason I hold onto hope that he will call my name.
Stupid.
Idiot.
I haven’t earned a place in today’s game. I’ve missed so many practices and when I do show up I can barely do anything. What happened to my dreams of playing in the NFL? Is this really how I’m going to end my career? Being benched all because of my mommy complex and the pain in my shoulder. I’m better than this. I need to do better.
My eyes open when I hear footsteps leaving and the marching band playing in the distance. I rise and pick up my helmet, placing it under my arm while following after my teammates. No one says a word to me and I’m thankful for it. I don’t need their pity or their apologies.
I know I messed up.
I hear something vibrate and turn around, finding that the sound is coming from my locker. Opening it, I rifle through my bag, finding my phone and the name ‘MOM’ on my caller ID.
“Are you coming Hunter?” Coach shouts.
“In a moment,” I mumble while placing the phone against my ear.
I hear Coach’s muttering, knowing he’s irritated with me. I know I can easily be replaced, but after the weeks I’ve had, I don’t think I can ignore her calls. At least, not any longer.
“Hey,” I say sweetly, forcing a smile while I lean my forehead against my locker. “Long time no call. What’s up?”
“Oh, I just wanted to send you good luck on the big day.”
“Ask him why he’s been ignoring your calls,” I hear Dad shout.
I scowl at the sound of his voice, at the judgment I find there. Why is he acting so high and mighty? Just because he’s there for her now doesn’t mean he can act all self-important.
“Shush,” I hear Mom say. “You can ask him when you call him. Sorry about that sweetie.”
“It’s fine Mom.”
“We’ve just been worried and all. It’s not like you to be so busy.” I smile as I hear her chuckle. She sounds so warm and happy. It’s just the thing I need on such a terrible day. “I was actually wondering if you’d met a girl.”
I grimace and a sigh escapes my lips while an image of Rachel pops into my head.
“I reminded your father about when we met, how he would just turn off his phone and spend the whole day in bed with-”
I gag. “Ugh! Mom!”
She giggles on the other line and I smile. It’s a good day, which doesn’t happen often. Usually, she can barely stay on the phone for very long. It’s great to hear her laugh and tease me again.
“Hunter, are you coming, or what?” I hear Coach shout down the hall.
